Glossary · Processes

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Sublimation (sublimation printing)

A process in which a printed design is transferred with heat into polyester or coated blanks. The colour then sits in the material and cannot be felt.

Explained in more detail

A printer with sublimation ink prints the design mirrored onto sublimation paper. In the heat press the ink turns into a gas and bonds with polyester fibres or a polymer coating; Sawgrass gives 205 °C and 45 seconds as a starting value for polyester fabric. The result does not crack and does not wash out. It only works on polyester, for which Cricut gives at least 75%, and on coated blanks such as mugs, tiles or aluminium panels. Because the ink is translucent, only white or light-coloured substrates are suitable.

Where does the term come from?

In physics, sublimation is the direct transition of a substance from solid to gas without becoming liquid in between. The word comes from the Latin sublimare, "to lift up".

In practice

• Mirror the design and print it on the side of the sublimation paper without the raster print.
• Fix the paper with heat-resistant tape so that it does not slip during pressing.
• 100% cotton does not work; the colour washes out. Flex film or DTF are suitable for cotton.
• Ordinary inkjet or laser printers do not work with sublimation paper, sublimation ink is required. Epson excludes damage caused by third-party ink in EcoTank printers from the warranty.
• Fumes are produced during pressing; Cricut recommends a well-ventilated room for the Mug Press.

Not to be confused

Sublimation is not DTF: with DTF a layer of colour sits on the fabric, with sublimation the colour goes into the material. Cricut's Infusible Ink is also sublimation, only with ready-printed sheets instead of your own printer.

Frequently asked questions

Does sublimation work on cotton?

Not directly, as the colour only holds on polyester and polymer coatings. One workaround is printable flex films such as Siser EasySubli, which feel somewhat stiffer and also need a cutting plotter.

Can I sublimate onto black shirts?

No, sublimation ink is translucent and disappears on a dark background. For dark textiles, flex film or DTF are suitable.