What is sublimation?

What Is Sublimation Printing?

If you’ve ever wondered how some of the most vibrant, full-color branded products are made, sublimation is usually the answer

The Basics

Sublimation is a printing process where ink is turned into a gas using heat, then infused directly into a fabrics surface. Instead of sitting on top of the material (like screen printing or heat transfer), the design actually becomes part of the item itself. That’s why sublimated products don’t crack, peel, or fade the way other methods sometimes can.

How the Process Works

  1. Design is CMYK printed onto transfer paper using special sublimation inks

  2. Heat and pressure are applied using a heat press

  3. The ink turns into a gas and bonds with the product’s coating or fibers

  4. Once cooled, the design is permanently embedded into the item

It’s clean, precise, and produces really sharp results.

What Products Work Best?

Sublimation works best on:

  • Polyester fabrics (think performance tees, jerseys, etc.)

  • Items with a polymer coating (mugs, tumblers, mousepads, coasters)

  • Light-colored surfaces (usually white or very light tones)

If you’re looking for bold, all-over prints or highly detailed artwork, this is where sublimation shines.

Why Sublimation?

Full-color freedom
No limits on colors, gradients, or detail. Great for complex logos or artwork.

Durability
The design won’t crack or peel because it’s part of the product, not sitting on top.

Soft feel
On apparel, there’s no added texture. The fabric still feels like fabric.

Clean look
No heavy ink buildup, no edges, no distortion.

When It Might Not Be the Best Fit

Sublimation isn’t perfect for everything. A couple limitations to keep in mind:

  • Best suited for polyester, not cotton

  • Some products require specific coatings

How We Use It at BBP

We typically recommend sublimation when:

  • You want high-end, retail-quality results

  • Your design has a lot of color, imprint locations, or details

  • You’re producing performance apparel or drinkware

  • You want something that holds up long-term

If you’re not sure whether sublimation is the right route, we’ll walk you through it and suggest the best option based on your design, product, and budget.

Rachel Thornton