FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What is sublimation and how does it work?
Sublimation or digital fabric printing is a multi step process whereby inks are permanently bonded to polyester fabrics.
Step 1 - Provide your artwork at the size you require. For more information please go to our File Set-Up Guide.
Step 2 - Your artwork is printed onto transfer paper using our large format digital printers. Think of it as similar to your ink jet printer at home, but on a much larger scale. We can print to 150cm wide.
Step 3 - The paper is taken to our calendar press where your artwork is heat pressed into your chosen fabric. This involves pressing the paper into the fabric at 180c to 210c. Under high temperature and pressure the dye turns into a gas and permeates the fabric and then solidifies into the fibres. The fabric is now permanently dyed so it can be washed without damaging the image. We can print to as many meters as you want as our process is roll to roll.
Step 4 - Your fabric can now be cut and sewn or displayed as you would like.
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Can I print onto silk?
No. Sublimation printing and digital fabric printing works with polyester based fabrics and pre-treated cottons only. The inks will not transfer to silk.
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What are your minimums and how many meters can I have printed?
Our minimum is 1 meter and we can print to 150cm wide. All specialty fabrics such as our cotton range is a minimum of 5m. As our service is roll to roll we can print to as many meters as you require.
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How do I send you my file?
You can send a file to us using our Up-Load a File page here. Please remember to provide detailed instructions and adequate contact information when sending your file. Otherwise, we can also accept files via Email, WeTransfer, GoogleDrive or your preferred file sharing method.
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How do I set up my file for printing?
Please refer to our File Set-Up Guide here.
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How can I see fabrics?
You are also welcome to come and visit our workshop to see our range. Otherwise we can supply swatches of a selection of fabrics. Please call 07 3299 1611 to arrange a time to visit or email sales@emeralddreams.com.au to order.
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Do you offer fabric swatches?
Yes, we can supply fabric swatches of your selected fabric choice. Please email sales@emeralddreams.com.au to place an order.
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How long will my order take?
Emerald Dreams offers a fast turn-a-round and we can have your order complete within 2-3 working days for polyester based fabrics and 5-10 working days for cottons.
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Can I print onto coloured fabrics?
For the best results sublimation is printed onto white fabrics. For example we cannot print onto black fabric as the end result would be just black. In order for there to be a black background we would print the black as well as all other colours and press this into white fabric. We have printed onto extremely light coloured fibres previously but it does change the integrity of your original colours.
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Can I provide my own fabric?
Yes, we are happy for you to provide your own polyester based fabric for printing.
-Please remember that our process only works on white polyester fabrics.
-As we print roll to roll we do prefer the fabric to be provided on a roll and ready for our press.
-Please provide at least 4m extra per roll for printing to allow for testing or reprinting.
-We do ask that the fabric be supplied without any creases, joins, stains or faults.
Please note Emerald Dreams cannot be held responsible for the outcome as there are external factors as listed above that are out of our control.
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Will my print look the same as on my computer/device screen?
Artwork colours can differ significantly from what you see on your computer/device screen to what translates onto the fabric. We strongly advise that you print a sample for approval prior to any large orders where a specific colour is required. Emerald Dreams provides a colour matching service at $50 per hour when specific or specialised colours are required.
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Can I print PMS colours?
No. Sublimation only offers 4 colours which are CMYK .
PMS colours are created for print media, newspapers and magazines and not fabric printing. If you want to match a PMS colour we offer a colour matching service at $50 per hour or we would recommend testing variations of the colour you are trying to create and choosing the best match.
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Will my image be pixelated at a larger size?
We do ask that your image files please be at least 150dpi to 300dpi resolution at scale of print. Small pictures/images will become distorted or pixelated when printed to a large scale.