Let's chat about how to do sublimation on colored shirts. With sublimation, you need to make sure you're choosing the right colors and the right fabric and I'll show you which ones work well and which ones don't.
If you're new to sublimation, my sublimation beginner's guide is a great place to start.
When it comes to sublimation, the best results are going to be on white blanks.
How to Do Sublimation on Colored Shirts
Adding Sublimation Prints to Shirts
To make these shirts, we need a sublimation print. This is sublimation ink printed onto sublimation paper from a sublimation printer.
Sublimation ink requires high heat and polyester or a poly coating to bond to. The higher the polyester count, the more ink will transfer.
Press all shirts using these steps:
- Preheat your heat press. Set it to 385 degrees for 55 seconds. If you don't know the right time and temperature for your sublimation, this is a great place to start.
- Prepress the shirt. Preheating removes moisture and wrinkles. Moisture is an enemy of sublimation.
- Place protective paper inside the shirt to protect the back from any bleed-through.
- Lint roll to remove any dust, hair, or other debris.
- Locate the design and secure it with heat-resistant tape.
- Cover the design with protective paper to protect your heat press.
- Press for the full time.
- Remove the protective paper and sublimation print.
- Enjoy your new shirt!
Sublimation on White Shirts
Starting with a white shirt that is 100% polyester will show us the sublimation ideal. You'll get the most vibrant transfer on a white shirt that is 100% polyester because the design will transfer to 100% of the fibers.
There is also no such thing as white sublimation ink. Anything white in your design will show the color of the shirt.
Sublimation on Colored Shirts
Sublimation ink is translucent, which means if your shirt has a color it can impact the way the print color looks on the shirt.
Sublimation on Grey Shirts
A light grey 100% polyester shirt will transfer completely and look really good. When compared to a white shirt, the design is slightly different — everywhere in the print that would be white will instead be the color of the shirt. The grey also impacts other colors in the design, but since it's light, you can still see all the colors clearly.
Sublimation on Bleached Shirts
Bleached shirts are another great option for sublimation. They allow you to have a colored shirt with a beautifully transferred sublimation print. You can bleach your own shirts, or purchase pre-bleached options.
Bleached shirts that are 100% polyester sublimate really well, though they do have a silky feel. They offer a nice color option while still achieving excellent sublimation results.
Note: The listing for bleached shirts on Amazon may have changed. Any Amazon blank should be tested before purchasing in bulk, and always check reviews to confirm polyester content and bleach placement.
Sublimation on Pink
Every color of sublimation shirt will change the look of your design. Because the shirt color shows through the sublimation ink, you may not get the look you want depending on your design colors. Pink shirts can transfer completely but the image won't be as vibrant as on a white shirt.
Sublimation on Shirts That Are Not 100% Polyester
A shirt that is 55% polyester means that not 100% of the sublimation print will transfer. The sublimation print will only bond to the polyester fibers, resulting in a more faded image. More of the design may also wash out in the first couple of washes.
A vintage-style sweatshirt at 55% polyester, for example, can still look great because the faded sublimation result complements its already worn-in aesthetic.
Which Sublimation Shirts Are My Favorite?
Cricut sublimation shirts feel more like cotton and sublimate beautifully. They can run a little small, so double-check sizing before buying in bulk. They come in white crew neck and v-neck, grey crew neck and v-neck, and white shirts with black sleeves.
Simpli Blanks shirts from Etsy also feel amazing and sublimate very well.
Faux bleach shirts from Amazon work well for sublimation but the fabric feel isn't for everyone. Always check reviews and verify that bleach placement is where you want it before ordering.
Jiffy Shirts blanks at 55% polyester will give a more vintage, faded look. This can be appealing for certain styles, but be aware that the print may fade further after the first few washes. If you are selling products, make sure to inform customers about potential additional fading.
Can I Sublimate on Dark Colors?
Because sublimation inks are translucent, adding them to dark colors will cause the shirt color to show through the print, and you may not be able to see the design at all. If you want to sublimate on dark colors, you will need to use a special technique. You can learn more in my sublimation on dark colors video.
For true sublimation, stick with white or light-colored blanks.
Should You Try Sublimation on Colored Shirts?
You will always get the best results on 100% polyester white fabrics. That said, light-colored and bleached shirts can also produce great results. Stick with light colors and at least 55% polyester for the best outcome. Remember that the color of the shirt will alter your design, and anywhere in your design that is white will become the color of the shirt.
