Unlocking Creativity: A Guide to Fabrics for Sublimation

The Perfect Match for Sublimation Printing

Sublimation is a magical process where solid ink turns into a gas under heat and pressure, bonding permanently with synthetic fibers. The key phrase here is "synthetic fibers."

How it Works: The ink infuses itself into the fabric polymer, rather than sitting on top. This means the print won't crack, peel, or wash out, and the fabric remains breathable and soft to the touch.

Top Fabrics for Sublimation:

1. Polyester: The undisputed champion. The higher the polyester content, the more vibrant and sharp your print will be. It’s the ideal canvas for sublimation.

· Best For: Sportswear, leggings, flags, and performance apparel.

2. Polyester-Coated Substrates: This is the trick to sublimating on non-fabric items! Mugs, plaques, and puzzles have a special polyester coating that accepts the sublimation ink.

· Best For: Hard goods and non-apparel items.

3. Spandex/Lycra (Blends): These fabrics typically have a high polyester content, making them excellent for full-color, all-over prints that need to stretch without distorting the design.

· Best For: Swimwear, dance costumes, and athletic wear.

Fabrics to Avoid with Sublimation:

· 100% Cotton: Sublimation ink cannot bond with natural fibers. On 100% cotton, the ink will sit on the surface, will feel stiff, and will wash out almost completely, leaving a faint, ghost-like image.

· Wool, Silk, Linen: For the same reason as cotton, these natural fibers are not suitable for traditional sublimation.