9 Best Sublimation Spray for Cotton [Upgraded Formula]

Does it bother you always when the sublimation print comes out faded on cotton? It’s true that sublimation inks can’t adhere properly to cotton materials. So, no matter how great the sublimation ink and paper is, the print will come out faded. 

Well, you have nothing to worry about as a bottle of sublimation spray can fix this issue! The best sublimation spray for cotton is the XWXUANYE Sublimation Coating Spray. 

But you can also use sublimation sprays from AOSORW, NGOODIEZ, Teebloom, and Rantherm. 

In this article, you’ll get to learn about 9 top-notch cotton sublimation sprays that will change your perspective forever! You’ll learn how it’s possible to create everlasting vibrant prints on cotton fabrics. 

So, read along till the end. Hopefully, it’ll help you to invest in a suitable sublimation spray.  

In A Hurry? Here’s 3 Best Sublimation Spray for Cotton We’ve Found

1. XWXUANYE Sublimation Coating Spray

If you’re looking for a fast-drying sublimation spray, the XWXUANYE spray is the best option for you. With one coat of this sublimation spray, you can get highly pigmented prints with a glossy and long-lasting finish. 

2. AOSORW 200 ml Sublimation Spray

AOSORW Sublimation Spray is best for uninterrupted spraying. This sublimation spray is extremely user-friendly and effective for light-colored cotton blanks. 

3. NGOODIEZ Sublimation Coating Spray

For beginners, NGOODIEZ Sublimation Coating Spray is a bliss for both light and dark cotton. It’s smudge-proof and fade-resistance formula keeps your sublimation designs vibrant for a long time.   

Comparison Table of Best Sublimation Spray for Cotton

Can’t wait to check out all the high-grade sublimation sprays? Here’s a sneak peek of the best sublimation sprays for cotton fabrics. 

Considerations When Choosing a Sublimation Spray for Cotton

Well, you can’t just choose a sublimation spray only because it supports cotton fabric. You need to consider other factors too like – the type of cotton, printing compatibility, eco-friendliness, budget, and safety. 

You’ll get to know about each of these aspects in the segments below.

Type of Cotton Fabric

Sublimation sprays work in multiple shades and color vibrancy for different levels of cotton mix. If you want to get vibrant prints, you need to choose a fabric that has less than 35% cotton. 

Some sublimation sprays can claim to get the best results even if your fabric contains 50-100% cotton material. But you’ll know the difference once you see a side-by-side comparison with a 65% polyester fabric.  

So, if you like faded, vintage-style designs, you can choose 100% cotton fabric for using sublimation sprays. 

But if you’re a fan of highly pigmented, vibrant prints, you should choose a fabric with less than 50% cotton material. 

Printing Equipment Compatibility

You must also check whether the sublimation spray supports your printer. Some sublimation sprays are designed to be used with inkjet printers or sublimation printers only. It’s because only these printers are capable of using sublimation inks.

Regular printers mostly can’t print with sublimation inks. As a result, the ink doesn’t turn into gas with appropriate time and temperature in the sublimation process. 

Ultimately, the print won’t transfer to the substrate even if you use the world’s best sublimation spray. 

So, when you’re choosing a sublimation spray for cotton items, you must check the manufacturer’s label. The label will help you to understand if the spray will bring you the desired output.  

Environmental Impact

Environmental safety is also a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a sublimation spray. Most cheap sprays can produce toxic fumes after being pressed with heat. It’s harmful to the environment.

That’s why, you should look out for sublimation sprays with eco-friendly components. Check the manufacturer’s label if it has certifications like OEKO-TEX® STeP, Better Cotton, and GOTS. If you notice the spray is polyacrylic-free, this means it’s safe for the environment.   

Cost-Effectiveness

Along with the application, you should factor in the cost-effectiveness of the sublimation spray too. 

A sublimation spray can look budget-friendly. But if the spray costs you more per unit in the long run, it’s not the right choice for you. 

So, to determine the cost-effectiveness, you must calculate the overall value of the product. Compare the price per unit with usage in a designated area and check if it’s a gain or a loss. 

Consider the longevity and the coverage of the product as well. It will help you to get an accurate overview of the investment you’re making. 

Safety and Health Regulations

Finally, you can’t forget to check certifications for your safety. Read the manufacturer’s label and figure out if it’s safe to use in baby and adult apparel. The same goes for pets if you like sublimating cotton fabrics for your pets. 

You need to ensure the spray doesn’t contain any non-toxic ingredients. Usually, health-safe sublimation sprays are odorless and have a water base. This is another sign you can check out. 

