Short answer: Dye-sublimation printing uses heat to move dye into a material, and it is used on polyester. The design is either printed on paper and transferred, or printed directly onto the fabric.
What two sources say about Sublimation
| Source page | Publisher | What the page says |
|---|---|---|
| Dye-sublimation printer | Wikipedia | Explains that dye-sublimation uses heat to move dye onto a material and is often called a dry process. Notes the name comes from an early belief that dye went straight from solid to gas, with 'dye diffusion' being more accurate. |
| Primer for printing | Advanced Textiles Association | Trade article saying dye-sublimation uses heat to move dye into a material, by paper transfer or direct printing, and requires polyester. Says disperse dyes are the ink type designed for polyester and the dye becomes part of the fabric. |
Key points
- Heat moves the dye onto or into the material, and the process is often called a dry process. [1, 2]
- The name came from an early belief that dye turned straight from solid to gas; later work showed some dye liquefies, so 'dye diffusion' is the more accurate term. [1]
- In the transfer version a mirror-image design is printed on heat-resistant paper and then moved by a heat press. [1]
- The Advanced Textiles Association article says dye-sublimation printers require polyester. [2]
- Disperse dyes are the ink category designed for polyester and must go through sublimation to penetrate the fibres. [2]
- The dye becomes part of the fabric instead of sitting on the surface, and each spot can take any shade, giving smooth continuous tones. [1, 2]
Sublimation compared with Direct-to-fabric sublimation printing
| Aspect | Sublimation | Direct-to-fabric sublimation printing | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Transfer: image printed on paper first, then moved to polyester fabric. | Image printed straight onto the fabric. | [2] |
| Equipment | Needs a heat press or calender to transfer the dye. | Some machines can do both methods. | [1, 2] |
Where sources differ
The Wikipedia page is about dye-sublimation printers in general, not only textiles. The terms 'sublimation' and 'dye diffusion' are both used, and Wikipedia says the strict solid-to-gas picture is not fully accurate.
Questions to ask a supplier about Sublimation
- [ ] Is the print transfer sublimation or direct-to-fabric sublimation?
- [ ] Is the material polyester, and what is the fibre content?
- [ ] How does the print perform in colourfastness to light and washing?
- [ ] Is there any limit on dark or coloured base materials?
- [ ] What transfer paper and heat settings are used?
Read next on this site
- Dye sublimation on polyester cushion covers: what works and where it stops
- Fabric printing methods for cushions and curtains: sublimation, pigment and reactive inks
- Private label cushion covers
More terms and explainers
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- Colourfastness
- Wallpaper roll
- How to Read a Product Spec Sheet Before You Approve It
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Sources: [1] Wikipedia, fetched 2026-11-12; [2] Advanced Textiles Association, fetched 2026-11-12. As of 2026-11-12. General information, not legal, customs or tax advice. Wording is paraphrased from the pages linked; your written quote and contract govern.