What is Sublimation printing?

What most people are used to is "Silk Screen" printing, like you see on T-shirts. While this is great for it's intended use, it has a limited life. Sun, washer and drier, and plain wear and tear can crack or destroy the ink and printing over time. Silk Screen printing is also much cheaper than Sublimation Printing, generally.

With Sublimation Printing, a special coated blank, such as a ceramic cup, is used for the graphic to be applied to. A special ink is used, along with special paper similar to photo paper, to make the finished item. A cup press or flat press is used to heat the blank product and the graphic to a given temperature, where the ink vaporizes into the open pores of the special coating. Once cooled, the ink and graphic are protected under the coating.

You have heard of "scratch and sniff"? Well, this is "touch and feel". See the graphic below. Rub your finger over it on your monitor. This is exactly what your item will feel like when completed.

Other products are made without the need for a coating. The Can Cozies, for instance, have a poly cloth for the printable area, same with the Mouse Pads and other rubber items. The process works the same way, infusing the ink into the poly of the material.