Sublimation
Definition
What is sublimation?
A heat transfer printing method using special dye-sublimation inks that convert from solid to gas when heated, permanently bonding with polyester fibers. Unlike DTF, sublimation only works on white or light polyester fabrics.
Where sublimation shows up on DTF Database
Guides and comparisons on this site that cover sublimation in practice.
A practical reference to dye-sublimation for apparel decorators: what sublimation paper is, typical temperature and time settings for shirts and hard goods, what a purge sheet is, and how sublimation compares to DTF.
Read the articleA buying guide to the best blank shirts for sublimation in 2026, covering 100% polyester blanks, blend trade-offs, color limits, and heat press settings.
Read the articleDecoding hard-goods decoration: when to use sublimation, UV DTF, vinyl decals, or direct UV print on tumblers, mugs, glass, metal, wood, and plastic.
Read the articleA heat press temperature guide covering DTF, HTV settings, sublimation, plastisol, and polyester. Learn typical temps, dwell times, and brand spec sheets.
Read the articleHow to put a photo on a t-shirt with DTF, DTG, or sublimation: file prep, fabric choice, cost, and where to order custom photo t-shirts in 2026.
Read the articleSublimation presses at 385-400F on polyester only, while HTV, DTF, and iron-on paper work on any fabric. Compare every heat transfer method by cost and feel.
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