Sublimation Printing
Vibrant. Durable. Built to Perform. Sublimation printing brings your designs to life in full colour with unbeatable clarity and fade-resistant results. Perfect for performance wear, sports kits, and eye-catching promotional gear— this is printing that lasts as long as your hustle.
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What is Sublimation Printing?
If you're asking, "what is sublimation printing" or "what is dye sublimation printing", it’s a process where your artwork is first printed onto a special transfer sheet using sublimation dye printers or a dye sublimation printer, and then heat-pressed onto a polyester fabric. Under high heat, the sublimation dye turns into gas and permanently bonds with the garment fibres. This produces a sublimation print that is vibrant, breathable, and exceptionally durable ideal for sublimation t shirts, sublimation tees, and other clothes printing applications.
Unlike other t shirt printing methods, dye sublimation printing results in a print that becomes part of the fabric, making it feel as soft as the material itself. It’s also the preferred method among professional tshirt printers and brands using t shirt printer equipment or working with a sublimator for custom apparel.
Why choose Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation is a perfect printing technique for 100% white polyester garments and works best with light-coloured fabrics, which is why it's a favourite for personalised t-shirt printing, sports tops, vests, and socks. The method provides soft, all-over prints with edge-to-edge colour, something traditional t-shirt printers often can’t match. Whether you’re creating branded sublimation t shirts, sublimation tees, or exploring what is sublimation in printing, this is the ideal solution.
With prices starting at £6.95 per item and no minimum orders, even small brands can launch their line using a sublimation printer UK service. And if you're looking for a scalable print-on-demand solution, a dye sublimation printer UK setup offers speed, flexibility, and professional-grade results.
Special Considerations for Dye Sublimation:
Black Colour Print
A true black can’t be fully achieved through dye sublimation as the ink can only saturate the fabric so much. This means the black may appear slightly muted compared to other colours, something to keep in mind when creating a screen print t shirt alternative using sublimation.
Care
To maintain your screen printed t shirts or sublimation tees, wash inside out in cold water. Avoid harsh detergents and tumble drying to preserve both the fabric and the sublimation print.
Printing Marks
Because of the sublimation dye process, white crease marks may appear especially around seams or folds such as the armpits. This is typical with all-over t shirt printing and is most visible on garments made of 100% white polyester.
Printed Position
Dye sublimation is primarily suited to all over randomly placed designs, not position specific designs but please contact us if you have any doubts but please ensure you understand the potential print creases and our terms and conditions related to this found here, under the Dye Sublimation.
Advantages of Sublimation Printing
1. Photo-Quality Results
Dye sublimation delivers sharp, high-resolution prints with smooth gradients. It's ideal for photographic images, detailed graphics, and complex colour blends.
2. No Texture or Cracking
The ink becomes part of the fabric rather than sitting on top, resulting in a print that doesn’t peel, crack, or fade. The finish is soft to the touch and long-lasting.
3. Perfect for All-Over Printing
It allows full-coverage printing across entire garments or products, making it a go-to for sportswear, promotional apparel, and large surface designs.
4. Great for On-Demand and Short Runs
No screens or minimums required, ideal for ecommerce, small batches, or testing new designs using a subliminal printer or t shirt printer.
5. Fast Production
Once the design is ready, the process is fast and consistent. Ideal for e-commerce and dropshipping operations needing speed and scalability.
Disadvantages of Sublimation Printing
1. Only Works on Polyester or Polymer-Coated Surfaces
Dye sublimation only bonds properly with polyester or specially coated substrates. It is not suitable for natural fabrics like cotton or linen.
2. Limited to Light-Coloured Materials
The process doesn’t print white, and colours won’t show accurately on dark or black backgrounds. It performs best on white or light-coloured surfaces.
3. Possible marks
Due to the printing process for dye sublimation, it is possible that the print leaves white marks where there are creases. These white marks are commonly found around the armpit area.
4. Less Cost-Efficient for Large Runs
While excellent for short runs, sublimation becomes less cost-effective for large-scale bulk production compared to screen printing.
More Printing Techniques
Not every print is created equal. Whether you're after bold textures, fine details, or something that truly sets your apparel apart, our full range of printing techniques gives you the power to choose what works best for your vision. From fashion-forward finishes to high-performance wear, we offer tailored solutions to suit every need, budget and fabric type. Dive into the options below and find the perfect match for your next project.
Additional Screen Printing Techniques
Looking for premium screen printing options to elevate your designs? Our specialised screen printing techniques add texture, brilliance, and creative flair to your custom apparel. From eye-catching metallic finishes to glow-in-the-dark inks and eco-friendly water-based solutions, each method delivers a unique impact. Perfect for fashion labels, promotional campaigns, and standout branding, our advanced screen printing enhancements ensure your printed clothing looks as bold and original as your brand. Discover the ideal screen print upgrade for your next project.
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