Sublimation Printing in London
Vibrant, full-colour sublimation printing on polyester sportswear, t-shirts, mugs, cushions and promotional merchandise. The dye becomes part of the material, so prints feel soft and will not crack or peel.
- All-over, edge-to-edge prints
- Photos, gradients & full colour
- No added layer, soft feel
- Single gifts to bulk orders
What Is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing (dye sublimation) is a method where your design is printed onto transfer paper with special dye inks, then heat and pressure turn the dye into a gas that bonds with polyester fibres or a polymer-coated surface. The design becomes part of the material rather than sitting on top, giving bright, permanent colour with no added texture.
Sublimation works best on white or light-coloured polyester and specially coated items such as mugs and cushions. It is not suitable for cotton or dark garments. For those, we recommend DTF printing or DTG printing.
Is Sublimation Right for Your Project?
- Great for: sports kits, running tops, all-over print designs, photo gifts, mugs and cushions.
- Best fabrics: 100% polyester or high-polyester blends in white or light colours.
- Not suitable for: cotton garments or dark colours.
Not sure? Ask our team and we will recommend the best method.
Our Sublimation Printing Process
From your artwork to a finished product in four simple steps.
Send Your Design
Share your artwork or photo with product choice and quantity, and we will send a quote.
Approve Your Proof
We prepare a digital proof showing the design layout, size and colours for your approval.
Print Transfer
Your design is printed in reverse onto sublimation paper using specialist dye inks.
Heat-Press & Deliver
Heat and pressure bond the dye into the product, then each item is checked and delivered.
What Can We Sublimation Print?
From performance sportswear to personalised gifts and branded merchandise.
Sportswear & Team Kits
Lightweight polyester shirts, shorts and training tops with full-colour designs.
Shop sportswear →Polyester T-Shirts
White and light polyester tees with all-over or full-colour prints.
Shop t-shirts →Promotional Merchandise
Branded items for corporate events, giveaways and campaigns.
Shop promo items →Benefits of Sublimation Printing
Vibrant Full Colour
Reproduce photos, gradients and fine detail with rich, accurate colour.
Will Not Crack or Peel
The dye becomes part of the fabric, so there is no layer to crack, peel or wash off.
Soft & Breathable
No added layer on the surface, so sportswear stays light and comfortable.
All-Over Printing
Edge-to-edge designs and patterns that other methods cannot easily achieve.
Flexible Quantities
From a single personalised gift to bulk orders for teams and businesses.
Design Help
Our team can help prepare your files so your design prints perfectly.
Sublimation vs DTF vs Screen Printing
Not sure which method suits your project? Here is a quick guide.
| Sublimation | DTF Printing | Screen Printing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | All-over prints, sportswear and photo gifts | Detailed designs on mixed fabrics | Large runs of the same design |
| Fabrics | White or light polyester, coated items | Cotton, polyester, blends | Most fabrics |
| Garment colour | White or light only | Any colour | Any colour |
| Feel | No feel, dye is in the fabric | Smooth, flexible layer | Ink layer |
| All-over printing | Yes | No | No |
Explore our other methods: DTF printing, screen printing, vinyl printing and embroidery.
Popular Uses for Sublimation
Artwork Guidelines
- Send high-resolution files at 300 DPI at print size: PNG, JPG, PDF, AI or EPS.
- Photos and gradients work very well with sublimation.
- For all-over prints, extend your design beyond the edges (bleed) so nothing is cut off.
- White areas in your design will show the colour of the material, as sublimation has no white ink.
Caring for Sublimation Prints
- Wash garments inside out at 30–40°C.
- Avoid bleach and fabric softener.
- Line dry or tumble dry on low.
- Do not iron directly on the print, as high heat can affect the colours.
Sublimation Printing FAQs
What is sublimation printing?
Sublimation printing uses heat and pressure to turn special dye into a gas that bonds with polyester or coated surfaces. The design becomes part of the material, giving bright, permanent colour with no added layer.
Can you sublimate on cotton?
No. Sublimation only bonds with polyester fibres or polymer-coated items. For cotton garments, we recommend DTF or DTG printing instead.
Can you sublimate on dark garments?
No. Sublimation dye is transparent, so it works on white or light-coloured materials. For dark garments, DTF printing is a better choice.
Does sublimation printing fade or crack?
No. Because the dye becomes part of the fabric, there is no surface layer to crack or peel, and colours stay vibrant through repeated washing with normal care.
What products can be sublimation printed?
Polyester sportswear, team kits, t-shirts and activewear, as well as coated items such as mugs and cushions, and a range of promotional merchandise.
Can I order a single sublimation printed item?
Yes. We print single personalised gifts as well as bulk orders for teams, events and businesses.
How long does sublimation printing take?
Turnaround typically ranges from 3 to 7 business days, depending on order size and design. Express options are available, so contact us if you have a deadline.
What file format should I send?
High-resolution PNG, JPG, PDF, AI or EPS files at 300 DPI work best. For all-over prints, include bleed around the edges of your design.
Ready to Start Your Sublimation Order?
Send us your design, product choice and quantity, and we will get back to you with a quote. Single gifts, team kits and bulk merchandise all welcome.