Can I Apply Sublimation Coating Myself?

Customers sometimes ask us whether they can apply sublimation coating themselves. It's a great question, and one that deserves a detailed answer.

Sublimation coating is a crucial component of the sublimation printing process, as it allows the ink to bond with the surface of the material being printed on. Without a proper sublimation coating, the ink would simply sit on top of the surface, rather than becoming a permanent part of the material. We'll explore the pros and cons of doing it yourself vs. ready made blanks in this post.

The Importance of Sublimation Coating

Sublimation coating is what gives sublimation-printed items their vibrant, long-lasting colours and images. The coating acts as a receptor for the sublimation ink, allowing it to penetrate the surface and become a permanent part of the material.

This is what sets sublimation printing apart from other printing methods, such as screen printing or digital printing. With those techniques, the ink sits on top of the surface, rather than becoming integrated into the material.

The sublimation coating is also what gives sublimated items their smooth, professional-looking finish. Without the coating, the printed surface would be rough and uneven, with the ink sitting on top of the material rather than being absorbed into it.

Can You Apply Sublimation Coating Yourself?

The short answer is yes, you can apply sublimation coating yourself. However, it's important to note that it's not a simple process, and it requires a certain level of skill and equipment to do it properly.

Applying sublimation coating involves several steps, including:

1. Preparing the surface: The surface of the material needs to be clean and free of any dirt, grease, or other contaminants. This is crucial, as any impurities on the surface can prevent the coating from adhering properly.
2. Mixing the coating: Sublimation coating comes in a liquid form and needs to be mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions. This can be a delicate process, as the ratio of coating to water needs to be precise.
3. Applying the coating: Once the coating is mixed, it needs to be applied to the surface of the material using a spray gun or a roller. This requires a steady hand and a good understanding of the coating's viscosity and drying time.
4. Curing the coating: After the coating is applied, it needs to be cured using heat. This can be done using a heat press or a convection oven, and the temperature and duration of the curing process need to be carefully monitored.

If any of these steps are not done correctly, the resulting sublimation coating may not be effective, leading to poor print quality and potentially even damage to the material.

The Advantages of Professional Sublimation Coating

While it is possible to apply sublimation coating yourself, there are several advantages to using a professionally coated blanks from a reputed supplier and factory.

1. Consistent quality: Professional sublimation coating services have the equipment, expertise, and quality control measures in place to ensure that the coating is applied consistently and to the highest standards.
2. Faster turnaround: Applying sublimation coating yourself can be a time-consuming process, especially if you're not experienced in it. Professional services can often turn around orders much more quickly, allowing you to get your products to market faster.
3. Wider range of materials: Professional sublimation coating services have the ability to coat a wider range of materials, including those that may be difficult or impossible for an individual to coat themselves.
4. Reduced risk of damage: Applying sublimation coating incorrectly can potentially damage the material being coated. Professional services have the experience and expertise to minimize this risk.
5. Cost-effectiveness: While the upfront cost of using a professional sublimation coating service may be higher than doing it yourself, the time and resources saved, as well as the reduced risk of damage, can make it a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is possible to apply sublimation coating yourself, it's a complex process that requires a certain level of skill and equipment. For most businesses and individuals, using professional sublimation coated blanks like the one offered by us is the best option, as it ensures consistent quality, faster turnaround, and a wider range of materials, all while reducing the risk of damage to the coated items.

If you have any further questions about sublimation coating or any of our other products and services, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're always happy to help!