Sublimation is a process that uses a certain kind of ink in a printer to print an image that can be heated onto an item, like polyester fabric or blanks with a specialized coating. The design makes a permanent transfer as the ink sublimates — or goes from a solid directly to a gas — and bonds to the polyester fabric or coating. Once sublimated, it’s not coming off! It’s true that it can fade, as UV light (sunlight) can fade the images fairly quickly and exposure to high heat (over 300F/150C) can start the process of inks turning into gases, but for the most part, once it’s on the blank, whatever is there is on there forever.
This is an amazing craft! You can make many kinds of gifts and some people can make quite a nice business selling sublimated items (though many markets are quite saturated).
Here’s a lot of information on how to get started in Sublimation.
Purchasing Decisions
- Help! What Laptop Do I Buy?
- Should I Convert an Ecotank Printer for Sublimation?
- What Software Can I Use for Sublimation?
Setting Everything Up
- Help! I just got a sublimation printer and I’m intimidated!
- Commentary on Epson Color Correction Settings for Sublimation