We recently did some crunching of the numbers for 2011 and discovered that one of the most popular items that we sell at trade shows is our QuickStartR package.   That’s really no surprise,  the package is a great offer and reasonably priced.  What was a surprise, however,  is the number of people we spoke with on follow up calls who, even months after the show was long over,  had not yet set their system up or weren’t printing with it on a regular basis.

Very few people, obviously,  purchase a product for their business with the intention of letting it sit in a corner and gather dust.    The goal behind the purchase is to create a new profit center,  which can’t be done if the system never comes out of the box or is barely used after it’s set up.   If you have a system and haven’t yet done much of anything with it,  here are some places you can look for help in getting started.

One place to turn to for help is the Sawgrass Ink website.   They have how to videos,  webinars,  videos on how to set up your printer and a terrific technical support staff.   Sawgrass also has a blog called How to Sublimate.   The Sawgrass site provides a lot of resources,  so it’s definitely worth checking out.

Another option would be to download the Dye Sublimation Guide from the EnMart website.   This guide was created by Sawgrass and contains a lot of information about how to get started with sublimation.  The guide also contains step by step instructions for sublimating some common items.   The entire guide is 62 pages long,  so it could easily be printed.

EnMart also has a YouTube channel where you can see videos about sublimation and about Knight heat presses.  We’ve put together some videos of our own and also favorited some videos from our suppliers which should be helpful.   Sometimes a picture, or a video is worth a thousand words.

Finally, you can get help here on this blog.  We have an entire category of blog posts devoted to getting started with sublimation.    You can always leave a comment on a post with questions.   You can also visit us on our Twitter feed or Facebook page and ask questions there.

Tags: dye sublimation, dye sublimation tips, EnMart, getting started with sublimation, Sawgrass Ink, Sublimation

As I sit here and watch the snowflakes drift past my window,  it occurs to me there are a lot of products that can be sublimated and are also suitable for winter.    There are, of course,  mugs for hot cocoa, coffee, tea or maybe a toddy of some sort to warm up after a session of snowblowing or a snowball fight.  There are specially shaped ornaments for holiday sublimation (a heart for Valentine’s Day perhaps).   If you have a really big blizzard and get snowed in,  there’s always a jigsaw puzzle to keep you entertained.   Those are some standard products,  but there are also some more unique things that can be sublimated and added to your inventory of winter fun.

If keeping everyone snug and cozy is on your winter agenda,  then you should check out the fleece scarf and fleece ear wrap from Vapor Apparel.    They also offer fleece blankets or large panel throws which would be perfect for cold winter nights or for keeping warm at a sporting event.  All these items are performance apparel and suitable for sublimation.   While EnMart does not carry these items in our standard stock,  we can get them should anyone wish to place an order.

It’s also good to think outside the box when considering winter items that could be sublimated.   Some snowmobile covers are made out of 100% polyester, so that might be a good product if you live in an area where snowmobiling is popular.    Many snow tubes are also covered in polyester, and would be a great sell for any resorts or parks that deal with winter sports.    There are also things like boots that may have polyester components.  You may have to do some searching,  but most winter related clothing items probably have a poly option available.

The main thing to remember is that while each season has its own unique clothing and accessories which might be suitable for sublimation, there’s one place that’s always suitable for purchasing sublimation supplies and that’s EnMart.   We offer a unique combination of good prices, product knowledge and sublimation experience,  which means that not only will you get a great bargain on your purchases,  you’ll also have support available to you.

Tags: EnMart, sublimation blanks, winter apparel for sublimation, winter items for sublimation

Those of us who work in garment decoration probably think that sublimation is a familiar decoration technique and is easily understood,  but that isn’t always so.  Even people within the business don’t always know the proper terminology or details when it comes to what sublimation is and how it works.   If you’re new to sublimation,  or simply wondering what it’s all about,  here are a few things you should know.

First,  it’s sublimation.   It’s not sublimination or any of the other misspellings or mispronunciations I’ve seen and heard in the past.   Sublimation could, I suppose, be called transfer printing,  although that would tend to confuse it with standard inkjet transfers, so it’s probably best just to call it sublimation.

Second, sublimation is not direct to garment printing.  Direct to garment happens when a design is printed directly on a garment.   Sublimation is a transfer,  which means the design is printed to paper first and then transferred via heat and pressure to the garment or item to be decorated.