Moreover, you should check CPSIA certification if you intend to use the spray for children’s apparel. This certification confirms that the sublimation spray won’t harm sensitive skin under any contact. 

Top Brands in Cotton Sublimation Sprays

Now, before we dive into the characteristics of the best sublimation sprays, you need to learn about the trusted brands first. 

Here’s an overview of the leading cotton sublimation spray brands given below-

NGOODIEZ

NGOODIEZ is a brand for creative enthusiasts. This brand offers a wide range of supplies of DTF, sublimation, and Eco-solvent products. 

You can rely on NGOODIEZ for crafting with different kinds of substrates like fabrics, ceramics, acrylic, leather, and wood. 

All of NGOODIEZ’s products are made with high-quality materials which helps enormously in professional projects. The prints also last for a very long time and don’t bleed. 

Along with sublimation sprays, this brand offers Printhead Cleaning Kits, Coatings, Coating Activators, Sublimation Inks, and many more. 

Topcolor 

Again, Topcolor is another sublimation-special brand that specializes in cotton sublimation sprays. 

They produce a high gloss formula keeping both human and environmental safety in mind. They are more popular with online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Ubuy. 

The reason for their popularity is high-quality product formulation. You can get the best results even if you’re using 100% cotton for sublimation. 

Dyepress

For polyester resin formula, Dyepress is the best brand out there. They offer Poly-T Plus formula in their sublimation sprays which removes chemical sizing. Moreover, they are efficient in coating cotton fabrics excellently.

They also have separate concentrates for hard substrate sublimations. All of them are certified to be safe for human use. So, if you’re sublimating multiple substrates, you can rely on Dyepress without worrying much.   

Subli-Mate

When we’re on the subject of cotton sublimation, Subli-Mate is a brand worth mentioning. They have multiple products designed specifically for fabric sublimation. 

This brand not only cares about the pint vibrancy but also the durability and cost-efficiency of the product. 

Subli-Mate is also quite popular for its compatibility with different kinds of products. Specially, for inkjet printer compatibility, Subli-Mate is the name you’ll hear often. 

Cruzix

Finally, Cruzix is an outstanding brand for crafters. Apart from sublimation supplies, they also sell different kinds of creative supplies. 

You’ll find high-quality glues, heat-resistant tapes, sublimation blanks, and many more items within their bandwidth.

They also offer supplies at a budget-friendly price. So, this brand is more appropriate for beginner crafters. You’ll find Cruzix products mostly on Amazon and Ubuy.    

Top 9 Best Sublimation Spray for Cotton

So, now it’s time for a thorough review of the 9 top-performing cotton sublimation sprays. Keep reading the segments below to find the most suitable sublimation spray according to your needs. 

1. XWXUANYE Sublimation Coating Spray – Best For Saving Time 

Among all of the sublimation sprays, the XWXUANYE Sublimation Coating Spray will win your heart! The reason it deserves the top spot is its long-lasting quality. 

This sublimation spray can adhere your sublimation prints so well to the substrate that the prints won’t fade easily. 

Moreover, leaving a high-gloss finish on different kinds of substrates makes it more demandable.      

Specially, it’s capable of producing vibrant prints on cotton fabrics. Whether the cotton count is at 50% or 100%, this sublimation spray helps to make the colors pop. You don’t even need to mix any additional fluid or use a desizer for this spray. 

It’s a ready-to-go 100 mL sublimation spray that’s perfect for sublimating more than 50 cotton shirts! 

The standout feature of this product is protection against scratches or ink smudging. XWXUANYE has developed a special upgraded formula that helps to dry the spray within 5 minutes! 

What’s even better is that the spray is made from safe and eco-friendly ingredients. So, you can use it for sublimating children or pet apparel. 

So, if you’re looking for a sublimation spray that’ll speed up your work, this is the best option for you. It also comes under $12 which makes it a great choice for hobbyists and small sublimation business owners. 

Specs

2. AOSORW 200 ml Sublimation Spray – Best For Clog-Free Spraying

The AOSORW 200 ml Sublimation Spray is another cost-effective sublimation spray that produces vibrant prints. 

This spray made it to our list because it’s waterproof, safe, and convenient for use. It helps to avoid ink smudging issues for water-based sublimation inks. 

You’ll be stunned to check out the print vibrancy it can achieve on cotton fabrics. Specially, in light or white-colored cotton sublimation blanks, the colors are more prominent. 

You just have to apply 2 layers of the sublimation spray to get the highest output. Not to mention how it dries up super fast within 10 minutes!

