Sublimation printing is the only technique that literally turns a textile into a canvas. Colour is not printed on — it is burned into the fibre. The result is a seamless, photo-realistic all-over motif that never peels, adds no texture and feels just as soft as unprinted fabric.
How sublimation works
The design is printed as a mirrored sublimation transfer onto special paper. This transfer is pressed onto the fabric under heat (180–210°C) and pressure. The ink sublimates — transitions directly from solid to gas and bonds with the polyester fibres. Once cooled, the colour is permanently embedded in the fibre.
The golden rule: polyester only
Sublimation works exclusively on polyester or polyester-containing blended fabrics (at least 65% polyester). On cotton the process does not work — the dye molecules have no bonding partner. This explains why sublimation dominates sportswear, performance jerseys and functional clothing.
„Sublimation on polyester is like tattooing on skin — the colour is part of the material.“
— palstudios print team
Strengths and limitations
- Unlimited colours and photo prints at no extra cost
- No build-up, no peeling, full wash-resistance
- All-over print possible right up to every seam
- Polyester only (white or light grey for brilliant colours)
- Not suitable on dark fabrics
- Minimum quantity flexible — even single pieces possible
Ideal for: sports jerseys, festival crew shirts, teamwear with individual names, all-over pattern collections and technical outdoor clothing.
