What is sublimation? Unlocking the Art of Sublimation for Sports Apparel
Dive into the world of sublimation and discover how this innovative process revolutionizes sports apparel customization.
Sublimation is a cutting-edge printing technique that transforms the customization of sports apparel. Unlike traditional methods like screen printing or heat transfer, sublimation infuses ink directly into the fabric fibers, resulting in vibrant, long-lasting designs that won't crack, peel, or fade over time. This process allows for unlimited creativity, with the ability to print intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and even photographs onto garments.
Custom art design ready for sublimation printing.
Custom uniform printed by sublimation on polyester fabric.
Players wearing our high quality custom basketball uniforms.
MORE IN-DEPTH: Sublimation Printing - What is it, and what can it do for you? How do we define the process of sublimation?
Some apparel decorators call it dye-sub, or dye sublimation printing, but no matter what you call it, sublimation printing is a versatile, digital printing method that opens up a world of opportunities to any consumer of decorated goods.
So, what is sublimation? Well, simply put, sublimation is a process by which sublimation dyes are printed onto a transfer medium with a specially prepared inkjet printer. Thereafter, those dyes are then transferred from the medium to an object or garment under the heat and pressure delivered by a commercial heat press. Sublimation only works on garments made of polyester, or on specialty objects made of polyester or given a polyester coating. When the heat and pressure are applied, the dye on the transfer medium sublimates, or becomes a gas, and is then absorbed into the polyester itself; the print is actually a part of the garment/coating. It doesn’t fade easily, wear, or have any texture or weight.
We make custom uniforms and apparel for all sports. Men and women. Youth and adults.
Fast Delivery
2-3 week turnaround, depending on demand.
Professional Quality
Comfortable and long-lasting. Designed for athletes.
Lowest Prices
Taxes and design fees included in pricing.
Step-by-Step Guide about the Sublimation Process
How do we define sublimation or define sublimated? Sublimation is a chemical process where a solid turns into gas without going through the liquid stage. As in our example, the ink that is printed on the transfer paper turns into gas, which then fuses into the fabric that becomes your sublimated sports product.
See below sublimation diagram as well as an explanation of the process of sublimation.
Sublimation dyes are loaded in the printer. The colors are usually in the CMYK color space.
Images are then printed onto the transfer paper. There are no limitations to colors and designs.
Heat is applied to transfer the ink to the fabric to undergo the sublimation process.
Ink is fused into the pores of the fabric and the garment panels are cut from the reels of the fabric.
The panels are sewn and pieced together and turned into an amazing sublimated sportswear product.
Advantages of Sublimation
Unlimited colors with no added cost.
Produces vibrant colors, making it perfect for photographic images.
Ability to create complex all-over sublimation designs or prints on the front and back of your uniforms.
You can’t feel the print at all, giving the fabric a soft feel.
Sublimation print will not crack, peel, or fade.
Enhance your garment by adding elements such as, rhinestones, hot fix glitter or foil with heat transfer.
Sublimation printing never goes out of style. Because sublimated jerseys and uniforms are custom made, there is no need to worry about a uniform being discontinued next season. It is also easy to reorder one from us in the future as we keep your design on file.
Sweet Uniforms is the BEST at sublimation printing
Now that you know why sublimation printing is the way to go for your team, league or organization. With advanced printing technology and foolproof process to ensure stunning clarity and details, there is no scope for poor quality prints. Here at Sweet Uniforms, our focus is on sublimation uniforms and apparel. It’s safe to say we have garnered both the experience and expertise to emerge as the #1 authority in the customized jersey space. When you have an order with us, you can expect the following:
Speed: After you place an order, you can receive your order in 2-3 weeks.
Talented Designers: Our design team knows exactly what you want and will create your dream uniforms. Our designs are free and included in all our prices!
Professionally Made: We use the most advanced technology and the highest quality fabrics to produce your customized apparel.
FAQ - Frequently asked Questions
What products can sublimation printing be used on?
Sublimation is best used for white or light colored fabrics, usually polyester or a poly blend. Sublimation can also be used on polymer coated products such as coasters, mugs, mouse pads, phone cases, towels, basketball jerseys, glass etc.
Why is sublimation printing used?
Sublimation printing is the cheapest and most effective way to produce a full color print on polyester. Other processes like screenprinting, heat transfer or embroidery do not have the same effect and are more expensive, take longer or do not have the same desired effect. Sublimation is also an environmentally friendly printing alternative.
What does sublimation printing mean?
Sublimation printing, also known as dye sub or sublimation printing is a popular printing process for transferring images onto fabrics or materials. Sublimation excludes the liquid state and goes right from solid to a gas due to a chemical reaction. (kind of like dry ice.)
Is sublimation printing permanent?
Yes. Images and designs using the sublimation printing process yield beautiful and permanent colors that are embedded in to the substrate or fabric, rather than just printed on the surface.
Is there a minimum order?
Yes, with sublimated apparel the minimum order is 10+ pieces. Pricing is also quantity defendant and is broken up into different price categories. We can place a smaller order 10 pieces for specific items but please enquire within.
What is the difference between sublimation printing and regular printing?
In sublimation printing, the inks permeate and become part of the print media. In heat transfer, on the other hand, the image simply becomes an additional layer on top of the print media.
What is the simple definition of sublimation in physics?
Sublimation, in physics, conversion of a substance from the solid to the gaseous state without its becoming liquid.
What is sublimation material?
it's a method of printing that transfers a design into a material or fabric using ink and heat. In the world of apparel, it's a game changer in that it allows whole garment prints — designs that go seam-to-seam.
Can sublimation printing be done on cotton?
No. You cannot do sublimation on 100% cotton. Sublimation must be done on 100% polyester for the best results. You can print on cotton shirts but it is not the same process as sublimation, but similar.
Is sublimation printing environmentally friendly?
Yes. Sublimation printing is the most environmentally friendly and sustainable process possible for sports apparel, garment printing and production. It produces no wastage and water is not required for the sublimation process.
Is sublimation printing good quality?
Sublimation printing produces a vibrant and high quality print on fabrics and materials. In comparison to other printing methods sublimation printing is the best process to produce a garment with endless design possibilities.
Does sublimation printing fade? Is sublimation printing durable?
Sublimation does not fade, peel off, come out in the wash or sun. Sublimation can print high quality photo prints or vector graphic designs which can be created and transferred to a polyester fabric or garment in a matter of minutes.
What temperature is used for sublimation printing?
The most common dyes used for sublimation printing activate during a range of 380 to 420 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal color.
What is sublimation printing?
The sublimation printing process uses heat to essentially bring ink and fabric together as one. First a design is printed onto special paper. The inks are used turn into gas when brought under heat, then combine with the fabric and permanently print onto the fabric.
Sublimation jersey meaning?
Sublimation is a manufacturing process where the entire design of the jersey is directly infused into the fabric. Everything from the colors of the jersey, the design, logos, numbers and player names become part of the fabric. Sublimation jerseys start out as digital designs created on graphic design apps.
What is sublimation vs heat transfer?
Sublimation uses a process where the ink becomes part of the fabric rather than adding a layer on top.
Can a regular printer be used for sublimation?
NO, sublimation requires a dedicated printer as it uses a specific heat-activated ink.