We are asked fairly often whether Colourjet can be used on dye-sublimation prints. The honest answer is that in most cases it is not a good fit, and we would rather say so up front than have you find out on a customer’s job.
How sublimation differs
With dye-sublimation, the image is not left sitting on the surface. Heat turns the dye into a gas, which bonds into polyester fibres or a polymer-coated substrate. The result is an image that is part of the material rather than a layer on top of it. On soft-signage fabrics that is exactly what makes sublimation attractive: the fabric keeps its handle, drape and breathability, and it can often be folded and washed.
A liquid coating works against those qualities. On fabric it would stiffen the material, can show as patchy sheen, and may crack when the graphic is folded, tensioned into a frame or laundered. On a fabric that is meant to be washed, a coating is very unlikely to make sense.
Why a solvent coat is a particular concern
- Sublimation dyes are designed to migrate under the right conditions. A solvent applied to the surface may encourage some dyes to move or bleed, especially at colour edges.
- Polymer-coated hard substrates for sublimation, such as coated metal or panels, have their own surface chemistry, which a solvent may soften or mark.
- Transfer papers are an intermediate step and should never be coated.
When it might be worth a test
There are occasional cases where a customer wants extra surface protection on a rigid sublimated item that will never be flexed or washed, perhaps for abrasion or a change of finish. Even then, treat it as an experiment: coat an offcut, leave it for a good while, and check for bleeding, softening of the substrate coating, and adhesion. If anything changes, stop there. Our sample testing guide describes how to do this methodically.
Better options for sublimated work
- Choose fabrics and dyes intended for the end use, including any outdoor or flame-retardant requirement.
- Follow the fabric supplier’s washing and handling advice rather than adding a surface layer.
- If the job needs a print that sits on a wall and can be moved, consider whether a different process suits it better. Phototex, for example, is a self-adhesive woven fabric printed with pigment, latex, UV or eco-solvent inks, and can then be coated if needed. See Phototex and our page on printable fabrics.
Sublimation and liquid lamination simply solve different problems. Being clear about that with your customers saves remakes.
Not sure whether your sublimated product falls into the “leave it alone” category? Ring us on 01252 624 411 or drop us a line via the contact page, and we can talk through the job and whether a test is worthwhile.