Fashion is one of the world’s most popular industries. It has more fabrics, designs, and a ready-to-buy market than most other industries. Furthermore, if you’re a designer, you most likely like to experiment with fabrics and colors and might want to try the rayon sublimation trend that’s going on.
Rayon is a heat-sensitive semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp and is commonly used in clothing and textiles. It is not as durable as other polyester fabrics, but it’s biodegradable and helps solve one of fashion’s drawbacks.
On the other hand, the sublimation printing process uses heat and pressure to transfer a design from a sublimation paper to the substrate, which got us thinking. Can you sublimate on rayon?
This post will explore sublimation printing on Rayno and let you know the best ways to use this substrate. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Rayon?
Rayon is a versatile and widely-used fabric made from regenerated cellulose fibers. However, it’s considered a semi-synthetic fabric because the natural materials undergo extensive processing. It’s produced by dissolving cellulose from wood pulp or cotton fibers in a chemical solution and then extruding the resulting liquid through a spinneret to create fine threads. These fibers are then processed, spun into yarn, and woven into various fabrics.
Furthermore, Rayon has been used in fashion for over 100 years and can be found in a wide range of clothing items, including dresses, blouses, skirts, pants, and jackets. It’s also used in home textiles such as curtains, bedding, and upholstery.
It’s a highly versatile material and can be produced in various weights and textures, from lightweight, silky fabrics to heavier weaves. Rayon is also highly absorbent, making it ideal for clothing that needs to be comfortable and breathable, such as summer dresses or athletic wear.
There are several types of Rayon, including viscose rayon, modal, and lyocell.
- Viscose Rayon: This is the most common type used for clothing, bedding, and draperies.
- Modal Rayon: This is made from beechwood fibers and is known for its softness and durability. It is often used for athletic wear, undergarments, and bed linens.
- Lyocell Rayon: Also known as Tencel, it is a newer type of Rayon made using a closed-loop production process that is more environmentally friendly than traditional rayon production.
Understanding Sublimation on Rayon
Even though you can sublimate on Rayno, it’s not as easy as taking any Rayon fabric and going to town. There are a few things you have to keep in mind. For instance, Rayon is a heat-sensitive fabric with a relatively low burning point compared to other fabrics.
The exact burning point of Rayon can vary depending on the specific type of Rayon, and the processing used to create it. However, rayon fibers can generally begin to melt or burn at temperatures above 190-210°C (374-410°F).
On the other hand, Sublimation printing involves exposing substrates to high pressures and temperatures to allow the sublimation ink to turn into a gaseous form without going through the liquid state. This enables the ink to soak into the fabric’s pores and permanently bond with the substrate.
The sublimation transfer process requires temperatures between 190-230°C (374-446°F)., which is the same or even higher than Rayon’s burning point. It’s also important to note that sublimation ink is designed to bond with polyester fibers. Using Rayon as the sole substrate will not work or, at the very least, will not produce good results as materials unfused with polyester. However, there are two ways to sublimate on Rayon, which we highlight below.
Can You Sublimate on Rayon?
While 100% Rayon fabric is not suitable for sublimation printing due to its sensitivity to heat, a fabric with a 70% to 30% polyester Rayon ratio can be used for sublimation. Another possible way to sublimate on Rayon fabric is with a polyester coating.
This blend will make the fabric more resistant to heat and can withstand the pressure of the sublimation process, resulting in vibrant and permanent prints.
Therefore, if you’re looking to create high-quality sublimated designs, it is best to use a fabric that has a polyester blend or is coated with polyester.
How to Sublimate on Rayon
As mentioned before, you cannot sublimate on 100% Rayon. It has a soft bond, and its fibers weaken when subjected to temperatures above 150 degrees. Exposing pure Rayon to a heat press would make the fabric melt and become a gooey mess.
But if you follow the proper Rayon sublimation techniques, as highlighted below, you can achieve some excellent results.
1. Blend 30% Rayon With 70% Polyester
Because sublimation inks are made to bond with polyester, and heating Rayon damages it, it’s best to use Rayon material infused with 70% polyester. This gives the substrate the heat resistance and ink absorption properties it needs to withstand heat pressing and dye sublimation. The higher the polyester content, the better the quality of the transferred image.
