Sublimation printing for your brand.

Sublimation printing is a technique for transferring high-quality, lasting designs to garments and other fabrics. This complete guide covers everything you need to know.

What is sublimable, and what isn't?

Sublimation is a process where an image or design is printed onto a material through heat and pressure. For a material to be sublimable, it needs a surface that lets the ink bond.

Sublimable materials include fabrics like polyester, nylon and spandex, as well as certain ceramics and plastics.

Did you know… Sublimation isn't just for t-shirt designs — it's used on mugs, puzzles, pillows, bottles, mouse pads, curtains, tablecloths, sportswear… and also in electronic circuits, microscopes and solar panels. It's a versatile technique with applications across many industries.

High-quality sublimation prints

Sublimation produces high-quality, durable and vibrant prints on t-shirts. You need the right materials: sublimable ink and a sublimation printer.

How to find a good sublimation partner

1. Proven experience with previous work.
2. Print quality with high-quality equipment and inks.
3. Product range covering what you need (t-shirts, mugs, etc.).
4. Prices and lead times from several companies to compare.
5. Customer service that's quick and helpful.
6. Recommendations and reviews from previous clients.

What to prepare before starting

1. Design that's clear and high-quality.
2. Chosen product and print placement.
3. Exact size of the design.
4. File format (JPEG, PNG, vector…).
5. Contact with the supplier for a quote and details.
6. Payments and deadlines agreed before production.
7. Approved sample before the main run.

Sublimation advantages

The big advantage is complete customisation: unique, vibrant, lasting designs on every garment. If you have questions, we'll lend a hand with the customizer and production.

FAQ

What materials are sublimable?

Polyester fabrics, plastic polymers, ceramic and certain treated metals. They need a surface that accepts ink and withstands heat and pressure.

What do you need for sublimation?

A sublimation printer, transfer paper, sublimable ink, a heat press, and the sublimable materials to print.

How does sublimation work?

Heat and pressure are applied to a sublimable material printed with sublimable ink. The ink turns to gas and bonds with the material, creating a vibrant, lasting image.

Are sublimation prints durable?

Yes, very durable. The image integrates into the material: no cracking, no fading, no texture or "glue" feel like other techniques.

What image resolution do I need?

Minimum 300 dpi for optimal quality. Final quality depends on the source file.

Can you sublimate on any fabric colour?

No: sublimation works on white or very light-coloured materials. The ink isn't opaque, so on dark fabrics the image won't show through.