Has anyone done any sublimation printing?

[john]

Sublimation printing is a digital printing process that uses heat, pressure, and time to transfer dye onto different materials. Here's the full process: You print a design onto special transfer paper using sublimation inks. Then, you place the printed paper onto a product and heat it with a heat press.


This is what they use for doing high quality prints on metal or acrylic. I've been considering getting the equipment and doing it for both my astro photos, regular photos and my paintings. I have all these images scattered everywhere and it would be nice to get them on the wall so I can look at them. To have it done professionally it's kind of expensive. Looks like the equipment isn't too expensive and for doing more than a dozen or so it might be cheaper, more fun and more flexible doing it myself.

For instance one could sublimate print right onto a wood panel or canvas.

Anyone here have any knowledge about this?

 

[Artyczar]

This is the first I'm hearing about this. It sounds right up my alley, so I'll look into it more. Of course, do I have time for it? Probably not.

 

[john]

Well the whole thing is rather confusing, but it seems like this summation from the Google AI is about right. Seems that unless one wants to print on unusual hard surfaces like wood, a regular high quality inkjet giclée type printer is probably the best choice for most artists. For one thing, the pigment based inks in regular printers are more resistant to fading vs the dye based inks used with sublimation prints.

Sublimation printing can be a good choice for fine art on canvas if you prioritize vibrant colors, exceptional durability, and full-coverage designs, provided you are working with suitable polyester-based canvas materials. However, for those seeking the highest level of detail reproduction, archival quality, and the ability to work with a wider range of canvas types, including traditional cotton canvas, giclée or other high-quality printing methods may be more suitable. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific artwork, desired aesthetic, budget, and the intended longevity and display environment of the print. You might also consult with a professional printer to discuss your project requirements and determine the best printing method for your fine art canvas prints.