2 Smart Ways to do Sublimation on Canvas Fabric?

Last Updated: April 19, 2022 by Talha Bhatti

people love to do sublimation on canvas fabric but sublimation can be done only polyester, but if you want to do sublimation on cotton material you need special sublimation spray

Imagine! Having your favorite art print, your favorite inspiration message that keeps you going on canvas, or even just a fundamental tote bag with your favorite design makes it exceptional. Yeah! Everything is possible! And using Sublimation on canvas processes, you may produce one for yourself. Canvas is a plain-weave fabric, meaning that the weft threads alternate beneath and over the warp threads.

Sublimation on canvas is achievable on polyester material, just like sublimation mugs, which require the existence of a polyester layer. So, choose polyester canvas for Sublimation. You only have to follow a few simple steps to receive your brand-new sublimating canvas.

So, let’s sublimate a photo on canvas with laminating sheet method, which is undoubtedly a breeze.

1. Sublimation on Canvas with Laminating sheets

Supplies Required:

What is needed for sublimation printing to be done on canvas? Sublimating art on canvas is a widespread and current practice. This process will be a snap if you use the supplies listed below.

material required to sublimate on canvas fabric

1. Sublimation Printer:

The demand for sublimation printers is growing by the day, and you can buy one from any printing supplier. Here’s what the experts have to say about the best sublimation printers. These suggestions can assist you in selecting a printer that will make your Sublimation on canvas activities easier.

2. Sublimation Ink:

Apply a dye to the canvas that you want to print with. Sublimation ink has a longer lifespan and does not smear because sublimation ink is capable of printing at high temperatures without cracking, whereas conventional ink is not.

3. Heat-Press:

A heat press is required for Sublimation to take place. It is the only machine capable of transferring the design from the printed picture on the substrate (in your case, a canvas).

4. Sublimation Papers:

A sublimation paper is an excellent transporter of sublimation ink; it keeps your ink in place. Your entire design could be ruined if you use the wrong sublimation paper. Click here to find out what experts say about the Best Sublimation Papers.

5. Sublimation Canvas Blank:

Get yourself a polyester canvas for sublimation printing. Sublimation works best on polyester, according to research. Professionals advise against using a 100% cotton canvas blank since the pattern will fade over time. If you wish to create a photo canvas, there are three options available to you:

Flat Canvas with no frame – Easy and convenient to sublimate.
Canvas with a frame inside—best for a gallery canvas look.
Reverse Canvas – for an aesthetic and rustic look.

Other Supplies include;

Thermal Laminating Pouch
Four Butcher Paper Sheets
Heat-resistant gloves
Thermal tape
Exacto Knife (You may use a Blade or knife instead)

Complete Process to Sublimate on Canvas Fabric

Design your Desire Image:

If you want anything abstract, art, or any geometric design, the first step in creating your fantasy sublimated canvas is to design your image. Get your photograph captured and printed in high resolutions if you want to make a photo canvas. You can also get pre-made designs from the internet, but keep an eye on the dimensions and resolutions of your image.

Print your Image with Sub Printers:

Use a sublimation printer to print your design. To make your image stand out from the crowd of regular printers, use RIP printing software for perfect color compatibility. Before printing, remember to flip/mirror your image. After printing, trim the image to fit the resolution of your canvas. Place it in your heat press for a few minutes to allow the heat to set the ink on the paper.

Tack down the laminating sheet to the Canvas:

Set the Heat press to 400 degrees.
In the meantime, Get a thermal laminating pouch larger than your canvas’s dimensions and cut it from the middle making two separate sheets of equal size. Each sheet has a shiny surface and the other matte.
Grab a butcher paper while placing the laminating sheet flat side down.
To protect your heat-press, place butcher paper on the pad, take the canvas board, and place it on top of the butcher paper.
Cover the canvas with your lamination sheet (shiny side up and matte side down).
Place another piece of butcher paper on top of the laminating sheet. Don’t skip the butcher paper, and the laminating sheet will stick to the heat press pad and destroy it if you miss it. So, err on the side of caution.
Don’t fully push the heat press; just tack it down. Do it for only 10-15 seconds to tack down the laminating sheet to the canvas.
Cut the extra around the canvas with an Exacto knife. It’s scorching, so take precautions.
You now have a gleaming laminated surface on your canvas.

