Sublimation printing is a popular method for creating vibrant, full-color designs on a variety of products. However, not all materials are suitable for this process, and many people mistakenly believe it can be applied to any type of fabric, including cotton. In this post, we'll clear up these misconceptions and provide a clearer understanding of what sublimation printing is, where it works best, and what types of products are ideal for this method.
What is Sublimation Printing? Sublimation printing is a process that involves turning a solid dye into a gas without going through a liquid phase. This dye is then infused into a polyester material using heat and pressure. The result is a vibrant, high-quality design that becomes part of the fabric itself, rather than sitting on top of it. This method is unique because the colors become permanently bonded to the fibers, resulting in prints that won't peel, fade, or crack over time.
Where is Sublimation Printing Ideal? Sublimation printing is most effective on polyester fabrics or items that have a polyester coating. The process works by bonding with the polymer molecules in the fabric, which is why it’s not suitable for cotton. On cotton, the dye cannot form a lasting bond, which leads to dull colors or the design washing out after just a few cycles. For those looking for durable, full-color designs, sublimation is ideal for polyester t-shirts, sportswear, tote bags, and promotional items like mugs or tumblers.
Common Misconceptions: Sublimation on Cotton It’s common for customers to request sublimation printing on cotton garments, likely because they’ve heard about the vivid results sublimation offers. However, as mentioned earlier, sublimation only works with polyester-based products. For customers who specifically want cotton garments, we recommend silkscreen or direct-to-film (DTF) printing methods, both of which are highly effective for cotton fabrics.
What Can Be Printed Using Sublimation? Aside from polyester apparel, sublimation printing is great for a variety of products. This method is ideal for printing on promotional items such as ceramic mugs, metal water bottles, keychains, and custom home decor like pillowcases. As long as the product has a polyester coating, sublimation printing can be used to create stunning, long-lasting designs. It’s also the go-to method for all-over prints on clothing and textiles, which are often seen in sportswear and fashion.
At Selestine Arts, we specialize in guiding our customers to the right printing method based on their needs. While sublimation printing is a fantastic choice for polyester-based items, we also offer alternative printing methods for cotton garments to ensure your designs look their best on the appropriate materials.