Dye-Sublimation Transfer Printing

Dye sublimation uses heat to move sublimable disperse dyes from transfer paper into polyester fibers. It is common in sportswear, flags, and other light-colored polyester products with detailed artwork.

How It Works

The design is printed on dedicated transfer paper. A heat press or calender then holds the paper against the fabric. Heat transfers the dye into the polyester, and the paper is removed after transfer.

Uses and Benefits

The process handles gradients, multicolor designs, and allover artwork. Because the dye enters the fibers, the fabric generally keeps more of its original hand than it would under a thick surface print.

Limitations

Light-colored fabrics with a high polyester content give the most predictable color. Untreated cotton will not take the dye the same way, and conventional sublimation supplies no opaque white layer. Check for distortion, dye migration, and ghost images at sampling.

What to Check

Approve a strike-off on the actual fabric using the intended heat settings. Check color, detail, ghosting, and dimensional change. If the garment will be heat-pressed again or packed against pale materials, check for dye transfer after heat.