Dye-sublimation is the process where water- or oil-based inks are used in the printing process of polyester dye-sub fabrics. This can be achieved using either paper-transfer or direct-to-textile printing technologies. In each case the inks are activated using heat, either direct or radiant, that transforms the inks into a gaseous state and activates and fixes them onto the polyester fabric.
This technology has been around since the 1950’s and has developed into one of the leading ways to print fabrics’ particularly polyester dye-sub fabrics. The combination of technically advanced inks, machines and colour management systems can result in truly stunning results. The capability of this method of printing enables extremely light and even heavy fabrics to be printed. This means that the printed fabrics are suitable for many different applications.
The combination of using water-based inks and polyester dye-sub fabrics means that it can satisfy the most stringent environmental requirements from print buyers. Even in applications where tough fire standards apply fabrics that comply with domestic or International fire standards can be used ensuring compliance. Decorative wall art and highly personalised goods including cushions, luggage goods, deckchair slings, windbreaks are all possible. Even with a relatively modest range of fabrics you can satisfy many applications.
The difference between paper-transfer and direct-to-textile dye-sub printed fabrics is becoming ever closer. Choosing the right choice of fabric, usually with a pre-treatment if printing direct-to-textile, is critical as this can affect the visual impact of the graphic being printed. For the best results possible dye-sub fabrics should be at least 60% polyester or ideally 100% polyester. This is because the dye-sub printing process and inks work best on fabrics with a high polyester content.
The following table shows all the fabrics that fall in to the category of dye-sub fabrics. Many of the fabrics are available in a choice of finishes including pure, Brook-7, Flame Retardant (FR) and Brook-7 FR. Some products are only available as a FR option and are identified as such. Certain fabrics can also be FR treated to order, please enquire. Where weights are given this is for guidance only.
| Dye Sublimation Fabrics Products | ||
|---|---|---|
| Display 220g | Textured Poly 205g | Knitted Poly 160g |
| Knitted Poly 125g | Knitted Poly 115g | Knitted Poly 85g |
| Airmesh 120g | Endurance 115g | Poly Suede 250g |
| Voile FR 35g | Metallic Lurex??? | Mesh FR 255g |
| Knitted Poly Satin 135g | Satin Opaque 390g | Heavy Satin FR 230g |
| Woven Satin 125g | White Woven Blackout FR 250g | Woven Backlight FR 250g |
| Heraldic 200g | Woven Flag 155g | Taffeta Flag 65g |
| Ripstop Polyester FR 49g | Sailcloth FR 170g | Polyester Matt 190g |
| Rollerblind 120g | Lightweight Canvas 245g | Digital Canvas FR 300g |
| Artists Canvas 500g | Artists Canvas 300g | |
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Often used for inflatable novelty features found in night clubs but also ideal for a wide range of other promotional graphics and products. Usually printed dye-sub paper transfer but other methods are possible
This is the heaviest knitted flag fabric available for demanding applications where increased durability is required. This fabric can be printed by many different methods including dye sublimation producing excellent results when printed direct to textile or paper transfer
Is proving highly popular for gamming tables and especially for personalised goods such as cosmetic bags, cushions and other applications where a faux-suede affect is required. Also used in sports clubs around dart boards
