Sublimation Printing Guide for Custom Apparel | ARLXUN

What You Need to Know About Sublimation Printing

Welcome to ARLXUN!

We specialize in offering the highest quality printing services with unique and detailed designs.

One of the advanced printing technologies we use is Sublimation Printing.

Below, you'll find a detailed Q&A section to help you understand more about sublimation printing

and how it can benefit your custom printing needs on polyester and polymer-coated items.

What is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation printing is a digital printing process that uses heat and pressure

to transfer dye onto various materials, such as fabric, plastic, metal, ceramic, and glass.

The process involves printing a design onto special transfer paper using sublimation ink.

When heated, the ink turns into gas and bonds with the material,

creating a permanent, vibrant print that resists cracking and peeling with proper care.

It works best on polyester fabrics and polymer-coated substrates

and is not suitable for uncoated cotton.

How does Sublimation Printing work?

  1. Design Preparation: Print the design onto special transfer paper using sublimation inks.

  2. Heat Transfer: Place the transfer paper onto the product and apply heat using a heat press.

  3. Sublimation: The high heat turns the ink into gas, which is then absorbed by the material.

  4. Final Product: The result is a permanent, vibrant print that is embedded in the material.

What are the advantages of Sublimation Printing?

  • Vibrant and Detailed Prints: Sublimation printing produces sharp, detailed prints with vibrant colors.

  • Durability: The prints are embedded in the material,

    making them resistant to fading, cracking, or peeling.

  • Variety of Materials: Sublimation can be used on a wide range of products,

    including clothing, mugs, mousepads, and more.

  • Low Setup Waste: Uses dye inks and transfer paper

    and has low setup waste, especially for small runs.

  • No Order Minimums: Ideal for custom orders and small batches

    without the need for large inventories.

How should I care for my sublimation printed products?

  • Washing: Machine wash cold with like colors, using mild detergent.

    Wash inside out. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach.

    Avoid dry cleaning and high heat.

  • Drying: Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry.

  • Ironing: If needed, use a cool iron on the reverse side.

    Avoid ironing directly on the print to prevent damage.

How does Sublimation compare with other printing methods?

  • Sublimation vs. DTG: Sublimation is best for polyester and light or white bases

    and produces vibrant, long-lasting prints.

    DTG is better for natural fabrics like cotton and can handle complex, multi-color designs,

    especially on darker garments.

  • Sublimation vs. Screen Printing: Sublimation is ideal for detailed designs and small batches,

    while screen printing is cost-effective for large quantities and simpler designs.

For more information about sublimation printing and its applications,

feel free to contact us directly at ARLXUN.