Name of Ink Line (LINE CODE)

General Information

Litho Sub-Dye heat transfer inks (LTSB) are intended for printing offset or lithographic sublimation transfers. They are manufactured with both low-energy and medium energy dyes suitable for a variety of fabrics. Best results are obtained on 100 percent polyester. These inks yield outstanding color brilliance coupled with high production speeds. Transferred prints are porous or "breathable" with a very soft finish.

Resistance to washing, dry cleaning, perspiration, fading, and similar hazards is good to excellent. However, the results are dependent on the fabric and ink series used.

At the present time, cotton is not suitable for sublimation transfers unless the manufacturer specially treats the fabric or a polymer coating is applied to the image area of the transfer by screen printing before application of the transfer. Caution must still be taken when dealing with transfers to cotton since coatings do not always provide the desired result.

It is important to remember that there are some limitations in the application of these inks. These limitations should be thoroughly understood before a printer attempts to use these products.

Ink Selection

Use Litho SubDye Low Energy heat transfer inks (LTSB-L) on 100% polyester fabrics.

Use Litho SubDye Medium Energy heat transfer inks (LTSB-M) for acrylics, nylon, or rayon.

Opacity

Litho Sub-Dye inks are not opaque and should only be used for transfers to be applied to light-colored garments. The depth and brilliance of color that can be obtained from a given transfer is dependent on the nature of the fabric fiber as well as the fineness of the weave. Each fabric must be tested individually to make sure that the proper results are obtained.

Additives

There are no additives for this ink. This ink should be used right from the can.

Printing and Production

The inks perform on the press like conventional lithographic ink. Most types of smooth offset paper can be used. Coated stock is not recommended.

For best results and color control, process work should be run on a four-color press, although satisfactory results can be obtained on single and two-color presses. It is also possible to utilize a web press, provided the web sheet is sheeted at the delivery end.

When the inks are printed on the paper, they appear dull and dirty. It is only after they are transferred with heat and pressure to the fabric that the true color develops. Color bars must be printed and densitometer readings taken to ensure even coverage on the sheet. Slight variations in inking result in large differences when the transfer is made.

For proper quality control of the printed paper, it is absolutely essential that the lithographer have a heat transfer press to test the color. There is no way that the color on the paper can be related to the color on the fabric unless test transfer prints are made. Sheets should be checked at least every 500 impressions. Anyone who is unwilling to make this minimal investment should not consider entering the field of sublimation printing.

The sheets must be carefully checked for scumming and tinting, since any defects will be transferred from the non-image areas.

Transfer Instructions

Low Energy Series: Full color development can be obtained at temperatures as low as 375° F. with a 15-20 second dwell time for polyester.

Medium Energy Series: For full color development, 400° F. to 410° F. for 20-25 seconds is recommended.

Care must be used when these dyes are transferred onto other materials. On certain fabrics, a condition known as “resublimation” may occur with subsequent damage to the finished product. This is characterized by the appearance of color in unwanted areas.

Washability

Garments decorated with Litho Sub-Dye transfers may be ironed, washed and dry-cleaned. Resistance to fading is good to excellent although the results depend on the fabric used.

Related Products from Union Ink

Lithotrans Inks (LTHO) are specially formulated four-color process offset inks used in combination with a back-up plastisol layer to produce a litho/screen plastisol transfer. Lithotrans Ink bonds to the plastisol that in turn bonds to the fabric with the application of heat and pressure at time of transfer.

Unisoft Sub-Dye Ink (SBDY) is a water-based screen printable sublimation ink for printing sublimation transfers to be applied to polyester and other synthetic textiles. Transferred prints are porous or "breathable" with a very soft finish. They may be ironed, washed and dry-cleaned. Unisoft inks are not opaque and should only be used for transfers to be applied to light-colored garments.

Caution: While every precaution is taken to ensure the suitability of this ink for the purpose intended, we cannot assume any responsibility (liability) for its performance because of the numerous factors beyond our control. These include conditions of printing, variety of fabrics used, temperature, and dwell time and end use requirements. The depth and brilliance of color that can be obtained from a sublimation transfer is dependent on the nature of the fabric fiber as well as the fineness of the weave. Each fabric must be tested individually to make sure that the proper results are obtained. We strongly recommend that you test the ink thoroughly on the specific fabric that will be used. rev 12/98