Sublimation printing

Sublimation printing exploits a fascinating chemical phenomenon: special dye-sublimation inks, under the heat of a press (typically 180–210 °C), pass directly from the solid to the gaseous state without going through liquid, penetrating and chemically bonding with the fibres of the substrate. The result is a colouration that is not deposited on the surface but is integrated into the material itself: prints are waterproof, abrasion-resistant, washable without fading and imperceptible to the touch.

The process requires two components: an inkjet printer loaded with sublimation inks (or a dedicated large-format printer) and a heat press. Compatible substrates are synthetic fabrics with a high polyester content (≥65%) and any surface coated with a dedicated polymer (mugs, plaques, cushions, smartphone cases, panels). The white of the fabric or coating is the white of the print: printing on dark backgrounds is not possible without pre-treatment. In the maker context, sublimation is the go-to route for customising gadgets, merchandise and technical sportswear in short runs.