You have decided to start a sublimation business? Hooray! Welcome to the club Padawan, grab your complimentary tea and biscuits and grab yourself a seat. Let me try and help you get set up.
Sublimation or Vinyl? Which is best for me?
A few times this month, other parents have asked me a question. More mums/parents are looking at alternative or additional incomes, especially now with the cost of living and childcare costs increasing. It’s no surprise that this question is commonly asked of me.
In this article, I’ll delve into the intricacies of both methods, offering insights into their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
And no, we won’t be diving into the cosmic Koala conundrum.
What is Vinyl and Sublimation?
Vinyl involves cutting designs with a machine, peeling them off, and applying heat to adhere them to various surfaces. Sublimation, on the other hand, entails printing designs onto special paper and transferring them using heat.
What Can I Do?
There is a tonne of stuff that you can do with either.
Both techniques offer a myriad of creative opportunities. Sublimation excels in transferring hand drawings, digital artwork, or photographs onto surfaces like coasters, jigsaw puzzles, and bags. Conversely, vinyl is versatile, allowing intricate designs to be cut and applied to almost any surface.
What’s the Setup?
Starting either venture requires minimal equipment. For vinyl, a cutting machine and heat press suffice, while sublimation necessitates a printer, ink, paper, and a heat press. Initial costs for both range from £300 to £500, with sublimation setups typically costing slightly more.
Space Required for Equipment
This was one of my biggest worries. Where am I going to put it all?
Consider the space needed for equipment placement. Sublimation equipment, particularly clam presses, is heavy and requires stable placement. Vinyl equipment, while lighter, can still occupy considerable space but offers more mobility.
Do I Need to Learn Anything New?
Sublimation is relatively straightforward, involving printing, pressing, and minimal trial and error. Vinyl, however, demands proficiency in specialised software, precise cutting, and meticulous application, resulting in a steeper learning curve.
Can I Work it Around Childcare?
This is my main question. And probably is the question that lead you to read this blog post (and I thank you so much if you got this far)
And the answer is yes.
Both methods offer flexibility for parents to work around childcare schedules. Sublimation may be more time-efficient, as designs can be quickly printed and pressed. However, vinyl allows for more intricate designs, albeit with additional time and effort.
When my son was napping I was able to process orders, print off designs and start packing as he slept soundly. I would then do pressing in the evening or on days he was at nursery. Now the naps are gone I can still work around him, just be prepared to be interrupted (a lot) to open a banana.
Decision
Ultimately, the choice between sublimation and vinyl hinges on personal preferences and time constraints. While sublimation offers ease of use and durability, vinyl provides versatility in design. Consider your workflow, space limitations, and desired outcomes before making a decision.
I went with sublimation, simply because I didn’t have the time to individually cut out different colours of vinyl, put it all together and then place it on a suitable surface. It was quick and easy to set up and get going. Another attraction was that it allowed me to use photographs and hand drawings on products allowing me to offer more personal products to potential customers.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for sublimation or vinyl, embarking on a creative business venture can be rewarding. By weighing the advantages and drawbacks of each method, you can select the approach that aligns best with your skills, resources, and lifestyle
All hail the cosmic Koala!
What on earth is sublimation and why is it awesome?
I first heard of sublimation in 2021. My husband suggested I start my own at home business using sublimation. It seemed like magic. Is it something that can actually be done at home? Is it really that simple? Who is the cosmic Koala in Star Trek: Lower Decks?
Simply put. Yes (Except the Koala, I have no idea what his deal is)
In the realm of crafting and personalized goods, the term “sublimation” might sound like a mystical process reserved for professionals. Surprisingly, this magical art form can be brought into your own home, transforming it into a hub of creativity. Additionally, you can explore different techniques and styles, experimenting with various materials and colours. Consequently, you can create a space that inspires and motivates you to express yourself artistically. Now, let’s unravel the enchanting world of sublimation printing.
What is it?
At its core, sublimation printing is an intricate process where a chosen image or design is meticulously printed onto specialized paper. Through the application of heat, the ink on the paper transforms into gas, magically transferring onto another surface, seamlessly merging with the material. It’s a bit like watching magic unfold before your eyes.
While this explanation might seem like the tip of the iceberg, there’s much more to delve into. In future blog posts, I’ll explore the essential components such as the type of printer, paper, heating presses, and other nuances that contribute to mastering this art form.. Consider it your invitation to return for an enlightening read.
Benefits of Sublimation
In a world where vinyl applications often sit atop fabrics, sublimation takes a different route, saturating the material with vibrant designs that won’t peel or crack over time. The benefits are undeniable, and in subsequent posts, I’ll delve deeper into the pros and cons of this method, keeping you intrigued and informed. Yes, more reasons for you to revisit my website.
Why Sublimation?
From my perspective, sublimation opens a realm of possibilities for detailed and intricate designs. Even hand-drawn or painted creations find a new life when transferred onto various materials using this method. The simplicity of the process makes it accessible to anyone with a creative spark—no extensive training or practice required. Just create, print, and press – it’s that straightforward.
Simples.
How big is the equipment?
The size of your sublimation equipment depends on your aspirations. I started with a standard clam press and printer that accommodates up to A4 size, but there are larger options for those aiming for A3 dimensions. My mug press, perfect for mugs, tumblers, and water bottles, is compact yet versatile. There are optional, additional attachments for different mug sizes, tumblers, and even baseball caps and plates available that will off you more flexibility but may demand additional storage space. It’s worth noting that the clam press is a hefty piece of equipment, and can’t be moved easily.
I hope this brief exploration into the world of sublimation has piqued your interest. If you’re curious or have questions about sublimation, my business, or items in my shop, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or connect with me on social media. Let’s embark on this creative journey together!
Regarding the Koala…
All hail the cosmic Koala!