However, the most unique feature of this sprayer is having clog-free nozzle design. No matter how much product you pump, the nozzle hardly gets stuck. This allows you to spray evenly on your sublimation blank. 

As a result, you won’t have any ink saturation issues with the sublimation prints. Along with the nozzle design, AOSORW also ensured a sprayer head for this sublimation spray. So, the spray can remain intact and be travel-friendly.    

Overall, this sublimation spray is suitable for sublimation business owners who don’t have much time for nozzle cleaning. 

It’s also a great selection if you have to travel frequently with your sublimation supplies. You’ll definitely get valuable use out of this budget-friendly sublimation spray.    

Specs

3. NGOODIEZ Sublimation Coating Spray – Best For Sublimation Beginners

The NGOODIEZ Sublimation Coating Spray is by far the best sublimation cotton spray for fabrics. It’s specifically designed to sublimate on textile items and works great for both cotton and polyester. 

You’ll love the glossy finish it brings to every sublimation design with only one thin layer of coating. So, this means you can use this product on multiple sublimation projects cost-effectively. 

What’s great is that it can sublimate 100% cotton almost as vibrant as sublimating a polyester garment. The colors pop out even if you’re using a dark sublimation blank. So, it’s a must-have sublimation spray for dark cotton also. 

Moreover, the spray makes the sublimation print smudge and fade-resistant. However, you can’t wash the item until 48 hours after the sublimation process. Otherwise, the print will fade. 

Again, this spray has an advantage over other cotton sublimation sprays for its user-friendly design. The spray comes with instructions and guidelines on how to use the product. 

It’s extremely helpful for beginner sublimation enthusiasts. They also come with warnings and cautions so that you don’t have to waste any product. 

In summary, the NGOODIEZ Sublimation Coating Spray is the perfect DIY sublimation spray for beginner sublimation hobbyists. It doesn’t cost more than $20. 

So, you don’t have to worry much about breaking the bank. However, it’s also good for small sublimation businesses where you don’t have a tight deadline and a large batch of deliverables. 

Specs

4. Teebloom Sublimation Spray – Best For Smooth Texture

Here’s another cost-efficient sublimation spray – the Teebloom Sublimation Spray. It comes more in quantity (250 mL) than the sublimation sprays we have reviewed so far. 

It does its magic with only one layer of coating. So, you can save bucks in the long term. 

Moving forward to other aspects, this sublimation spray can create long-lasting sublimation prints. It bonds the substrate and the ink so well that it’s hard to fade even after multiple washes. 

However, the prints look more vibrant within the 0-45% cotton spectrum. It can print on more than 50% of cotton material. But the ink looks washed out as the cotton count increases. 

Now, whatever the material is, the texture feels buttery smooth. The inks saturate at appropriate levels. Moreover, you can dry the sublimation ink by simply air-drying it or using a heat press. 

So, it doesn’t take much time in the preparation phase. Along with butcher paper, you can have sublimation prints free of yellow stains all over your item! 

Overall, it’s the best deal to get under $25. It’s perfect for sublimation businesses with versatile projects. 

Specs

5. Rantherm Sublimation Spray – Best For DTF or Vinyl Alternative

If you’re looking for a long-term sublimation spray, you should go for Rantherm Sublimation Spray. 

This sublimation spray has quite a strong formulation which helps to the print sustain for a long time. Its excellent water resistance and quick-drying capacity made it to our priority list. 

It’s one of the best products out there for cotton sublimation printing. Unlike Teebloom Sublimation Spray, the Rantherm Sublimation Spray can sublimate vivid prints on cotton material. You’ll receive a high gloss finish by setting the heat press correctly. 

Interestingly, you can use this sublimation spray as an alternative for DTF and Vinyl if you only have 100% cotton fabrics. 

The colors look brighter on a light background than on a dark-colored item. Though it might fade a little bit with each wash, it’s barely noticeable. 

Using less than a pint of this spray will bring you a higher outcome than heavy coatings. So, you can use a 100mL bottle for large projects like 100+ shirts all at once. 

Overall, the print per cost lowers significantly when you use this sublimation spray for professional sublimation prints. 

Specs

6. Cruzix Sublimation Coating Spray – Best For Fade Resistance

Now, let’s hop on to an odorless and zero-stain sublimation coating spray – the Cruzix Sublimation Coating Spray. 

This spray doesn’t have that annoying pungent smell and helps to create long-lasting prints. It also costs less than $15. So, you’ll be able to buy it without worrying much.   

