Frequently Asked Questions

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Dye sublimation is a digital printing technology that uses heat transfer to apply an image to the intended substrate. Also referred to as digital sublimation, the process is commonly used for decorating apparel, signs, banners, and other items with sublimation-friendly surfaces.

Dye sublimation printing features the following two-part process:

1.) Print graphics onto special transfer paper using a sublimation printer and inks.

2.) Use a heat press to transfer the ink-on-paper to the substrate.

In step 1, unique sublimation dyes are transferred to “transfer” paper sheets via liquid gel ink. The ink is deposited on these high-release inkjet papers, used for the next step of the sublimation printing process.

In step 2, the printed transfer sheets are transferred through heat, which converts the solid dye into a gaseous form without going through a liquid form. Heat coupled with pressure causes the dye to penetrate the interior of the substrate, creating a permanent color bond. Once the heat is removed, the dye returns to a solid form and the process is complete.

As colors are embedded in the substrate or fabric, rather than printed on the surface, images on fabric won’t fade or crack even after multiple washings.

Dye sublimation is a technique for printing in which you use a special printer and a heat press to dye the T-shirt.

Screen printing is a technique for printing in which you use a squeegee to press ink onto your T-shirt through a stencil on a finely meshed screen. You can do your screen printing by hand, or use an automated screen printing machine.

Should You Use Dye Sublimation or Screen Printing for Your Next T-shirt Project?

Both are great printing methods. It just depends on your preference, the material you are working with, and the nature of your project.

If you are making many T-shirts, screen printing is a more cost-effective approach.

Dye sublimation is better for small projects of just one or two T-shirts. The reason for this is because dye sublimation is more expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, dye sublimation is not very practical for bulk printing or large orders. Small orders, on the other hand, are not very practical for screen printing. The lengthy setup time required for screen printing is wasted on a single order. For this reason, many printing companies will require a minimum order amount to make screen printing cost-effective.

Screen printing is most effective on a flat surface and is used mostly for T-shirts and other apparel. Although it is most common for clothing, screen printing is super versatile and can be used to print on almost any substrate.

Dye sublimation is great for T-shirts, banners, and signs. You can use dye sublimation on hard surfaces that are treated with polymer as well as clothing. The biggest pitfall of dye sublimation is it only works on polyester and other synthetic materials, so you won’t be able to use the technique on cotton T-shirts at all.

One of the selling points of dye sublimation is that you get bright, vibrant colors. The drawback of this is that the process only works well on light-colored fabrics. You will not be able to see the results of dye sublimation on darker materials. Screen printing, on the other hand, can be done on any color material, and most fabrics.

Yes, we offer digital mockups of your design before printing. We want to ensure that you're happy with the final product before we start production.

Theoretically, you can cover the entire shirt with multiple pictures.  However, it's best to consider visual balance and maintain some blank space. Ideally, no more than 9 pictures should be used in the front and 24 pictures in the back.

Yes, we offer a selection of eco-friendly t-shirts made from organic cotton and recycled materials. Contact us for more information.

No, but our partners do offer embroidery services. Contact us for more information.

Absolutely, just let us know what size you need and we'll get it done.

It depends if you would like a custom product or a product readily on our website.

Yes, and all our products are 100% polyester/cotton-feel. If you need other products please contact us.