Any Other Fabrics Suitable for Sublimation Printing Except Polyester?
Created on 01.19
If you’re in the sublimation printing business, you know that polyester is the go-to fabric for vibrant, durable, and fade-resistant results. But what if your clients are looking for alternatives—whether for texture, comfort, or specific applications? Good news: polyester isn’t the only option!
Here are other fabrics that can successfully be used with sublimation printing, under the right conditions:
1. Traditional Alternatives to Polyester
Polyamide (Nylon)
Nylon fabrics respond well to sublimation printing, particularly when using temperatures between 195–205°C for 30–40 seconds. The process yields vibrant colors and excellent durability, making it ideal for sportswear and outdoor gear. However, nylon's sensitivity to high heat requires precise temperature control to avoid fabric damage.
Acetate Fibers
Both triacetate (190–200°C) and diacetate (185°C) fibers are compatible with sublimation printing, though they require slightly lower temperatures than polyester. These fibers are commonly used in linings, drapery, and some apparel, offering a silky texture with good dye affinity.
Acrylic (Polyacrylonitrile)
Acrylic fabrics can be sublimated at 190–220°C for 10–15 seconds, producing bright, fade-resistant colors. This material is popular for sweaters, blankets, and outdoor textiles due to its wool-like properties and UV resistance.
2. Emerging Solutions for Natural Fibers
Cotton (with Pretreatment)
Pure cotton traditionally resists sublimation due to its hydrophilic nature, but pretreatment with bridging agents has revolutionized its compatibility. Researchers at Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology developed a method using non-toxic, biodegradable bridging agents to modify cotton, silk, and polyester-cotton blends, enabling successful sublimation printing. This breakthrough has expanded sublimation applications to cover over 60% of textile products previously excluded from the technology.
Silk (with Specialized Processes)
Silk can now be sublimated using modified sublimation inks and controlled temperature settings (typically 180–190°C). The key is using low-energy sublimation dyes that don't damage silk's delicate protein structure while still achieving vibrant color transfer.
3. Hybrid and Composite Materials
Polyester-Cotton Blends
Blends with ≥60% polyester content work well for sublimation, while those with ≤40% cotton can be printed using standard sublimation papers. Higher cotton percentages require pretreatment or specialized ink formulations.
Polyester-Coated Substrates
Non-fabric materials like ceramics, glass, metal, and wood can be sublimated if they have a polyester-based coating. For example, ceramic mugs require a special polymer coating before sublimation to allow dye penetration. This principle extends sublimation capabilities to hard surfaces widely used in promotional products.
4. Practical Considerations for Diverse Fabrics
Temperature Adjustments
Different fibers require precise temperature calibration:
- Polyester: 205–220°C
- Nylon: 195–205°C
- Acrylic: 190–210°C
- Acetate: 185–200°C
Ink Formulation
Specialized sublimation inks with lower molecular weights (230–270) work better for non-polyester fabrics, ensuring adequate dye diffusion without damaging the substrate.
Pressure Requirements
Non-polyester fabrics often need higher pressure during transfer to ensure proper dye penetration, especially for denser natural fibers like cotton.
5. Future Trends
The industry is moving toward low-temperature sublimation technologies (160–180°C), which will further expand compatibility with heat-sensitive natural fibers. Additionally, eco-friendly sublimation processes using biodegradable transfer papers and water-based inks are gaining traction, aligning with sustainability goals across the textile industry.
For businesses looking to diversify beyond polyester, I recommend:
✅ Testing samples with your specific sublimation setup
✅ Partnering with ink suppliers who offer fabric-specific formulations
✅ Adjusting press parameters (time, temperature, pressure) for optimal results
The key takeaway? Sublimation printing is no longer limited to polyester—with the right technology and adjustments, you can achieve professional results on a wide range of fabrics, opening new market opportunities for your business.
WhatsApp
WeChat