How To Remove Sublimation Ink From Shirt | Best Way [2022]

Do you have shirts with sublimation Ink on them? If so, you’re in for a challenging task. Sublimation inks are pretty tough to remove, even with strong chemicals.

But don’t fret. Today I’ll guide you on how to remove sublimation ink from shirt without causing any damage to the fabric. So, if you’re having trouble getting your shirt clean, keep reading; I’ll help you get the job done.

Sublimation printing has become quite popular nowadays. It offers printing designs and images on various blanks. You can sublimate on glass, sublimate on tumblers, etc.

However, there are a lot of things to take into consideration when sublimating. Achieving bright colors with sublimation isn’t the only factor.

Preventing inks from spreading to other parts is also a significant factor. But what if the ink spreads to other parts? How to get sublimation ink out of a shirt?

Very easy, keep reading below, and you will get a perfect solution!

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What Is Sublimation Ink

Sublimation ink is an ink used in sublimation printing. It’s a type of ink in which heat and pressure directly convert the ink from a solid to a gas without converting it into a liquid.

Sublimation ink is first printed on a sublimation paper and then transferred on the blank using a heat source like a Heat press, or Cricut press.

INKXPRO  and Hippo sublimation ink are the best inks you can use for sublimation.

Can Sublimation Ink Be Removed

Sublimation ink cannot be removed from polyester blanks because sublimation ink is fused into the polyester which is permanent.

But sublimation ink can be removed from cotton, nylon, and other fabrics.

How To Remove Sublimation Ink From A Shirt (Heat Treatment Method)

Sublimation ink can easily be removed from a shirt by the heat treatment method. This method includes just four steps, so let’s get right into it!

1. Take All The Required Things.

Collect all the following things to get sublimation ink out of a shirt.

• Iron Press
• Dry Cloth Piece
• Wet Cloth Piece
• Spatula or Spoon

2. Prepare The Shirt For Heat Treatment.

Take your shirt and place it on the floor or a plain surface. Then took a dry cloth piece and put it inside the shirt. Remember to use thick fabric like a towel.

Next, place the wet cloth over the ink or print you want to remove. This time, use thin material.

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3. Heat The Shirt Using Iron Press.

Take the iron press and heat the shirt at the maximum temperature.

Remember to iron in the ink area only. Don’t go too far. Heat the shirt for four to five minutes until the ink becomes loose.

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4. Pell The Ink Using Spatula.

Take the spatula or spoon and peel the ink from the corner. You will see that ink started coming out slowly.

If it’s not coming, iron the shirt for three to four minutes more.

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Also, try to remove the inks from your fingers. Ink will only come out when it’s hot. During peeling, it might get cold, so peel, heat, and then peel again.

Repeat the process until all the ink comes out. It took me roughly 10 minutes. It can take longer in your case, depending on the size and quality of the sublimation ink.

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5. Wash The Shirt In Warm Water.

After all, give your shirt a quick wash in warm water. Washing in warm water removes the stickiness that might remain on the fabric.

And that’s all!

Using Cold Water To Remove Sublimation Ink From Shirts

Cold water can also remove sublimation ink from the shirt. You can use this method in case the heat treatment method doesn’t work.

To do this:

1. Take a small bucket and fill it with water, put your shirt in it and place the bucket in the freezer for 3 to 4 hours.

2. After freezing, put the shirt out and try to remove the print with a spatula or hands.

3. Then wash the fabric with detergent in warm water.

Use Bleaching Agent To Get Sublimation Ink Out Of A Shirt

The bleaching agent is another easy way to remove sublimation ink from the t-shirt. Bleaching agents are cheap and readily available at home.

Follow the steps below to remove sublimation ink using a bleaching agent.

1. Prepare the bleaching solution. Take a bucket of water and pour 2 to 3 cups of bleaching powder into it. If you use liquid bleach, run a single cup in the bucket.

2. Put the shirt in it and leave it for 4 to 5 hours.

3. After that, take the shirt and rub the sublimation ink with light hands using the brush. You will see that the ink will come out nicely.

Remove Sublimation Ink Stains Using Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohols can also remove sublimation ink stains. However, it’s not a recommended method as it damages the fibers.

To remove sublimation ink with rubbing alcohol, take the rubbing alcohol and cotton balls.

Apply little alcohol to cotton balls and then rub the ink marks. Make sure to only rub in the ink spots, and then leave the shirt for several minutes.

Next, take the tissue paper and wipe the alcohol and after all, wash the shirt with detergent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: How To Remove Sublimation Ink From Shirt

There you have it! Now you have learned how to remove sublimation ink from shirt. So you can easily remove the sublimation ink without degrading the quality of your fabrics.

This can be a complicated task, but with the right tools and tricks, you will get sublimation ink out of a shirt in no time.

Try one or more methods when removing sublimation ink from shirts, and do not forget to wash it in mild detergent before wearing it again.

If you want to ask questions related to the topic, post a comment below or Tweet @printertip.