Textile sublimation is a revolutionary printing technique that has transformed the art of textile customization. Known for its ability to reproduce complex designs with unparalleled clarity and color vibrancy, this method has become the gold standard for projects requiring high definition and exceptional durability.
Why choose the sublimation technique?
Sublimation is a chemical process which consists of changing a substance from the solid state directly to the gaseous state without passing through the intermediate liquid state. This term is commonly used in the field of chemistry and physics to describe this phenomenon. However, in the context of printing and personalizing textiles and objects, sublimation generally refers to a specific printing technique called "dye sublimation" or "sublimation printing". PrintMyDTF explains why you should choose this printing method!
- Exceptional print quality : Sublimation produces high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp details. Images, photographs and designs feature high resolution and subtle nuances, which is especially important for art and photographic prints.
- Durability : Sublimation prints are durable and fade resistant. The pigments in the sublimation ink are embedded in the fibers of the material, meaning they will not peel, crack or fade easily, even after numerous washes or prolonged exposure to sun.
- Media Versatility : Sublimation can be used to personalize a wide range of media, including textiles (t-shirts, jerseys, caps), ceramic items (mugs, plates), mouse pads, flags, banners , phone cases and much more.
- No visible texture : Unlike some other printing techniques that require glue, sublimation does not add visible texture to the surface of the material. The print is seamlessly integrated into the material, giving it a natural look and feel.
- Cost-effective for small quantities : Sublimation can be cost-effective for small print runs, making it suitable for businesses that want to produce limited quantities of personalized products. Please note that sublimation can only be applied to polyester and requires transfer sheets.
This technique does not work on cotton. There's no glue, almost no touch, that's an advantage. Widely used for all sporting goods. However, it doesn't work on cotton.
The particularity of sublimation is that it is only applied to polyester.
This is a technique particularly used on sports clothing.
Sublimation in the world of sport: personalization of outfits and equipment
Sublimation in the world of sports has become a major trend when it comes to customizing sports outfits and equipment. This technique offers sports teams, clubs, athletes and enthusiasts numerous advantages in terms of customization, durability and performance.
- Creative customization : Sublimation allows creative and complete customization of sports outfits and equipment. Teams can design unique designs, incorporating colors, logos, numbers and player names. This fosters a sense of team identity and builds member pride.
- High print quality : Sublimation offers exceptional print quality. Colors remain vibrant and details are sharp, even after numerous washes. This ensures that outfits and equipment remain professional and attractive throughout the sporting season.
- Comfort and performance : Sublimation inks are embedded into the fibers of the fabric, meaning they do not create a rough texture or residue. Sublimated outfits provide exceptional comfort to athletes, as they do not compromise freedom of movement and allow for better regulation of body temperature.
Other printing techniques
Do you want to try other printing techniques? Here is a list of several methods you could try:
- DTF (Direct To Film) transfer : Technique which consists of applying patterns or images to textiles using a special printer in combination with a transfer film, thus making it possible to obtain high print quality with great precision in the details.
- Iron-on transfer: Printing method which consists of printing a pattern or image on a special support, then fixing it permanently to a fabric using a heat press.
- Flocking : Method which involves the application of a raised material to a textile using glue or a thermal adhesive. This creates a soft, velvety texture, typically used for lettering or logos.
- Digital four-color process : Uses cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK) inks to generate a wide palette of tints and shades. This approach achieves rich color prints and complex gradients with high precision.
- Direct printing: Consists of directly printing patterns or designs on a textile using a special printer, without the need for intermediate transfer.
- Flex : cuts the thermal transfer material into shapes or lettering to be applied to the textile using a heat press to obtain important details.
- Screen printing transfer: A process where ink is forced through a fine mesh screen (called a silk screen) to create designs on a medium. These patterns are then transferred to the textile. This technique is particularly suitable for color prints and dark textiles.
