How Sublimation Printing Creates Full-Colour Branded Items
Have you been to sporting events, like a basketball game, and wondered how the jersey names and the design were customised for a specific team? Edge-to-edge colour printing or sublimation is the branding method used for that. In this blog, we will explain how the process works and how it creates full-colour prints on items like jerseys and corporate uniforms.
What Actually Is Sublimation Printing?
When I explain sublimation to clients who are new to the process, I usually keep it simple. Sublimation uses heat to turn specially formulated ink into a gas, which then bonds directly with the fibres of a suitable material.
Instead of sitting on top of the product like traditional printing, the colour becomes part of the material itself. This creates a smooth finish without the raised, plastic-like feel you might get from some other printing methods.
For me, that’s one of the biggest advantages of sublimation. We’re not simply adding a design to the surface — we’re creating a finish that feels like it’s part of the product. It’s this combination of vibrant colour, detailed designs, and a smooth finish that makes sublimation such a popular choice for businesses looking to create branded merchandise that people will notice and remember.
How I Walk Clients Through the Process
When I explain how a design becomes a finished product, I outline the process as follows:
- I prepare the artwork digitally, adjusting it for the specific product.
- The design is printed with sublimation ink onto transfer paper.
- I position the transfer carefully onto the product.
- Heat and pressure turn the ink into a gas.
- The gas bonds with the product.
The process is straightforward, yet the results continue to impress me with each completed product.
What I Felt When Using Sublimated Merchandise
As someone who works and has access to our Sydney showroom, I’ve seen and felt how a sublimated shirt looks and feels. There’s something different about handling sublimated items feel distinctly different from standard printed products. There are no raised edges or stiff patches. It’s like the product was made with that design already in it.
When I Recommend It
If a design includes gradients, photographic detail, or multiple colours, I typically recommend sublimation. Unlike other methods, additional colours do not increase costs. Sublimation is ideal for:
- Bold, saturated colour
- Fine detail and photo-style imagery
- Smooth gradients
- Multi-colour logos
- All-over, edge-to-edge design. However, sublimation is not suitable for every product. I always select the method based on the material, artwork, and intended use.sed.
Where I’ve Seen It Shine
- Custom apparel (polyester and poly-blends)
- Sportswear and team uniforms
- Tote bags
- Mugs and drinkware
- Event merchandise
I always remind clients that sublimation works best on polyester, while cotton is better suited to other printing methods.
Our full-colour sublimation lanyards are a great example of how vibrant, detailed branding can stand out on smaller items. As Ariane Milarpez, one of our Account Managers at Cubic Promote, puts it, matching the right product and design before production is key. That early collaboration helps ensure the final product delivers exactly what the client envisioned.
How I Compare Sublimation to the Alternatives
No single method is best for every situation. I provide honest recommendations rather than a sales pitch.
What I Check Before Any Order Goes Ahead
When I handle orders with sublimation as the branding method, I always make sure to double-check these details:
- Is your artwork high-res?
- Do your colours match your brand guidelines?
- Is your chosen product actually sublimation-friendly?
- Should you request a sample first? I always recommend doing so for larger orders. Why I Think You Should Come to Me for It
If you’re ready to turn your designs into vibrant, full-colour merchandise, explore our sublimation-ready products and place your order today. Have questions? Get in touch with the team— we’ll help you find the right fit for your design, budget, and brand.
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