To print on polyester with sublimation and avoid any ugly marks, stick to a temperature from 180°C to 200°C (356°F–392°F). Use medium pressure and keep the fabric under heat for 35–60 seconds. Always put protective sheets and soft foam pads in place. These simple steps stop shiny spots and clear press lines. Pick a light, special sublimation paper and keep heat plus pressure steady. This way you get bright colors and clean prints, even on thin items like scarves. The dye sticks well without hurting the polyester threads.

What Heat Settings Are Ideal for Sublimating on Polyester Without Leaving Press Marks?

Why Polyester Reacts Differently to Heat Compared to Other Fabrics

Polyester is a man-made fabric. It acts in its own way when it gets hot because it is thermoplastic. That means it can melt or change shape if the heat is too strong. This makes polyester easy to damage on the surface during sublimation if you pick wrong settings. Cotton is different. Cotton soaks up dye deep inside its fibers. Polyester does not soak anything. Instead, the dye turns into gas under heat and pressure. The gas goes into the polyester surface. When it cools, the dye becomes solid again. But too much heat or too much pressure can create shiny areas, gloss lines, or flat spots on the fabric. Once that happens, you cannot fix it. It looks bad.

How Temperature, Time, and Pressure Work Together in Sublimation

You need the right mix of heat, time, and pressure so the dye moves completely without ruining the cloth. For polyester, the best heat range stays between 180°C and 200°C (356°F–392°F). This level wakes up the dye fully yet keeps the fabric safe. You press for 35 to 60 seconds. That length lets the dye turn to gas and sink in nicely. Medium pressure matters a lot. Heavy pressure squashes the fabric and leaves clear box marks. Light pressure fails to push the paper close enough, so colors look weak. Medium pressure gives good contact without crushing anything.

How Can You Prevent Heat Press Scorching or Glossy Marks on Polyester?

What Causes Shine and Press Box Marks During Sublimation?

Most people see two main problems after pressing polyester: shiny patches and rectangle-shaped marks. These come from too much heat or too much force. When the heat goes too high, the top layer of polyester melts a little. That melted part shines more than the rest. It catches light in a different way. At the same time, strong pressure flattens the fabric texture. You end up with visible edges where the press touched. Another common trouble comes from water hiding inside the fabric. When heat hits that moisture, colors turn blotchy and uneven.

Which Techniques Help Eliminate Edge Lines and Gloss from the Heat Plate?

A few easy tricks solve these troubles. First, always place a Teflon sheet or parchment paper on top of the design. This soft layer blocks direct hot metal from touching the fabric. It stops most gloss. Second, put a piece of soft foam under the garment. The foam spreads the pressure out evenly. Hard lines almost disappear. Third, never press over thick seams, buttons, or zippers. Those bumps make pressure uneven, and marks appear fast.

Which Paper Weight Works Best for Lightweight Polyester Fabrics?

Why Lighter Transfer Papers Are More Suitable for Thin Textiles Like Scarves?

When you work with very thin polyester items such as scarves or hijabs, the weight of the paper really matters. Light paper (low GSM) creates less push against the fabric. Heavy paper can leave its own texture or even dent the cloth. Thin paper bends easily and touches every part of the fabric without needing strong pressure. It also stays in place better, so the picture does not slide and cause double images (ghosting).

Which Sublimation Paper Should You Choose for Hijab Scarves or Delicate Garments?

For thin polyester like hijabs or scarves, go with special low-GSM paper. The best choice is the 35gsm Sublimation Transfer Paper made just for light fabrics. It gives bright colors and sharp details. At the same time, it keeps the soft feel of the material. You avoid any stiff or shiny spots.

How Can You Optimize Your Workflow Without Compromising Fabric Integrity?

Why Consistency in Temperature and Pressure Is Critical for Production Quality?

If you print many pieces every day, the same settings each time are super important. Small changes in heat make colors look different from one shirt to the next. Customers notice that right away. Uneven pressure creates some prints that look perfect and others that have marks. When you make matching sets, everything must look the same. Keep your heat press calibrated and write down your settings. This simple habit saves time and keeps quality high.

What Role Does High-Speed Transfer Play in Reducing Fabric Stress?

Shorter press time helps the fabric stay in good shape. Less time under heat means less chance of melting or shining. The cloth stays soft and natural. Quick transfers also let you finish more items in less time. Your workers handle garments fewer times, so fewer wrinkles or fingerprints appear after printing.

Can CHANGFA DIGITAL Help You Achieve Cleaner Sublimation Results?

Why Professionals Choose CHANGFA DIGITAL for High-Efficiency Textile Transfer Solutions?

Many experienced printers pick CHANGFA DIGITAL because they focus on бумага сублимации. They have made paper and supplied printing services for over 15 years. Everything happens in their own factory—from raw paper to coating, cutting, and shipping worldwide. They offer many different paper weights for all kinds of fabrics.

For light polyester that marks easily, try their 30Gsm Non-Tacky Sublimation Heat Transfer Paper. It is built specially to stop shine and marks. Colors still come out strong and clear. The factory runs four big coating lines plus ten fast cutting machines. They can make rolls from 61 cm up to 190 cm wide. They even brought in one of the newest German coating machines. That means steady high quality every day, no matter how many rolls you need.

Часто задаваемые вопросы

Q: What’s the safest temperature range when sublimating on polyester without risking press marks?
A: Stay between 180°C–200°C (356°F–392°F) and use medium pressure. This range lets the dye work fully yet keeps the surface safe.

Q: How do I avoid ghosting or double images during sublimation on thin polyester?
A: Choose low-GSM paper or add a very light tack spray. Use firm but gentle pressure so nothing shifts while it’s hot.

Q: Is it necessary to use a foam pad or cover sheet during pressing?
A: Yes! Foam pads spread pressure evenly. Cover sheets block direct heat and stop shiny gloss marks.