Sublimation as an innovative, durable printing process

Sublimation is an advanced digital printing process that allows you to permanently transfer photorealistic motifs in brilliant colors onto various textiles and coated materials. The ink is not printed on, but vaporized into the material. The result is absolutely wash-resistant, extremely durable and imperceptible on the surface. This is exactly what makes sublimation the ideal technology for high-quality promotional items, personalized gifts and professional sports and functional textiles.

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Epson-EcoTank-15000

Mugs different materials

Sublisplash®-EPN+

Sublimation paper

SEFA transfer press

What is sublimation printing?

Sublimation printing follows a physical principle: sublimation, the direct phase transition of a substance from solid to gaseous. It is precisely this process that enables color transfer, in which solid ink particles evaporate into the polymer layer of a suitable material under heat and pressure and become permanently anchored there. The process thus clearly distinguishes itself from techniques such as screen printing or DTF printing, in which the ink is applied to the surface.

What are the advantages of the sublimation process?

With sublimation printing, you can offer your customers quality that inspires and impresses in the long term. The process combines a brilliant look with outstanding durability and a wide range of applications.

Extremely high wash resistance and durability: as the color pigments become an integral part of the fiber, the print is practically indestructible. The motif can withstand UV radiation and countless washes without fading, tearing or peeling.
Unrivalled color brilliance and photorealistic quality: No other printing process achieves a comparable depth and luminosity of color. Complex color gradients, fine details and photorealistic motifs are reproduced with pin-sharp clarity and vibrancy.
Maintaining the breathability of functional textiles: Because there is no layer of ink on the surface, the feel of the material remains soft and supple during sublimation. This is particularly important for textiles such as sportswear, as the breathability of the fibers is not impaired by the print.

Low cost

The investment for the initial equipment is low and you have no upfront costs for film or screen production, for example. This means you can start production on a small budget.

Brilliance and versatility

Sublimation is ideal for photos, color gradients and fine details. Print on items made of ceramic, textiles, aluminum, glass, wood and plastic, for example.

Customized and without a minimum print run

There is no minimum number of pieces. From one-offs and small batches to individualized large series – thanks to sublimation, these can be produced within a very short time.

High wash resistance

Motifs on textiles can be washed indefinitely. Sublimated cups are dishwasher-safe and are characterized by their outstanding resistance to frequent washing.

How the sublimation process works

If you want to work with sublimation printing, you should understand what happens in the background. The sublimation process is based on a few, clearly structured steps. It is precisely this simplicity that makes it so interesting for beginners, but also for professional applications with high volumes.

Step 1: Select article

Choose the right item that you would like to print – for example mugs, textiles or key rings. You will find over 5,000 suitable sublimation blanks in our online store.

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Step 2: Create design

Design your motif in a graphics program such as Adobe Photoshop or CorelDRAW. For many products, you can download precisely fitting contour templates directly from the sublimation article – ideal for precise printing.

Step 3: Print motif

Print your design on transfer paper using a suitable sublimation printer and special sublimation ink. For optimum results, we recommend using a suitable printer driver, e.g. the Sublisplash® Driver.

Step 4: Transfer motif

Place the printed transfer paper on the item and process everything in a transfer press. The heat and pressure causes the dye to vaporize into the surface and bond permanently with the material. You can find the exact print parameters in our article print parameter list.

What do I need for sublimation printing?

To achieve professional results, all components for sublimation must be optimally coordinated. As your wholesaler for sublimation and other printing processes, we know what is important. You need:

a sublimation printer
Sublimation ink
Sublimation paper
a reliable heat press

Only the right equipment ensures even pressure and precise temperature control. This creates the basis for a successful transfer.

Materials for sublimation printing: from polyester to ceramic

The best printing results with sublimation are achieved on light-colored or white textiles with a high polyester content. However, a huge selection of solid materials can also be finished, provided they have a special polymer coating. These include classics such as cups, but also innovative products made of ceramic, aluminum, glass or wood. The color intensity of mixed fabrics with a lower polyester content decreases, which can be used for a targeted vintage look.

Tips and tricks for professional results

For an excellent printing result, you should keep an eye on three specific parameters: Contact pressure, temperature and time. If you deviate from the recommended values for one of the parameters, you risk errors such as pale colors or “ghosting” – a blurred shadow effect. For precise color reproduction, be sure to use a color management system (ICC profile) for your printer. To maximize the longevity of sublimated textiles, they should be washed inside out at a maximum of 40 °C.

Sublimation: Our own brands

Sublisplash® sublimation ink

SubliPrime sublimation paper

Sublistar® coating

Subli Leather imitation leather

Subli Prep sublimation varnish

Your partner for sublimation printing

Print Equipment has been one of the leading wholesalers for printing and finishing technologies since 1997. With over 5,000 items, we offer a particularly diverse selection – from printing systems and presses to printable products for sublimation, UV printing, DTF, DTG and more.

You can experience the technology live and try it out directly in our showrooms. Personal advice, technical support and practical training from our team of experts ensure that you always find the right solution.

Whether you are just starting out or are already established, we will support you as equals – with commitment, solution orientation and passion. Unleash the full potential of your print projects with sublimation or other printing processes.

Sublimation: Our own brands

Sublisplash® sublimation ink

SubliPrime sublimation paper

Sublistar® coating

Subli Leather imitation leather

Subli Prep sublimation varnish

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about sublimation printing

Does sublimation printing work on cotton?

No, the process does not work on pure natural fibers such as cotton, as these cannot permanently bind the ink. Polyester fibers or a special polymer coating are required on the item to be printed.

How environmentally friendly is sublimation ink?

Modern sublimation inks are generally water-based and free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Compared to solvent-based inks, they are a more environmentally friendly alternative.

How durable is a sublimation print?

Printing using the sublimation process is particularly durable. The ink becomes a permanent component of the material fiber and is therefore exceptionally resistant to fading, cracking or peeling through use and cleaning.

Do I need special software for sublimation printing?

You can create your designs in common graphics programs such as Adobe Photoshop or CorelDRAW. However, for an optimal and repeatable color result, we recommend using a specific printer driver, such as the Sublisplash® Driver or RIP software.

Why is polyester the ideal material for sublimation?

The synthetic fibers of polyester have a unique property: when exposed to heat, they open their pores, absorb the gaseous color pigments and trap them permanently in the fiber when it cools down.

Questions? We are here for you!

Hi, my name is Andrea and I am one of your contacts in the customer service department. If you have any questions about sublimation printing, I would be delighted to hear from you.

Andrea Winter
Customer service
Tel. +49 7223 2815 100

Sublimation as an innovative, durable printing process

Epson-EcoTank-15000

Mugs different materials

Sublisplash®-EPN+

Sublimation paper

SEFA transfer press

What is sublimation printing?

What are the advantages of the sublimation process?

How the sublimation process works

Step 1: Select article

Step 2: Create design

Step 3: Print motif

Step 4: Transfer motif

What do I need for sublimation printing?

Sublimation printer

Sublimation ink

Sublimation paper

Transfer presses

Sublimation blanks

Materials for sublimation printing: from polyester to ceramic

Tips and tricks for professional results

Sublimation: Our own brands

Sublisplash® sublimation ink

SubliPrime sublimation paper

Sublistar® coating

Subli Leather imitation leather

Subli Prep sublimation varnish

Your partner for sublimation printing

Sublimation: Our own brands

Sublisplash® sublimation ink

SubliPrime sublimation paper

Sublistar® coating

Subli Leather imitation leather

Subli Prep sublimation varnish

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about sublimation printing

Questions? We are here for you!