Dye-sublimation printing: what it is and why it suits fabric
Dye-sublimation is the process behind most printed fabric: tents, flags, table covers, tension fabric displays and team jerseys.
How it works
The design is printed with special dye onto transfer paper, then heat and pressure turn the dye into a gas that bonds inside polyester fibers. The color becomes part of the fabric instead of sitting on top of it.
What that means for you
- Vivid, full-color graphics with smooth gradients and photographs.
- No cracking or peeling because there is no ink layer on the surface.
- Soft feel — the fabric keeps its original texture.
- Edge-to-edge printing on tents, table covers and jerseys.
What to keep in mind
Dye-sublimation works on polyester or polyester-coated materials. Colors on screen are lit, so a printed color can look slightly different; send Pantone references if a brand color is critical. Dark backgrounds are possible, but leave a small safety margin from the trim line so nothing important is lost in sewing.
For rigid signs and banners that need a different surface, we use other print processes. Ask us which fits your product.