1. sublimation printing - the answer to modern needs

What is sublimation printing?

Sublimation printing is a popular technique that involves transferring a design from sublimation paper to a piece of fabric or cloth using pressure and heat.

The crux of this technology is the phenomenon of sublimation, i.e. the direct transition from the solid state to the gaseous state, bypassing the liquid state. The dye molecules on the transfer paper under the pressure of the press and high temperature penetrate as a gas into the structure of the printing substrate, which affects the durability of the print.

How does sublimation printing work?

The pattern is not printed on the outside of the fabric, but is inside. For each print, the temperature and press pressure values are selected separately, depending on the composition of the substrate, the equipment used, or the type of printing. Typically, the temperature level oscillates around 180-200 degrees Celsius, and the press pressing time is about 30-60 seconds.

Converting solid ink particles into a gaseous state is an easy and cost-effective way to personalize products.

What is it used for?

Sublimation printing is a technique that is extremely popular for producing all kinds of corporate gadgets for companies that build their image with, among other things, consistent visual communication.

Among others, T-shirts, mugs, caps, lanyards and polyester bags can be printed in this way, as well as other small items with a specific imprint, often given to participants of various conferences and events. Undoubtedly, this can be a nice gift that will allow guests to remember the event itself and its organizer from the best side.

The undoubted advantage of this printing technique, which has caused an exponential increase in popularity in recent years, is the high quality of the final product.

On which products and material does it work best?

To take full advantage of the possibilities offered by sublimation printing, it is best used on the following materials:

• polymer
• polyester
• ceramics
• PVC
• polyester-coated aluminum
• polymer-coated metal
• polyester fabric
• polymer-coated plastic
• poly-cotton fabric

From the list above, polyester (polyester lanyards, polyester bags, sublimation lanyards) and ceramic (mugs) are best suited for sublimation printing.

Materials in 100% cotton or other natural materials are not suitable for this printing method. This is because they do not have the pores necessary to absorb the ink. For this type of material we recommend digital printing, which is more suitable in this case.

There is also a group of designs not suitable for sublimation printing. An example of this are designs that have block colors with patterns that need to be placed all over the garment. This is partly due to the possibility of a ghost effect(when the transfer paper moves during the pressing process - the print will then be slightly faded or smudged) and color mismatches, as well as white streaks.

Advantages and disadvantages of using this printing technique

Sublimation printing, like any printing technique, has advantages and disadvantages. Undoubtedly, the former definitely prevail, which is reflected in its popularity.

Here are the main advantages of the sublimation technique:

• High quality and durability

Whether you want to print a simple inscription on a selected item of clothing or decorate the material with intricate, artistic graphics, sublimation printing can perfectly handle any of these tasks. This technique allows for clear colors and sharp contours of the print, and all shades and tonal transitions are rendered with extreme precision.

Prints made using the sublimation technique are extremely durable. They do not fade, crumble or wash off. Printed products can be subjected to all the activities inherent in clothing - ironing, drying, folding, etc. Resistance to atmospheric conditions makes it ideal for printing surfaces exposed outdoors, (such as flags) and intensively exploited (polyester lanyards, bags, polyester bags, sublimation lanyards).

• Low costs

Sublimation printing is affordable. Costs associated with the preparation of materials and equipment are lower than for other printing techniques, especially when printing a limited number of copies. Printing even single items is as cost-effective as for large runs.

• Wide range of application possibilities

One of the biggest advantages of the sublimation method is that it can be applied to a huge number of substrates: on T-shirts, caps, lanyards, backpacks, pencil cases, tablecloths, mugs. Only your imagination is the limit we can reach with sublimation printing!

• Ecology

Produced on the basis of water, not solvent, sublimation dyes are completely harmless to the environment and safe for human use. Sublimation-printed apparel items can be worn by both children and adults without fear of being harmful to health in any way. Prints created using the sublimation method do not emit any odor or clog the fabric fibers, so they are air permeable.

Customer reviews of sublimation printed products

Where to buy sublimation printed products and what kind of products?

You are also welcome to use the services of our company if you want to use sublimation printing technique. Polyester lanyards, bags, polyester bags, sublimation lanyards, all kinds of sublimation products - GEPA will make anything you desire.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with our offer and use the convenient form of ordering directly from the manufacturer's website www.gepa.pl Under the tab: https://gepa.pl/pl/lanyards/smycze-sublimacyjne/

GEPA is a family business with many years of experience in the production of all types of advertising products. The high standards of customer service we apply are both the excellent quality of ecological materials used in the production process, and the passion and continuous expansion of our professional horizons.