Key takeaways
- Sublimation ink turns from solid to gas under heat and bonds into the material.
- It works on polyester and polymer-coated items, not plain cotton.
- Prints do not crack, peel or wash out.
- Works best on white or light surfaces; there is no white ink.
- It is not used for printing cardboard boxes.
What is sublimation ink?
Sublimation ink is a special dye-based ink that changes from a solid straight into a gas when heated, without becoming liquid first. That process is called sublimation. When the gas meets polyester fibres or a polymer coating, it bonds with them and becomes part of the material once it cools.
How does a sublimation printer work?
1. A sublimation printer, usually an inkjet printer loaded with sublimation ink, prints a mirrored image onto special transfer paper.
2. The paper is placed face down on the item.
3. A heat press applies heat, typically around 380 to 400°F (190 to 205°C), and pressure for about 30 to 60 seconds, depending on the material.
4. The ink turns to gas and penetrates the surface.
5. As it cools, the dye is locked in permanently.
What can you sublimate on?
Sublimation works on materials that contain polyester or have a polyester-based coating.
| Material | Works? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100% polyester fabric | Yes | Best colours |
| Poly-cotton blends | Partly | Faded, vintage look |
| 100% cotton | No | Use DTF or screen print |
| Coated mugs, tiles, metal | Yes | Must have sublimation coating |
| Plain ceramics, glass | No | Unless coated |
| Cardboard packaging | No | Use offset or digital print |
Advantages of sublimation printing
Vivid, full-colour images with photographic detail; no cracking, peeling or fading because the ink is inside the material; a soft feel on fabric with no layer on top; and great for one-off and short runs.
Limitations
It only works on polyester or coated items, prints best on white or light colours because there is no white ink, and dark fabrics will not show the design. It also needs a heat press, which adds equipment cost.
Sublimation vs other printing methods
Screen printing is best for large runs of simple designs on cotton. DTF and DTG print on cotton and dark fabrics. For boxes and packaging, offset and digital printing are used instead, because sublimation does not bond with paper fibres.
Packaging for sublimated products
If you sell sublimated mugs, shirts, phone cases or gifts, we make mug boxes, shirt boxes and mailers that match your brand.
Equipment you need for sublimation
A basic sublimation setup includes a printer converted to or designed for sublimation ink, sublimation ink, sublimation transfer paper, a heat press (flat for shirts, a mug press for mugs, or a tumbler press), heat-resistant tape to hold the paper in place and protective paper to stop ink transferring onto the press. Design software that can mirror images is also essential.
Sublimation settings by product
Temperatures and times vary by product and blank supplier, so always follow the blank’s instructions. As a rough guide, polyester shirts often need around 385 to 400°F for 45 to 60 seconds with medium pressure, while mugs typically need longer, around 180 to 240 seconds. Test on a spare blank before a large run.
Common sublimation problems
Faded colours usually mean the temperature or time was too low, or the blank is not high-polyester. Blurry edges, called ghosting, happen when the paper moves during pressing; use heat tape. Blowouts, where ink spreads, come from too much heat or pressure. Brown scorch marks on fabric indicate the press was too hot.
Sublimation for small businesses
Sublimation is popular with small businesses because one printer and press can produce shirts, mugs, tumblers, coasters and phone cases on demand, with no minimum quantities. Pair your products with branded packaging and you have a complete giftable product line.
Frequently asked questions
What is sublimation printing?
A heat-transfer process where ink turns to gas and bonds into polyester or coated surfaces.
Can you use sublimation ink on cotton?
Not effectively; it needs polyester or a polymer coating.
Does sublimation wash out?
No, it becomes part of the fabric.
Do I need a special printer?
You need a printer loaded with sublimation ink and a heat press.
What temperature is used for sublimation?
Often around 385 to 400°F, but follow the blank’s instructions.
Why are my sublimation prints faded?
Usually too little heat or time, or a low-polyester blank.