Sublimation

Sublimation is a textile printing technique where the ink turns to gas under the combined action of heat and pressure, then works its way into the fabric's fibers. Unlike other techniques, it lays no layer on top of the textile: the design melts into the fiber instead of sitting on it.

Sublimation in practice

In the workshop, the design is printed first on special paper using sublimation ink. The heat press then turns that ink to gas, it travels through the fabric's fibers and sets solid again as it cools. The result: no added thickness, nothing to feel by touch, and it never cracks, even after dozens of washes.

The limit is strict, and worth stating upfront: sublimation only works on polyester, and only on a white or very light background. The technique dyes the fiber, it does not lay white ink over a color: on a colored or dark fabric, or on cotton, the process simply does not take. That is why it shows up mostly on technical sports jerseys (polyester, light-colored cuts) and polyester-coated items like mugs or phone cases, rarely on a plain cotton t-shirt.

What to remember

• Sublimation ink turns to gas under heat and dyes the fiber instead of sitting on top of it: no texture, no risk of cracking.
• Its strict limit: only on light or white polyester, the technique cannot lay white over a dark color.
• It shows up mostly on technical sports jerseys and polyester-coated items, like mugs or phone cases.