Press Your Canvas with Heat Press

To begin the treatment, Take another piece of butcher paper and set it on top of your pad. Put your laminated canvas and place your picture on the laminated canvas. Use heat tape to adhere the image to the canvas at the edges. Take one more piece of butcher paper, and place it on top.

Press for about 45 seconds, medium pressure, and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Open the heat press carefully for a smoother opening, as the butcher paper can stick to the top pad. Lift it with heatproof gloves, and you’ve got yourself a new colorful canvas right in front of your eyes. There may be some scraggly pieces on the edges; melt them with a heat gun or trim them off.

Heat-press settings for Sublimation:

Pressure: Medium
Temperature: 400 degrees Fahrenheit
Duration: 45 seconds

2. Sublimation on Canvas using Spray

Canvas cloth can also be sublimated, but we’ll need a separate sublimation spray. The ink will stay on the canvas after using a sublimation spray to coat the surface. To do Sublimation on canvas material, follow the steps given below.

Spray Sublimation coating on the canvas.
Spray so that the entire area you want to sublimate is damp.
Place the damp canvas in the heat press for about 15 seconds to dry it.
After heating, the area where you sprayed has stiffened.
Apply a second coat of spray and continue the process by pressing it for 15 seconds in the heat press.
Place your print on top of the canvas, facing down.
To avoid ghosting, use a few pieces of high-temperature tape to hold it in place.
In the hot heat-press, push for 40 seconds.
When the timer runs up, carefully remove the canvas and the sublimation print.
By employing sublimation spray, you successfully sublimate canvas material.

FAQs:

1. Can you sublimate on canvas fabric?

Even if the canvas material does not contain any polyester required for Sublimation, Sublimation on canvas is achievable. The secret is to prepare the canvas with sublimation spray. Alternatively, thermal laminating pouches can be used, or buy a polyester canvas. After that, you can proceed to Sublimation on canvas fabric.

2. How to sublimate on cotton canvas?

The only fabric that works with Sublimation is polyester. It is not advisable to use 100 percent cotton because sublimation ink only adheres to polyester. Sublimation on cotton can be done with a sublimation spray.

3. Can you print on regular paper with sublimation ink?

When printing with sublimation ink, you can’t use conventional paper. Sublimation ink has a different chemical makeup than traditional ink, necessitating the use of paper that will only be used as a temporary carrier until the ink is transferred to another surface. The ordinary paper will only absorb the sublimation ink.

4. What can I sublimate on?

Manufactured polymers such as Polyester and PVC are suitable materials. These can be hard, like polyester-coated aluminum sheets or ceramic tiles, or soft, like polycotton textiles.

5. Can you sublimate on canvas bags?

The canvas bag, composed of a canvas-style fabric and 100 percent polyester, is suitable for Sublimation. Sublimation, heat transfer sheets, aluminum foils, and CAD-cut vinyl can all be used to personalize it.

Final Verdict

The procedure detailed above can be used to do Sublimation on canvas. These Sublimation printed canvases can be hung on your workplace wall, used to create a photo wall at home, or used as part of your room decor. Images created by sublimation printing are long-lasting and will not smudge the colors. You will not be sorry for acquiring the vibe and having it around you. We now have these unique and individualized product ideas thanks to sublimation technology.

Hi, I’m Talha Bhatti founder and director of Printershome. As a Leading Author and Writer, I found a huge gap in studying the quality and variety of the printers. My Main goal is to help potential users find the solution to their problems, solve their queries with quality assurance and focus on the perfect solutions.

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