Sublimation is the process of transferring dye to a fabric using heat. The images and graphics are printed on special paper placed on the garment and heat is applied, allowing the ink to become part of the fabric. This will leave you with a more breathable, soft-hand feel to the fabric. The best part is that the numbers, letters, and graphics do not peel, wear off, or come out in the wash!
Sublimation can only be applied to Polyester, all sublimated garments start life as a plain white Polyester Fabric. Sublimation is a great process that allows for vibrant, full color, all-over prints that are exceptionally durable. Naturally the magic of the process lies in the printing technology. With designs infused directly onto the fabric, they become a part of the fabric itself. All of the design elements including the team logo, colors, and numbers become a part of the fabric in sublimation as opposed to other processes like embroidery, where they’re “sewn” onto the surface. So, there’s no scope for the colors or logos to peel off or fade in sublimated jerseys!
Besides the high temperature and pressures used in sublimation convert the prints into gas, which bonds firmly with the molecules of the fabric, fully integrating with them. Totally inseparable!