Sublimation Blanks

Sublimation Printing – Everything You Need to Know

Sublimation printing has become one of the most popular printing techniques for creative minds, advertising professionals, and DIY enthusiasts. It allows you to permanently and vibrantly transfer your designs, photos, or logos onto various products – whether mugs, textiles, or promotional items. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about sublimation printing – from the technique and suitable equipment to practical tips.

What Is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation printing is a digital printing process where special dye sublimation inks are transferred onto a substrate using heat and pressure. The inks turn into gas without becoming liquid and bond with the fibres of the material – typically polyester or specially coated items.

Your Advantage: The design becomes part of the product, not just a layer on top (as with stickers or screen printing). This results in a durable, detailed, and vibrant print.

Which Materials Are Suitable for Sublimation Printing?

Not all materials work with sublimation printing – but many do. Generally, sublimation ink adheres only to polyester or specially coated surfaces. Here's an overview:

• Polyester fabrics (e.g., shirts and bags)

• Coated ceramics (e.g., sublimation mugs)

• Metals with polyester coating (e.g., sublimation thermos mugs)

The higher the polyester content, the more vibrant the print result. For textiles, at least 60% polyester is recommended – 100% is ideal.

What Are the Benefits of Sublimation Printing?

• Vibrant Colours: The gaseous bonding process results in particularly vivid prints.

• High Durability: The design is abrasion-resistant, UV-stable, and machine washable.

• No Feelable Surface: The print feels like part of the fabric – ideal for textiles.

• Great Design Freedom: You can design in full colour and detail – without limitations on specific colours or shapes.

• Ideal for Small Runs and One-Offs: Unlike screen printing, you don't need expensive templates or minimum quantities.

What Do You Need for Sublimation Printing?

1. Sublimation Printer

A printer with sublimation ink is essential. These special dye-based inks are heat-sensitive and change their state at approximately 180–200°C.

2. Sublimation Paper

Transfer paper ensures that the ink is correctly transferred onto the material. It absorbs the ink and releases it optimally under heat.

3. Heat Press

A heat press (also called a heat transfer press) is necessary to control pressure and temperature precisely. There are:

• Flat presses (for textiles, signs, mousepads)

• Mug presses

• Cap presses

• 3D vacuum presses (for phone cases, tiles, etc.)

4. Printable Products

You need suitable blanks – products with a polyester content or special sublimation coating.

How Does Sublimation Printing Work – Step by Step

1. Create Design: Create your design in the appropriate size and mirror it horizontally – this is important for the later transfer.

2. Print: Print your design with sublimation ink onto the transfer paper.

3. Position: Place the printed paper onto the product. Fix it if necessary with heat-resistant tape.

4. Press: Place everything into your heat press and set time, temperature, and pressure.

5. Remove and alow to Cool: Carefully remove the paper. The design is now permanently transferred. Let the product cool briefly – done!

Which Products Can You Design with Sublimation Printing?

The possibilities are nearly endless:

Textiles and Gift Items

• T-shirts

• Sportswear

• Mugs

• Money boxes

• Thermo mugs

• Glass mugs

• Thermo drink bottles and much more

Tips for Perfect Sublimation Printing Results

• Use only high-quality materials with suitable coatings.

• Ensure your design is mirrored – otherwise, it will appear back to front later.

• Test before mass production – temperature, time, and pressure can vary depending on the product.

• Store sublimation paper cool, dry, and light-protected.

Common Mistakes in Sublimation Printing – and How to Avoid Them

• Stains or Ghost Images: Cause: The paper shifted. Solution: Fix it with heat-resistant tape.

• Faded Colours: Cause: Too short press time or incorrect temperature. Solution: Check settings.

• Paper Sticks to the Product: Cause: Too much pressure or damp paper. Solution: Dry storage and medium pressure.

Why foil direct Is Your Go-To for Sublimation Printing

foil direct offers a large selection of high-quality products:

• Sublimation blanks (mugs, thermos mugs, glass mugs, money boxes)

• Sublimation paper (Subli-Print® sublimation paper in top quality)

• Subli-Print® Sublimation blanks that come into contact with food are TÜV Rheinland certified!

Additionally, you receive:

• Expert advice

• Fast shipping

• Fair prices

Conclusion: Sublimation Printing – Creative, Durable, and Simple

Whether you want to design mugs, enhance textiles, or personalise gifts – sublimation printing is ideal for this. With a bit of practice and the right equipment, you can achieve professional results.