What is Sublimination

What is Sublimation or DYE Printing?

Sublimation printing, also referred to as digital sublimation, is a digital computer printing approach which uses heat to transfer dye onto materials. A commercial heat press is used to transfer the design onto the t-shirt. The dye then becomes a gas without becoming a liquid (sublimates) which is absorbed by the fibres, usually polyester and polymer-coated substrates.

This means the dye is now actually part of the make-up of the fabric, which is why the design doesn’t bleed out in the wash! And better yet, doesn’t fade. The best fabric choice for sublimation printing is either 100% polyester, drirelease (85% polyester and 15% cotton) or 50/50 (50% polyester and 50% cotton). All t-shirts start out as white, the base colour is part of the print.

• The 100% polyester choice gives the best and most vibrant finish as the ink is absorbed by the fabric. This choice will give the sharpest and darkest black colour

• The drirelease option is part-way between the other two options — black will actually be a very dark grey. The cotton content also gives a softer feel than 100% polyester

• The 50/50 version won’t give such a sharp print but is much more comfortable than the other two due to the 50% cotton mix

#sublimation #digitalsublimation #customtees