Sublimation Print

Sublimation printing is a process which uses heat and pressure to transfer a printed design onto a polyester surface or treated fabric. Similar to a digital transfer, the artwork is printed on a transfer paper with sublimation inks and then transferred onto the item using heat. This ink is embedded in the product, creating a finish that will not fade or come off with daily use. It is mainly used for sports uniforms, neoprene items, non-woven bags and mugs that have colourful or photographic images.

Advantages:

• Sublimation ink is actually a dye so there’s no build-up and print looks naturally part of the product.
• Reproduces vivid full-colour images and designs.
• Able to print variable data including individual names and numbers.
• One setup fee for all print colours, regardless of the number.

Limitations:

• Can only be used on limited types of products with white surfaces.
• Approximate PMS colours can only be reproduced.
• Colours such as metallic silver and gold cannot be reproduced.
• When printing large scale images some minor imperfections of the print or on the edges are expected. These imperfections are unavoidable using this method.

Artwork Format Required

• Vector (EPS, Ai or PDF)
• A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product