Frequently Asked Questions
The Answers You Need
Have a question? Want to learn more about our store? We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular questions, accompanied by our thorough answers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us.
What is sublimation printing?
You will have noticed on a lot of our products the term "sublimation". This is a specific process that involves firstly designing your memorable images. Secondly, your images are printed using specialised ink (sublimation ink) onto sublimation paper (paper with a synthetic coating), using a sublimation printer (not your average home printer). The image is then transferred onto your product of choice, (a shirt, baby romper, mug, tumbler or keyring) using one of our various heat presses (different heat presses for different products). The ink is heated at high temperatures until it forms gas which permanently dyes the product, creating a smooth image or design.
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The products need to have a special coating that allows the ink to adhere properly. For clothing, they need to be light colours, made with a high synthetic or polyester count to allow the ink to be absorbed. Light colours are needed because the ink will show any underlying colours and can alter the colour being printed. Unfortunately (for now), cotton will not allow the ink to adhere permanently without the use of another product, for example, glitter vinyl or printable vinyl or other chemical.
What is vinyl transfer?
Vinyl is a great product we can use on almost any type of base - cotton, canvas, leather, ceramics, metal, and more. Vinyl is particularly good for clothing and gives a nice textured feel. It can also provide a more dimensional look to products.
Once an agreed design has been created, the design is cut from rolls of vinyl. The cut images are pieced together onto, and adhered to the product, creating a beautiful design.
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Creative Lee uses three types of vinyl:
HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) for products such as clothing, canvas, and leather, where heat is used to adhere the vinyl to the product (clothing or other textiles). We suggest limiting your design to 4 to 5 colours, as layers of vinyl can become thick and not very appealing.
Permanent vinyl for decals on glassware, ceramics, and windows. Although this vinyl is called "permanent" there are limitations and timeframes, with most lasting between 12 months to 5 years.
DTF (Direct to Film) - this technique involves printing a design directly onto a film and then transferring it to clothing or other textiles. These transfers can be placed onto any fabric, including cotton, and onto any colour base - light or dark.
Currently, we outsource the DTF process but do all the artwork and heat-transfer here at Creative Lee.
Creative Lee also uses vinyl in conjunction with sublimation for some of our products.
How to care for sublimated products
Sublimated products require a little care to keep the images bright.
Ideally, you will hand-wash your product/s. They can go in the dishwasher, and images will still last for many years, but eventually, the heat will fade your image. Like with any commercial product, images will fade over time. This is just normal wear and tear.
Included with all of our sublimated products is a care card with instructions on how to keep your images bright and vibrant.
How to care for vinyl decals
For Vinyl transfers on fabrics (clothing, textiles) will need to be washed and dried inside out to maintain the look and feel of your transfer. You definitely do not want to put your garment in the clothes drier, as the heat can cause your transfer to warp and lose its visual quality.
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For Vinyl decals on glass, ceramics, and wood: please only hand wash. If you put these in the dishwasher, the decal is likely to peel off due to the extreme heat, and nobody wants that to happen.
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Decals on cars or other windows should last for years, even going through the car wash. However, if your car is left in the sun all day every day, it is likely the decal will eventually crack and peel. Looking after your decal will help it to last for years and still look great!
What are the payment options?
For your convenience, Creative Lee offers:
Stripe: most credit/debit cards
Paypal
Direct Bank Transfer
What is Creative Lee's return policy?
At Creative Lee we understand products can get damaged, or do not arrive in the condition we would like. If, for any reason, our products do not arrive in perfect condition, let us know as soon as possible. Take a photo and send it to us.
Unfortunately as a small business, for customised items we are unable to refund if you change your mind, you ordered the incorrect size on clothing and apparel, or if you drop one of the breakables.
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For all apparel/clothing please check your sizes carefully. If at any time you are unsure, give us a call or email us before placing your order.
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See more detail under our section "Store Policies".