So how does sublimation work? Well, sublimation printing uses heat to essentially bring ink and fabric together as one.

First, a design is printed onto special paper. This paper know as a transfer is used to apply intricate and colorful designs onto various surfaces, particularly fabrics and substrates made of polyester or polyester-coated materials like tumblers and mugs.

The inks that are used turn into gas when brought under heat, then combine with the fabric and/or substrate and permanently embed the image onto the fabric or substrate. The effects are permanent and less prone to fading.

The process is almost like a tattoo, but instead of for your skin, it’s for your chosen product. The heat opens up the pores of the fabric, then with the applied pressure the ink cools and returns to a solid form.

The result is a permanent, full colour image that won’t crack, peel or wash away from the substrate. The process allows the ink to go from a solid to a gas without turning to liquid, a bit like dry ice. The conversion is initiated by heat and controlled by pressure.