What Is Sublimation

Dye sublimation may sound intimidating, but we promise it’s anything but. 

In short, sublimation ink can convert from a solid to a gas without going through the liquid form, which allows you to apply an image to specially coated materials using heat and pressure! 

Simple enough, right? Although the process is easy to explain, there are some things to consider before you start.

Sublimation does NOT print white ink

Benefits of Sublimation

With dye sublimation, you can print full, bright, and multiple colors! 

When applying to garments, the ink is embedded into the fibers. This allows for the design to feel as if it’s part of the garment and not actually on the garment!

Getting Started

What kind of material should you print on?

You can ONLY use garments with a minimum of 50% polyester or polymer-coated substrates that are "dye sub ready". For the vibrant look that dye sublimation is known for, you'll want to use white garments that are 100% polyester.

Some people may argue that sublimation will work on other substrates; however, we strongly recommend only using polyester or polymer-coated substrates.

It is important to note that you must purchase something that is already coated; this is not something you can do on your own. We sell some sublimation blanks HERE

Printable Dye Sublimation Materials are materials that can be dye sublimated on using dye sublimation paper! These materials are to be applied using a heat press. Such materials include: flock, glitter and twill.

Another method of decorating garments is with Dye sublimation paper, any 100% light polyester garment will work! We recommend sticking with white to get the most color out of your design. The darker the clothing, the less you will be able to see your design.

You can even sublimate on any textured glitter HTV that is made out of polyester! 

Just remember, you must use a polyester or polymer-coated blank. Also, it is important that you must purchase something that is already coated. This is not something you can easily do on your own!

Create desk name plates for your office, custom business card holders, custom name badges, and coasters!

Create vivid displays on a HD photo panel featuring the most recent family picture, a custom license plate, keychains and puzzles!

You can even make ornaments that are perfect for any occasion!

We offer Sublimation Gang sheets HERE where you upload your own images, or you can use any of the images in our gallery.  You can size them right in the designer.  Remember sublimation does NOT print white ink. 

Dye Sublimation Accessories

• Thermo Tape: used to prevent your dye sublimation transfer from moving, which may cause ghosting, but it can leave faint press marks when used on soft goods such as shirts.

• Kraft Paper: used to help protect your heat press from potential ink transfer when pressing hard surface blanks such as coasters and key chains.