Sublimation Print

Sublimation printing is a digital method that uses heat and pressure to turn solid dye into gas, which bonds with polyester fibers or polymer-coated surfaces. The image becomes part of the material, so it resists cracking and peeling. Press settings depend on the blank, paper and ink, so follow their makers' instructions; the method works on polyester apparel, coated mugs and metal panels, but not cotton.

This guide covers fabric selection for dye sublimation using heat-transfer ink systems. It does NOT address screen printing, DTG, or pigment-based inkjet transfers those follow entirely different rules. The best fabric for sublimation printing is 100% polyester. That's the short answer. But the longer answer, the one that will actually save your prints is about what happens when you go below that threshold, and why a "65% polyester" tag on a shirt doesn't guarantee anything