Sublimation Printing – Durable Photo-Quality Prints for Mugs & Polyester

Sublimation printing – durable full-color printing for mugs, polyester items and promotional gifts
Dye sublimation is one of the best choices when you want vibrant colors, photo-quality details and long-lasting durability. With sublimation, the dye turns into a gas under heat and bonds permanently with polyester fibers or with a polymer coating on hard substrates (such as mugs). The result looks “inside the material” rather than sitting on top like a film.

When sublimation is the right choice
Choose sublimation when you need:

• photo prints, gradients and rich colors,

• high durability for everyday use,

• clean details and a professional finish,

• printing on promotional gifts and coated items,

• printing on polyester / sports fabrics.

Key benefits

• Very durable: no peeling or lifting (no adhesive film layer).

• No heavy feel on polyester textiles – the print becomes part of the fabric.

• Photo-quality: excellent for images and complex designs.

• Great for personalization (names, numbers, small batches).

• Perfect for promotional products.

Important limitations (to ensure the best result)

• Classic sublimation does not print white ink (the dye is transparent), so the base should be white or light-colored.

• Best results are on light surfaces.

• On textiles, sublimation works best on polyester (or high-poly blends).

• Hard goods must have a proper sublimation coating.

What we can print
Common sublimation products include:

• mugs,

• puzzles,

• microfiber cloths,

• sports towels (microfiber),

• polyester sports shirts,

• selected other coated promotional items (on request).

Order process

1. Send your request (product, quantity, deadline).

2. Send artwork (we can help prepare it).

3. Approve the layout/preview.

4. Production: printing + heat press transfer + QC.

5. Pickup or delivery.

Artwork guidelines

• Logos: vector (PDF/SVG/AI)

• Photos: high-quality PNG/JPG, ideally 300 dpi at final size

• Variable data (names/numbers): send a list (Excel/Sheets)

Sublimation vs. other methods (DTF/DTG/screen printing)
We will recommend the best method based on fabric, color, design and quantity—sublimation is ideal for polyester and coated gifts, while other methods may be better for cotton or dark garments.

Benefits, limitations and artwork requirements