Want to print a holiday photo on a mug or produce sports jerseys with a full-surface design? Then you need a technology that can handle millions of colors and whose print cannot be felt by touch. Meet sublimation – a chemical miracle that makes ink an inseparable part of the object.
What is Sublimation (Science Corner)?
The name comes from the physical phenomenon of sublimation, where a solid substance changes directly into gas (without passing through a liquid state).
In practice at TAEDA, it looks like this:
- We print your design with special ink onto transfer paper.
- We apply the paper to the object (e.g., a mug or a polyester T-shirt).
- We place it in a press heated to approx. 200°C.
- And here comes the magic: The ink turns into gas and the material's pores open up due to the heat. The gas penetrates inside the material structure.
- After cooling, the pores close and the color is trapped inside.
Main Advantages of Sublimation:
- Indestructibility: The print cannot be scratched off or washed out because it is not "on the surface" but "in the material".
- Photographic Quality: We can print any photo, gradient, or complex graphic in the full CMYK spectrum.
- Breathability: On textiles (jerseys), the print does not clog pores, so you don't sweat under it.
- Single Piece Production: We don't have to make expensive screens like in screen printing. Even 1 piece is worth it.
Limitations: Why Can't We Sublimate on Cotton?
Sublimation has one fundamental condition: it only works on polyester (synthetic fibers) or objects with a special polyester coating.
Natural fibers (cotton) do not have "pores" that would open with heat and accept gaseous ink. If we tried to sublimate on a regular cotton T-shirt, the color would wash out after the first wash.
| Feature | Sublimation Printing | Classic Print (Screen/Transfer) |
|---|---|---|
| Ink Location | INSIDE the material (dyed fiber) | ON THE SURFACE (ink layer) |
| Tactile Feel | Zero (print cannot be felt) | Tangible layer |
| Material | Only polyester / special coating | Anything (cotton, paper, plastic...) |
| Colors | Photos, gradients, unlimited colors | Mostly direct colors (logos) |
What Do We Use Sublimation For at TAEDA?
- Promotional Mugs: Classic white mugs with a photo or logo.
- Lanyards: Satin, full-color printed lanyards.
- Sports Textiles: Functional T-shirts and jerseys (100% polyester).
- Mouse Pads and Towels: Special microfiber towels with full-surface printing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Sublimation
What data do I need for sublimation?
Unlike screen printing, high-quality raster data (photos) is sufficient here. Ideally JPG, PNG, or PDF at a resolution of at least 300 DPI. Of course, vectors are also welcome.
Can I put a sublimation mug in the dishwasher?
Yes, our mugs have a high-quality coating layer that withstands the dishwasher. However, for maximum lifespan and color vibrancy, we always recommend hand washing.
Can you sublimate white color?
No. Sublimation printers do not have white ink. White areas in the graphic remain the color of the background. Therefore, sublimation is primarily done on white objects.
Want promotional items with a photo?
Sublimation is the best choice. We will create original gifts with full-color printing for you.
- ✅ Small batch production: We can produce even just 10 mugs for partners.
- ✅ Graphic check: We will verify if your photo is of sufficient quality.
- ✅ Fast delivery: Sublimation is a fast technology without lengthy preparation.