What is dye sublimation and the process of dye sublimation?

Dye sublimation is a printing method that uses heat to transfer dye onto a variety of materials, including fabrics, plastics, and ceramics. The process involves first printing the image or design onto special transfer paper using specially formulated dye-sublimation ink.  The transfer paper is then placed face down on the material to be printed and subjected to high temperatures and pressure in a heat press machine. As the heat and pressure are applied, the ink on the transfer paper sublimates from solid directly to gas without passing through a liquid phase. This gas then permeates the surface of the material and bonds with its molecules, resulting in a permanent, high-quality image that resists fading, peeling, or cracking over time.

Dye sublimation offers excellent color accuracy, sharpness, and detail even on complex patterns or photographic images, making it a preferred choice for items like custom t-shirts, flags, banners, photo mugs, sports jerseys and more.