Sublimation Printing
Photographic-quality prints that become part of ceramic, glass, slate and metal products. Perfect for vibrant wraparound designs with no texture or feel, just pure, permanent color.
The Science Behind Sublimation
Sublimation uses heat to transform solid ink directly into gas, which then bonds permanently with the coating of the material at the molecular level.
Photographic Quality
Reproduce photos and complex designs with incredible detail and color accuracy.
No Feel to Touch
Ink becomes part of the coating, so there is no raised surface, cracking, or peeling.
Wraparound Printing
Wrap one continuous design around a mug or tumbler.
What is Sublimation & How It Works
Understanding the revolutionary printing process that transforms solid ink into gas, creating permanent designs on various materials
Sublimation printing is a revolutionary process that involves printing a design onto special transfer paper using sublimation inks. The ink is then heated, causing it to evaporate and turn into gas. This gas then bonds permanently with the coated surface of the product, whether it's a ceramic mug, a frosted glass tumbler, a metal ornament or a natural slate, resulting in vibrant, long-lasting prints that won't fade, peel, or crack.
Phase Transition
Solid dye particles are heated to approximately 400°F (204°C), causing them to skip the liquid phase entirely and convert directly to gas - this is the 'sublimation' process.
Gas Penetration
The gaseous dye molecules penetrate the coating on the product, whether it's a ceramic mug, a glass tumbler, or a metal ornament.
Molecular Bonding
As the material cools, the gas molecules solidify again, but now they're trapped within the material's structure, creating a permanent bond.
Color Integration
The dye becomes part of the material itself, ensuring the colors won't fade, crack, or peel over time.
What Can You Print with Sublimation?
Everything in our catalog that we sublimate, plus the gift sets built around it
Mugs
- Ceramic Mug, 11 oz
- Ceramic Mug, 15 oz
- Colorful Mug, 11 oz
- Enamel Camping Mug, 12 oz
Glassware
- Frosted Glass 16oz Coffee Tumbler
- Square Glass Ornament
- Round Glass Ornament
Keepsakes
- Photo Slate
- House Shape Metal Ornament
Gift Sets
- Mug Duo Gift Set
- Keepsake Slate & Candle
- Sip & Glow Box
- New Beginnings
- Hello Sunshine Gift Set
- Relax, Sip & Unwind Gift Set
Advantages of Sublimation
Why choose sublimation printing over other methods?
Photographic Quality
Reproduces photos and complex designs with incredible detail and color accuracy.
Durable & Long-Lasting
The permanent bond ensures your design won't fade, peel, or crack over time.
Versatility
The same process prints ceramic mugs, glassware, ornaments and natural slate.
No Texture or Feel
No texture or raised surface - the finished product looks and feels exactly like the original material.
Wraparound Designs
One seamless design that wraps around a mug or tumbler.
Made to Order
Each piece is printed when it sells, so there is no inventory to hold.
Technical Specifications
Important: Sublimation needs a specially coated surface, so everything we sublimate is a coated hard good: ceramic and enamel mugs, glass, natural slate and metal. It does not work on cotton.
What We Sublimate
Ceramic Mugs
11 oz and 15 oz white, plus the 11 oz Colorful Mug
Enamel Camping Mug
12 oz, 7.4" x 2.5" wraparound print
Frosted Glass Coffee Tumbler
16 oz, 9.3" x 3.9" wraparound print
Photo Slate
Natural slate, 5.5" x 5.5" print
Glass Ornaments
Square frosted or round clear, 3" x 3"
House Shape Metal Ornament
Zinc alloy with red and green enamel panels
Sublimation Process Explained
From digital design to a permanent bond in 5 simple steps.
Digital Design
Customer's design is prepared for sublimation printing
Special Ink Printing
Design printed with sublimation inks on transfer paper
Heat Press Transfer
High heat converts ink to gas and bonds with the product's polyester coating
Permanent Bond
Ink becomes part of the coating, with no raised surface or feel
Quality & Ship
Quality check and ship directly to customer
Sublimation vs Other Methods
| Feature | Sublimation | DTG | Screen Print | Heat Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color Vibrancy | Excellent | Good | Good | Fair |
| Durability | Permanent | Good | Excellent | Limited |
| Feel to Touch | No Feel | Slight | Slight | Noticeable |
Ready for Photographic-Quality Profits?
Start creating stunning sublimation products that customers love and pay premium prices for.
Launch Sublimation Store