A Guide to Sublimation

What Exactly is Sublimation?

Sublimation, or dye sublimation printing, is a process where you use a special printer, special inks, and special paper to create a design to put on a variety of blank products. You then use a heat press to transfer the design onto a specially coated product blank.

For my science nerd blog readers (that includes me!): This process works because sublimation ink can go from a solid to a gas without a liquid form – much like dry ice.

FAQ About Sublimation

Q: Will any printer work?
A: No, you must have a sublimation printer with sublimation ink and use sublimation paper.

Q: Will any blank product work?
A: No, you must use specially coated blank products. You cannot easily coat blank products yourself.

Q: Why would I use sublimation instead of vinyl?
A: In cases of adhesive vinyl, the vinyl can ultimately be peeled off. When you sublimate a design, it becomes part of the product and is permanent. In cases of heat transfer vinyl, sublimation gives you more possibilities including using photos and completing intricate designs without weeding or intensive layering.

What Products Can You Make with Sublimation?

There is a wide range of products that you use with sublimation, including:

• Apparel: Tee shirts, tank tops, hoodies, sweat pants, shorts.
• Baby items: Bibs, clothing, hats, blankets.
• Winter gear: Hats, ear warmers, scarves.
• Accessories: Socks, hats, bandanas, tote bags, shoulder bags.
• Home decor: Blankets, throw pillows, towels, clocks.
• Kitchen goods: Cutting boards, mugs, steins, water bottles, tiles, coasters, aprons.
• Electronics accessories: Phone cases, tablet cases, mouse pads, laptop cases.
• Other: Pet bowls, picture frames, jewelry, magnets, license plates, keychains, puzzles.
• …and much more!

Now, move on and see how sublimation works.