How sublimation printing works, and what it can and cannot print on

If you have seen a photo mug with vivid colours that do not peel or scratch off, it was probably made with sublimation. The process is simple to describe and has clear limits.

How it works

1. Your design is printed in special dye onto a transfer paper.
2. The paper is pressed onto the product with heat and pressure.
3. The dye turns into a gas and bonds into the surface of the product itself.

Because the colour becomes part of the surface, instead of sitting on top like a sticker or a screen print, it does not crack or peel in the same way.

What it works on

• Coated ceramic mugs, including colour-changing ones.
• Mouse pads and other polyester-faced items.
• Keychains and tags made with a special coating.
• White or light polyester fabric.

The product needs a polyester or polymer coating for the dye to bond to. That is why we use coated blanks made for sublimation.

What it cannot do

• Dark fabrics. The dye is transparent, so it cannot print white or light colours on a dark garment. The shirt needs to be white or light.
• Pure cotton. The dye does not bond to cotton, so cotton T-shirts use another method.
• Uncoated materials. Plain wood, metal or paper without a coating will not hold the colour.

Why the image looks different on screen

Sublimation colours are bright but can look slightly different from the glow of a screen, especially neons. A quick proof helps if colour is important. Your artwork also needs enough resolution: a small, low-quality photo will look soft on a mug.

Tips for better results

• Use a sharp photo, at least a few megapixels, not a screenshot.
• Keep faces and key text away from the edges and the handle area of a mug.
• Choose a simple background so the subject stands out.
• Check the spelling of names. The print cannot be corrected afterwards.

Looking after sublimated products

Gentle hand washing keeps mugs looking new longest. Avoid rough scrubbing on the printed area. Follow any care note we send with your order.

Next step

You can order sublimated items such as the 11oz Photo Mug, Mouse Pad and Sublimation Keychain, or ask us on WhatsApp if you are not sure it suits your idea.