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What is sublimination printing?
Sublimation printing is becoming the most popular method for printing high-quality graphics and logos. The process allows a complete transfer of a design onto a variety of fabrics and merch items. The great thing about sublimination printing is that the image or graphic has almost no resolution loss when comparing to the original image.
What is sublimation printing?
Sublimation definition: Sublimation is a chemical process where a solid turns into a gas without going through a liquid stage.
Sublimation printing, also known as dye sublimation printing, is a popular printing method for transferring images onto suitable materials. Typical printing methods involve a step with water, where the solid turns to water before a gaseous state. Sublimation printing does not involve the liquid step but goes right from solid to gas due to a chemical reaction (like dry ice).
How it works
We use a digital printer to produce images on sublimation transfer paper with sublimation ink. The sublimation paper is then placed into a heat press with the material and exposed to high heat – usually between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is when the ink and transfer material turn from solid to gas. Once they are in a gas state, they permeate the fibers of the material. Seriously… It’s basically science.
When the heat is removed from the transfer paper and substrate, the ink that has permeated the fibers solidifies and is locked permanently into place by the transfer material. Not only does the heat release the gas from the sublimation ink, but it opens the pores of the material you are transferring the image to. Once the pressure and heat are released, the sublimation ink returns to its solid state and the fabric pores close, trapping the ink inside.
Sublimation best uses
This printing method is best used on products such as polyester apparel in white or light colors or hard surfaces with a poly-coating, such as coasters, mugs, mouse pads, etc…
Sublimation FAQ’s
The sublimation process and heat transfer paper process are very similar, but there are definitely differences that if you don’t do printing every day.
Sublimation transfer paper
The sublimation process uses sublimation papers to transfer the design to the fabric, resulting in the image becoming a permanent part of the fabric.
What fabrics can you print on?
Sublimation printing fabrics
The sublimation process can only be used on 100% polyester material or materials with a special polymer coating. Sublimation is best for white or light colored fabrics. This may seem like a limited option, but polymer coated products can include coasters, mugs, mouse pads and more.
How much does it cost to print?
The sublimation process can be quite pricey when you add up the cost of materials involved. Not only do you need to invest in sublimation paper, essential software, and products that you can sublimate, but you also need a heat press.
What are the color capabilities?
Sublimation can print full colors which is great for transferring images or logos with specific colors.
How does sublimination printing compare to heat press or screen printing? What has the best durability?
With the sublimation process, the ink becomes part of the fabric as opposed to a layer on top of it. The resulting transfer lasts much longer than heat transfer paper results.
Better colors, longer lasting images and colors. This is our favorite process to use on lighter colored shirts, jackets, hoodies, and other fabric products. We can also do mugs, and other Swag merch.
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