What is Sublimation?
What is Sublimation?
The basic dye sublimation process uses special heat-sensitive dyes to print graphics, text, and virtually any image onto special transfer paper. The paper is then placed on the pre-cut fabric pattern, and both are placed into a heat press.
When the heating cycle is completed, the image on the paper has been transferred to the pretreated substrate or polyester fabric and bonded at the molecular level. Run your finger across the surface of a sublimated item and you will feel nothing but the surface.
Dye sublimation is best on 100% polyester fabric or high poly blends. At high temperatures, the solid dye turns to vapor gas without ever becoming a liquid. The same high temperature opens the pores of the polyester fabric and allows the dye vapor to enter. When the temperature cools, the pores close, and the gas returns to a solid state trapping the dye into the fiber of the fabric. It has now become a permanent part of the fabric.
Due to the sublimation becoming part of the substrate, it has a longer longevity than other processes. If normal care is taken, sublimation should never fade, crack, peel, or otherwise deteriorate under normal use.
Sublimated garments are very lightweight, breathable, and soft to the touch. You do not have the added weight of layers of vinyl or screen-printing ink. These are the most comfortable garments you can wear in hot weather.