Sublimation: full-colour print, imperceptible in the fabric
Sublimation is the technique for sportswear, all-over prints and polyester textiles. The ink becomes part of the fabric — no perceptible layer, no cracking, no colour loss from washing.
What is sublimation?
With sublimation printing we first print the design onto a special sublimation paper. We then press this onto the textile at high temperature (±200°C). At that heat the ink changes directly from solid to gas (sublimation) and bonds with the polyester fibres. The ink then sits in the fabric, not on it.
This gives sublimation a few unique properties: the print is completely imperceptible, cannot crack or peel, and retains its colour intensity exceptionally well.
When do you choose sublimation?
Sublimation is the right choice when: Sublimation does not work on cotton. For cotton clothing, choose screen printing or DTF.
Applications
All-over sports shirts
Full printing of match shirts, training tops and cycling jerseys. Together with partners we also produce cut-and-sewn shirts: your design is printed onto a roll of fabric, from which the shirts are cut and stitched.
Functional sportswear
Running shirts, football shirts, cycling shirts, hockey leggings — anything where polyester is the base.
Sublimation on white polyester
For T-shirts in white polyester, sublimation is a fine premium option: sharp full-colour prints with no perceptible layer.
What do you need to order?
The design: supply your design as a vector (.AI, .EPS, .PDF) or a high-resolution image (300 dpi at actual size). For all-over work we also need the design in a CMYK colour profile; we'll help with the conversion if needed.
The textile: 100% polyester. Only on white textiles — sublimation cannot cover colour, only add it. On dark polyester, sublimation barely works.
The quantities: from 10 pieces for individual items. For cut-and-sew (shirts stitched from your design): from 10 pieces per design.
Pros and cons at a glance
Advantages
- Imperceptible — the print is part of the fabric
- Cannot crack, tear or peel
- Exceptional colour intensity and wash resistance
- All-over prints possible
- No perceptible added weight
Points to note
- Only works on 100% polyester
- Only works on white textiles
- For cut-and-sew shirts: higher setup costs and longer delivery times
- A colour cast is possible on blends with cotton (e.g. 50/50)
Delivery time & price indication
Standard delivery time for individual items: on average 7–10 working days. Cut-and-sew sports shirts: 4–6 weeks (production via partner).
Price: depends on product type and run size. Cut-and-sew sports shirts have higher setup costs but a low unit price in larger quantities.
Ready for your sublimation project?
Sports club, running group, event or just something special? Send us your design and we’ll advise on the options.
Examples from our print shop
Recent projects. For the full selection: view the portfolio.
