SUBLIMATION

Sublimation print is a great way to brand promotional products with full colour and in some instances full coverage logos and designs.

The process:-

Dye sublimation is a method of applying a photo, graphic or design on to specially coated sublimation blank products, such as mugs, stubby holders, umbrellas or polyester material.

Sublimated images are where the image actually embeds into the product and becomes part of it and is not like a transfer that sits on top of the blank. Think of swim wear, mugs with photos on them, sports jerseys etc, these are usually sublimated products and there is no feel to where the images are on the blank.

SUBLIMATION PRINTING FABRICS:

Sublimation printing is the process of transferring dye to a fabric using heat. The image is printed on special transfer paper and placed on the fabric and heat is applied, allowing the ink to become part of the fabric. This will leave you with a more breathable, soft feel to the fabric. The best part is that the numbers, letters and graphics do not peel off!

The colour remains strong in outdoor lighting and after extensive washing so it’s the ideal process for team uniforms and custom sports apparel.

Dye Sublimation bag with white treated panel before printing and after printing.

The sublimation process can only be used on 100% polyester material or materials with a special polymer coating. This may seem like a limited option, but polymer coated products can include coasters, mugs, mouse pads and more.

Advantages:-

• Produces vibrant colours, making it perfect for photographic images
• Unlimited colours with no added cost
• Can print variable data including individual names and or numbers
• The nature of sublimation means prints are not heavy or thick.
• You can’t feel the print as it becomes part of the item / material. Sublimation ink is actually a dye so there is no ink build-up on the finished print. The process dyes the fabric so the decoration becomes part of the product rather than an application.
• Sublimation print will not crack, peel or fade.
• Minimum order quantities are usually lower due to the reduced amount of set up required to print your product.
• The nature of sublimation means prints are not heavy or thick.

A popular method for printing high-quality images onto a variety of fabrics and items as the display features no resolution loss when comparing to the original image. With an image as clear as the source, a product made using the sublimation process will sustain its quality throughout the years.

Limitations:-

• Can only be used for suitable products with white surfaces.
• PMS colours are approximate only. Supplying RGB of CMYK artwork files increas the possibility of correct print colours.
• Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic colours like silver and gold.
• When printing large images some minor imperfections may appear in the print or around the edges. These are unavaoidable.
• White print is not available. Any white areas in a design will be reversed out in the design meaning it will be the white of the item being decorated.

Artwork Requirements:-

• Can be supplied as vector artwork or HiRes PDF
• A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds of the product. Always request an artwork template for the product to be printed.