The Truth About Sublimation Sprays: Why your spray isn't working the way it should

Do you have the right spray for the right job?

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Sublimation is an incredible way to transfer high-quality, full-color designs onto various surfaces. However, when it comes to sublimation on cotton, many crafters and businesses turn to sublimation spray as a solution. The problem? Most sublimation sprays on the market are nothing more than rebranded wood finishes—and that’s a serious issue.

What Is Sublimation Spray?

Sublimation spray for cotton is designed to create a polymer-like layer on fabrics, allowing sublimation ink to bond with non-polyester materials. Without this layer, sublimation ink will simply wash out of cotton because it needs a polyester surface to adhere properly.

The Wood Finish Connection: Why Most Sprays Are Inferior

Many so-called sublimation coating sprays are simply repurposed wood finishes, like polyurethane or acrylic coatings. Here’s why this is a huge problem:

  1. Not Designed for Fabrics – Wood finishes are formulated to protect and seal porous materials like wood, not to create a flexible, breathable, and durable sublimation-ready surface on cotton.
  2. Cracking and Peeling – Since wood finishes harden and create a stiff surface, applying them to fabrics can result in designs that crack, peel, or feel rough.
  3. Limited Washability – Sublimation should be long-lasting, but when using a spray made from wood finish, the coating often washes out quickly, leading to faded or missing designs.
  4. Chemical Concerns – Many wood finishes contain harsh chemicals and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that aren’t meant to be in contact with skin, making them potentially unsafe for apparel and other personal-use items.

The Alternative: Sublisnap – A True Sublimation Solution

Unlike traditional sublimation sprays, Sublisnap was developed specifically for sublimating on cotton and other non-polyester surfaces. Here’s why it’s superior:

Why This Matters for Your Business or Hobby

If you’re serious about sublimation, using the right sublimation spray can make or break your projects. Cheap alternatives masquerading as true sublimation solutions will leave you with frustrated customers, wasted time, and faded designs.

Don’t fall for the wood finish gimmick; choose a sublimation spray for cotton that’s actually formulated for the job. Try Sublisnap today and see the difference for yourself!


Ready to upgrade your sublimation game? Visit Sublisnap.com and stop settling for outdated, ineffective coatings. Your prints and your customers deserve better!