man with printed t shirt and mug

What Is Sublimation Printing? All You Need To Know

How Sublimation Printing Works

Sublimation printing is a unique process that uses heat and pressure to transfer dye onto a variety of materials. The process begins with a digital design that is printed onto special transfer paper using sublimation ink. The transfer paper is then placed onto the item that is being printed. Heat and pressure are applied to the transfer paper, causing the ink to turn into a gas and bond with the surface of the item.

The process of sublimation printing requires a few specific items to get started, including a sublimation printer, sublimation ink, and transfer paper. The printer is designed to use sublimation ink, which is a special type of dye. The transfer paper is coated with a special polymer that is designed to bond with the ink when it turns into a gas.

 

Products That Can Be Printed With Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing is a versatile print method that can be used on many different types of merchandise. Here are just a few of the most popular products where sublimation printing is most commonly used:

1) Apparel: T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other types of clothing can be printed using sublimation printing. The process is particularly popular for athletic wear, as it allows for vibrant colors and intricate designs.

2) Accessories: Because of the durability of sublimation printing, it makes a great print method for accessories including hats, bags, and phone cases.

3) Promotional items: Lastly, it’s often used to print on promotional items like mugs, keychains, and other types of souvenirs, once again because of the durability of this print method.

 

Pros and Cons of Sublimation Printing

Like any printing method, sublimation printing has its pros and cons. We’ve summarized the advantages and disadvantages of sublimation printing, so you can see whether it is appropriate for your printing needs:

Pros:

1) Vibrant colors: Sublimation printing allows for bright, vivid colors that won’t fade over time.

2) Durability: The sublimation process creates a bond between the ink and the surface of the item, making it resistant to fading and peeling.

3) Versatility: Sublimation printing can be used on a variety of products, including apparel, accessories, and promotional items.

4) Environmentally friendly: Sublimation printing produces less waste than other printing methods, as it doesn’t require the use of screens or other materials.

Cons:

1) Limited materials: Sublimation printing can only be used on certain types of materials, including polyester and other synthetic fabrics.

2) Cost: Sublimation printing requires specialized equipment and materials, which can be expensive.

3) Limited design options: The sublimation process is limited to certain types of designs, and may not be suitable for detailed or complex designs.

4) Time-consuming: Sublimation printing can be a time-consuming process, as each item must be printed individually.

 

Conclusion

Sublimation printing is a popular method of printing that is used to print on a variety of products, including apparel, accessories, and promotional items. The process involves the transfer of ink from a solid form to a gas, and then onto a surface. While sublimation printing has its pros and cons, it is a versatile and durable printing method that allows for vibrant colors and environmentally friendly production.

 

Where To Find Sublimation Printers

 

At M.i.A Merchandise, we print on all types of merchandise using sublimation printing - from apparel to drinkware, at 1 minimum order quantity.

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