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.

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

How does sublimation printing work?

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

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

What is it used for?

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

T-shirts, mugs, caps, lanyards and polyester bags, among others, can be printed in this way, as well as other small items with a specific imprint, which are often given to participants of various conferences and events. Without a doubt, this can be a nice souvenir that allows guests to remember the event itself and its organiser in the best possible light.

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

100% cotton or other natural materials are not suitable for this printing method. This is because they do not have the necessary pores 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. Examples of this are designs that have block colours 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 colour 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 far outweigh the latter, 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 fabric with intricate, artistic graphics, sublimation printing can handle any of these tasks perfectly. The technique produces crisp colours and sharp print contours, 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 actions inherent in clothing - ironing, drying, folding, etc. Its resistance to atmospheric conditions makes it ideal for printing on surfaces exposed outdoors (e.g. flags) and for intensive use (polyester lanyards, bags, polyester bags, sublimation lanyards).

• Low costs

Sublimation printing is affordable. The 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 rather than solvent, sublimation dyes are completely harmless to the environment and safe for human use. Sublimation-printed clothing items can be worn by children and adults alike, without fear of them being harmful to health in any way. Prints created using the sublimation method do not emit any odour or clog the fabric fibres, making them air permeable.

Customer reviews of sublimation printed products

Barbara: " I have been printing at GEPA using the sublimation technique for several years. I am satisfied and, most importantly, my company's gadgets are loved by customers."

Grzegorz: " I didn't know this method before. It was advised to me by a specialist from GEPA. What I always paid attention to was the quality of the product, you know - my company logo must be associated with good quality. This is the case with sublimation printing".

Jacek: "Since I sublimation-printed the first batch of bags advertising the services of the company I run, I have no intention of changing either the manufacturer or the technology. In both cases, I'm satisfied. I think sublimation products have a great future".

Ilona: " To be honest, I never paid much attention to the method by which the prints on my gadgets were made. They were simply meant to be well done. My competitors started asking where and how I do them. That's how I found out about the sublimation printing method."

Where to buy sublimation-printed products and what are they?

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

We invite you to get acquainted with our offer and to use a 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 company 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 the ecological materials used in the production process and the passion and continuous expansion of our professional horizons.