A heat-induced dye transfer process that fuses graphic colors directly into the fibers of polyester fabrics.
Sublimation Printing is a chemical dyeing process where specialized heat-sensitive digital sublimation inks are printed onto a temporary transfer paper sheet. The printed sheet is placed against a polyester fabric and pressed under high temperatures (typically 190°C to 200°C) and pressure. At this high temperature, the solid dye particles instantly sublimate—turning from a solid directly into a gas without becoming liquid—while the synthetic polyester fibers swell, opening their pores. The gaseous dye penetrates the polyester fibers and, as it cools, the pores close, trapping the dye permanently within the yarn. Sublimation results in a print that has absolutely zero hand-feel (it is chemically part of the fabric) and will never crack, peel, or fade. However, the chemical dye will only bond with synthetic polyester fibers, failing completely to adhere to natural cotton, making it ideal for activewear, dry-fit jerseys, and polyester-blend garments but rarely used in luxury heavyweight streetwear.