DYE SUBLIMATION

The term dye sublimation refers to the process where dye (ink)
is transferred under high heat and pressure onto a product.

When dye sub is to be considered you should understand what goes into the process of producing prints. The topics listed below will guide you on some of the abilities and limitations of the process.

Dye sublimation produces photographic quality images which are durable enough for everyday use. Dye Sub items you'll recognize include coffee mugs and mouse pads. Because the image is created with a special ink jet printer the image is not limited to a single design with the artwork time being the only constraint. Artwork image can be adapted (size) to the intended application (mug, tile, etc). Good quality art that allows sizing will work well in most application.

1) Choice of product for dye sublimation : Dye sublimation requires special ink, applied by ink jet printer onto a carrier paper. The paper is then secured to a polyester coated item and firmly pressed under heat (about 400 degrees (F)) until the ink vaporizes and is bonded to the polyester surface. Accordingly, polyester products, or polyester coated items, are commercially available and are designed specifically for this process. Special coatings can be applied to other surfaces to allow this process to be used, such as stone, glass, rocks, wood, etc.

2) Choice of image for dye sublimation: Combinations of image and text can be applied so it is easy to make a product that has more color and value than strictly words or a single print. A coffee mug can have two images with words between or one large wrap around image, or an image with words within the image.

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