Fabric Printing FAQs - Chicago Printing On Canvas & Fine Art Prints, Custom Picture Framing, Plaque Mounting, Metal, Wood & Fabric Dye-sublimation

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1 : What is Dye Sublimation?
Dye sublimation is a method of printing on polymer-coated wood, plastic, or aluminium, or polyester fabric. Instead of using a printer to create the image directly on the substrate, the image is printed with special inks onto transfer paper. The paper is then laid facedown onto the substrate and a large amount of pressure and high level of heat is applied. The colored dyes in the paper sublimate - turn into gas - and are infused into the fibers of the substrate, which expanded with the heat. Once the substrate has cooled and the fibers retracted, the image is trapped permanently within the surface. Sublimation is an excellent choice for branding items such as coffee mugs, t-shirts, and name plates, personalized gifts, and vibrant wall hangings. For more information, check out our dye sublimation guide.

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Q2 : How long does it take to complete my order?
During Covid-19 days, it will take 6-8 business days to print your order and 2-6 business days to ship your order but not guaranteed.

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Q3 : Which print sizes are available?
Any custom sizes as long as they are not larger than 64"x 44".

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Q4 : What file format do you accept for the images?
We accept JPEG file format.

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Q5 : What is Chitosan treatment?
Chitosan is an environmentally friendly fabric treatment with an anti-bacterial bio-agent consisting of a natural bio-mass made from crab and/or shrimp shells. It enables fabric to stay fresh, hygienic and odour resistant. Fabrics treated with Chitosan are absorbent, durable, breathable, fast drying, soft, static-free and easy to handle.

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Q6 : How long will my dye sublimation textile print last?
Because the inks have been absorbed directly into the fabric, dye sublimation images can last many years without any fading caused by exposure to UV light. If they are displayed out of direct sunlight, they can retain their original appearance for decades - they hold up very well against ozone gas and air pollutants they may come in contact with. Normal washing and use of the printed fabric will cause the image to fade over time, but it should hold up nicely for years.

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Q7 : What type of printer do you use?
For printing, we use Epson SureColor F6200, and for sublimation we use two heat press machines - smaller Geo Knight DK20S Digital Swinger 16"x20" and a larger Geo Knight Maxi-Press .

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Q8 : What is the difference between dye sublimation and direct inkjet prints?
The biggest difference between prints made using dye sublimation and those made using a direct-to-substrate printing method is their durability. A sublimated fabric print is infused directly into the fibers of the material, so it more durable.

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Q9 : What are the two distinct types of polyester fabric?
The choices of fabrics come in two distinct types:
Woven texture for sturdy and hardwearing banner stands, exterior banners, exterior signage and upholstery
Knit material that drapes and flows more naturally, for custom apparel, indoor flags and banners, photographic backdrops and table covers.

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Q10 : What does twill weave mean?
a fabric so woven as to have a surface of diagonal parallel ridges.

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Q11 : How do you convert GSM to ounces?
GSM or Grams per Square Metre is simply the metric measurement of the weight of a fabric. The higher the GSM number, the denser the fabric will be. To convert GSM to ounces divide the gsm by 33.9 . To determine gsm from oz/yd2 you do the reverse - multiple by 33.9

 
33.9 grams = 1.20 ounce(s)
1 square meter = 1.19599 square yard
33.9 g/m²(gsm) = 1.00 oz/yd²

FYI:
GSM aka g/m² = grams per square meter
oz/yd2 = ounces per yard squared
1 gram = 0.03527 ounces  
1 lb = 16 oz = 453.59237 grams  
1 inch = 2.54 cm  
1 yd = 36 inches = 0.9144 m = 91.44 cm

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Q12 : Do you accept fabrics from customers?
No, we do not accept outside fabrics for our dye-sublimation process.

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Q13 : Do you have a fabric glossary?
Yes, please see this page: fabric glossary

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Q14 : Can I order fabric samples?
Yes, to order our fabric sample set please visit: Fabric sample pack

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If you don't find the answer you're looking for here, please contact us.