What is Sublimation Printing? A Beginner's Guide for Businesses and Individuals
If you have ever ordered a custom mug, a personalised t-shirt, or a printed tote bag and noticed how vivid and durable the colours are — there is a good chance it was made using sublimation printing. Sublimation is one of the most popular methods for printing on fabrics and coated surfaces, and it produces stunning, long-lasting results. Here is everything you need to know.
If you have ever ordered a custom mug, a personalised t-shirt, or a printed tote bag and noticed how vivid and durable the colours are — there is a good chance it was made using sublimation printing.
Sublimation is one of the most popular methods for printing on fabrics and coated surfaces, and it produces stunning, long-lasting results. Here is everything you need to know.
How Does Sublimation Printing Work?
Sublimation printing uses heat to transfer dye directly into the fibres of a material, rather than sitting on top of the surface the way a standard print does.
The process works in two stages:
- A design is printed onto a special transfer paper using sublimation inks
- The transfer paper is placed onto the product and run through a heat press at around 200°C — the heat converts the ink into a gas, which bonds permanently with the material
Because the ink becomes part of the material rather than sitting on top of it, sublimation prints will not crack, peel, or fade with washing or normal use.
What Products Can Be Made with Sublimation Printing?
One of the great things about sublimation is the variety of products it works on. At Aximiz, we offer sublimation printing on:
- T-shirts — ideal for teams, events, charities, and branded workwear
- Hoodies — great for sports clubs, schools, and merchandise
- Tote bags — popular for promotions, gifts, and retail
- Mugs and travel mugs — classic personalised gifts
- Coasters — great for promotional giveaways or gifts
- Photo slates — a unique and personal gift option
What are the Limitations of Sublimation?
Sublimation works best on white or very light-coloured materials. Because the ink becomes part of the material, it shows up differently on dark fabrics — the original fabric colour affects the final result.
It also works on polyester fabrics and specially coated hard surfaces (like ceramic mugs). It is not suitable for 100% cotton garments without a poly-coating.
If you are unsure whether sublimation is the right process for your project, our team at Aximiz is happy to advise.
Why Choose Sublimation for Your Business or Event?
Sublimation is an excellent choice when you need:
- Full-colour, photo-quality prints — gradients, detailed images, and photography all reproduce beautifully
- Durable, wash-resistant results — ideal for garments that will be worn and washed regularly
- Custom merchandise or gifts — personalised with names, photos, or logos
- Small or large runs — sublimation can be cost-effective even for smaller quantities
How Much Does Sublimation Printing Cost?
At Aximiz, sublimation-printed products start from as little as £6 for a custom mug, £10 for a t-shirt, and £12.50 for a tote bag. Prices vary depending on the product and quantity — get in touch or browse our products for full pricing.