What Is Sublimation? By Inkwell Printing

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Skip to content Custom Jersey in Tulsa CONTACT US School Jerseys in Tulsa (918) 508-3634 Custom Jersey in Tulsa What Is Sublimation? In this post, we explain everything you need to know about sublimation printing, answering some of the most common questions about its uses and limitations.

SublimationPrinting Explained

What is sublimation?

 

In scientific terms, Sublimation is the transition of a substance directly from a solid state to a gas state. It does not pass through the usual liquid state, and only occurs at specific temperatures and pressures.

Sublimation is a general term that is used to describe the solid-to-gas transition and refers to the physical change in state only.

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Sublimation Printing:Frequently Asked Questions

What is sublimation shirt printing?

Sublimation shirt printing is a specific process of printing that first involves printing onto a special sheet of paper, then transferring that image onto another material (usually polyester or a polyester mix).

The ink is then heated until it disintegrates into the fabric.

The process of sublimation shirt printing costs more than other methods, but it lasts longer, and will not crack or peel over time, like other shirt printing methods.

Can you sublimate onto anything?

For the best sublimation results, it is best used with polyester materials.

It can be used with a range of materials that have a specialist polymer coating, such as those found on mugs, mouse pads, coasters, and more.

In some cases, it is also possible to use sublimation on glass, but it needs to be normal glass that has been treated and prepared correctly with a specialist spray.

The ink is then heated until it disintegrates into the fabric.

The process of sublimation shirt printing costs more than other methods, but it lasts longer, and will not crack or peel over time, like other shirt printing methods.

What are the limitations of sublimation?Aside from the materials that can be used for sublimation, one of the core limitations for sublimation is the colors of any materials. Because sublimation is essentially a dye process, you get the best results when the fabrics are either white or light-colored. If you want to print onto a black shirt or darker materials, then you could be better off using a digital print solution instead. Can a sublimation printer print white?Sublimation uses MCYK printing, and there is no combination of any base color ink which is able to produce the color white. You can print onto white materials and any other lighter color for that matter. But, if any of your design has white within it, this will not work with sublimation.

Benefits of Sublimation Printing

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Professional Image Quality

Sublimation printing delivers crisp and vibrant designs with no loss of resolution or quality, elevating your brand or team’s image with every wear.

Durable & Resilient Designs

Sublimation printing can withstand the test of time and wear, ensuring your uniforms or apparel maintain their sharp look through countless games or events.

"All-Over" Design Freedom

With sublimation printing, intricate and detailed designs can span across your apparel, allowing for limitless creativity and customization.

Screen Printingvs. Sublimation Printing

Is sublimation better than screen printing?

When done correctly, both printing methods will produce long-lasting prints that should neither fade nor crack, even with prolonged washing.

While it’s true that both printing methods have their individual benefits, there are a few key factors to consider when trying to decide whether dye sublimation or screen printing is best:

Size of the Order

This is usually the first thing you need to consider. Of course, the higher the volume, the more cost-effective it is going to be for screen printing. Because dye sublimation is a little more time-consuming, it is not the most practical solution for larger orders. So, for smaller orders, sublimation is likely going to be a better option. Most printers will have a minimum order quantity in place for their screen printing services as well.

Setup of the Job

One of the most significant limitations of screen printing is that only a single color can be applied to the substrate at any one time. There is also the added concern of the alignment of the different layers of color. As such, screen printing setup times can be extensive when there is more than one color involved.

On the other hand, with sublimation, there is no need to worry about the alignment of the individual colors as this process will print all of the colors at once. Designs can be more easily customized with this process, as you will only need to change the article work and print out a new transfer for the changes to take effect.

Choice of Materials

For some, this recent technology is a game-changer, and it can often either rule in, or rule out a specific printing process. Screen printing is the most versatile in terms of what you can print onto. With it, you can print onto virtually any type of material, in any location. However, with dye sublimation, this is typically suited to polyester or polyester mix materials that are either white or light in color.

sublimation printing machine
Sublimation Printing
screen printing machine
Screen Printing

Is Sublimation Printing the Right Choice for Me?

When it comes to selecting the right printing process for your needs, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each method. Sublimation printing offers vibrant colors and durable results, but it may not be suitable for all materials or designs. In such cases, alternatives like screen printing, heat transfer, or direct-to-garment printing may be worth considering. 

To ensure you make the best choice for your project, consult with our expert team at Inkwell Printing. Let us guide you through the options and help you find the perfect printing solution tailored to your unique requirements. Don’t wait – reach out today and let’s bring your vision to life with precision and excellence!

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Interested in our sublimation printing services? Call us today or fill out our contact form to request a quote. We're here to help.

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The Inkwell Promise

Inkwell Printing has a mission to provide our customers with a reliable and trustworthy source for custom business apparel, spirit wear, and custom sports uniforms at the very best price and exactly when you need them. We believe that your trust is earned over time, with each printing order you place. We are confident that we can get your order right the first time you choose to work with us.

We partner with schools, families, businesses, and organizations every day, and we look forward to the opportunity to help you with your next project.

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Custom Jersey in Tulsa

3925 South Highway 97

Sand Springs, OK 74063

(918) 508-3634

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