Best Adhesive Spray For Sublimation, Today we’re talking about sublimation spray adhesive. If you’ve been frustrated by tape marks after pressing your sublimation print, these spray adhesives might be just what you need.
We use heat-resistant tape to hold down sublimation prints and keep them in place during the sublimation process.
Movement during the sublimation process can cause “ghosting” or a “double print.” This happens when the print shifts slightly and prints in another area a second time. It can range from barely noticeable to very obvious, and it’s a frustrating problem in sublimation printing.
Heat-resistant tape can leave marks on some surfaces. If you have that happen try a sublimation spray instead.
How do you use this? Does it work better than the tape you’re already using? Let’s dive in, see what we’re going to use, and run some experiments.
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Sublimation Spray Adhesive
Years ago, I went on the hunt for the best sublimation spray adhesive and found one. Unfortunately, the company went out of business. Now, I’m on the search again for a sublimation spray adhesive that works well and doesn’t leave a rest.
Supplies Used
Sublimation Spray Adhesive you should use
- Pixie Spray
- Sprayway 82 Adhesive
Other Spray Adhesive Brands Tested
- Camie Spray Adhesive
- SpraynBond Basting Spray
- Scotch Spray Adhesive
- Alba Chem Adhesive
Other Supplies Used
- Brother Sublimation Printer
- Sublimation Paper
- Heat-resistant Mat
- Lint Roller
- Heat-resistant Tape
- Heat-resistant Gloves
- Tape Dispenser
- Protective Paper
Why Use Sublimation Spray Adhesive?
Sublimation spray adhesive is a great alternative to heat-resistant tape if your blank has tape marks after pressing.
A quality sublimation spray adhesive will securely hold your print in place without leaving any residue once heat is applied.
Acrylic is a good example of a blank that often ends up with press or tape marks. When heated, the tape can actually be placed into the surface, which doesn’t give you the polished, professional look you want.
Sublimation spray adhesives are repositionable, eliminating the need for tape when applying them.
What Blanks Can I Use Sublimation Spray Adhesive On?
You can use sublimation spray adhesive on a variety of materials such as fabric, coasters, mouse pads, acrylic, plastic, metal, wood, glass, sublimation leather, and more. It serves as a adaptable alternative to tape for most sublimatable blanks.
Does Sublimation Spray Replace Heat-resistant Tape?
I still rely on tape for most of my projects, especially when I encounter issues like tape leaving press marks or not adhering well to the blank. Heat-resistant tape works best in these situations.
How to Use Sublimation Spray Adhesive
I prefer to place my sublimation print inside a box to shield the surrounding area from adhesive spray, which can spread easily.
Next, shake the sublimation adhesive spray thoroughly and then spray it from a distance of about 12-18 inches away from the print.
I spritz the spray into the air and let it settle onto the sublimation print.
The adhesive dries quickly and becomes slightly tacky. It’s important to let it dry completely before applying the sublimation print.
Add Print to Sublimation Blank
Just like with any other sublimation project, ensure the sublimation blank is thoroughly cleaned before applying the print.
Position the print onto the sublimation blank and gently press it down. The print should stick lightly to the surface.
With the sublimation print in place, we’re ready to proceed to pressing.
Press Sublimation Print onto Sublimation Blank
Add protective paper to both the front and back of the sublimation blank, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for pressing.
Using spray adhesive doesn’t change the time and temperature needed to press your sublimation print.
Once the pressing time is complete, carefully peel back the sublimation print. A quality sublimation spray adhesive will allow for easy removal without leaving any residue on the blank.
In the photo above, you might notice the image appears light. This is because for this particular blank, you press from the back, and the vibrant image is on the opposite side.
Which Sublimation Adhesive Sprays Work the Best?
I tested six different sublimation adhesive sprays to find the best one for my projects. Each adhesive was tested on both hard and soft surfaces.
I was testing to see:
- How well does it spray?
- Does it leave any residue on the surface?
Does the print look different if I tape vs. use spray adhesive?
Favourite Adhesive Sprays
My top choice is the Pixie Spray from iCraft. Although it comes in a small bottle, you don’t need much adhesive, so it lasts a long time.
If you can’t find Pixie Spray, my second favourite was Sprayway Mist Spray adhesive, specifically the one labelled with “82” for textile screen printing. It performed exceptionally well for sublimation projects.
Other Sublimation Spray Options
The other four adhesive sprays I tested didn’t perform as well. If you’re experiencing issues with your adhesive spray, consider the brand you’re using.
Not all brands are equal—some spray too quickly or apply too heavily.
Another factor could be that they’re not designed to withstand heat, which can alter their adhesive properties during the heating process.
Even if a brand claims their spray is for sublimation, it may not deliver satisfactory results.
Final Thoughts on Sublimation Spray Adhesive
I’m very pleased with how well the Pixie Spray performed on both soft and hard surfaces.
If you’re struggling with tape marks or ghosting issues because your tape doesn’t stick properly to the blank, I highly recommend giving a sublimation spray adhesive a try.
If you’re experimenting with a new blank for the first time, I always suggest ordering an extra one to test if the tape leaves any marks. Acrylic and neoprene are particularly prone to press marks, which is why I find it helpful to have a reliable spray adhesive on hand as a backup.
I usually rely on heat-resistant tape because it works well most of the time.
For sublimation crafters, having a spray adhesive in your craft room can be a valuable tool.
If you’re using one of the sprays I recommend and experiencing issues, it could be due to applying too much spray or not allowing enough time for it to dry before applying the print to the blank.
Hopefully, this has answered all your questions about sublimation spray adhesive. If you have any more questions, feel free to leave them in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help!
