Sublimation printing has become one of the most reliable and popular solutions in today’s custom apparel market—especially for sportswear, team uniforms, fashion tees, promotional shirts, and personalized gifts. But how exactly does sublimation work? What fabrics does it require? And how does it perform compared with screen printing, DTG, DTF, and heat transfer vinyl?
This time we will explain everything in a clear, professional, and practical way.
1. How Does Sublimation Printing Work?
Sublimation printing uses sublimation ink and heat + pressure to convert solid dye into a gas. This gaseous dye permeates into polyester fibers, and once cooled, the dye returns to solid form and becomes part of the fabric itself.
Technical Principle (Simple Breakdown)
- Print design using sublimation ink on transfer paper
- Place the paper on the T-shirt
- Heat press at ~190–205°C (374–401°F)
- Ink turns into gas and bonds with polyester molecules
- After cooling, the image becomes permanently embedded
This unique chemical reaction forms a non-touchable, non-crackable, non-peeling image that will not fade easily.
By printing on transfer paper, the ink is transferred to the fabric by penetration using a heat press machine
2. What Fabric Requirements Does Sublimation Have?
Best Material: 100% Polyester T-Shirts
Polyester contains molecular “pores” that open under heat, allowing dye gas to enter and lock inside once cooled.
Suitable Materials
| Material | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Polyester | ★★★★★ (Best) | Brightest colors, longest durability |
| Polyester blends (≥65% polyester) | ★★★★☆ | Good results, slightly softer hand feel |
| Polyester-coated cotton | ★★★☆☆ | Requires special coating layer |
| Performance / sports fabrics | ★★★★★ | Ideal for apparel printing |
✘ Not Suitable
- 100% cotton (unless coated)
- Natural fibers (linen, silk, wool)
- Dark fabrics (unless using special solutions)
Sublimation requires light-colored polyester because the ink becomes part of the fabric—not a surface layer.
The color of the fabric that does not meet the conditions may appear dim, leave no color, or even print completely
3. Advantages & Disadvantages: Sublimation vs Other Printing Technologies
Comparison Table: Sublimation vs Screen Print vs DTG vs DTF vs HTV
| Technology | Main Advantages | Main Disadvantages | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sublimation | • Vibrant colors • No cracking or peeling • Breathable & soft feel • Long-lasting wash durability • Ideal for full-color photos | • Requires polyester fabric • Limited to light colors • Not suitable for cotton | Sportswear, fashion tees, all-over print, team uniforms |
| Screen Printing | • Extremely durable • Low cost for mass production • Works on cotton & dark colors | • Not cost-effective for small orders • Limited color gradients | Bulk orders, simple graphic tees |
| DTG (Direct to Garment) | • Soft feel • Good for cotton • Supports detailed designs | • Higher cost per print • Less durable than sublimation | Small-batch custom tees, artwork prints |
| DTF (Direct to Film) | • Works on almost all fabrics • Vibrant colors • Good on dark garments | • Film layer feels slightly thicker • Can crack over time | High-mix small orders, dark shirts |
| HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) | • Easy to customize names/numbers • Very durable | • Thick surface feel • Limited for large images | Sports jersey numbering, simple logos |
Sublimation Printing
Screen Printing
DTG Printing
DTF Printing
HTV Printing
4. How Long Can Sublimation Printing Last on a T-Shirt?
➤ Color Durability(under normol use)
- 2–3 years or longer without visible fading
- Colors stay stable because the ink is inside the fibers
➤ Washing Durability
- 50–100+ wash cycles depending on fabric quality & washing conditions
- No cracking or peeling because there is no surface layer
Color Durability & Washing Durability Comparison
| Printing Technology | Color Durability | Washing Durability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sublimation | ★★★★★ Colors remain vibrant for years | ★★★★★ 50–100+ washes with minimal fading | Dye becomes part of the polyester fibers; no cracking or peeling |
| Screen Printing | ★★★★☆ Good color stability | ★★★★☆ Very durable on cotton | High durability but can crack over time, especially after long-term washing |
| DTG (Direct to Garment) | ★★★☆☆ Good color but may fade | ★★★☆☆ 20–40 washes | Water-based inks absorb into cotton; requires careful washing |
| DTF (Direct to Film) | ★★★★☆ Vibrant colors, good opacity | ★★★★☆ 40–60 washes | Film layer provides strong durability but may slightly crack after long-term use |
| HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) | ★★★☆☆ Stable colors, solid blocks | ★★★☆☆ 20–40 washes | Vinyl layer stays intact but can peel or lift over time |
Problems that may occur after washing of poor quality materials
5. Daily Care Instructions for Sublimation T-Shirts
Proper care helps preserve brightness and extend the garment’s life.
Washing Recommendations
- Machine wash cold or warm: below 40°C (104°F)
- Turn garment inside out
- Use mild detergent
- Avoid bleach or strong alkaline detergents
- Do not use fabric softeners (may slowly affect color)
- Wash with similar colors
Drying Recommendations
- Low-heat tumble dry OR hang dry
- Avoid machine drying at high temperature
- Do not wring excessively
- Don’t get too much exposure in the sun
Ironing
- Iron inside-out
- Avoid ironing directly on printed surface
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can sublimation be printed on 100% cotton T-shirts?
Not directly. Cotton lacks polyester molecules for dye bonding.
However, polyester-coated cotton can be used, but durability is lower than true polyester.
Q2: Can sublimation be used on black or dark fabrics?
Not effectively, because sublimation ink is transparent.
It requires light-colored polyester, usually white for best results.
Q3: Will sublimation prints crack or peel?
No. The ink becomes part of the fibers—it cannot peel like screen print or DTF.
Q4: Is sublimation safe for the skin?
Yes. The ink permanently bonds within fibers and leaves no residue on the surface.
Q5: Do sublimation T-shirts fade under sunlight?
Long UV exposure may cause slight fading over time, but much slower than other methods.
Q6: Is sublimation T-shirt printing eco-friendly?
Yes—compared with other printers, sublimation uses:
- Waterless production
- Minimal waste
- No toxic chemicals
7. Why Sublimation Is the Best Choice for Custom Apparel
Sublimation printing offers unmatched color vibrancy, breathability, comfort, and long-lasting durability—making it one of the most reliable printing technologies for modern apparel brands, sports teams, and customized gift businesses.
While it requires polyester and light-colored fabrics, its advantages in print quality and durability make sublimation a leading choice in today’s T-shirt customization market.
LeadSub Brand Information
LeadSub Sublimation Solutions
With 20+ years of manufacturing experience, our company specializes in sublimation blanks and heat press equipment. We supply global wholesalers, ecommerce sellers, POD studios, and corporate clients with stable quality, competitive pricing, and full customization support.
Why Choose Us
- 18,000㎡ production facilities in Jiangxi & Shandong
- Full product line: sublimation blanks, household items, festival gifts, apparel, photo panels, mugs, and machines
- Daily production capacity: 50000+pcs
- OEM/ODM branding service
- Professional QC team & advanced coating technology
- Fast delivery for large wholesale orders
We help customers build profitable sublimation product lines with consistency and reliability. Welcome to contact us for solutions, samples, and orders.
