Sublimation Introduction

An introduction to sublimation by Creative Imaginings

Sublimation Printing – the sublime art of getting a design onto an object!

Have you ever wondered what people are talking about when sublimation printing is raised? Have you ever marveled at the amazing images that appear on mugs, coasters, apparel, and so much more? Does it all seem like witchcraft?

Then this article is for you.

This is an introduction to Sublimation Printing for the uninitiated, or those who just want to know a bit more.

What is sublimation?

Sublimation is not just a fancy printing term it is a recognized part of physics. In a nutshell a solid is instantly transferred to a gaseous state without becoming liquid at any point.

(https://www.chemistrylearner.com/sublimation.html, June 2025)

The diagram above shows where sublimation fits in with melting, freezing, condensation and the like.

So, sublimation printing is the process of transferring a printed image (on special sublimation paper) onto an object, like a mug, by placing the print against the object and then heating it. The ink forming the image becomes gaseous and then transfers to the object, where it then becomes ‘embedded’ in the object.

The following two images are of a mug and an aluminium plaque that Creative Imaginings printed for clients. There are MANY items that can be sublimated onto.

What do you need for sublimation?

• A printer for printing your designs, the best for this is the Epson Ecotank Series, or the Epson SureColor Series.
• Sublimation Ink of which there are many brands, find what suits you best.
• Sublimation Paper for printing your design.
• Heat Resistant Tape to stick your design to the object you are putting it on.
• A heat press (bear in mind that heat presses are not created equal, the mainstay are the different sizes of flat press, but you can also get mug presses, pen presses, cap presses etc – this is something to consider – what will I be producing?)

Considerations

• Entry into sublimation printing can be relatively cheap i.e. several hundred dollars and can expand to bigger and better things as you learn and grow.
• The reason why Epson is the recommended brand is due to the printhead they use. It is a piezo type head i.e. it uses electricity to control ink deposition as opposed to many others that use thermal heads. You don’t want thermal heads with sublimation as it affects the ink.
• It is a bit of an art form getting everything set up so you can produce consistent results but we are happy to help/coach you.