Jan 20, 2026

Sublimation Printing Explained: A Practical Guide For Australian Businesses

Sublimation printing has become a core production method across apparel, signage, and promotional products. It is valued for its vibrant colour, long lasting results, and ability to produce high quality prints at speed.

For many businesses, understanding sublimation printing starts with one simple question. What is a sublimation printer, and how does the process actually work in a real production environment.

This guide breaks down sublimation printing step by step. It explains how the process works, where it performs best, and what to watch out for when getting started. It also covers practical equipment considerations and highlights sublimation printers available in Australia through Pozitive.

What Is Sublimation Printing And Why It Is Different

Sublimation printing is a digital printing process where special inks are transferred into a substrate using heat and pressure. Unlike surface printing methods, the ink becomes part of the material rather than sitting on top of it.

At a chemical level, sublimation occurs when solid dye turns directly into a gas under heat. When this gas comes into contact with a polymer coated surface or polyester fabric, it bonds at a molecular level as it cools. The result is a print that does not crack, peel, or fade easily.

This is why sublimation is often chosen for applications where durability and colour consistency matter over time.

Understanding what is a sublimation printer helps clarify this difference. A sublimation printer is designed to print with dye based inks that can sublimate under heat, rather than standard pigment or solvent inks.

How Sublimation Printing Works Step By Step

Sublimation printing follows a predictable workflow. Each stage matters, and small mistakes early in the process can affect the final result.

Design Creation

The process begins with a digital design. Artwork is created in design software and prepared with colour profiles suited to sublimation inks. Designs are usually mirrored at this stage to ensure correct orientation during transfer.

Printing Onto Transfer Paper

The design is printed onto sublimation transfer paper using a sublimation printer. The ink remains solid on the paper at this stage. Print quality here directly affects the final output.

Heat And Pressure Application

The printed transfer paper is placed against the substrate. Heat and pressure are applied using a heat press or calendar press. Under high temperature, the ink sublimates into a gas.

Final Product Transformation

As the ink gas penetrates the polyester or polymer coating, it bonds permanently. Once cooled, the print becomes part of the surface. There is no texture, no raised edge, and no additional curing required.

Products That Can Be Created With Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing is versatile, but it does have material requirements. It works best on polyester based materials or items with a dedicated polymer coating.

Apparel And Textiles

Sublimation is commonly used for:

T shirts and activewear made from polyester
Hoodies and performance garments
Sports uniforms and team wear

Because the ink bonds into the fabric, prints remain breathable and flexible.

Home And Lifestyle Products

Sublimation is widely used for:

Mugs and drinkware
Cushions and soft furnishings
Photo panels and coated decor items

These products benefit from the durability and colour depth sublimation provides.

Promotional And Display Items

Sublimation is also popular for:

Fabric banners and flags
Trade show displays
Soft signage

In wide format production environments, sublimation printing is often paired with equipment such as the DGI Poseidon or DGI FH 3204 Hybrid for fabric and hybrid applications.

Advantages And Limitations Of Sublimation Printing

Like any production method, sublimation printing has strengths and constraints.

Advantages Of Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing offers:

Vibrant, continuous tone colour
Exceptional durability with no cracking or peeling
Fast production once workflows are established
A smooth, professional finish

These benefits make it ideal for long run textile and promotional work.

Limitations To Be Aware Of

Sublimation printing also has limitations:

It only works on polyester or polymer coated substrates
White ink is not possible
Base colour affects the final result
Creasing during transfer can cause ghosting

Understanding these limitations early helps avoid production issues.

Common Pitfalls And How To Fix Them

Many challenges with sublimation printing come down to setup and material selection.

Incorrect Material Choice

Using cotton or uncoated surfaces will result in faded or incomplete prints. Always confirm polyester content or coating compatibility.

Dull Or Inaccurate Colours

This is often caused by incorrect colour profiles or heat settings. Ensuring correct ICC profiles and stable heat press temperatures improves consistency.

Transfer Ghosting Or Blurring

Movement during pressing can cause shadowing. Secure paper placement and consistent pressure help prevent this issue.

Practical Tips For Getting Started With Sublimation Printing

For beginners, sublimation printing becomes far easier with the right approach.

Equipment And Supplies

Start with:

A dedicated sublimation printer
Quality transfer paper
Consistent heat press equipment
Approved sublimation inks

Printers such as the Mutoh XPertJet 1682wr and TS100-160 are commonly used in commercial sublimation environments.

Design Considerations

Designs should account for:

Base fabric colour
Print scaling during heat transfer
Mirror orientation
Testing small samples before full production saves time and materials.

Maintenance Basics

Regular maintenance keeps printers performing reliably. This includes:

Routine nozzle checks
Consistent ink circulation
Cleaning schedules suited to production volume

Sublimation Printing Compared With Other Methods

Sublimation printing is often compared with screen printing and DTG printing.

Screen printing offers strong durability but requires longer setup and works best at volume. DTG printing allows full colour prints on cotton but does not match sublimation durability.

Sublimation excels where polyester, colour vibrancy, and long term performance are priorities.

Sublimation Printers Available In Australia Through Pozitive

Choosing the right equipment depends on production scale and application type.

Small To Mid Scale Production

Printers like the MS JP4 Evo are suited to businesses producing apparel and soft signage at moderate volumes.

High Volume Textile And Fabric Printing

The Epson Surecolor F9560 and Epson Surecolor F11060 are designed for high speed, wide format sublimation production with consistent colour output.

Hybrid And Specialised Applications

For businesses combining rigid and flexible media, equipment such as the DGI FH 3204 Hybrid supports broader production needs.

Each of these printers is built to handle the demands of commercial sublimation workflows in Australia.

Key Takeaways On Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing offers a durable, vibrant, and efficient solution for polyester based products. When used correctly, it delivers long lasting results with minimal post processing.

Understanding what is a sublimation printer, how the process works, and where it performs best allows businesses to make confident production decisions. With the right equipment, materials, and setup, sublimation printing becomes a reliable part of modern print production.