Sublimation Printing Process - Vibrant Colors Through Multiple Washes
Dye sublimation inks provide lasting, vibrant prints.
Sublimation printing is our go-to method for creating custom designs on polyester fabrics and sublimation blanks – specially coated surfaces that hold the dye sublimation inks. Sublimation printing allows for vibrant, long-lasting prints that won’t crack or fade over time.
Whether you’re outfitting a team, commemorating a special event, or want a mug that screams personality, sublimation delivers vivid, long-lasting prints that won’t crack, peel, or fade. Sublimation printing can be used to create custom clothing, bags, mugs, and mousepads.
But is mastering this digital printing method worth the time and effort? That depends on who you ask. Unlike traditional printing methods, you can start the sublimation printing process with an investment of under $1,000 – all in.
While you can get gorgeous results, the sublimation printing process does require a little bit of practice. I invite you to continue reading if you’d like to understand how sublimation printing works before you invest in a sublimation printer and press of your own.
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What Is Sublimation Printing?
The Science Behind How Sublimation Printing Works
Sublimation printing relies on a scientific principle: when heated under the right conditions, solid dye particles turn directly into gas without passing through a liquid state. This chemical process is called sublimation. The dye sublimation process chemically bonds the ink to the fabric, ensuring high durability of the print.
Once the heat and pressure is applied, you start transforming from a liquid stage (ink on the transfer page) to a gas. When the dye cools and solidifies inside the fibers, it becomes part of the material rather than resting on top. That’s why sublimated prints don’t peel, crack, or fade like traditional screen-printed designs. The process creates permanent color bonds that keep your t-shirts looking great, even after many washes and daily use.
What Can Be Sublimated?
Popular items include:
- Apparel: Athletic wear, sports shirts, team jerseys, tote bags
- Drinkware: Tumblers, coffee mugs, water bottles
- Accessories: Mouse pads, keychains, coasters
Sublimation Dyes Are Perfect For…
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Business gifts & employee appreciation
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Family reunions & retreats
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Church groups & ministry events
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Contest giveaways & promotional swag
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Sports teams & fan gear
Drinkware & Desk Accessories
Tumblers: Keep drinks hot or cold, customized with your brand.
Mouse Pads: Add personality to your desk—finally ditch that 2009 pad.
From everyday essentials to standout gifts, we bring your designs to life on products people actually use and love. Whether it’s for your business, team, or a special event, our prints make lasting impressions.
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How to Prepare a Design Before Making Sublimation Products
Getting your artwork ready is one of the most important steps in sublimation. Because sublimation printing requires precision and specialized equipment, the way you prepare your file will directly affect the final results.
First, always start with a high-resolution file. Low-resolution graphics can look pixelated or blurry once transferred, while sharp images ensure the best print quality. If you’re working with photos or detailed logos, sublimation handles photographic designs beautifully, but only if the file is clear and large enough.
Next, remember to set your design to mirror image mode before printing. This flips the artwork so that once it’s pressed onto the blank, it reads correctly. Forgetting this step is one of the most common mistakes beginners make—and it leads to wasted ink, paper, and time.
If you’re designing for apparel, consider whether you want a small chest logo, a full front graphic, or even all-over printing that covers the entire garment. Sublimation makes seamless all-over patterns possible, but these require careful layout and the right press size.
Finally, keep in mind that sublimation works best on white or light-colored backgrounds, since there is no white ink in the process. Plan your artwork accordingly, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure. At Dart Custom Printing, we fine-tune every file to eliminate wasted ink and make sure your colors come out as bright and bold as you envisioned.
Sublimation Tips
Sublimation works best with bold colors and high-resolution graphics.
Since the ink bonds with the material, white or light-colored surfaces yield the most vibrant results.
We can help you prep your design or create something from scratch—just ask!
Dart Custom Printing Offers Complete Order Flexibility and Custom Designs
While sublimation printing provides wonderful results and makes homemade garments more accessible than traditional printing methods, most people find it bothersome to invest in the materials. That’s where Dart Custom Printing comes in.
Need just one custom mug for a gift? Done. Want 50 matching t-shirts for your church retreat? With our full-color print digital methods, we’ve got you. We offer no minimums on most sublimation items, so you can order exactly what you need.
Ready to order sublimated products? Call 252.810.1007 or complete our order form – we’re not quite on-demand printing, but our turnaround times are still incredibly quick.
Tools to Try the Dye Sublimation Printing Process at Home
If you’re interested in trying sublimation printing at home, you don’t need a massive setup or a commercial facility. With the right tools and a little practice, you can start producing vibrant, professional-looking designs in your own space. Here’s a breakdown of the essential equipment and supplies you’ll need:
What to Look for in a Heat Press
The heat press is the heart of the sublimation process. It applies the exact combination of heat, pressure, and time needed to transfer the ink into the fabric or coated surface. When shopping for a press, look for models with consistent temperature control and even pressure distribution—both are critical for preventing faded spots or uneven transfers.
The xTool Heat Press is a compact option suitable for various heat transfer printing methods, including sublimation.
A clamshell heat press works well for shirts and flat items, while mug and tumbler presses are designed to handle curved surfaces. For beginners, a smaller press is usually sufficient, but serious hobbyists may want a larger swing-away model for more flexibility.
Converting an Inkjet Printer to Sublimation Dyes
A sublimation printer is a specialized inkjet printer that can handle sublimation inks and features a Micro Piezo print head. Dye sublimation printers can be pretty costly, so most beginners skip that expense.
Most at-home sublimators start with a converted inkjet printer. Brands like Epson have models that work well when retrofitted with sublimation ink instead of standard cartridges. Specialized sublimation ink sets are widely available and allow you to print full-color designs onto transfer paper. Once converted, the printer won’t work with regular inks again—so it’s best to dedicate the machine solely to sublimation.
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