Third,  sublimation will not work on dark garments.   Sublimation ink works with light colored garments only and works best with a white garment or substrate.    Please keep in mind that printing a design on a colored garment will have an impact on the colors in the design.

Fourth, sublimation will not work on cotton.  There are people who sell sprays which they claim will allow you to sublimate non polyester materials, but it is often difficult to get these sprays to coat evenly.   The best way to get a sellable sublimated item is to start with a poly garment or factory created poly coated substrate.

Fifth,  you can’t sublimate using just any paper.   Sublimation ink requires sublimation paper to be at its best.    You can learn more about sublimation paper in our post Why Paper Type is Important.

Finally, the biggest misconception of all,  sublimation is difficult.    I’m not going to say sublimation is the easiest thing you’ll ever do,  but it isn’t as difficult as many people think.   If you’re familiar with managing artwork,  have some skill at using a computer and are willing to make a few mistakes before you start turning out prefect prints,  you can easily learn to sublimate and be successful at doing so.   The chief thing you need is a willingness to try something new and a good partner who can help with both supplies and knowledge.   EnMart stands ready to be that partner.  All you have to supply is the willingness to try.

Tags: paper for sublimation, Sublimation, sublimation misconceptions

To get started in sublimation you need five things:

1. A printer
2. Sublimation ink
3. Sublimation paper
4. Blanks suitable for sublimation
5. A heat press

Your selection of printer really depends on what size prints you want to make.  If the biggest thing you’ll ever print will fit on an 8.5 x 14 sheet of paper,  then you might do well with a Ricoh 3300.   If you want to print 13 x 19 right out of the box,  it might be wise to consider a Epson WF1100.   If you want to print large images and think you will be doing quite a bit of production,  your best choice might well be the Ricoh GX 7000.   Different printers work best in different situations,  so please be sure to take into account how much you want to print and the largest thing you might want to print when deciding which printer to buy.

Sublimation ink is fairly simple -  if you run a Windows system,  you can purchase Sublijet ink for the Ricoh or the Epson printer of your choice.    If you use a Mac,  then you’re best off selecting Artainium ink,  as Sawgrass supplies ICC profiles for that ink which work with Macs.   Enmart does not currently list Artainium ink on our website,  but we can get it for customers who request that we do so.

When it comes to sublimation paper,  EnMart recommends our Mpres Paper.   We’ve tested many different kinds of paper over the years,  and Mpres is the best we’ve found.

Choosing sublimation blanks largely depends on what it is you want to sell.    EnMart offers a wide selection of blanks for sublimation,  everything from dog tags to mousepads, coffee mugs to jewelry boxes.   We also carry Vapor Apparel t-shirts, which are very well suited for sublimation.    EnMart also allows you to purchase just one of any item you might like to try,  subject, of course, to our $25 minimum order.

Finally, in order to sublimate, you need a heat press.   EnMart’s parent company, Ensign Emblem has a long history with George Knight heat presses, and has known them to be durable and reliable.  Since we’ve had such a good experience with these presses,  Geo. Knight is the brand of press that EnMart sells.   If you’re looking for a press,  remember to take into account the largest thing you will every sublimate, as you want to make sure your press is able to handle it.

Getting started with sublimation is not difficult, and EnMart is here to help make it even easier.  If you have questions or concerns, we’ll be happy to help you, or to connect you with people who can.

Tags: Get Started with Sublimation, heat presses, Mpres paper, sublimation ink, sublimation paper, sublimation printers

Since it’s the week before Christmas and New Years,  I thought it would be a good time to write about some of the sublimation resolutions that people who own sublimation systems could make for 2012.    If you currently own a sublimation system,  you might consider adding one of these resolutions to your list.

Resolution 1:  I will take the system out of the box -  I know,  for some people,  the whole sublimation process can be intimidating.   Trying something new is always a little alarming,  but the reality is that there isn’t a lot of harm you can do here.  At worst,  you’ll waste a little ink and some supplies,  which isn’t the end of the world.    The only way to get better at something is to accept that you might screw up a little at first.   The only way to get better at sublimation is to give it a try, ask lots of questions and accept that a few things will end up on the reject shelf.   The only way you’re sure to never get better at sublimation is if you leave the printer in the box.