You won’t believe the color vibrancy it can produce in cotton fabrics! Whether you have 90% cotton or 100% cotton, it prints as fresh as printing on 100% polyester. 

Moreover, it doesn’t leave yellow stains on your fabric as well. This is one of the reasons why you should keep this spray on your priority list.

But here’s the real game-changer. You can wash it as many times as you want. It stays bright forever! 

The sublimation ink gets permanently imprinted in the cotton material. Thanks to this durable sublimation spray. However, you need to put 2 coatings of this spray to get the highest output. 

Finally, the Cruzix Sublimation Coating Spray will be the best choice for both small and large sublimation businesses. 

Mostly, it’s suitable for 100% cotton items. Your customers will keep thanking you for the premium touch in your products.  

Specs

7. Topcolor Sublimation Spray – Best For Light/White Backgrounds

Next, we have Topcolor Sublimation Spray which is widely popular for strong adhesive quality. 

This sublimation spray has an upgraded formula that doesn’t make sublimation inks runny in the substrate. It makes the print strong and permanent.

This sublimation spray also outshines all the sprays for white cotton sublimation. You’ll be amazed by the print quality you’ll get after using it on a light or white background. 

The colors look vivid and have a glossy effect. You won’t find any ink residues after sublimation.

However, it’s not very effective in sublimating dark-colored shirts. Especially, you should avoid sublimating dark grey, blue, and black fabrics with this sublimation spray.

Apart from this drawback, it’s absolutely safe for use in both children and adult clothing. The spray is free from any toxic chemicals that will fade the fabric.

You can use it both indoors and outdoors. It won’t lose its effectiveness under direct sunlight.

Overall, you can use this sublimation spray, especially for light-colored sublimation projects. 

Specs

8. Kurchugo Sublimation Spray – Best For Vintage Sublimation Designs

Well, now we’ll talk about a different kind of sublimation spray that helps you to get vintage designs. This is the Kurchugo Sublimation Spray which is a boss in sublimating both cotton and polyester fabrics. 

It’s not for your regular vibrant sublimation designs. This sublimation spray helps to achieve the best muted, vintage outlook on your fabric. 

Most importantly, it works extremely well for complex designs. The colors are soft but the finish is seamless. However, remember that this sublimation spray doesn’t work well with rotary presses.

You won’t have any ink fading or cracking issues using this sublimation spray. It can keep the sublimation inks intact even after 6 washes! 

Specially, it works as a charm on white cotton fabrics. However, it’s harder to achieve the same output in dark sublimation blanks with this spray.  

So, if you’re looking for a long-lasting sublimation spray for creating muted sublimation designs, this spray would be a great option for you.  

Specs

9. Dyepress PolyTpro Sublimation Spray – Best For Children’s Clothing

Finally, we’ll finish the review with a non-toxic poly spray concentrate – the Dyepress PolyTpro Sublimation Spray. The reason we chose this sublimation spray is it’s CPSIA-certified. 

This means this sublimation spray doesn’t contain any toxic ingredients like polycrylic. So, you can use it in children’s wear as much as you want. 

It’s able to create deep, crisp sublimation designs in both cotton and polyester blends. Whether you use it in 60% cotton or 100%, it produces the most vibrant prints ever! 

But you need to ensure 3 coatings before putting the item under a heat press and dry fully. So, the cost per shirt boils down to around $2.67 which isn’t very expensive if you have a large sublimation business. 

With a 4-oz bottle of concentrate, you can make 8 oz. of sublimation spray. It can cover about 6 shirts in total with complex designs. 

The best part is the designs don’t fade even if you wash it after a few hours of sublimation. However, it can leave yellow stains right after sublimation. 

But the stains wash away with the first wash. So, don’t get scared if you see any spray residue on your fabric. 

To sum up, it’s the best sublimation spray if you trust more in poly concentrates. You should choose this sublimation spray if you work with children’s apparel sublimation more often. It’s safe for both humans and the environment. 

Specs

Benefits of Sublimation Sprays on Cotton

Sublimation sprays are a game-changer for the cotton fabric industry. In the past, you could only sublimate in polyester products. But thanks to modern technology, sublimation sprays have now widened the opportunity for us. 

Well, using sublimation sprays on cotton has numerous benefits than only enjoying cotton material. Take a look at the blessings sublimation sprays bring on cotton products. 

