Do you have a shirt, cap, cup, tumbler, etc., with a design you no longer like and wish to remove? Sublimation inks are tough to remove, even when subjected to harsh chemicals. Worry not! Here is a complete guide on removing sublimation ink from various materials without damaging their surfaces.
Do you want to remove a design but don't know how to get rid of the sublimation ink? Sublimation makes printing on various blanks, such as glass, tumblers, clothing, wood and more possible. Despite that there are many new kinds of ink; sublimation ink is the most reliable form of dye due to its effectiveness.
Sublimation ink is superior to other types since it dries rapidly and does not peel off easily. Additionally, it's not only very resistant to washing but also remains intact when materials are stretched to their breaking point. However, the quality of the prints correlates inversely with the ease with which the sublimation ink can be erased. Keep reading to learn about various methods to eradicate sublimation ink from multiple materials.
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How to Remove Sublimation Ink on a Shirt？
Printed apparel is a popular choice among consumers. Such clothing is viewed as highly alluring and appealing. But what if you don't want the picture or words anymore? Here are a few approaches that can be taken.
Method 1: Use Cold Water
To get rid of sublimation ink, use cold water. The water should be between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Do this:
- Soak the cloth in cold water for around 20 minutes and wash.
- If the sublimation persists after washing, add a few drops of detergent and let the clothing sit for an hour or two.
- Wash the cloth; a couple of water changes should remove the stain.
- Dry the fabric in the shade or use a dryer set to a moderate temperature.
Method 2: Use Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is another method that can be used to get rid of sublimation ink. A dryer will be required for this process. Just do this:
- Heat the cloth and peel off the ink.
- Repeat the process until it's all done.
Method 3: Use a Bleaching Agent
Do this:
- Prepare the bleach solution; Put two or three cups of bleach powder or one cup of liquid bleach into a bucket of water.
- Place the shirt in it and let it sit for four to five hours.
- Take the shirt and gently scrub the sublimation ink out with the brush.
Method 4: Use Soda Treatment
For optimal results, use this method on new sublimations. Here is the process:
- Get some baking soda and form a paste with water.
- Apply the baking soda paste to the ink with a cloth or sponge.
- Leave the paste in place for about an hour to dry.
- Remove the paste by scrubbing.
- If the sublimation ink remains, wash the cloth and redo the procedure.
Method 5: Use a Commercial Stain Remover
Commercial stain removers are specially formulated treatments that utilize potent chemicals to dissolve and eliminate stains. Using one is as follows:
- To remove sublimation ink stains, use a commercial product designed for that purpose. Make sure the material you plan to clean is listed as safe on the product's label.
- Apply the stain remover to sublimated area. The stain remover can be applied directly or diluted with water in a spray bottle. And wait for it to take effect.
- Use a soft-bristled brush, like an old toothbrush, to gently agitate the solution.
- After the sublimation ink has been washed away, the cloth should be rinsed and dried.
Method 6: Using Dish Soap And Water
Sublimation ink on fabric can be easily removed with dish detergent and water. The exemplary method is to:
- Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl.
- Get a clean cloth wet with soapy water, and then use it to scrub the sublimated area gently.
- Keep scrubbing the ink out in circular motions until no more ink remains.
- Rinse and dry the cloth.
Method 7: Use Of White Vinegar
Do this:
- Put some white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and shake it up.
- Apply the solution by spraying it onto the sublimated surface.
- Leave the solution on the stain for at least 5 minutes for best results.
- Use a soft, bristled brush to scrub the spot in a circular motion.
- Repeat the process until the stain disappears.
Method 8: Use Of Starch
Shirt sublimation ink can also be removed with the help of a cotton swab dipped in starch. When the stain is still liquid, lightly blot it with a paper towel, and when it has dried on your shirt, rub it out with a soft cloth.
Method 9: Use Of Salt
You may also use salt; table salt and sea salt work wonderfully. However, if you can access sea salt, use it as table salt contains chlorine, which can deteriorate the fabric. Sea salt is far cheaper than dryer sheets for removing ink, thus being an affordable option.
- Mix the salt with water, pour on the surface, and scrub the sublimated area with a soft brush.
Method 10: Denatured Spirits
Sublimation ink can also be removed using denatured spirits (alcohol). This procedure entails the following:
- Mix warm water and half a cup of denatured spirits in a plastic container.
- Soak the garments for at least an hour in this solution.
- Remove the ink by scrubbing it and then wash the garment.
How to Remove Sublimation Ink On a Tumbler?
When the sublimation ink on your tumbler is dry, you'll need to rub it off with alcohol and a cotton ball to clean it. Tumbler ink removal using rubbing alcohol is similar to removing shirt ink by blotting with a damp paper towel. Then, wipe away any leftover ink with a cotton swab.
How to Remove Sublimation Ink From Mugs?
Are you looking to save some cash by reusing a sublimated mug and printing on it again? If you want to eliminate sublimation ink from a cup, vinegar is your best bet. To proceed:
- Fill a dish with enough white vinegar to cover the cup and set it in the bowl.
- After soaking the mug for around 60 seconds in white vinegar, you can begin washing it with a dishwasher sponge.
You'll soon see the print removing itself, revealing a nearly brand-new cup beneath.
How to Clean Wood Of Sublimation Ink?
Cleaning products designed specifically for removing ink from wood, or a combination of baking soda and warm water, can remove sublimation ink from wooden surfaces. The ink can be removed by making a thick paste with baking soda and warm water, which can then be applied to the area in question and rubbed with a damp cloth.
Conclusion
If you're trying to remove sublimation ink on a specific item, now you know it takes effort and expertise. Some sublimation ink removers are more successful at eradicating ink from particular surfaces than others. Whether or not sublimation ink can be removed depends on the age of the ink, the fabric on which its painted, and the removal procedure used.