Easy White Sublimation Hack Using HTV

Creating custom shirts with sublimation is a fun and lasting way to showcase your designs. However, sublimation has a limitation: it can’t print white. Instead of letting this deter you, you can use a clever workaround that combines sublimation with heat transfer vinyl (HTV) to achieve the look of white sublimation. In this guide, I’ll show you how to create three different shirts using this technique. Watch the accompanying video for a visual walkthrough and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more tips!

Why Sublimation Is Ideal for Custom Shirts

Sublimation is a preferred method for customizing shirts due to its durability. When applied to a 100% polyester shirt, sublimation bonds permanently with the fabric, ensuring the design lasts as long as the shirt itself. Unlike other methods, sublimation infuses the ink directly into the fibers of the material. While some crafters add sublimation to HTV for dark-colored shirts, this compromises the longevity of the design. The white sublimation hack, on the other hand, maintains the durability of sublimation while adding a touch of white using HTV.

Understanding the Challenge with Sublimation and White

The nature of sublimation ink is translucent, meaning any white areas in your design will be transparent and show the color of the base material. This is why sublimation is best suited for light-colored polyester fabrics. On a grey shirt, for instance, the colors will appear slightly muted, and any white elements will be completely absent. The solution? Combine HTV with sublimation to add those missing white elements and make your designs pop.

Supplies Needed for White Sublimation

To create shirts with this white sublimation hack, you will need:

Creating the Design in Cricut Design Space

To combine sublimation and HTV effectively, your design needs both a print layer and a cut layer. Start by uploading your image to Cricut Design Space. Select “Upload” on the canvas’s left side and choose your image. For sublimation prints, opt for the “Complex” setting and ensure the background is checked to remove it. Once uploaded, set the image as “Print Then Cut.”

Next, upload the same image for the cut layer. Erase all areas you want to be white by setting them to a checkerboard background. This ensures these sections will be cut from HTV. After uploading the cut image, add both layers to your Design Space canvas and resize them to match.

Using Contour to Remove Cuts

With both layers resized, use the “Contour” feature to isolate the words or shapes you want to cut from HTV. Select the image, choose “Contour” in the bottom right corner, and hide all contours except the ones you want to keep. This step ensures only the necessary parts of your design are cut out. After this, you’ll have a print layer for sublimation and a cut layer for HTV, both ready for your project.

Print Then Cut Layer and Mirroring

Once your layers are ready, use Design Space to print your sublimation design and cut the HTV. Remember to mirror the image for sublimation printing. This can be done either in Design Space or on your sublimation printer, but not both. For the cut layer, set your material to HTV, mirror the image, and cut it with the shiny side down on the mat.

Dealing with Designs with Pre-Removed Backgrounds

For designs where white areas are already marked with a checkerboard background, like the “Happy Fall Y’all” shirt, you only need to upload one Print Then Cut image. Duplicate the layer and change one copy to a basic cut layer. Contour this layer to remove unnecessary cuts, ensuring it fits perfectly within your print layer. Use shapes and the slice tool to clean up any remaining unwanted sections.

Manually Erasing Backgrounds

If your design has intricate white areas that blend with the background, manually erase these sections. Upload the image, crop it closely, and use the magic eraser to remove the inside of the letters. Then, use the regular eraser tool to clear everything outside the letters. This method leaves you with only the outline of your letters, ready for cutting.

Preparing and Pressing the Shirt

Before pressing, insert a protective sheet inside the shirt to prevent ink from transferring to the back. Lint roll the surface thoroughly and preheat the shirt to remove moisture. Cut around the sublimation image to remove any black boxes, as these will transfer to the shirt. Position the sublimation print, secure it with heat-resistant tape, and cover it with a protective sheet.

Press the shirt at the recommended temperature and time for sublimation. After pressing, remove the sublimation print to reveal your design. Adjust the press settings for HTV, position the cut HTV layer over the sublimation print, and cover with a protective sheet. Press according to the HTV manufacturer’s instructions, peel the carrier sheet, and your shirt is complete.

Final Thoughts and Tips

Using this white sublimation hack, you can create vibrant designs on grey or other light-colored shirts. The HTV adds contrast and makes the sublimation design stand out. Experiment with different colors and HTV types, like glow-in-the-dark or reflective, to create unique and eye-catching shirts. Always follow care instructions for HTV to maximize the lifespan of your custom shirts.

Frequently Asked Questions About White Sublimation