| DYE SUBLIMATION |
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| Dye sublimation is a great option for showcasing your photographic prints on practically any media. From fine art, to advertising to home decor, dye sublimation is an extremely versatile choice for unique gifts, your business, or your home.
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SUMMARY
Dye sublimation works by infusing a surface with dye from a printed image by adding heat and pressure. The fibers of the surface are permanently coated with the dye ink for a boldly colored, durable display.
A wide assortment of products can be used in this process. Photographic images can be sublimated onto fabrics, coffee mugs, aluminium and wood boards, keychains and bookmarks, ceramic tiles, and much more. The only quality these surfaces must share is the polymer coating (or polyester fabric) that allows for the transfer of the ink.
Read on to learn more about dye sublimation.
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| WHAT IS DYE SUBLIMATION?
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Sublimation is a chemical process by which a solid moves into a gaseous state without first passing through the liquid state (think of dry ice). Dye sublimation refers to the process that takes place within the heat press, once the print has been made. We'll get to that in a minute.
Prints used in dye sublimation can be created on most inkjet printers, as long as sublimation ink has been formulated for use in them. Sublimation inks are similar are water-based (like most inkjet inks) and produce high-density colors. The cartridges do not use white ink, therefore any white in the original image will be the color of the substrate onto which the dye ink is transferred.
For dye sublimation, a mirror image of the original picture is printed on transfer paper formulated to release as much of the dye as possible when the sublimation process is enacted. When the image first comes out of the printer, it should have very bold, dense colors.
The transfer paper is then laid image side down on the polymer-coated surface that is being sublimated. For flat surfaces, a heat press is used, while rounded surfaces like mugs have their own special machines. This is where the sublimation comes in. When high pressure (about 40 psi) and high heat (400 degrees) is applied to the paper and surface, the dye inks in the paper turn to gas.
At the same time, the heat causes the fibers in the polymer coating to expand. The now-gaseous inks soak directly into the fibers, saturating and dyeing them. After about sixty seconds, the materials are removed from the heat press. The transfer paper is carefully peeled off - the dye inks on the paper will have transferred onto the polymer surface. As the surface cools, the fibers contract again, trapping the dyes permanently within the surface.
Many dye sublimation inks include a clear laminate along with the colors in the print cartridge. This laminate transfers to the new surface just like the dye inks, and creates a protective coating that prevents fading, scratching, and moisture damage. Since the image is not simply placed on the surface, but rather is infused directly into it, there will be no peeling, bubbling, or scuffing.
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An inkjet printer is used to create the image.
A dry mount heat press infuses the image into the surface.
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| APPLICATIONS FOR DYE SUBLIMATION
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One of the best things about dye sublimation is its amazing versatility. Virtually any surface to which a polymer coating can be applied, can then be sublimated to create a bold, beautiful reproduction of a photograph or digital design.
Materials that can be sublimated:
- Polyester fabric
- Aluminium
- Hardboard
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
- Steel
- Fiberglass reinforced plastic
- Natural wood
- Rigid plastic
- Ceramic
The following table outlines the primary areas in which dye sublimation may be used, and the products available in each category.
| PURPOSE |
Fine Art Printing |
Business & Advertising |
| PRODUCTS |
Metal, fiberboard, steel, plastic, and natural wood prints in a variety of shapes, ceramic tiles, puzzles. |
Name plates and tags, coffee mugs, metal signs, waterbottles, mouse pads, magnets. |
| EXAMPLE IMAGES |
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| PURPOSE |
Personalized Gifts |
Unique Home Decor |
| PRODUCTS |
Aluminium jewelry, dog tags, plastic ornaments, keychains, cell phone cases. |
Picture frames, coasters, serving trays, keepsake boxes, clocks, metal and wood prints. |
| EXAMPLE IMAGES |
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| Regardless of your personal or commercial needs, dye sublimation has something that will work for you. Showcase your favorite photographs in a unique way with a metal or wood print that allows the natural texture of the substrate show through, or give your customers a fun way to remember your number with a coffee mug or fridge magnet. Wow friends and family with one-of-a-kind, personalized gifts with their name or achievement. Dye sublimation is a great, quality option for any decoration you can dream up.
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To place an order:
upload your images online, and select "Fabric Dye-Sub Prints" product.
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