Sublimation troubleshooting — ghosting, banding and fading

Three issues account for almost every wasted blank in a sublimation workshop.

Also known as: dog leash sleeve, personalized dog leash, custom dog leash, leash cover, lead wrap. Lead Sleeve ships worldwide — UK, US, EU, Canada, Australia, Asia, LATAM.

Ghosting

Looks like: a faint shadow image offset from the main print. Cause: the paper moved during the press cycle. Fix: tape the paper down with heat-resistant tape, don't open the press early, slip a card inside a sleeve to stop flexing.

Banding

Looks like: repeated lighter horizontal lines through the print. Cause: clogged or partially blocked print heads. Fix: run a head-cleaning cycle and nozzle check. Print at least one full A4 colour sheet weekly.

Fading

Looks like: colour comes out washed or chalky. Cause: undertime, undertemperature, or low-polyester substrate. Fix: increase time by 5–10s OR temperature by 5°C (one variable at a time). Confirm 85%+ polyester. Check ICC profile is loaded.

Bonus: yellowing

White areas come out cream → press too hot or too long. Drop temp or time and re-test.

For canonical settings, see the press settings guide.