Can You Do Sublimation on Cotton Shirts?

Sublimation on cotton is not recommended due to the limitations and issues. While cotton is a popular fabric, it is not suitable for sublimation printing.

Cotton is a natural fabric used in many types of clothing and textiles. Unfortunately, sublimation is not recommended for use on cotton fabric because it requires polyester or other synthetic fibers to work effectively. The sublimation process relies on the material being able to absorb the dye, which is not possible with natural fibers like cotton.

Also read related article: Examples of Sublimation

Limitations of Sublimation on Cotton

1. Poor Image Quality:

Sublimation on cotton will not result in high-quality images because the natural fibers cannot absorb the dye in the same way synthetic fibers can. As a result, the image may appear faded or blurry, and the colors may not be as vibrant.

2. Limited Durability:

Sublimation on cotton will not be as durable as sublimation on synthetic fabrics. The dye will not bond as strongly with the cotton fibers, which can lead to fading and wear over time.

3. Uneven Coloring:

Cotton is not a uniform material, and the dye may not be absorbed evenly across the fabric. This can result in uneven coloring and a less-than-desirable final product.

Alternatives to Sublimation on Cotton

While sublimation is not recommended for cotton, there are other printing methods that can be used to achieve high-quality results on this material. Some of these methods include screen printing, direct-to-garment printing, and heat transfer vinyl.