Sublimation Printing

How sublimation works

Sublimation uses heat and pressure to convert specialised dye into a gas, allowing it to bond with polyester fibres. Once cooled, the design becomes embedded into the material rather than remaining on its surface. This means there is no raised print layer to crack or peel.

More than just the print

Once the sublimated panels have been constructed, additional decoration can be applied to create a more considered finished product.

For example, a Custom Jersey might combine a fully sublimated base design with embroidered badges, silicone patches, woven labels or other applied details.

Sublimation Printing FAQs

What is sublimation printing best suited for?

Sublimation is particularly suited to custom jerseys, sportswear, performance apparel and technical garments where lightweight construction and full-colour or all-over artwork are required. It can also be used across compatible polyester fabrics and polyester-coated products such as certain homewares.

What materials can be sublimated?

Sublimation works best with 100% polyester or high-polyester-content fabrics, as the dye needs synthetic fibres to bond correctly. Natural fibres such as cotton aren't suitable for traditional dye sublimation.

Why is sublimation commonly used for jerseys?

Sublimation allows artwork to cover essentially the entire garment without creating a heavy surface print. It also supports unlimited colours, gradients and detailed artwork, making it particularly effective for technical sportswear and custom jersey designs.

Does sublimation crack or peel?

No. Unlike decoration methods that create a layer on the surface, sublimation dye bonds with the polyester fibres themselves. As a result, there isn't a surface layer that can crack or peel away.

Can you sublimate dark fabrics?

Sublimation is best suited to white or light base materials. The process doesn't use white ink and can't lighten an existing dark fabric, so the underlying material colour affects the final printed result. This isn't a limitation but more of a consideration.

Are there minimum quantities for sublimation printing?

For the type of custom sublimation production we offer, minimum quantities are generally higher than our other print methods and can reach 100+ units depending on the product and supplier. We'll confirm minimum quantities once we understand the product and specifications required.

How long does sublimation production take?

Our sublimated apparel is generally produced through specialist manufacturing partners, including offshore suppliers where appropriate. Lead times are therefore longer than locally produced DTF or screen-printed garments and vary depending on the product, quantity and complexity of the job.

What's the difference between sublimation and screen or digital printing?

Screen printing and Digital Printing generally decorate a defined area of an existing garment, while sublimation can form part of the garment manufacturing process itself. This makes sublimation particularly useful when artwork needs to cover large areas or flow across multiple panels. For cotton garments, existing blanks or simpler print placements, Screen printing or Digital Printing will generally be more appropriate.