Where to Order Sublimation Prints: 5 Tips to Find T-Shirt Designs
Whether you’re looking to start a new business or just add some flair to your wardrobe, custom sublimation printing is a great way to do so.
Read on to learn more about this popular form of apparel customization.
Custom sublimation printing is a fun and affordable way to create
unique clothing items for yourself or others.
It’s also an easy way to start a small business making crafts from home.
2 Ways to Order Full Color Sub Transfers
Here’s my list of places to order sublimation prints
- Etsy – Custom Sublimation Transfers – designers that offer sublimation printing services
- Fiverr – Sublimation Design Services
I get commissions for purchases made through some of the links in this post. There is no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
Cricut Designs
Cricut doesn’t yet have a way for you to order sublimation prints but they do have an image library that contains designs that can be printed onto sublimation paper.
The Print Then Cut feature allows you to transform the designs you find into sublimation prints.
Find printable images by clicking on the Filters icon and checking the box marked Printables.
Select an image (a small printer icon will appear on the image tile), add it to your Canvas, and then select Make It to Print Then Cut. You can use a Cricut Explore or Maker machine to cut out the design.
Now you can load the sublimation paper into your inkjet printer and print the design. Epson printers are good for this.
You can transform them to use them for the sublimation printing process. This is an easy way to custom print a shirt if you don’t have a dye sublimation printer like a Sawgrass SG.
Lots of people have started their small businesses this way. See how in the video below.
Know the Different Types of Printing Methods Available
There are several different methods available when it comes to creating custom print clothing.
You can choose between silk screening, sublimation, heat transfer, and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. Each method offers its own advantages and disadvantages.
Sometimes people confuse sublimation printing with screen printing.
Sublimation printing uses high heat to infuse ink into polyester fibers.
Choose the Right Ink
You can choose between using dye sublimation ink or heat transfer ink.
Dye sublimation ink transfers directly onto fabric. Heat transfer ink requires a special coating on the shirt first.
That’s why polyester fabric will give you the best results.
The poly coating is what allows you to put the design onto it with a heat press. Sublimation blanks already have this special coating.
Both methods offer a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Choose Digital or Physical Prints
Sublimation prints can be physical prints or digital prints.
You need to decide which style you prefer.
The digital prints come in the form of a digital download. Meaning you are buying a digital file and you’ll have to print it onto sublimation paper yourself before you can use it.
A physical print comes printed for you and is ready to press as soon as it arrives in your mailbox
Find Great Designs
If you’re considering starting a business selling custom sublimation clothing, you need to figure out where to get great sublimation designs.
You can buy designs online through websites like Etsy, Amazon, eBay, and others at an affordable price.
Whatever method you choose, make sure you find a seller who has a good reputation. Check to see if there is a minimum order requirement.
You also need to know if the transfers can be used for both personal and commercial uses.
Handmade marketplaces like Etsy are perfect if you just want to get a small order.
Find Custom Sublimation Transfers on Social Media
Besides online shops, there are also designers that sell sublimation transfers on social media.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions in online forums like Facebook groups.
This is a great way to see which designers make high-quality products and provide good service. They’ll usually come highly recommended.
Ask them what the customer service is like and if they’ve had issues with the company.
Conclusion
Sublimation transfers are designed to make your crafting job easier.
Just pick a design you like, order it, and put it on your shirt with a heat press.
There are so many designs out there for you to choose from. So,have fun!
