For a while now, garment printing enthusiasts have been predicting that maybe Cricut infusible ink would render sublimation transfers obsolete. And yet for some reason, sublimation transfers refuse to go away. Show Perhaps it’s because people have caught on to the conception that Cricut’s new line of infusible ink transfers is simply a pre-printed form of sublimation transfers. However, it is no surprise that Cricut has been reluctant to admit this. In many ways, the two techniques resemble while still showing numerous significant distinctions. And before you decide on which technique to use, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the similarities and contrasting aspects of each. Join me as I unravel this comparison between sublimation and infusible ink transfers. The Similarities between Cricut Infusible Ink and SublimationFinished ResultsThe finished designs of both Cricut Infusible Ink and traditional sublimation are very identical, not surprisingly. Both techniques involve heating the ink and turning it into gas particles which penetrate the substrate and bond with the polymer in the polyester. The ink then cools back to a solid form with the fibers of the base material and becomes part of it forming the image. This results in permanent images with no change to the feel of the fabric and zero obvious signs of wear, cheeping, flaking, or peeling cosmetic defects. In both cases, the images are bright and colorful with upscale clarity and details that come across well. Blank MaterialsAnother resemblance between the two methods of heat transfers is that both need a poly-based blank material with a polyester composition of at least 50%. The polymers in the polyester will bond with the infusible or sublimation ink to form a bright, fade-free image. Both techniques are limited to white or light-colored blank materials. The inks used are usually translucent and rely on the background to give a base color and brightness to the final design. Therefore, white blanks and other light colors will produce the most vibrant and colorful designs. Transfer SheetsYou will also like to note that infusible ink sheets as well as printed sublimation transfer sheets appear dull and faded prior to transferring. But once transferred they both result in brilliant designs that are full of color. Just like the design on infusible ink sheets, sublimation transfers must also be reversed before transferring to the base material. Heat Press RequiredIt is also worth mentioning that each of the two techniques involves heat transfers that require heat application of about 385°F – 400°F (195°C) for 40-60 seconds. EquipmentSublimation PrinterAlthough both procedures require a heat press, Cricut infusible ink transfers involve cutting and weeding which calls for a cutting machine. Meanwhile, to carry out a sublimation transfer, you will need a sublimation printer to print the image onto sublimation transfer sheets. Variety of Patterns and ColorsCricut Infusible InkCricut Infusible Ink sheets are only available in a limited number of pre-printed patterns and solid colors. Therefore, you need to cut your designs out of the fixed color choices and patterns of Infusible Ink sheets. You can only customize by cutting designs from the sheets, weeding them, and then pressing them onto your blank materials at intervals. On the other hand, sublimation ink comes in diverse colors, every drop of ink from the nozzles can be of different colors. Sublimation printers work by mixing base colors and using recipes from the design software to come up with any color you may have in mind. This allows you to print full-color pictures, shaped designs, and full-patterned images. WeedingCricut Infusible ink sheets come with the ink embedded on a clear liner. You will need to cut and weed away the clear part to remain with the design. On the contrary, sublimation paper is self-weeding. So only the printed areas will be transferred to the blank substrate when you press. Cricut Infusible Ink vs Sublimation: The SummaryCricut Infusible InkPros
Cons
When to use If you are into sublimation but cannot afford a big up-front investment, Cricut Infusible Ink transfers are the ideal option for you. It is a relatively low-cost way of doing sublimation printing without the need for investing in costly sublimation printers. Cricut printing is for you if you will be working with simple designs with little detail and solid colors. You can embed your infusible ink designs onto items you use every day such as t-shirts, bags, pillowcases, coasters and onesies, and non-fabric blanks like infusible key tags, mugs, ID cards, mousepads, key holders. Sublimation PrintingPros
Cons
When to use Sublimation printing should be your go-to option if you have already invested in a sublimation printer. The price per sheet of the sublimation transfer paper is low so you can save a ton with the technique. If you want limitless options in terms of colors, patterns, and intricate design, you shouldn’t look further than sublimation printing. Also, you will not have to undergo the trouble of cutting and weeding. For everyday items that you will use and clean constantly such as sportswear, mousepads, and kitchenware, use sublimation printing. This is because the design will resist fading, distortion, and cracking. |