What Is Sublimation?

Sublimation, also known as dye-sublimation printing, is a process that uses special dye-based inks to produce high-quality, long-lasting, and full-color images on various substrates. The term "sublimation" refers to the process by which a substance transitions directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid state.

Doesn't that sound cool?! Let's wall through the steps of how we do it:

  1. Printing: The desired image is first digitally created or scanned and then printed onto a special transfer paper using a printer equipped with dye sublimation inks. The image is printed in reverse (mirror image) because it will be transferred onto the final substrate. This is why submitting your best quality photo is so important!

  2. Heat Press: The substrate and transfer paper are subjected to high heat and pressure using a heat press machine. As the temperature rises, the dye sublimation inks on the transfer paper turn into a gas without passing through a liquid phase. The gas permeates the surface of the substrate and becomes trapped within its fibers or coating.

  3. Cooling: After a certain amount of time under heat and pressure, the heat source is removed, allowing the substrate to cool down. As it cools, the sublimated inks solidify, resulting in a permanent, full-color image embedded within the substrate.

The dye sublimation process offers several advantages, including:

  • High-quality prints: Dye sublimation produces vibrant, detailed, and full-color images with smooth gradients and continuous tones.
  • Durability: The sublimated images are resistant to fading, scratching, and washing because the dye becomes part of the substrate rather than sitting on its surface. That's why most of our products are washing machine and dishwasher safe. 
  • Versatility and Customization: Dye sublimation can be used to print on a wide range of substrates, including fabrics, ceramics, metals, plastics, and more. It is ideal for producing personalized and customized products such as photo gifts, apparel, promotional items, and signage.

Sublimation by far is our favorite process to work with. Nothing catches the eye more than a vividly produce photo- and sublimation allows us to do that. Its versatility across various industries, including apparel decoration, textile printing, promotional product manufacturing and signage makes it a great option.

Feeling fully educated now? Great! Take a look at our items available to personalize!