Sublimation
Sublimation printing is one of the most vibrant and versatile methods available today, capable of transferring full colour designs onto both apparel and hard surfaces with results that truly last. Unlike traditional printing, sublimation turns ink into gas and bonds it directly into the material so the design becomes part of the product itself, not something sitting on top of it. At Champions Global Prints, we use sublimation to help you create deeply personal, beautifully finished pieces that make every gift feel one of a kind.
Whether you want a custom mug that holds a memory, a personalised phone case that feels entirely yours, or vibrant sportswear that stands out on and off the pitch, sublimation delivers colour, clarity, and permanence other methods simply can’t match.
Cost Considerations
Sublimation pricing depends on product type, size, and order quantity. Because sublimation produces full colour prints at no extra charge per colour, it’s a highly cost effective choice for designs rich in colour, gradients, or photographic detail. There are no screen setup fees or colour separation charges your design prints exactly as supplied.
Design Considerations for Sublimation
To get the best results from your order, keep the following in mind:
- File formats accepted: .png, .jpg, .pdf, .ai, .eps
- All artwork must be high resolution minimum 300dpi at print size
- Sublimation works best on white or light coloured surfaces and polyester based fabrics
- Colours may look slightly different on screen versus the finished product we recommend a proof before large orders
- Dark backgrounds print exactly as supplied sublimation has no white ink base layer
- Convert all text to outlines to avoid font issues
- Full-bleed designs are possible and encouraged sublimation can cover a surface edge to edge
Advantages of Sublimation Printing
- Vivid, full-colour results Sublimation reproduces photographs, gradients, and detailed full colour artwork with outstanding clarity perfect for personalised designs.
- The design becomes part of the product Because the ink bonds into the material rather than sitting on the surface, sublimation prints won’t crack, peel, fade, or wash out.
- Perfect for personal gifts From mugs printed with a loved one’s photo to cushions, phone cases, and keychains carrying a special memory, sublimation turns everyday objects into lasting, meaningful gifts.
- Full surface coverage Sublimation prints edge to edge across the entire product no borders, no limits, just your design in full.
- No colour limitations Unlike screen printing or embroidery, sublimation reproduces your whole design in one pass with no extra cost per colour. Gradients, shadows, and photographic imagery are all possible.
- Consistent, repeatable results Once your artwork is approved, sublimation delivers the same colour and quality across every item in your order.
Things to Consider with Sublimation
- Only works on white or light surfaces Sublimation ink is transparent, so it needs a white or very light base to show colours accurately. It isn’t suitable for dark coloured garments or products.
- Polyester and polymer-coated surfaces only Sublimation bonds with polyester fibres and polymer coated hard surfaces. It doesn’t suit 100% cotton garments or uncoated natural materials.
- Colours may shift slightly from screen to print As with all printing methods, on screen and printed colours can vary slightly due to screen calibration and the sublimation process itself.
- Not ideal for very small text or fine lines Sublimation handles detailed artwork well, but extremely fine text or hair thin lines may lose sharpness at smaller sizes.
- Hard surfaces need specialist sublimation-ready blanks For mugs, phone cases, keychains, and similar items, the product must be sublimation ready coated with a polymer layer that lets the ink bond. Champions Global Prints supplies all the right blanks for your order.
Sublimation vs DTF Printing
Both sublimation and DTF (Direct to Film) printing deliver high quality, full colour results, but they suit different products and uses. Sublimation is the go to method for hard surface personalisation and all over apparel printing on polyester fabrics, while DTF offers more flexibility across fabric types, including cotton.
| Feature | Sublimation | DTF Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Embedded into material | Applied transfer layer |
| Full colour & gradients | Excellent | Excellent |
| Works on cotton | Not suitable | Excellent |
| Works on hard surfaces | Excellent | Limited |
| All-over print coverage | Excellent | Good |
| Dark garments | Not suitable | Excellent |
| Personalised gifts | Excellent | Good |
| Wash durability | Excellent | Very good |
Is Sublimation Right for Your Project?
If you want personalised gifts, vibrant all over printed apparel, or custom hard-surface products with full colour detail and lasting quality, sublimation is an outstanding choice. It’s especially suited to anyone looking to mark a moment, celebrate someone special, or create something that feels genuinely unique.
Sublimation Printing FAQs
- What is sublimation printing? Sublimation printing uses heat to turn specially formulated ink into gas, which then bonds permanently into a compatible surface. The result is a vibrant, full colour design that becomes part of the product itself, not a layer sitting on top.
- What products can be sublimation printed? At Champions Global Prints, we offer sublimation on a wide range of products, including mugs, tumblers, phone cases, keychains, cushions, and polyester apparel. Have something specific in mind? Get in touch and we’ll confirm if sublimation is the right fit.
- Will sublimation colours fade over time? No. Because the ink bonds into the material at a molecular level, sublimation prints are exceptionally resistant to fading, even after repeated washing or daily use making it one of the most durable personalisation methods around.
- Can sublimation be done on dark coloured products? Unfortunately not. Sublimation ink is transparent and needs a white or light-coloured surface to display colours accurately. For dark garments or surfaces, DTF printing is the better option.
- Is sublimation printing good for gifts? Sublimation is one of the best methods for personalised gifts. Reproducing photographs, names, dates, and full colour artwork on everyday objects like mugs, cushions, and phone cases makes it a favourite for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and other special occasions.
- How long does a sublimation order take? Turnaround varies by product and order size. Get in touch with the Champions Global Prints team for current lead times, and we’ll do our best to meet your deadline.
Ready to create something personal and lasting? Get in touch with the Champions Global Prints team at info@championglobalprints.co.uk or call +44 7344 463867