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[American logoZ]

Reich Supply claims we can sublimate to Cotton & Cotton Blends using R-Trans paper.  Mike sent me some samples, so here we go...

Pigment Ink = Epson carts, WF1100
Sublimation Ink = Sublijet R, Ricoh 3300

I followed Mike's directions for pigment ink transfers: 10 sec pre-press, allow shirt to cool, press at 370, 15 sec, medium-firm.  I did not trim.  I ignored the fact that sublimation paper does not come with instructions, and JPSS instructions are to press for 30 sec.  They are there as very rough guidelines - not testing those papers.

The white shirt is a Gildan Ultra Cotton (100% cotton).  These images are immediately after pressing the shirt.  From left to right:

Far left: R-Trans using sublimation ink: there is a polymer box
Center left: MPress(?) using sublimation ink
Center right: R-Trans using pigment ink: Not sure why I tested this.  I'll check prices to be sure, but I don't need to change from the 2 papers I currently use.
Far right:  JPSS using pigment ink



Off to the washer we go.

[American logoZ]

I forgot to mention Mike's instructions for Sublimation ink: pre-press, allow shirt to cool, 370 for 35 sec, medium-firm.  And this is NOT a great camera or lighting (sorry).

This safety-colored shirt is a Gildan Ultra Blend 50/50.  Again, these images are immediately after pressing the shirt. 

First photo is pigment ink.  Second is sublimation ink.  (same shirt - camera/lighting/user issues)  R-Trans is on the left.



This will also go in the washer tomorrow.

[uncle remus]

does the sublimation inks leave the dreaded box when using this paper? I know normally sublimation does not...

[charles95405]

using sublimation inks and sublimation paperon polyester does not leave any residue...but if using sublimation  paper with pigment ink, you will get a box left. I don't care what RS says...this is not sublimation...just follow the definition of sublimation...a process where the ink on the paper is converted to a gas under proper heat and with pressure, the gas is forced into the substrate where it bonds with either polyester or polymer coating...this subject has been debated since I started sublimation over 12 years ago and I have yet to see a commercially viable to sublimate cotton...if one wants to use cotton, go to Chromablast inks/paper

[American logoZ]

Yes, the r-trans paper leaves "the box"  I think the ultimate answer for which we search will lie in ink - or in a process which precisely removes color & re-dyes the fibers.

What causes screenprinter's ink to bond to cotton?  And why can't we mix that with printer inks, or force the screenprinter's ink through a print nozzle? 
Or why can't we mix transfer paper "bond" or glue into the ink and then force it through a printer nozzle?  Perhaps I should have paid more attention in chemistry.

Anyway, I sublimate to 50/50 t-shirts a lot.  Black ink only.  Sub inks, sub paper, no polymer box, no hand, no WOW colors.  I won't be recreating anyone's fine artwork like this, but there is certainly a market for this method.  I have customers coming in a year later wearing these shirts and asking for more.