Digital dye sublimation is a printing method where special sublimation inks are used to
transfer designs onto materials (usually polyester fabrics).

The word sublimation means the ink turns directly from solid to gas (skipping the liquid
stage) when heat and pressure is applied.

This allows the design to become part of the material rather than just sitting on top, resulting in vibrant, durable, and washable prints.

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How It Works

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• Design Creation – Artwork is created digitally on a computer using graphic software. The design must be mirrored (flipped horizontally), since it will be transferred
  later.

• Printing onto Transfer Paper – A digital printer with sublimation inks prints the design onto special sublimation transfer paper. At this stage, the print looks dull and faded.

• Heat Transfer (Sublimation Process) – The printed transfer paper is placed on the material (e.g., polyester fabric). A heat press applies hot temperature (around 180–210°C / 356–410°F) and pressure.The solid ink on the paper turns into gas and penetrates the fibers or polymer coating.

• Bonding with the Surface – The gas molecules bond permanently with the polyester fibers or the polymer coating. Once cooled, the ink solidifies again—inside the material, not on top.

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Key Features

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• Vibrant colours (inks fuse into material, producing deep and bright prints).

• Durable (resistant to fading, peeling, or cracking).

• Soft feel (on fabric, you can’t feel the print because it’s inside the fibers).

• Best for polyester fabrics (doesn’t work well on cotton unless treated with a special coating).

• Common substrates: polyester clothing, flags, banners, homeware

• Works best only on polyester fabrics or items with a polymer coating.​

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Challenges

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• Works best only on polyester fabrics or items with a polymer coating.

• Doesn’t print well on cotton or natural fibers unless pre-treated.

• Limits the range of products compared to pigment or screen printing.

• Colorus on transfer paper look dull before pressing, making it tricky for beginners.

• Print quality can vary depending on time, temperature, and pressure.

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