What fabric can you not sublimate on?

You cannot sublimate on fabrics that are not polyester-based or do not have a high polyester content. Natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool will not accept sublimation ink because the ink requires polyester to chemically bond with the fibers.

Understanding Sublimation and Fabric Compatibility

Sublimation printing is a fantastic method for creating vibrant, full-color designs on various items, especially apparel. However, not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to this printing technique. The key to successful sublimation lies in understanding how the ink works and what types of materials it can effectively bond with.

What is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation is a process where a solid ink turns into a gas under heat and pressure. This gas then permeates the fibers of a material and solidifies again as it cools. This creates a permanent, full-color image that won’t fade, crack, or peel.

Why Polyester is Essential for Sublimation

The magic of sublimation happens because the polyester fibers have a porous structure that opens up under heat. The sublimation ink, in its gaseous state, can then penetrate these open pores. Once the heat is removed, the polyester fibers close, trapping the ink permanently within the fabric.

This chemical bonding process is why polyester is the gold standard for sublimation printing. Without this polyester component, the ink simply sits on top of the fabric and will wash away.

Fabrics You Absolutely Cannot Sublimate On

When considering sublimation, it’s crucial to know which materials are a definite no-go. These fabrics lack the necessary polyester content for the ink to adhere properly.

Natural Fibers: The Sublimation Roadblock

Natural fibers, while popular for their comfort and breathability, are generally incompatible with sublimation printing.

Cotton: This is perhaps the most common fabric people inquire about for sublimation. Unfortunately, 100% cotton cannot be sublimated on. The ink will not bond with the cellulose fibers.
Silk: Known for its luxurious feel, silk is another natural fiber that does not work with sublimation. Its delicate structure doesn’t allow for the ink to penetrate and bond.
Wool: Whether merino or standard wool, this natural animal fiber is not suitable for sublimation printing. The ink will not adhere.
Linen: Similar to cotton, linen is a plant-based natural fiber that lacks the polyester content required for sublimation.
Rayon/Viscose: While these are semi-synthetic, they are derived from cellulose and behave similarly to natural fibers in sublimation. They will not hold the ink.

Why Do Some "Cotton-Like" Blends Work?

You might see t-shirts advertised as "sublimation-friendly" that feel like cotton. This is because they are polyester blends. A common example is a 65% polyester/35% cotton blend. The higher the polyester content, the better the sublimation results.

For vibrant and lasting sublimation prints, aim for fabrics that are at least 65% polyester, with 100% polyester yielding the best and brightest results.

What About Other Materials?

Sublimation isn’t limited to just fabric. However, the principle remains the same: the material must have a polyester coating or be made of polyester itself.

Ceramics: Mugs, tiles, and other ceramic items can be sublimated on, but only if they have a special sublimation coating. This coating is essentially a polyester layer.
Metals: Similar to ceramics, metal items like keychains, plaques, and coasters need a specialized sublimation coating to accept the ink.
Wood: Sublimation on wood is possible with a polyester-based sealant or coating applied to the surface.
Plastics: Certain plastics, particularly those with a polyester finish, can be sublimated.

Materials That Won’t Work (Without Special Coatings)

Untreated Wood: Raw wood will not accept sublimation ink.
Untreated Metal: Standard metals will not work.
Most Plastics: Unless specifically designed for sublimation, most plastics are not compatible.
Glass: Plain glass cannot be sublimated on.

Can You Sublimate on Dark Fabrics?

This is a common question, and the answer is generally no, not directly. Sublimation ink is transparent. On dark fabrics, the ink’s colors would be obscured by the dark base.

However, there are workarounds:

Sublimation Transfer Paper for Dark Fabrics: This special paper is designed to be used with a printable vinyl or transfer film. You sublimate onto the transfer film, then use a heat press to adhere the film to your dark garment. The film acts as a white base for the sublimation ink.
Using a White Base Layer: Similar to the transfer paper method, you can sublimate onto a white polyester-based transfer film and then press that onto your dark item.

Key Takeaway for Dark Colors

Direct sublimation onto dark fabrics is not possible. You need an intermediary layer that is white and compatible with both sublimation ink and heat transfer.

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Sublimation Project

When embarking on a sublimation project, selecting the correct fabric is paramount to achieving professional and durable results. Always check the material composition.

Recommended Fabrics for Sublimation

100% Polyester: Offers the most vibrant and permanent results. Ideal for activewear, flags, banners, and custom t-shirts.
Polyester Blends (65% Polyester or higher): A good compromise for comfort and sublimation. The higher the polyester content, the better the vibrancy and durability.
Polyester Coated Items: Mugs, coasters, mousepads, and metal blanks that come pre-coated for sublimation.

Fabrics to Avoid for Direct Sublimation

100% Cotton
100% Silk
100% Wool
100% Linen
Rayon/Viscose