Dye Sublimation Fabric Printing

There are three production processes for printing fabrics. Direct inkjet printing, screen printing, and dye sublimation. Any method will work, but facts like application, service life, interior or exterior doors, size, quantity, colors used, budget, etc. must determine which method is best for a particular project.

Sublimation t-shirt style is made from an inkjet printer. Silkscreen or lithographic printing should be considered when printing runs longer and can be more economical if the art is one, two, or three colors. 

If the graphic is a photograph, there will be halftone dots visible in the reproduction. This is usually not a good choice for beauty or fashion, but maybe acceptable for other industries or promotions.

Dye sublimation offers the best and most durable image reproduction. Another great benefit is the wide variety of fabrics available for printing. The print on the transparent fabric ensures a great look. The maximum width for ink printing is 10', and the length can be much larger. 

Quality can vary from supplier to supplier and technique and skills contribute significantly to quality. Suppliers really have the art and skill to make fine printed fabrics. For those unfamiliar, the dye sub prints onto the paper and then transfers the heat to the fabric.

The ink blends into the fabric instead of sitting on top of the fabric like an inkjet or shield. This makes the fabric feel softer. It also makes the fabric more durable because it can be washed and steamed. Some great uses can be custom pillows, sofas, curtains, tablecloths.