What is Sublimation printing?
Sublimation printing is a process used to transfer dye onto materials using heat. The term "sublimation" refers to the physical process where a substance transitions from a solid directly into a gas without passing through the liquid state. This process is what gives sublimation printing its unique characteristics.
How Sublimation Printing Works:
Design Creation: The first step is creating the digital design using graphic design software. This design is then printed onto special sublimation transfer paper using sublimation ink.
Heat Activation: The transfer paper is placed on the material you want to print on (usually polyester fabric or specially coated surfaces). Heat (typically around 350°F - 400°F) and pressure are applied using a heat press.
Sublimation Process: Under heat, the sublimation ink turns into a gas and bonds with the polyester fibers or the coating on the material. Since the ink becomes a part of the fabric (or coating) instead of just sitting on top, the result is a permanent, high-quality, full-color image that won't fade, crack, or peel.
Result: The final product is vibrant, with the ink fully embedded in the material. This makes sublimation printing ideal for sportswear, promotional products, mugs, phone cases, and other hard substrates with polyester or polymer coatings.
Key Characteristics of Sublimation Printing:
Long-lasting results: Since the ink bonds at a molecular level, the design becomes part of the fabric or object, making it very durable.
Full-color, high-quality prints: Sublimation allows for photorealistic images with vibrant, bold colors.
Only works on light-colored polyester or polymer-coated surfaces: Sublimation only works on polyester fabrics or specially coated items like ceramic mugs, metal, or plastic.
In summary, sublimation printing is perfect for products that need high-quality, durable, full-color prints, especially on polyester-based materials.