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What is Sublimation?
December 23, 2025
Sublimation (putting the printing element aside for a second) is a process where a substance changes directly from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase. It might sound scientific, but this clever bit of chemistry is what powers one of the most popular modern printing techniques.
Sublimation printing is the secret behind those vivid, long-lasting photo gifts and custom products you’ve probably seen everywhere - from mugs and t-shirts to phone cases and coasters. It’s becoming increasingly popular as a professional printing method that’s surprisingly accessible once you know the basics. Take a look at our sublimation blanks range for an idea of the sorts of products sublimation is used for.
Whether you're just getting started or simply curious about how it works, we’re going to break down everything you need to know - from how sublimation printing works, to what kit you need, to how it compares with other printing methods like inkjet.
What Does Sublimation Printing Mean?
Sublimation printing is a digital printing process that uses sublimations phase transition (from solid to gas) to transfer dye directly into (you read that right - into, not onto) specially coated materials.
Unlike traditional printing methods that lay ink on top of the surface, sublimation bonds the dye with the fibres or coating of the material, creating a smooth, long-lasting image that won’t peel, crack, or fade easily.
How Does Sublimation Printing Work?
It all starts with sublimation ink and a design printed onto special transfer paper. This paper is then placed onto the sublimation blank (usually a product with a polymer coating) and subjected to high heat and pressure using a heat press or vacuum press. Under these conditions, the ink turns into a gas and embeds itself into the surface of the blank, becoming part of the material itself.
What Can You Sublimation Print On?
Sublimation only works on materials that have a polymer coating or are polyester-based. That’s because the sublimation dye bonds with polymers (plastic) at high heat - it won’t fuse with untreated surfaces.
Popular Materials and Products You Can Sublimate On:
- Polymer-coated ceramics - Like mugs and sublimation ornaments.
- Polyester fabrics - For custom clothing, lanyards, cushions, and more
- Aluminium panels - Such as our premium EnduraPic sublimation wall panels
- Polymer-coated MDF or hardboard - For photo frames, keyrings, and coasters
- Phone cases, mouse mats, and puzzles - When specially coated for sublimation
If it’s not polyester or polymer-coated, it won’t work. So make sure you’re using blanks designed for sublimation like those in our specialist sublimation blanks range.
Is Sublimation the Same as Heat Press?
Not quite. A heat press is a tool used during the sublimation process, but it isn’t the process itself. Sublimation is the method of dye transfer, and a heat press (or vacuum press) is used to apply the heat and pressure.
For flat panels and photo gifts like those in our EnduraPic range, a traditional heat press is used to achieve that rich, vibrant colour and professional finish. While Adventa doesn't sell heat presses directly, our sublimation blanks are fully compatible with most standard presses and dye sublimation printers.
What Do You Need for Sublimation Printing?
To get started with sublimation printing, you'll need:
- A sublimation printer compatible with sublimation ink
- Dye sublimation inks
- Sublimation transfer paper
- Polymer-coated products (known as sublimation blanks)
- A heat press or vacuum press, such as our Vacuumate Pro:
Sublimation Printing Process
Once you have the equipment, follow these steps to sublimation printing:
- Design Your Artwork: Create your personalised image or photo, and remember to mirror the design (flip it horizontally), as it will be transferred in reverse.
- Print Onto Sublimation Paper: Load your sublimation printer with sublimation dyes and print the design onto sublimation transfer paper. The result will look a little dull on paper, but don’t worry, it comes to life during transfer.
- Position the Transfer: Place the transfer paper face-down on your chosen polymer-coated blank - this could be anything from a keyring to an aluminium photo panel like our EnduraPic Desk Panels.
- Apply Heat and Pressure: Use a heat press (for flat items like coasters or panels) or the Vacuumate Pro (for round items like our sublimation baubles) to apply the required temperature and pressure. This activates the ink and allows it to sublimate, changing from solid to gas, and infuse into the surface of the blank.
- Peel and Cool: Once the time is up, carefully remove the paper, and let the product cool. You’re left with a vibrant, high-resolution image that won’t peel or crack, because the ink is now part of the material.
This process is ideal for personalised gifts, promotional products, and professional-quality photo items. And with the right setup, it’s surprisingly fast, easy, and scalable.
Is Sublimation Printing Better Than Inkjet Printing?
It depends on the application! Inkjet printers are great for everyday documents and paper-based projects, but they can’t match the durability and vibrancy of sublimation when it comes to hard surfaces. Sublimation prints are simply more resistant to fading, smudging, and wear, making them ideal for personalised gifts, signage, and long-lasting displays.
Sublimation vs. Screen Printing - What’s the Difference?
Both sublimation and screen printing are popular methods for transferring designs onto products, but they’re very different in how they work, and what they’re best suited for.
Sublimation is a digital process ideal for full-colour, photo-quality prints with no texture. It’s especially good for short runs and personalised products.
Screen printing, on the other hand, uses physical stencils and ink that is applied by hand or machine, making this process better for large-volume runs on cotton fabrics or uncoated surfaces. However, it’s less well suited to detailed photographic prints or one-off customisations.
Can My Printer Do Sublimation?
Unfortunately no, most standard home or office printers can’t be used for sublimation. However, some inkjet models can be converted for sublimation use, with the right inks and paper. However dedicated sublimation printers are the best option for professional results, and offer a more plug-and-play solution that’s as reliable as it is simple.
Does Sublimation Ink Fade?
Sublimation prints are known for their longevity (it’s kind of the whole point). When the dye sublimation process is applied correctly to a suitable blank, the colours remain vibrant for years. However, like all printed materials, they can eventually fade if exposed to direct sunlight. Also, signage that is left out in harsh environmental conditions may fade eventually.
What Are the Disadvantages of Sublimation?
While sublimation offers many benefits, it’s not without limitations:
- You need polymer-coated or polyester-based materials, as sublimation won’t work on just any surface
- Light-coloured blanks are best, as sublimation doesn’t print white
- There’s an upfront investment in equipment like a heat press or vacuum press
Got questions? Our team is always here to help you find the right solution for your personalising printing setup; just get in touch at +44 (0) 1686 625 100.
