Troubleshooting Issues with Substrates and Pressing

The number of potential substrates in the market is endless.  The quality of those substrates and the polyester coating required for sublimation can vary equally as much.  To troubleshoot a potential issue with a substrate, try the steps suggested below.

1. Sublimation is possible through a chemical bond between Sawgrass ink and polyester. The substrate can be a 100% polyester textile such as performance apparel or another type of substrate that has been coated to accept sublimation ink.  If the substrate is not 100% polyester or coated properly, the resulting image will be poor.


2. Suitable substrates are best purchased from an authorized Sawgrass distributor.  For example, tiles or mugs purchased at a general retail store do not have the special coating that makes sublimation possible.


3. Also note that sublimation dyes are actually transparent; therefore, a white substrate is the best background for the full color range to be visible. Any other background color will affect the appearance of the sublimated image.  For example, if you attempt to sublimate the color red on a red shirt, it will essentially be invisible.  An image sublimated onto a gold metal substrate will have a gold/yellow cast over the entire image.  An image will not be seen if attempting to sublimate onto dark substrates such as navy or black.


4. Be sure you are using the time, temperature and pressure recommended by the substrate manufacturer.

Click here for an in depth sublimation guide for pressing onto mugs.

Also important is how certain types of substrates should be pressed – face up or down in the heat press.  Again, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Be sure to use any special foam or silicon pads for certain substrates as suggested by the substrate manufacturer.  For example, tile and acrylic both require these additional pads in the heat press. Test another substrate like Unisub plastic or Unisub metal.  If this resulting image is to your satisfaction, you will know that it, the application, printer, ink, ink delivery system, etc. are fine.  Perhaps your heat press is too.  Contact Sawgrass technical support if you need these other substrates for testing purposes. If you have been able to determine the issue is with your substrate and are unable to resolve the problem, please contact your reseller.