Sublimated jerseys are durable and vibrant but require careful handling to avoid damage. Here’s how to iron them safely:
- Use Low Heat: Set your iron to the lowest temperature (around 250°F or "synthetic" setting).
- Turn Inside Out: Always iron the jersey inside out to protect the design.
- Use a Barrier: Place a clean cotton cloth or parchment paper between the iron and the fabric.
- Avoid Steam: Steam can cause dye bleeding or wrinkles – keep the iron dry.
- Test First: Check the heat on a hidden area before ironing the entire jersey.
For wrinkle removal without ironing, try steaming, using a dryer with a damp towel, or applying wrinkle-releaser spray. Proper care, including air drying and storing jerseys on padded hangers, ensures they stay smooth and game-ready.
| Method | Heat Exposure | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ironing with cloth | Low | Deep wrinkles |
| Steam shower | None | Light wrinkles |
| Handheld steamer | Low | Targeted areas |
| Dryer with damp towel | Low | Overall wrinkles |
| Wrinkle-releaser spray | None | Delicate fabrics |
Take these steps to maintain your jersey’s vibrant look and performance.
Using an iron for sublimation printing – It just won’t work! // comparing heat press vs iron
Risks of Ironing Sublimated Jerseys
Taking care when ironing sublimated jerseys is crucial. Even small missteps can ruin their look and performance, turning your prized gear into a costly mistake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Sublimated polyester is sensitive to heat, with an ideal ironing temperature around 250°F (120°C). Going beyond this can cause serious damage.
Another common error is letting the iron make direct contact with the design. Without a protective layer, the heat can disrupt the dye, leading to blurred colors, shifts in the design, or permanent marks on the fabric.
Using steam or applying heavy pressure is also risky. Both can lead to dye bleeding, puckering, or wrinkles that become impossible to remove.
Lastly, rushing the cooling process is a mistake. Moving or folding the jersey while it’s still warm can create new wrinkles or distort areas that haven’t fully set. Always allow the jersey to cool completely before handling it.
These errors can lead to visible and often irreversible damage, as explained below.
Damage That Can Happen to Jerseys
Excessive heat can wreak havoc on sublimated colors, causing them to fade, shift, or even wash out. This is especially noticeable in jerseys with detailed gradients or intricate designs.
If the temperature exceeds the fabric’s limit, polyester can melt. This can leave shiny patches, rough textures, or, in the worst cases, holes. Once melted, there’s no way to fix it.
Heat can also distort the design. Numbers, logos, or text may stretch, compress, or become misaligned, which is a big issue for team uniforms that need to look polished and uniform.
Direct contact from the iron’s soleplate can imprint marks onto the jersey, ruining its intended look.
Finally, the fabric itself can suffer structural damage. Issues like puckering or stretching don’t just affect the appearance – they can also compromise the jersey’s overall durability and performance.
Steps to Prepare Before Ironing
Taking the right steps before ironing sublimated jerseys is essential to avoid any damage. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your jersey in great shape.
Check the Jersey First
Before you even plug in the iron, give your jersey a thorough inspection. Look for any stains or dirt, especially in high-wear areas like the collar, cuffs, underarms, or near the design. Why? Because heat will permanently set any stains into the fabric, making them impossible to remove later.
If you spot any stains, clean the jersey completely before moving forward. Never iron over dirty areas – once the heat bonds the stain to the polyester fibers, there’s no undoing it.
Get the Jersey Ready for Ironing
After ensuring your jersey is spotless, turn it inside out. This simple step protects the design from direct heat. Lay the jersey flat on a clean, heat-resistant surface, and smooth out any wrinkles by hand.
Before ironing, always place a clean cotton barrier – like a sheet, pillowcase, or thin towel – between the iron and the jersey. Make sure the cloth fully covers the area you’re ironing, with extra material overlapping the edges for added protection. Once everything is set, you’re ready to move on to ironing safely.
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Safe Ironing Methods for Sublimated Jerseys
Once your jersey is ready, it’s time to iron carefully. Using the right techniques and precautions will help protect both the fabric and the sublimated design.
Set the Iron to Safe Heat Levels
Start by setting your iron to its lowest, "synthetic" setting. High temperatures can cause polyester fibers to melt or distort the sublimated design, leading to fading, warping, or even transferring the print onto the iron.
Turn off the steam function completely. Steam introduces extra heat and moisture, which can damage the fabric and blur the design. Keep the iron dry throughout the process.
Before ironing the entire jersey, test the heat on a hidden area, like an inside seam or near the hem. This quick check ensures the temperature won’t harm the material. If you notice any changes in texture or color, lower the heat further.
Once you’ve tested the temperature, it’s time to add a layer of protection.
Use a Protective Cloth
Never place the iron directly on the jersey. Always use a clean cotton barrier between the iron and the fabric. A thin cotton cloth or a pressing cloth works well to evenly distribute heat while shielding the sublimated design from direct contact.
For added protection, parchment paper can be a great choice. Parchment paper releases heat quickly, making it ideal for delicate sublimated fabrics. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use the shiny side of multipurpose paper or a clean cotton pressing cloth instead.
To handle seams or thicker areas, a pressing pillow can help distribute heat and pressure evenly. Whatever barrier you choose, ensure it’s completely clean to avoid transferring any residues onto your jersey.
If you’re using a thicker barrier, you may need to increase the iron’s temperature by 20°F to 40°F. This adjustment ensures you can still smooth out wrinkles effectively while keeping the jersey safe.