Resolution 2:  I will sublimate something new – Many people buy their sublimation system with a specific product in mind.  Maybe it’s mousepads or t-shirts or mugs,  but that one product is the product on which they focus.  There is certainly nothing wrong with specializing and becoming expert at sublimating one thing,  but don’t forget that there are a wide variety of products out there that can be sublimated.  In 2012,  try sublimating something new.  You may discover another product line which can be added to your inventory.

Resolution 3:  I will publicize my sublimation services – Shops that do more than one thing,  embroidery and sublimation or silk screen and sublimation for instance,  may tend to publicize one thing more than the other.  Since sublimation can often be the add on service,  it may not get publicized as much, and that’s a shame,  because sublimation can be a real revenue generator.    If you’ve been considering sublimation as an add-on,  take a moment to consider all the products that can be sublimated, and how they could bring additional profit to your shop.   In 2012, make sure your customers know what you can sublimate and how inexpensive sublimated goods can be.

Resolution 4:  I will learn more about some aspect of sublimation and increase my skill level -  With all the resources available,  there is absolutely no reason not to learn more about sublimation.   Sawgrass Ink has an entire education section on their website.   Most of the larger trade shows feature seminars about sublimation.    Blogs like this one offer tips and tricks.   Even if you consider yourself a sublimation superstar,  there’s always something new to be learned.    Take advantage of the knowledge that’s available.

Whatever resolution you decide to make about sublimation,  or if you decide to make no resolution at all,  you can always be sure that EnMart will be here to help with your sublimation needs.  If you have any questions or need supplies,  just contact us,  we’ll be happy to help.

Tags: education resources, EnMart, Sawgrass Ink, sublimation resolutions

EnMart will be closed on Monday, December 26, 2011 for the Christmas holiday.   We wish you all a happy and safe Christmas.

We will reopen on Tuesday, December 27, 2011.

All orders placed on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will ship on Tuesday when we resume normal operations.

Happy Holidays!

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the shop
All the printers were printing and going non-stop
The pressers were pressing with all of their might
For presents, for Christmas, were needed that night

The t-shirts were folded up neatly and boxed
And dreaming of sublimation transfers that rocked
And mamma in her apron and I in the same
Were printing sports jerseys with numbers and names

When out front of the shop there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my work to see what was the matter
Away to the entrance I stumbled pell-mell
Threw open the door and screamed out “What the … bell?”

I clung to the doorframe, exhausted and drawn
Wondering where all the daylight had gone
A miniature sleigh, and Santa, plus eight
Reminded me quickly that orders were late.

The little old driver, that lively St. Nick
Cried, “Bring me those orders, and move them out quick!”
Bring mousepads, bring mugs and t-shirts galore
Bring bookmarks and puzzles and tote bags and more!

Now Printer, you know this, stop looking so ill
There’s children, world over, with stockings to fill
Bring jerseys; bring car flags, and maybe a plaque
But hurry, please hurry and fill up my sack!

I’d never made claim to being an elf,
But found, by St. Nick, I could not help myself
The printers sprayed color, the heat presses pressed
And presents were finished for Santa’s great quest

The last transfer was printed, the last item dyed
When I turned to find Santa smiling by my side
“Printer you’ve done it!” he said with a grin
And his sack started bulging as the last gift went in

Whether mugs for a latte, plain coffee or tea
A puzzle, a clipboard, a box for jewelry
A key chain or shirt with a logo so bright
There’ll be happy children with gifts made this night

How Santa’s eyes twinkled, his belly it shook
As he gave me the kindest and nicest of looks
His laughter was merry, his praise much desired
My gifts had passed muster and were much admired

As I stood in my shop, all the gifts finally made
The stress of the holidays started to fade
Personalized gifts, sublimated, jolly and fun
Would delight gift recipients, every last one

With a wink and a nod Santa sprang to his sleigh
Gave a flip of the reins and was flying away
His bag bulging with presents, his sleigh loaded down
He set off to being joy to every city and town

I laughed as I saw him, that jolly old elf
Flying off with gifts made by my very own self
With his bag full of pet tags and beer mugs and all
I waved as he flew off and then heard him call

Hey Printer, keep working, there’s always next year
And I’ll be returning now never you fear
Until then, keep printing, with colors so bright
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Tags: Christmas, poem, Sublimation

Many people consider sublimation to be a great add-on solution.   People do screen printing and sublimation or embroidery and sublimation.  While sublimation is a great companion for either embroidery or screen printing,  it can also be a great solution for times when screen printing and embroidery may not be suitable.    There may be occasions when a job simply won’t work within the disciplines of embroidery or screen printing,  but you don’t want to turn the job away.  In those instances,  the appropriate question to ask your customers might well be “Have you considered sublimation?”.

