Sublimation Printing

Sublimation Printing How it Works and Why it’s the Best

What IS sublimation printing you ask? How can two separate objects become one? In a nutshell, it’s the process of printing using special inks onto special paper and then it is heat transferred onto special substrate. This could be a t-shirt, coffee mug, mouse pad, key chain - almost anything. Watch the video below and scroll down for the details.

The Science Behind It All

Now it’s during this heat process that the real magic happens. When the temperature reaches a certain point, the ink transforms into a gas and the pores of the substrate open up. After pressure is applied and the item is allowed to cool, the sublimation ink turns back into solid for and the pores permanently close and encapsulate the ink within the polymer coating of the substrate. It literally becomes one with the piece. It won’t fade or disappear over time. It’s quite remarkable!

Here at Integrated Design Studio we have used the process of sublimation printing on many projects. Specifically our work on corporate employee recognition pieces and hospital donor displays have proven to be very successful using this method of printing.

Let us know if you would like to discuss your next project and we’ll be happy to work together!