Sublimation printing is a digital printing process that uses heat, pressure, and time to transfer dye onto different materials.

Here’s the full process:

1. You print a design onto special transfer paper using sublimation inks
2. Then, you place the printed paper onto a product and heat it with a heat press
3. The heat, pressure, and time turns the inks into a gas, and the material absorbs them
4. As a result, you get a permanent, vibrant print that won’t fade or crack over time

Now that you know how sublimation printing works, let’s go through the pros and cons of this printing technique, starting with the benefits.

1. Vibrant and detailed printing results

What’s most exciting about sublimation printing is the ability to produce vibrant, detailed prints with sharp lines and unfaded colors. Keep in mind, though, that results may vary depending on the material’s surface. For example, on fuzzy surfaces, small details might not come out as sharp.

2. Print durability

An important thing to note about dye sublimation is that the ink isn’t just applied on top of the material. Instead, it sinks in, becoming an integral part of it. That’s why a sublimation print won’t fade or wash off, lasting much longer than a screen print or a DTG print.

3. Quick turnaround time

Another pro of sublimation printing is its quick turnaround time. Because the printing process is digital and doesn’t require creating a physical screen or plate, sublimation printers can quickly produce high-quality prints and require less manual labor than, for example, screen printing.

4. Variety of products

When it comes to the choice of materials, sublimation is versatile and gives you lots of room for creativity. You can make custom clothing, bags, mugs, mousepads, and more.

5. No order minimums

Run your business or organization without worrying about meeting a minimum order requirement. This also gives room for experiments—you can test products to find the ones your customers like without investing too much into inventory.

6. Eco-friendliness

The final benefit of sublimation printing is that it’s a relatively eco-friendly printing process. Unlike traditional printing methods that use water-based inks and solvents, sublimation printing uses dry inks. The dry inks are infused into the material while being printed, resulting in minimal waste and reduced environmental impact. In addition, it reduces the amount of wasted ink by only applying it to the areas needed.