Take for instance,  a customer that has very intricate artwork with small lettering or lots of colors.   Those who embroider know that small lettering can be almost impossible to sew out properly.    Lots of colors and color changes can also slow down the sew-out,  or the creation of a screen printed design.   Since sublimation is photo realistic,  creating intricate artwork with small lettering or lots of colors is quite simple.  As long as the design is sized correctly so all the elements can be read,   the artwork can be printed and pressed on a variety of garments or blanks in very little time .

Sublimation also works with gradients or fades.   While these techniques for playing with color can create a wonderful design,  they aren’t always easy to duplicate.   Because a sublimated transfer is simply a print out,  gradients and fades can be reproduced as they were designed.   Of course,  there may be some variance depending on the printer and ink used,  but sublimation may be the perfect option if you’re working with color gradients or fades.

While sublimation is a great decorating solution for garments and many poly coated substrates,  please do keep in mind that it only works with polyester garments and substrates with a poly coating.    You can sublimate garments that are a mixture of polyester and some other fiber type,  but the end result will be a more distressed look,  as the sublimation ink will only dye the poly fibers.  You cannot sublimate any hard good that is not poly coated.

For many people,  sublimation is a valuable decorating technique to have in their arsenal of product and service offerings.    Sublimation can be used in situations where other decorating techniques might not be suitable,  and can also expand the offerings of many shops through the inclusion of sublimated hard goods.   To learn more about sublimation,  please download the Dye Sublimation Guide from the EnMart website.    If you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive way to get started with sublimation,  check out EnMart’s QuickStartR package.

Tags: Sublimation, sublimation packages, what can sublimation be used for, when can sublimation be used.

While, for some people,  it has been the holiday season for quite some time already,  the official countdown to Christmas starts on the Friday after Thanksgiving.   If you’ve been making your gift lists and checking them twice,  you may have already purchased the supplies you need.   If not,  here are a few tips for planning your sublimation supply orders from EnMart.  These tips will help ensure that your supplies arrive on time and you can have your gifts completed, wrapped and under the tree long before Christmas morning.

Tip # 1:  All sublimation supplies currently come from Michigan -  Although we do have four locations across the United States,   all sublimation papers, inks, printers and blanks are currently shipped from Michigan.  Please factor shipping time from Michigan to your location into estimated delivery time when you place your order.

Tip 2:  Most orders turn same day if placed early enough – At EnMart we pride ourselves on same day shipment of almost all orders.  The only exceptions are orders for which items need to be created i.e. blank patches,  or orders which come in too late to make our shipment pick-up.    To ensure your order ships the same day you place it,  make sure it is placed early enough in the day to be pulled, packaged and picked-up.

Tip 3:  Sublimation blanks can be bought by the piece -  If you just need one piece of one of our sublimation blanks for a gift,  you can buy just one.   The only requirement is that your order meets the $25 minimum purchase requirement.   As long as your order is $25 or more,  you can buy one of any of the sublimation blanks we offer.

Tip 4:  Combo packages make great gifts – If you know someone who might want to get started with sublimation, one of EnMart’s sublimation combo packages makes a great gift.    We’ll even box everything up and ship it to the intended recipient’s address.    Please do keep in mind that combo packages supply everything needed to print a sublimation transfer.  If you want to sublimate an item,  you’ll need an item suitable for sublimation and a heat press as well.

Tip 5:   Ink prices will rise in 2012, so stock up on ink now – Ink prices are scheduled to rise in 2012,  so now is the time to stock up on sublimation ink.  As always,  EnMart offers free Ground shipping on all sublimation ink,  so now is the time to replenish your supply at 2011 prices and get free shipping.

Tags: EnMart, sublimation blanks, sublimation combo packages, sublimation ink, sublimation supplies

EnMart wishes all our customers, fans, and friends a happy Thanksgiving.

On the list of things for which we are thankful,  you all rank at the top!

We will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 24 in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Normal business operations will resume Monday, November 28.