Sublimation VS Print

1. Sublimation dyes are loaded in the printer. The colors are usually in the CMYK color space.

2. Images are then printed onto the transfer paper. There are no limitations to colors and designs.

3. Heat is applied to transfer the ink to the fabric to undergo the sublimation process.

4. Ink is fused into the pores of the fabric and the garment panels are cut from the reels of the fabric.

5. The panels are sewn and pieced together and turned into an amazing sublimated sportswear product.

ADVANTAGES OF SUBLIMATION

• Unlimited colors with no added cost.

• Produces vibrant colors, making it perfect for photographic images.

• Ability to create complex all-over sublimation designs or prints on the front and back of your uniforms.

• You can’t feel the print at all, giving the fabric a soft feel.

• Sublimation print will not crack, peel, or fade.

• Enhance your garment by adding elements such as, rhinestones, hot fix glitter or foil with heat transfer.

• Sublimation printing never goes out of style. Because sublimated jerseys and uniforms are custom made, there is no need to worry about a uniform being discontinued next season. It is also easy to reorder one from us in the future as we keep your design on file.

MORE IN-DEPTH: Sublimation Printing - What is it, and what can it do for you? How do we define the process of sublimation?

Some apparel decorators call it dye-sub, or dye sublimation printing, but no matter what you call it, sublimation printing is a versatile, digital printing method that opens up a world of opportunities to any consumer of decorated goods.

So, what is sublimation? Well, simply put, sublimation is a process by which sublimation dyes are printed onto a transfer medium with a specially prepared inkjet printer. Thereafter, those dyes are then transferred from the medium to an object or garment under the heat and pressure delivered by a commercial heat press. Sublimation only works on garments made of polyester, or on specialty objects made of polyester or given a polyester coating. When the heat and pressure are applied, the dye on the transfer medium sublimates, or becomes a gas, and is then absorbed into the polyester itself; the print is actually a part of the garment/coating. It doesn’t fade easily, wear, or have any texture or weight.

So, what does all of this mean to you, our customer? There are many benefits of sublimation printing jerseys or apparels over embroidered or other types of apparel:

1. Full color on small runs. Unlike screen printing, there is no need for separate screens, films, or a great deal of setup for sublimation. Though you may well need to have us refine your art, the process thereafter is straightforward, and on smaller orders may prove less expensive overall than screen printing.

2. Less need for minimum orders. We are more likely to be able to accommodate a smaller order or re-order when you sublimate, due to the reduced amount of setup needed to print your item.

3. Individual customization. Though art charges may apply for this level of customization, seeing as each garment is printed from its own transfer rather than en masse on the same set of screens, this method makes it much easier to add individual customization to each printed item.

4. Lighter hand. The nature of sublimation means that the prints are never heavy or thick. The garment is unchanged by the process, save for the addition of your art. It means that sublimated uniforms are much lighter to play in, offering players more comfort than conventional jerseys. Besides, the players will not be able to feel the dried ink, weaves, or stitches of the design as it becomes one with the fabric, further adding to their comfort level - all they’ll be able to feel is the softness of the fabric!

5. Durability. There is no cracking or peeling in a sublimated print, they last as long as the garment. So, you can enjoy the fine quality and clarity of the player numbers, names, logo, and team colors for the entire lifecycle of the jersey.

What products can sublimation printing be used on?
Sublimation is best used for white or light colored fabrics, usually polyester or a poly blend. Sublimation can also be used on polymer coated products such as coasters, mugs, mouse pads, phone cases, towels, basketball jerseys, glass etc.

Why is sublimation printing used?
Sublimation printing is the cheapest and most effective way to produce a full color print on polyester. Other processes like screenprinting, heat transfer or embroidery do not have the same effect and are more expensive, take longer or do not have the same desired effect. Sublimation is also an environmentally friendly printing alternative.

What does sublimation printing mean?
Sublimation printing, also known as dye sub or sublimation printing is a popular printing process for transferring images onto fabrics or materials. Sublimation excludes the liquid state and goes right from solid to a gas due to a chemical reaction. (kind of like dry ice.)

Is sublimation printing permanent?
Yes. Images and designs using the sublimation printing process yield beautiful and permanent colors that are embedded in to the substrate or fabric, rather than just printed on the surface.

Is there a minimum order?
Yes, with sublimated apparel the minimum order is 10+ pieces. Pricing is also quantity defendant and is broken up into different price categories. We can place a smaller order 10 pieces for specific items but please enquire within.

Can sublimation printing be done on cotton?
No. You cannot do sublimation on 100% cotton. Sublimation must be done on 100% polyester for the best results. You can print on cotton shirts but it is not the same process as sublimation, but similar.

Is sublimation printing environmentally friendly?
Yes. Sublimation printing is the most environmentally friendly and sustainable process possible for sports apparel, garment printing and production. It produces no wastage and water is not required for the sublimation process.

Is sublimation printing good quality?
Sublimation printing produces a vibrant and high quality print on fabrics and materials. In comparison to other printing methods sublimation printing is the best process to produce a garment with endless design possibilities.

Does sublimation printing fade? Is sublimation printing durable?
Sublimation does not fade, peel off, come out in the wash or sun. Sublimation can print high quality photo prints or vector graphic designs which can be created and transferred to a polyester fabric or garment in a matter of minutes.

What temperature is used for sublimation printing?
The most common dyes used for sublimation printing activate during a range of 380 to 420 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal color.