Sublimation Printing

How it works

Sublimation ink is printed onto transfer paper first, then moved onto the fabric using heat and pressure. At high temperature the ink turns straight from solid to gas and soaks into the polyester fibres before cooling and locking inside them.

Because the colour sits inside the fibre and not on top of it, the fabric surface stays soft. There is no layer that can crack, peel or feel thick to the touch.

When this method suits

• Full-colour designs with gradients, photographs or patterns covering the whole garment.
• Every piece needs a different name and number.
• Sportswear that has to stay light and dry quickly.

Its limits

Sublimation needs polyester fabric and works best on light-coloured cloth. It is not suitable for cotton, and a dark fabric colour cannot be "covered" with light ink because sublimation ink is translucent.

What we need from you

Artwork in vector format, a size list, and a list of names or numbers where applicable. See the Artwork Guide for the technical details.