Rayon is a natural fiber with different properties compared to polyester, and it also does not hold the sublimation ink. You should also be aware that the Rayon component of the blend also affects the color output, as Rayon tends to be less vibrant than polyester.
Therefore, it’s recommended to do a test print and adjust the color settings accordingly, as well as follow the manufacturer’s instructions for both the fabric and the sublimation ink to use.
2. Apply a Polyester Coating on Rayon Materials
Besides heat damage from high temperatures, Rayon has a smooth surface that does not allow ink to penetrate the material. However, applying a polyester coating on your Rayon substrate not only protects it from heat damage but also provides a layer the ink can infuse into.
It’s also good to note that the sublimation ink on polyester-coated Rayon materials is sitting on the surface of the substrate and will eventually fade as it washes away.
Sublimating on Rayon: Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a step-by-step process of sublimating on Rayon.
To sublimate on Rayon:
- Mix desizer concentrate with water in a 1:7 ratio.
- Prepare a polyester solution.
- Spray the desizer solution onto the fabric, then steam it out using the heat press at 385 F for 35 seconds.
- Spray polyester coating onto the fabric’s print area.
- Fold the fabric and press it with your hands, then let it dry.
- Apply heat press for 10 seconds at 385 F.
- Apply a second light coat of the polyester coating and hover the fabric on the heat press again to dry.
- Place your printed-out transfer paper onto the fabric and sublimate with a heat press at 385 F for 70 seconds. Use butcher’s paper to protect the fabric from direct heat and a silicon mat under the print area to concentrate the heat.
- Slowly pill the transfer paper from one corner to reveal your design.
Sublimating on Rayon may seem complicated, but following these simple steps can ensure your final product looks great. Remember to use caution when applying heat and follow the instructions carefully to achieve the best results.
Conclusion
Sublimation printing can be a fun and challenging process at the same time. Moreover, different fabrics work better with specific applications than others. As we’ve seen, Rayon is a biodegradable material obtained from regenerated cellulose fibers, which helps improve sustainability in the fashion industry and is versatile and comfortable to wear.
However, it’s very heat sensitive and does not absorb sublimation ink, which can present challenges when sublimation printing on the material. But using a Rayon substrate infused with 70% polyester or applying a polyester coating on it will help you use this wonder material and get excellent results without damaging it.
We hope this post helps you better understand the limitations of Rayon and the steps of sublimation printing on the fabric to help you achieve beautiful and long-lasting sublimated designs on this fabric.
FAQs
Can any type of Rayon be sublimated?
You can sublimate on most types of Rayon, but only if you follow the appropriate sublimation procedures. Remember, you cannot sublimate on 100% Rayon fabric, but you can on a 70% to 30% polyester Rayon ratio fabric or a polyester-coated material. It’s also best to follow the materials manufacturer’s recommended sublimation practices.
Can sublimated designs on Rayon be washed?
Sublimated designs are known for their durability and ability to withstand multiple washes without fading or cracking. However, sublimating on Rayon using a polyester coating on the fabric can lead to your designs washing away after some time. It’s recommended to wash the fabric in cold water and hang it to dry to preserve the design.
Is it necessary to use desizer and polyester coating when sublimating on Rayon?
Yes, desizer and polyester coating are crucial for the sublimation process to work effectively on Rayon. The desizer helps to prepare the fabric for the sublimation ink, while the polyester coating protects the material from heat and ensures the ink fully adheres to the fabric fibers.
Can you sublimate on other types of fabric besides Rayon and polyester?
Yes, sublimation can be done on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, silk, and nylon. However, the results may vary depending on the fabric’s composition and color. It is recommended to test the material before doing a full print. Additionally, some fabrics may require pretreatment before sublimation to ensure the ink adheres properly.
Do I need special equipment to sublimate on Rayon?
You do not need special equipment from your standard sublimation ones to sublimate on Rayon. The same inks and transfer papers work, but you have to follow Rayon’s sublimation best practices to get the best results.
Can I wash sublimated rayon garments in a washing machine?
You can wash sublimated Rayon garments in a washing machine, but using a gentle cycle and cold water is recommended to prevent fabric damage and print damage.
