Printed fabric is everywhere once you start looking: the backdrop behind the speaker at a conference, the branded wall on an exhibition stand, the patterned tablecloths at a wedding, the draping that turns a plain function room into a themed party. Much of it is made with one clever process called dye sublimation. Understanding it helps you pick the right material, set up your artwork properly and get a finish you will love.
Key takeaways
- Dye sublimation uses heat to turn special dye into a gas that soaks into polyester fibres.
- The colour becomes part of the fabric, so it stays soft and has no ink layer on top.
- It gives vivid, detailed, full colour prints, ideal for photos, patterns and branding.
- It works on polyester based fabrics, not cotton, and there is no white ink.
- We print polyester based fabric 150cm wide in continuous lengths up to 50 metres.
What is dye sublimation printing?
Dye sublimation, often shortened to dye sub or sublimation printing, is a digital printing method for polyester fabric. The name comes from science: sublimation is when something changes straight from a solid into a gas without becoming a liquid first. In dye sub printing, heat turns the dye into a gas, the gas soaks into the polyester fibres, and as the fabric cools the colour is trapped inside.
That is the big difference from most other printing. A sign printer lays ink on top of a material, like paint on a wall. Dye sublimation dyes the fibres themselves, more like a fabric that was made in that colour. Across the print world it is the classic method for soft signage, flags and sportswear, and it is a brilliant choice for bespoke printed fabric of every kind.
How does dye sublimation work?
There are a few ways to set up a dye sub line, but they all follow the same three steps:
- Print. Your design is printed digitally in special sublimation dye. Depending on the set up, it is printed onto transfer paper first or straight onto the fabric.
- Heat. The print goes through high heat and pressure. The dye turns into a gas, and the heat opens up the polyester fibres at the same time.
- Bond. The gas soaks into the open fibres. As the fabric cools, the fibres close up again and lock the colour inside.
Because it is digital, there are no screens or plates to make. Every metre can carry a different design, a photo or a continuous pattern, so one off pieces and long runs are both straightforward.
Pro tip Dye sub colour is created inside a white fabric, a bit like watercolour on white paper. Bright, saturated designs on a white or light background are where it really shines.
Why does dye sublimation need polyester?
Sublimation dye is made to bond with polyester. When polyester is heated its fibres open up and take the dye in, then hold it when they cool. Natural fibres such as cotton do not react to the dye in the same way, so the colour comes out pale and weak.
That is why we print onto polyester based fabric. Fabrics with a high polyester content work, but the more polyester there is, the brighter the result. If you have a particular fabric in mind, ask us before you order.
What is dye sublimation used for in large format printing?
Wide format dye sublimation turns your artwork into fabric by the metre, so the uses go far beyond a single banner. Some of the favourites:
Event backdrops and draping
- Photo backdrops, stage backdrops and themed walls
- Decorative panels and draping that transform a room
- See our backdrop printing
Exhibitions and soft signage
- Branded fabric for stands, retail and corporate events
- Soft signage like SEG lightbox graphics is a classic dye sub job
- Low glare, so it looks smart under lights and on camera
Fabric banners
- A soft, premium look for indoor events, stages and venues
- Compare them in PVC vs mesh vs fabric banners
Tablecloths, napkins and runners
- Bespoke table linen for weddings, restaurants and parties
- Personalised patterns, colours and monograms
Interiors and soft furnishings
- Original patterns for cushion covers and decorative furnishings
- Creative home and hospitality projects
Fashion and creative projects
- Fashion samples, accessories and sewing projects
- Seamless repeating patterns printed by the metre
Images are illustrative examples of how printed fabric can be used. They are not Print Station projects.
Whatever the project, our custom printed fabric service prints your own design, pattern or photo onto 150cm wide polyester based fabric, in one continuous length of up to 50 metres or as several individual pieces.
What are the benefits of dye sublimation printing?
- Vivid, full colour. Rich, saturated colour that makes photos, gradients and bold branding pop.
- Beautiful detail. Fine lines, intricate patterns and photographic images reproduce crisply.
- Soft to the touch. The colour is inside the fibre, so the fabric keeps its natural drape and feel, with no stiff ink layer.
- No ink film to crack or peel. There is nothing sitting on top of the fabric, because the dye has become part of it.
- Matte, low glare finish. Great under stage lights and camera flashes, so backdrops photograph well.
- Big and seamless. Long continuous lengths mean fewer joins on backdrops, draping and big installations.
- Perfect for patterns. Repeating designs flow along the whole length, ideal for table linen, interiors and fashion.
- No set up per design. It is fully digital, so a single piece or a mix of designs is easy.
- Light and easy to handle. Fabric is lighter than rigid boards or heavy PVC, so it is easy to carry and put up.
Dye sublimation vs printing ink on top: at a glance
| Dye sublimation | Ink printed on top | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the colour goes | Into the polyester fibres | A layer sitting on the surface |
| How it feels | Soft, just like the fabric | Depends on the material, PVC is smooth and stiff |
| The finish | Matte with low glare | Can be glossier under lights |
| Best materials | Polyester and high polyester fabrics | Vinyl, PVC, boards and coated media |
| White ink | No, white is the fabric itself | Yes on our Liyu, plus varnish |
| Best for | Backdrops, draping, soft signage, table linen, interiors | Signs, rigid boards and outdoor PVC banners |
Neither is better at everything. For rigid signs and boards, our UV printers win, and you can read why in UV printing explained. For soft, vivid, printed fabric, dye sublimation is the one.
When is dye sublimation not the answer?
- Cotton and natural fabrics. The dye needs polyester, so cotton, linen and silk are not a good match.
- White ink and dark fabrics. There is no white ink, so it is printed on white or light fabric. White parts of your design are the fabric showing through.
- Rigid signs and boards. Foamex, ACM, acrylic and Correx are UV printed instead.
- Special requirements. If your fabric needs washing, a fire rating or outdoor use, tell us up front so we can talk you through the options before anything is printed.
How do I set up artwork for dye sublimation?
- Size it right. Our fabric is 150cm wide. Set your artwork to the full finished size, or tell us your length per piece and how many pieces.
- Resolution. Aim for 150 dpi at full size for most fabric, and 300 dpi for anything seen up close. Our resolution guide explains why.
- Repeating patterns. Make sure your pattern tile repeats seamlessly on every edge, so the join never shows along the length.
- Colours. We can convert RGB to CMYK but there is a possibility of colour change. Very bright neons and exact brand colours are the ones to watch. See CMYK vs RGB explained.
- Finishing. Our standard service is printing to your chosen length. If you need sewing or hemming, mention it with your quote.
- Send big files the easy way. Fabric files are often too large for email, so WeTransfer or WhatsApp works well. Every job gets a free artwork check.
Ready to print your own fabric?
Send us your design, pattern or photo, the length you need and what it is for. We will check your artwork for free and help you get the best result from dye sublimation printing.
