How Sublimation Works
Dye sublimation turns ink into a gas that bonds with polyester fibres. The design becomes part of the fabric, so there's nothing on the surface to crack, peel or fade. It's the standard for modern match kits.
Design
Your kit is laid out on the garment pattern, so every panel lines up at the seams.
Print
The design is printed in mirror image onto transfer paper with sublimation inks.
Press
Heat and pressure turn the ink to gas, which bonds permanently into the polyester.
At a Glance
What to expect, and when another method is the better fit.
- Colours
- Unlimited, including gradients and photo detail
- Feel
- None: the fabric feels exactly as it did before printing
- Durability
- Won't crack or peel, because the dye is inside the fibre
- Works on
- Polyester and high-poly blends with a white or light base
- Not for
- Cotton, or dark base fabrics
- Best for
- Full kits with all-over designs
The Finish
Drag to compare two sublimation finishes.
Sublimation FAQ
Can you sublimate on cotton?
No. Sublimation dye bonds only with polyester. For cotton, DTG or DTF is used instead.
Can sublimation print white?
Sublimation has no white ink. White areas are left as the white base fabric.
Will a sublimated kit fade?
The dye sits inside the fibre rather than on it, so the design won't crack or peel. Follow the care label to keep colours at their best.
Can sponsors and numbers be sublimated too?
Yes. Crests, sponsors, names and numbers can all be part of the sublimated design.
Put It On
Your Kit
Send your artwork for a method recommendation