Sublimation is a process by which sublimation dyes are printed onto a transfer medium with a specially prepared inkjet printer. Thereafter, those dyes are then transferred from the medium to an object or garment under the heat and pressure delivered by a commercial heat press. Sublimation only works on garments made of polyester, or on specialty objects made of polyester or given a polyester coating. When the heat and pressure are applied, the dye on the transfer medium sublimates, or becomes a gas, and is then absorbed into the polyester itself; the print is actually a part of the garment/coating. It doesn’t fade easily, wear, or have any texture or weight.
What products can sublimation printing be used on?
Sublimation is best used for white or light colored fabrics, usually polyester or a poly blend. Sublimation can also be used on polymer coated products such as coasters, mugs, mouse pads, phone cases, towels, basketball jerseys, glass etc.
Why is sublimation printing used?
Sublimation printing is the cheapest and most effective way to produce a full color print on polyester. Other processes like screenprinting, heat transfer or embroidery do not have the same effect and are more expensive, take longer or do not have the same desired effect. Sublimation is also an environmentally friendly printing alternative.
What does sublimation printing mean?
Sublimation printing, also known as dye sub or sublimation printing is a popular printing process for transferring images onto fabrics or materials. Sublimation excludes the liquid state and goes right from solid to a gas due to a chemical reaction. (kind of like dry ice.)
Is sublimation printing permanent?
Yes. Images and designs using the sublimation printing process yield beautiful and permanent colors that are embedded in to the substrate or fabric, rather than just printed on the surface.
Can sublimation printing be done on cotton?
No. You cannot do sublimation on 100% cotton. Sublimation must be done on garments with some polyester content. (Higher percentage of polyester the better, no less that 50% polyester)
Is sublimation printing environmentally friendly?
Yes. Sublimation printing is the most environmentally friendly and sustainable process possible for sports apparel, garment printing and production. It produces no wastage and water is not required for the sublimation process.
Is sublimation printing good quality?
Sublimation printing produces a vibrant and high quality print on fabrics and materials. In comparison to other printing methods sublimation printing is the best process to produce a garment with endless design possibilities.
Does sublimation printing fade? Is sublimation printing durable?
Sublimation does not fade, peel off, come out in the wash or sun. Sublimation can print high quality photo prints or vector graphic designs which can be created and transferred to a polyester fabric or garment in a matter of minutes.
