What Is Sublimation Printing and How Does It Work? (Wichita Explainer)

What Is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation (often called dye-sublimation) is a decoration process where special inks turn into gas under heat and pressure and bond with
polyester fibers or polymer-coated surfaces. Because the image becomes part of the substrate itself, the result is a
permanent, soft-hand print that won’t crack or peel.

How Sublimation Works (Step by Step)

1. Print- Your design is printed in reverse on transfer paper using sublimation inks.
2. Position- The print is aligned to the item (shirt, mug, panel) and secured to prevent shifting.
3. Heat & Pressure- A heat press, typically 380–400°F, converts the ink to gas and opens the polymer pores.
4. Bond- Ink gas diffuses into the polyester/polymer, creating a permanent, full-color image.
5. Cool- As it cools, pores close, locking the color in place with virtually no hand on fabric.

At U.S. Logo, we calibrate time, temperature, and pressure for each fabric or coated substrate to ensure sharp detail and consistent color.

Best Materials & Garment Colors

• Best Garments- 100% polyester delivers the brightest, longest-lasting results. Blends with high polyester content (65%+) also work, with slightly softer color.
• Garment Colors- White or light colors are required. Sublimation doesn’t print white ink, so the garment’s base color shows through.
• Hard Goods- Polymer-coated items like mugs, metal photo panels, signage, and ornaments sublimate beautifully.

Not sure if your item can be sublimated? Our team will confirm substrate compatibility before we quote.

Pros, Limits & Realistic Use Cases

Why People Choose Sublimation

• Permanent color- No cracking or peeling because the ink becomes part of the fiber.
• Photo-quality detail- Smooth gradients, fine lines, and full-color art shine.
• Soft hand & breathability- Nothing heavy sits on top of the fabric.
• Great for small runs- Minimal setup makes short orders economical.

Limitations to Consider

• Requires polyester or polymer coating; not suitable for cotton without special workarounds.
• Works on white/light garments only; cannot produce white ink on darks.
• Large, all-over prints may need cut-and-sew or oversized equipment to avoid seams/press marks.

Strong Use Cases in Wichita

Team warm-ups, performance tees, school clubs, photo gifts, branded mugs, signage panels, and vibrant event merch.

Care Tips for Sublimated Apparel

• Wash inside-out in cold water with mild detergent.
• Skip bleach; avoid harsh stain removers on the print area.
• Tumble dry low or hang-dry; avoid prolonged high heat.
• Do not iron directly on the print; use a cloth barrier if needed.

Sublimation vs. Screen Printing & Heat Press

For polyester performance wear and full-color photos, sublimation is unmatched. For dark cotton tees or very large bulk orders,
screen printing is often the better value.
Need names, numbers, or metallic finishes? Heat transfer/HTV excels there. If you’re branding vehicles or storefronts, explore our
Vehicle Wraps.

Unsure which route to take? We’ll recommend the best method for your art, garment, and budget.
Contact U.S. Logo.

FAQ

Can you sublimate on cotton?

Traditional sublimation needs polyester or a polymer coating. For cotton tees, consider screen printing or specialty transfers.

What shirt colors work best?

White and light pastels. Sublimation doesn’t print white ink, so dark garments aren’t compatible.

Will sublimation fade over time?

Colors are locked into the fibers and won’t crack or peel. Normal wash care keeps them vibrant; prolonged UV on outdoor items may gradually lighten over years.

Is sublimation good for small orders?

Yes. Setup is minimal, making full-color short runs cost-effective compared with traditional screen printing.

Can you do all-over prints?

Yes with the right equipment or a cut-and-sew workflow. We’ll advise on artwork sizing, seams, and press areas.