• First of all, sublimation sprays help to vibrant the prints on fabrics that have less than 50% cotton.
• You can increase the lifespan of your sublimation print by using sublimation sprays.
• These sprays also prevent inks from fading, cracking, or peeling off. So, you can use your sublimated items in the oven, dishwasher, or washing machine without worrying. 
• You can avoid any kind of abrasions or ink smudging by applying a thin layer of sublimation spray on your cotton items. 
• The spray helps to adhere the sublimation ink better on the cotton fabric.
• By using a waterproof sublimation spray, you can enhance the durability of the sublimation print.
• If you choose a high-quality sublimation spray for cotton, you can save time in the drying process.   
• You can use some of the spray on various substrates. This allows you to have more opportunities with one bottle of sublimation spray.  
• Moreover, it gives a smooth finish to the sublimated area after printing. 

Types of Sublimation Sprays

If you check the sublimation sprays available, you’ll find each of the sprays has different distinctive features. Though there are no official sublimation spray types, you can separate them based on their effectiveness.

You need to check the type of sublimation spray to know if you’re buying the one you actually need. So, here are the major types of sublimation sprays described below for your understanding.  

Type 1: One-Coat Sublimation Spray

This type of sublimation spray uses very little product. You only need one coating of the sublimation spray to cover up the print. It’s usually used in small sublimation projects where you want to get things done quickly.

However, there is a drawback to this sublimation spray. It doesn’t make the sublimation print durable. It’s only useful when you want to save time by cutting short the ink-drying process. 

Type 2: Two-Coat Sublimation Spray

Now, two-coat sublimation sprays are kind of similar to the one-coat sublimation sprays. But in this case, you have to use two coating of the spray to make the sublimation print permanent. 

This spray is used to enhance the vibrancy of sublimation colors. The two-coat sublimation sprays help to make the print visible even in dark cotton shirts.

It’s the right choice for getting accurate colors and strengthening the bond between the print and substrate.   

Type 3: High Gloss Sublimation Spray

If you love glossy sublimation prints, a high-gloss sublimation spray will do the magic. This kind of sublimation spray creates a smooth texture on top of your sublimation print. The designs will look fresh and shiny. 

High Gloss sublimation spray contains silicone, glycerin, diethylene glycol, and deionized water as their main ingredients. All of these ingredients together help to keep the prints smooth, glossy, flexible, and efficient in transfer.    

Type 4: Quick-Drying Sublimation Spray

Now, this kind of spray is a blend of one-coat and high gloss sublimation sprays. You can get your job done quickly with these sprays and they even enhance the quality of your print.

Moreover, these sprays have properties that make the print free of abrasion, rubbing, and smudging. It’s the perfect choice for small and mid-sized sublimation business owners.  

Type 5: Super Adhesive Sublimation Spray

The last type of sublimation spray is for durable finishes. These sublimation sprays create exceptionally strong bonds between the cotton fabric and the sublimation ink. 

So, you can wash the fabric several times, and still, the ink would fade. It’s the perfect spray type for creating long-lasting sublimation prints. 

Application Techniques for Sublimation Spray [9 Easy Steps to Follow]

Now that you have a sublimation spray in mind, are you worried about its effective application? 

Fear not. Here’s a step-by-step guideline on how to use sublimation spray for cotton–

• Step 1: First, wash the cotton fabric so that there’s no dirt or impurities mixed. 

• Step 2: Then, straighten the wrinkles of the fabrics using an iron.

• Step 3: After that, shake the sublimation spray bottle for a minute. The ingredients should mix well together.

• Step 4: Next, place the sublimation spray 6-8 inches away from the fabric and spray on it.  

• Step 5: Now, wait for the sublimation spray to dry completely. You can use a hair dryer at a low setting to speed up the drying process.

• Step 6: After the sublimation spray is fully dried, put the sublimation print on the designated area.

• Step 7: Then, use a heat press with the correct time and temperature settings and press the sublimation print into the fabric.

• Step 8: Let the sublimation print cool for a while before removing the transfer paper.

• Step 9: Finally, remove the sublimation transfer paper and you’ll be left with a vibrant print.   

Caution: You must always follow the recommended amount of sublimation spray on your substrate. If you apply more spray than the manufacturer’s suggestion, your sublimation ink will bleed. 

FAQs

Final Words

So, that’s all! The best sublimation spray for cotton is the XWXUANYE Sublimation Coating Spray. It’s overall a cost-efficient sublimation spray that’ll bring you the best results. 

But if you’re more interested in specific features like eco-friendliness, dark cotton sublimation, smooth finish, and water resistance, you can buy the sprays reviewed in this article. 

Finally, we hope you find the most appropriate sublimation spray for your cotton items.

Good luck!