Start Your Sublimation Journey!

6 Feb 2024

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Start Your Sublimation Journey With Nova Chrome UK!

Are you considering starting your own sublimation printing business? Congratulations on taking this exciting step into the world of entrepreneurship!

Sublimation printing offers a fantastic opportunity to create personalised and custom-designed products, catering to a wide range of markets, from apparel to promotional items and beyond.

However, like any business venture, it requires careful planning and execution to ensure success. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to kickstart your sublimation printing business journey.

What supplies are necessary for sublimation printing?

Starting a sublimation printing business requires an initial investment in equipment and materials, but it can be a rewarding venture with the right skills and marketing efforts. Continuously learning and improving your skills will help you to stay competitive in the market.

Here’s a concise overview of the essential items required for sublimation printing:

Sublimation Printer: A sublimation printer is the primary tool for this printing method. It’s crucial to choose one that meets your size and printing material requirements. The Sawgrass A4 SG500 stands as a great entry point into the world of sublimation.

Computer & Software: You’ll need a capable computer with design software – of which there are options available today. Apps such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or CorelDRAW are some of the most widely used, and offer great power and flexibility when it comes to preparing artwork for the printer. Building a workflow using industry standard professional software will give you the fine control needed to prepare your artwork for any medium – this aside, many of our customers will also use packages like Affinity Photo or Designer, or web based options like Canva!

Ink & Paper: High-quality ink and paper are essential for consistent and vibrant prints. We recommend S-Race Sublimation paper as a great quality product at an affordable price. Sawgrass Sublijet-R Ink Cartridges offer consistent high quality, and are very economical.

Heat Press: A heat press provides the necessary heat and pressure for transferring designs onto various materials. Ensure it meets your size and quality requirements. Our affordable A4+ Swing press offers a great starting point for first time users of sublimation.

Mug Press or Oven: For printing on mugs and ceramics, a dedicated mug press or oven is recommended. An oven enables you to batch sublimate several mugs at once, and a mug press offers a quicker solution for sublimating individual mugs – perhaps for on demand personalisation scenarios, or just in smaller batches.

Sublimation Blanks: These are the products you’ll be printing on. Ensure they’re made of polyester or have a polyester coating. Nova Chrome UK offers a wide and expanding range of sublimation blanks, ready for most sublimation applications.

Miscellaneous Supplies: Transfer gloves, thermal tape, and PTFE pillows are additional supplies needed for various aspects of the printing process.

These supplies, along with your passion, creativity and design skills, are essential for a successful sublimation printing business!

Sublimation Business Tips from Nova Chrome UK

At Nova Chrome UK we want you to succeed with your new sublimation business, and we are here to help and guide you on your creative sublimation journey! We have put together a few start-up tips for you:

Research and Define Your Niche: Before diving in, take the time to research the market and identify your niche. Consider what types of products you want to specialise in, such as custom apparel, mugs, or personalised gifts. Understanding your target audience and their preferences will help you tailor your offerings and marketing strategies effectively.

Invest in Quality Equipment: The quality of your output relies heavily on the equipment you use. Invest in a high-quality sublimation printer, heat press, and related tools to ensure consistent results. While startup costs may seem daunting, prioritising quality equipment from the start will pay off in the long run with better prints and satisfied customers.

Source Quality Sublimation Blanks: Alongside your equipment, the quality of your substrates (or blanks) is crucial. Research suppliers who offer a variety of blanks in different sizes, colors, and materials. From polyester apparel to ceramic mugs and phone cases, having a diverse selection of substrates will expand your product range and appeal to a broader customer base. Nova Chrome UK is proud to be one of the leading suppliers of quality sublimation blanks in the UK.

Master Your Craft: Take the time to familiarise yourself with the sublimation printing process and techniques. Experiment with different settings, materials, and designs to hone your skills and achieve optimal results. Online tutorials, forums, and workshops can be invaluable resources for learning new techniques and troubleshooting common issues. Keep an eye on our youtube channel and social media posts for helpful how-to videos.

Create a Brand Identity: Establishing a strong brand identity is essential for standing out in a competitive market. Develop a memorable logo, choose a cohesive color palette, and create branding materials such as business cards, packaging, and a website. Your brand should reflect your unique style and values while resonating with your target audience.

Market Your Business: Once you have your products and branding in place, it’s time to start promoting your business. Utilise social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, and Tik-Tok, to showcase your products and engage with potential customers. Consider running targeted ads, collaborating with influencers, or attending local events to increase visibility and reach your target market.

Provide Excellent Customer Service: Exceptional customer service can set your business apart and foster customer loyalty. Respond promptly to inquiries, address any concerns or issues promptly, and strive to exceed customer expectations with every interaction. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can be powerful drivers of growth for your business.

Stay Informed and Adapt: The world of sublimation printing is constantly evolving, with new technologies, trends, and techniques emerging regularly. Stay informed by following industry publications, attending trade shows, and networking with fellow professionals. Be open to adapting your business strategies and offerings to stay ahead of the curve and meet evolving customer demands.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and build a successful and fulfilling business. Stay dedicated to continuous learning, embrace customer feedback, and enjoy the journey of turning your passion into a thriving venture!

Dye Sublimation – In Detail

With The Sawgrass SG500 A4 Printer

The Sawgrass SG500 A4 Printer is the perfect foundation for your business venture, offering a combination of reliability, ease of use, consistent quality and support!

The Sawgrass ‘SG’ range is the industry’s first fully integrated desktop system designed specifically for sublimation. This platform offers a range of advantages over other systems (such as converted printers with third party inks), including:

2 Year Warranty
Windows & Mac OS Compatibility
Full support from our technical team
Templates for standard desktop apps
Virtuoso Print Manager offering advanced print features
CreativeStudio, Sawgrass’ Cloud based design software – compatible with PC, Mac and mobile!

Included with the Virtuoso SG500 printer are 4 SubliJet-UHD ink cartridges (totalling 124ml of ink), capable of delivering exceptional quality colour print outs. The printer is supplied with a full range of templates for desktop graphics applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw. Also supplied free of charge is Sawgrass Print Manager, Sawgrass’ print software that offers advanced layout features, job nesting, hot folder support and superior colour quality.

The Virtuoso SG500 A4 printer comes with an enhanced 2 year warranty for peace of mind, covering printer, inks and associated parts – direct from the manufacturer.

Sawgrass Software

Sawgrass offers a selection of software and online services for Sawgrass users including:

PrintMate: PrintMate makes it easier than ever to create professional-quality sublimated products. With a user-friendly interface and advanced features, PrintMate streamlines your printing workflow, allowing you to achieve incredible print quality with minimal effort.

Whether you’re new to sublimation printing or a seasoned pro, PrintMate is the perfect solution for simplifying your sublimation process and helping you create amazing sublimated products with ease.

DesignMate: Access hundreds of free, customizable templates and tools to create eye-catching sublimation designs with ease. Transform your ideas into stunning masterpieces and elevate your sublimation projects with DesignMate. Check out DesignMate+ to unlock even more features, tools and templates.