Most of you must have noticed that printing rayon is in fashion. So, I also thought of giving it a try.
Personally, I like rayon fabric as it is soft and comfortable, but printing vibrant designs was a bit challenging as the material is heat sensitive and its composition is not compatible with sublimation printing.
But with multiple attempts I have discovered an easy way to showcase artwork on rayon. Basically rayon is a semi – synthetic fiber i.e. made from natural sources which means that sublimation requires careful considerations. If you are using blended rayon and polyester material then you can generate amazing results.
If you want to know, how can you sublimate on rayon to achieve stunning prints, then follow along.
Is rayon fabric sensitive to heat?
Yes, rayon is sensitive to heat. Technically you should not iron rayon due to its susceptibility to scorching and burning which can result in permanent damage of fabric.
If ironing is really required, you should use a low to medium heat setting on the opposite side or inside of the garment to lower the risk of damage.
How rayon react to heat?
Rayon reacts to heat by simply resisting it, which usually sets it apart from acetate which is normally prone to melting. Unlike acetate garments, rayon do not disintegrate when they are exposed to heat in a tumble dryer. This basic distinction among the two fabrics is reflected in garment labels.
Can you sublimate on a rayon?
Yes, you can. Print the design on the sublimation paper with special ink and then put the paper on rayon fabric and apply the controlled heat and pressure using a heat press. The ink becomes gas and makes bonds with the fibers of fabric for a long-lasting design.
Steps to print design on rayon
Follow below steps for printing vibrant designs on rayon.
1. Design preparation
Make/choose a design which you want to print on the substrate.
2. Preheat the heat press
Set the heat press to optimum temperature for sublimation (generally around 385-400°F or 196-204°C).
3. Prepare rayon fabric
Ensure your rayon fabric is clean and free from any debris and wrinkles.
4. Position the design
Place the transfer paper with the artwork facing downward on the rayon fabric and ensure it is positioned where you want the design to reflect.
5. Apply pressure and heat
Close the heat press and apply even pressure. The heat from the heat press will cause the ink to turn into gas and make a bond with the rayon fibers.
6. Press time
The press time depends on the sublimation ink and paper used. Generally, it varies from 30 to 60 seconds.
7. Peeling and cooling
Once rayon fabric is completely cooled, your design should be permanently transferred to the substrate.
8. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines
Always remember to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines of your ink and paper provided as various products may have slightly different time and temperature requirements.
Also, I recommend testing a scrap piece of rayon before working on the final product to ensure you achieve the desired outcome.
Why is sublimating rayon fabric difficult?
Sublimating rayon can be challenging than other materials due to the nature of rayon and the process of sublimation. Here are the reasons.
1. Heat sensitivity
Rayon is a very heat sensitive material. It can be easily prone to discoloration or scorching when exposed to high temperature for longer periods.
Printing on rayon needs exposure to high temperatures. You should identify the right balance of temperature, time and pressure to avoid damaging the product.
2. Fiber composition
Rayon is a synthetic in nature and is made from regenerated cellulose. Its composition can affect how properly it will accept and hold the ink.
It may not have the same level of dye receptive coating as the fibers designed especially for sublimation.
3. Ink absorption
Fibers of rayon might not absorb dye – sub ink as properly as other materials like polyester. It can result in less vibrant colors, or it can result in incomplete image transfer which can impact the final appearance of design.
4. Color fading
Rayon tends to fade when it is exposed to harsh washing conditions or direct sunlight. Sublimation relies on the dye bonding with the fibers and if these fibers are less stable than the design might degrade faster.
5. Distortion and shrinkage
Rayon is susceptible to shrinkage when it is exposed to heat which could make the artwork misaligned or distorted after printing.
6. Limited range of suitable fabrics
Not all rayon fabrics are best for sublimation. Some may contain treatments or additives which can interfere with the process, or it may cause unwanted reactions with the ink.
7. Testing required
Achieving high quality and consistent results on rayon need a proper testing of various factors like pressing time, pressure and temperature. This testing process can be time consuming and may result in some wastage of materials.
Tips for successful sublimation
Here are some tips which I recommend for getting stunning designs on rayon.
1. Time and temperature
Rayon is sensitive to heat so you should always begin with a shorter press time and low temperature of 375-385°F or 190-196°C. Always test on the scrape piece first to adjust these settings and avoid scorching.
2. Pressure
I recommend using medium heat press pressure to prevent flattening the rayon material.
3. Pre – press
To eliminate wrinkles, moisture and to ensure better ink absorption always pre – press the rayon before printing design.
4. Use high quality paper and ink
Select reputable sublimation paper and ink for right color transfer and durability.
5. Color and design
Designs having contrasting and vibrant colors works well with rayon fabric. Also prefer to use light color fabric for more stunning designs.
6. Fabric compatibility
Select rayon fabrics especially designed for sublimation printing to ensure better results.
7. Cooling time
Always allow the printed material to cool completely after pressing. It will help the ink to set properly and prevent smudging.
8. Testing
Make sure to test a sample before sublimating the final product to reach optimum time, temperature and pressure.
9. Protect from heat
Always use silicon or Teflon sheets between the fabric and platen of the heat press to prevent any direct contact which may cause marks.
10. Wash instructions
Always follow the manufacturer’s guideline for washing and heat pressing to avoid any damage.
Conclusion
Sublimating rayon is challenging but with above techniques you can easily reflect your designs on the material. You can share more ideas to sublimate on rayon in comments or you can message me.
FAQs
Q- Is 25% rayon, 25% cotton and 50% polyester good for sublimation?
Yes, this tri blend combination is best for sublimation, but there may be some better options. This tri blend may provide a soft feel and is easy for printing, but they may not give the desired result. So, always consider a high polyester content blend.
Q- Can you sublimate on 25% rayon?
Yes, you can easily sublimate on 25% rayon but there are considerations due to the heat sensitivity of rayon. The rayon fabric can melt and become sticky when it is exposed to high temperatures. To achieve desired outcome always use polyester coated substrate or a blend of 70% polyester and 30% rayon. It will help to maintain the integrity of fabric while achieving the desired outcome.
Q- How can you sublimate on rayon polyester cotton blend?
Yes, you can easily sublimate on rayon polyester cotton blend. Sublimating on pure rayon is not possible but printing on fabric blend will let you achieve successful prints without causing any stickiness and melting.
Q- Can you use a heat press on a rayon?
Yes, you can use a heat press on rayon material. But is it worth noting that this material is heat – sensitive. To avoid scorching any burn marks always use lower temperature settings (375-385°F or 190-196°C). It will ensure a successful transfer without any damage.