Other Ways to Remove Wrinkles
If ironing feels too risky, there are alternative methods to remove wrinkles without exposing your sublimated jersey to direct heat.
Steaming methods are excellent for polyester jerseys. Hanging your jersey in the bathroom during a hot shower can naturally release wrinkles. For more precision, a handheld steamer works well – just keep it at least 6 inches away from the fabric to avoid damage.
The dryer method is another option. Toss the jersey into the dryer with a damp towel for 5–10 minutes on medium heat. The moisture from the towel creates steam, relaxing wrinkles. Alternatively, you can use a few ice cubes instead of a damp towel; as they melt, they’ll produce the same steam effect.
Wrinkle-releaser sprays are the gentlest option. Spray the product evenly over the wrinkled areas, then smooth the fabric with your hands. If the jersey feels damp afterward, use a blow dryer on the cool setting to dry and smooth it at the same time.
| Method | Time Required | Heat Exposure | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam shower | 10-15 minutes | None | Light wrinkles |
| Handheld steamer | 5-10 minutes | Low | Targeted areas |
| Dryer with damp towel | 5-10 minutes | Low | Overall wrinkles |
| Wrinkle-releaser spray | 2-5 minutes | None | Delicate fabrics |
Each method has its strengths, but steaming and wrinkle-releaser sprays are the safest for preserving your sublimated design while still removing wrinkles effectively.
Care After Ironing and Preventing Wrinkles
Once you’ve ironed your jersey using safe techniques, the next step is all about maintaining its look. Proper storage and handling are key to preserving its vibrant colors and smooth finish.
How to Store Jerseys Properly
To protect your jerseys from fading, store them in a shaded area or inside a closed wardrobe, away from direct sunlight or UV exposure. Avoid placing them near windows or under direct light sources, as this can lead to discoloration over time.
Keep them in a room with stable, moderate temperatures – far from heaters or air conditioners that might cause fabric damage. If hanging your jersey, use padded or wide hangers to maintain its shape. For folded storage, place acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent creases and ensure there’s enough space to avoid unnecessary pressure.
Proper storage isn’t just about keeping your jersey safe; it also lays the groundwork for avoiding wrinkles during use or while traveling.
Ways to Prevent Wrinkles
To keep your jerseys wrinkle-free, air drying is one of the best options. Hang them in a shaded area or lay them flat on a clean surface to dry. This helps maintain both their appearance and longevity.
If you’re traveling, pack jerseys in dry cleaning bags to minimize friction that can cause wrinkles. For tournaments or events, fold the jersey neatly, securing the collar with a tightly wrapped belt, and consider using garment bags for added protection. Once you arrive, hang the jerseys immediately to prevent creases from setting in.
Since polyester is naturally resistant to shrinking and wrinkling, a little attention to storage and packing can go a long way in preserving that smooth, polished look.
| Storage Method | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Padded hangers in closet | Daily storage | Maintains shape and prevents shoulder marks |
| Garment bags | Travel/transport | Protects from friction and pressure |
| Flat storage with tissue paper | Limited space | Reduces fold creases and prevents color transfer |
Conclusion
To keep your jersey looking its best, always iron it inside out on a low heat setting, using a thin cotton pressing cloth for added protection. If ironing isn’t an option, try steaming or even hanging it in a hot shower to smooth out wrinkles effectively.
Proper care doesn’t end with ironing. Air drying your jersey in a shaded area helps protect both the fabric and the print, while careful storage prevents creases and wrinkles from forming. Gentle handling goes a long way in maintaining that polished, professional look.
Wooter Apparel‘s sublimated jerseys are designed to stand out, but they require thoughtful care to keep their vibrant designs intact. The sublimation process infuses dye directly into the polyester fibers, creating prints that are long-lasting and bold – but only if treated with care. Combining safe ironing methods with smart storage habits ensures your team’s jerseys stay game-ready and sharp season after season.
FAQs
Can I use steam when ironing sublimated jerseys, and how do I avoid damaging them?
Using steam on sublimated jerseys can cause fabric damage, water stains, or even design distortion, as these garments are particularly sensitive to both heat and moisture. To keep your jersey in top condition, skip the steam and opt for a dry iron set to low or medium heat. Before ironing, test a small, hidden area to make sure the fabric and design stay unaffected.
For stubborn wrinkles, place a thin cloth or towel over the jersey before ironing. This creates a protective barrier, shielding the sublimated design from direct heat while still allowing you to smooth out the fabric. These simple precautions can help your jersey stay wrinkle-free and maintain its original look.
What’s the best way to remove wrinkles from sublimated jerseys without an iron?
If you don’t have an iron, removing wrinkles from sublimated jerseys is still easy. A steamer works great – just hang the jersey on a hanger and glide the steamer over the fabric. This gently smooths out wrinkles without damaging the design. Another option is to toss the jersey in a dryer with a damp towel. Use a low-heat setting for a few minutes, and the combination of steam and heat will take care of the creases while keeping the fabric and print intact. Both approaches are simple and safe for sublimated materials.
How should I store sublimated jerseys to keep them looking great?
To ensure your sublimated jerseys stay vibrant and wrinkle-free, store them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight and heat. Exposure to UV rays and high temperatures can lead to fading over time. Also, avoid leaving them folded or stacked for extended periods, as this can affect their shape and fabric quality.
For optimal care, hang your jerseys on padded hangers or fold them loosely without compressing them. This simple approach will help maintain their colors and design, keeping them looking fresh and ready to wear for years.