Sublimation: full-colour print, imperceptible in the fabric
Sublimation is the technique for sportswear, all-over prints and polyester textiles. The ink becomes part of the fabric — no perceptible layer, no cracking, no colour loss from washing.
What is sublimation?
In sublimation print we first print the design onto special sublimation paper. We then heat-press it onto the textile at high temperature (around 200°C). At that heat the ink transforms directly from solid to gas (sublimation) and bonds with the polyester fibres. The ink ends up in the fabric, not on it.
That gives sublimation a few unique properties: the print is completely imperceptible, can’t crack or peel, and retains its colour intensity for years.
When is sublimation the right choice?
Sublimation is the right choice when:
- You want to print sportswear (shirts, shorts, vests)
- You want an all-over print — across the entire fabric, no break at seams or sleeves
- Your textile is 100% polyester or polyester blend
- You have photorealistic or colour-rich designs
- You want a print that's imperceptible
Sublimation does not work on cotton. For cotton garments choose screen printing, DTF.
Applications
All-over sport shirts
Full printing of match shirts, training tops and cycling jerseys. We also produce cut-and-sew shirts via partners: your design is printed on a roll of fabric, then cut and stitched into shirts.
Functional sportswear
Running shirts, football shirts, cycling jerseys, hockey leggings — anything with polyester as a base.
Sublimation on white polyester
For T-shirts in white polyester, sublimation is a beautiful premium option: sharp full-colour prints, no perceptible layer.
What you need to order
The design:
Supply your design as vector (.AI.EPS.PDF) or high-resolution image (300 dpi at actual size). For all-over work we also need the design in CMYK colour profile — we help with conversion if needed.
The textile:
100% polyester. Only on white textile — sublimation can’t cover colour, only add to it. Sublimation barely works on dark polyester.
Quantities:
From 1 piece for blank items. For cut-and-sew (stitched shirts from your design): from 10 pieces per design.
Pros and cons at a glance
Pros
- Imperceptible — print is part of the fabric
- Can't crack, tear or peel
- Exceptional colour intensity and wash resistance
- All-over prints possible
- No noticeable weight increase
Considerations
- Works only on 100% polyester
- Works only on white textile
- For cut-and-sew shirts: higher setup costs and longer lead times
- Slight colour shift possible on cotton blends (e.g. 50/50)
Frequently asked questions
No. Sublimation ink bonds only with polyester fibres. For cotton garments DTF or screen printing are available.
No, not on existing black clothing. Alternative: cut-and-sew production, where we first sublimate the fabric in black combined with the desired artwork. That way you still get a full-colour print on a dark shirt.
Practically unlimited. The ink sits in the fibre — as the fabric wears, the print wears with it, but nothing can rub off or peel. We’ve seen sport shirts still vibrant after 200+ washes.
Yes, we can print each shirt individually with a different name and number. Note this requires cut-and-sew for teams.
With sublimation the ink becomes part of the fabric — imperceptible. With transfer (DTF) a thin layer is applied on top — perceptible but covers all fabric colours.
Examples & cases
football shirts, cycling jerseys, all-over running shirts, personalised mugs
Why Visualprint
Honest advice
Advice on materials and techniques or processes — without preference for one specific technique.
Everything in-house
Screen printing, embroidery, DTF, discharge, sublimation and our specialties. From Pantone colours in direct screen printing to up to 15 colours in embroidery.
Our own R&D
We actively develop our own specials and explore new formulations. Got a special wish? Just ask.
45+ years of experience
Family business with short lines and a wealth of in-house knowledge. Since 1980 in Leidschendam-Voorburg.
Other techniques we offer
Screen printing
Robust and colour-precise. From 25 pieces.
Transfers
DTF, plastisol or silicone transfers. From 1 piece.
Embroidery
Premium look, durable.
Specialties
Foil, multichrome, glitter, high density, glow in the dark, thermochromic, photochromic.
Graphic screen printing
Posters and art prints up to 70x100 cm.
Lead time & price indication
Standard lead time blank items: 5–10 working days. Cut-and-sew sport shirts: 4–6 weeks (production via partner).
Price: depends on product type and quantity. Cut-and-sew sport shirts have higher setup costs but low unit price at larger numbers.