All About Sublimation
All About Sublimation
What is Sublimation?
Sublimation printing is the process of printing out an image, graphic or design using special ink, special paper and a special printer, then once applied to the object of choice, placing it under heat which allows the ink to turn into a gas combining with the object or fabric of choice and permanently “dying” it. The combination of pressure and heat embeds your artwork for long lasting, crisp and vibrant results.
What is sublimation used for?
Sublimation is the first type of printing I started with before dabbling with DTF or Direct To Film transfers. While you can use sublimation to print on apparel, it has to be a light colored polyester material so I usually stick with DTF for my apparel unless otherwise asked for. Sublimation is my go-to for making drinkware, coasters, key chains, personalized rock slates, mousepads, polyester totes, towels, leatherette patches and much more! The main thing to note is there must be a special coating on the mugs, coasters and hard surfaced materials or be made out of 100% polyester or high polyester blend for sublimation to work. You can’t go to the store and buy regular mugs expecting sublimation to work unfortunately but buying good quality sublimation items will give you vivid crisp designs each time!
Is Sublimation Eco Friendly?
In short answer, yes! For a number of reasons sublimation is a good technique to use if you’re looking for something that’s environmentally friendly and that produces minimal waste.
Sublimation makes long lasting designs so each product you buy will last years and years, reducing waste in this aspect
Sublimation printers use water as a solution to lower the temperature that is needed to create images. Basically it is estimated that sublimation printers use 50% less energy than other processes.
Sublimation paper is recyclable and the ink cartridges don’t contain any harmful chemicals so once thrown out, it will not be harmful to the environment
Durability
What I love most about sublimation for these specific products is that the design is permanent. For drinkware like mugs you don’t have to worry about the design peeling or melting in the microwave like vinyl and it is safe to scrub or put in the dishwasher without worry of the design peeling or fading. As long as the product lasts, so will the design. No cracking, peeling or fading ever.
Conclusion
All in all sublimation is a great choice for polyester items, mugs, totes, keychains and much, much more! If you’re looking for marketing items such as these, sublimation is the way to go for safe to use, long lasting products.