Sublimation Printing Services
Dye sublimation — permanent, vibrant prints infused directly into polyester fabric that never crack, peel, or fade
What is Dye Sublimation Printing?
Dye sublimation is a revolutionary printing process that permanently infuses ink directly into polyester fabric fibres at a molecular level. Unlike screen printing or DTF where ink sits on top of the garment, sublimation ink literally becomes part of the fabric — producing prints with absolutely zero hand feel that will never crack, peel, or fade.
The process works by heating special sublimation inks until they convert from a solid to a gas (sublimate), then bonding with the polyester fibres under pressure. When the fabric cools, the ink solidifies within the fibres, creating a permanent, vibrant, full-colour print. Sublimation is ideal for performance wear, sports jerseys, all-over print designs, and promotional products.
At T-Shirt Elephant, our Canadian production facility uses professional-grade sublimation equipment to deliver edge-to-edge, photographic-quality prints on polyester garments and hard goods. Whether you need custom team jerseys, branded performance wear, or promotional products, sublimation delivers unmatched durability and vibrancy.
Why Choose Sublimation Printing?
Permanent Prints
Ink infuses into the fabric at a molecular level. Sublimation prints will outlast the garment itself — they never crack, peel, or fade.
Zero Hand Feel
You cannot feel a sublimation print at all. The fabric retains its original texture, breathability, and stretch.
All-Over Printing
Print edge-to-edge across the entire garment surface. Perfect for jerseys, fashion pieces, and bold statement apparel.
Unlimited Vibrant Colours
Full CMYK colour with photographic accuracy. No colour limits, no extra charges — print millions of colours at once.
Performance Wear Ready
Ideal for moisture-wicking polyester athletic wear. The print doesn't affect breathability, stretch, or performance properties.
Hard Goods & Promo Items
Sublimate onto mugs, phone cases, mouse pads, puzzles, keychains, and any polyester-coated surface.
How Sublimation Printing Works
Print Transfer Paper
Your design is printed in full colour onto special sublimation transfer paper using sublimation inks.
Heat Press at 400°F
The transfer paper is placed on the polyester garment and heat-pressed at 400°F for 45-60 seconds.
Ink Becomes Gas
Under heat and pressure, ink converts from solid to gas and penetrates deep into the polyester fibres.
Permanent Bond
As the garment cools, ink solidifies within the fibres — a permanent, vibrant print that's part of the fabric.
Sublimation Printing Pricing
All prices in CAD. No setup fees. No colour charges. Volume discounts available.
Standard Print
Single location, up to 12" × 14"
per piece
- ✓ Front or back print
- ✓ Jersey numbers & names
- ✓ Promotional items
All-Over Print
Edge-to-edge, full garment
per piece
- ✓ Full coverage designs
- ✓ Custom jerseys
- ✓ Fashion & streetwear
Hard Goods
Mugs, cases, mouse pads, etc.
per piece
- ✓ Custom mugs
- ✓ Phone cases
- ✓ Promotional products
Garment/product cost extra. White or light polyester garments only. Contact us for an exact quote.
⚠️ Important: Sublimation Fabric Requirements
Sublimation works on: White or light-coloured 100% polyester, polyester blends (65%+), and polyester-coated hard goods.
Does NOT work on: Cotton, dark fabrics, or natural fibres.
Need to print on cotton or dark garments? Try our DTG printing or DTF printing services instead.
Sublimation Printing is Perfect For
Sports Teams & Jerseys
Custom team jerseys with all-over designs, numbers, and names on performance polyester.
Performance & Athletic Wear
Moisture-wicking gym wear, running shirts, and yoga apparel with breathable prints.
Promotional Products
Custom mugs, phone cases, mouse pads, keychains, and branded giveaways.
Fashion & All-Over Prints
Edge-to-edge fashion apparel, bold patterns, and statement pieces with photographic detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dye sublimation printing?
Dye sublimation is a printing process where special inks are heated until they convert from a solid to a gas, then permanently infuse into polyester fabric fibres at a molecular level. The result is a print that is literally part of the fabric — it will never crack, peel, fade, or wash off.
What fabrics work with sublimation?
Sublimation works best on 100% polyester and polyester-coated surfaces. High-polyester blends (65%+) also work well. It does NOT work on cotton, dark fabrics, or natural fibres. For cotton, try our DTG or DTF services.
Can sublimation print on dark garments?
No — sublimation ink is transparent and relies on the white fabric showing through. It only works on white or very light-coloured polyester. For dark fabrics, we recommend DTF printing or screen printing.
How durable is sublimation printing?
Sublimation is the most durable printing method available. The ink becomes part of the fabric at a molecular level — it cannot crack, peel, or fade. Sublimation prints will outlast the garment itself, lasting hundreds of washes with zero degradation.
What's the difference between sublimation and DTF?
Sublimation infuses ink into polyester fibres for a permanent, zero-feel print but only works on white/light polyester. DTF transfers a printed film onto any fabric colour and type. Sublimation has zero hand feel; DTF has a slight feel but is far more versatile.
Can sublimation print all-over designs?
Yes! Sublimation excels at all-over, edge-to-edge printing. The entire garment surface can be covered with your design — perfect for jerseys, fashion pieces, and bold statement apparel.
What is the minimum order?
No minimum order quantity. You can order as few as 1 piece. No setup fees or colour charges apply.
What is the turnaround time?
Standard sublimation orders ship within 10 business days. Rush (7 days, +25%) and Super Rush (5 days, +50%) options are available.
Is sublimation eco-friendly?
Yes! Sublimation produces minimal waste, uses water-based inks, and requires no water in the printing process. No screens, chemicals, or excess materials to dispose of.
What products can be sublimated besides apparel?
Any polyester-coated surface: mugs, phone cases, mouse pads, puzzles, keychains, tote bags, cushion covers, and more. Contact us for custom promotional product sublimation.
Sublimation Printing Across Canada
Sublimation Toronto · Sublimation Vancouver · Sublimation Montreal · Sublimation Calgary · Sublimation Edmonton · Sublimation Ottawa · Sublimation Winnipeg · Sublimation Halifax · Sublimation Mississauga · Sublimation Hamilton
Ready to Try Sublimation Printing?
No minimums. No setup fees. Permanent prints that never fade. Free shipping over $250 CAD.
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