Did you know that the fabrics best suited for sublimation are those that respond most effectively to heat, steam, and sublimation inks?
No? No problem!
To help answer this and other common questions about the subject, we’ve gathered the key information in this complete guide to help you understand how to choose the ideal material.
Keep reading!
What are the main fabrics used for sublimation?
According to data cited by ABIT, the sublimation printing market is expected to reach US$11.6 billion by 2030.
This figure highlights the continued growth and consolidation of sublimation within the textile industry. Therefore, understanding which fabrics are best suited for sublimation is essential to ensure proper application of the technique and fully leverage its competitive advantages.
It is worth noting that the sublimation printing process is relatively complex. In this method, the ink is transferred to the fabric through the application of heat and pressure, changing directly from a solid state to a gaseous state without passing through the liquid phase.
This process, which takes place during the textile finishing stage, produces vibrant, durable, and high-quality prints because the ink bonds directly with the fabric fibers.
This makes the choice of the right textile fabrics even more important for achieving the best results.
With that in mind, check out the list we have prepared for you!
1. Polyester (PP)
Polyester (PP) is one of the most recommended fabrics for sublimation. It is a synthetic material with a high capacity for sublimation ink absorption. Since it is made of 100% polyester, it offers excellent resistance to wrinkling, shrinking, and fading.
In addition, it is a lightweight and breathable fabric, making it comfortable for use in garments and other sublimated products.
As a general rule, the higher the polyester content, the better and more effective the ink transfer will be. This is due to the fabric’s chemical and cellular structure, which enhances the efficiency of the sublimation process.
Furthermore, light-colored and smooth fabrics are the most suitable options for achieving superior print quality.
2. Poly-Cotton Blend (PA)
Poly-cotton (PA) is a blended fabric made from a combination of fibers. Typically, it consists of approximately 65% polyester and 35% cotton.
In this blend, the polyester content is responsible for permanently bonding the sublimation ink to the fabric, while the cotton provides softness and comfort.
This combination of synthetic and natural fibers offers a good balance of durability, strength, and comfort. As a result, it is a popular choice for a wide range of textile products, including polo shirts, long-sleeve shirts, caps, and bags.
3. Poly-Viscose Blend (PV)
Poly-viscose (PV) is another blended fabric commonly used for sublimation. In this case, the average fiber ratio is typically similar to that of poly-cotton. The main difference lies in the fibers used: polyester and viscose.
Viscose, a manufactured fiber, gives the fabric a soft feel and a subtle sheen. Poly-viscose shares many characteristics with poly-cotton, particularly in terms of durability and comfort.
However, the viscose content offers a greater capacity for absorbing sublimation ink, which can contribute to improved print quality. As a result, this fabric is widely used for products ranging from towels and sports uniforms to flags, banners, and fabric napkins.
4. Polyester Lycra
Polyester Lycra is a synthetic fabric, also known as elastane or spandex, and is widely recognized for its stretch properties.
It is another excellent fabric for sublimation, delivering vibrant, long-lasting prints. In addition, garments made with this material provide a comfortable, body-hugging fit.
As a result, it is commonly used to add aesthetic value, customization, and differentiation to sportswear, as well as swimwear, lingerie, and other garments that require greater comfort and freedom of movement.
5. PET
Finally, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a specific type of polyester that can, and should, be used for applications beyond the production of plastic bottles.
In sublimation printing, PET fabric offers several characteristics that make it particularly well suited for the process:
- Moisture resistance and durability, helping maintain the quality of the sublimated image for a longer period;
- Excellent ink receptivity due to its smooth and uniform surface;
- Sustainability, since PET fabric is made from recycled materials such as plastic bottles;
- Fast drying, making it ideal for large-scale textile production, as it reduces the waiting time between printing and drying of the sublimated item.
Therefore, PET is an excellent fabric choice for sublimation, not only because it helps reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry, but also because it meets the expectations of today’s consumers.
Which fabrics are not recommended for sublimation?
In general, fabrics made from natural fibers are not the most suitable for sublimation. Examples include silk, cotton, and wool, as sublimation ink does not bond to these materials in the same way it does to polyester-based fabrics.
In addition, the following fabrics should generally be avoided for sublimation:
- Fabrics with waterproof or water-resistant coatings;
- Very thick fabrics or those with highly irregular textures that can compromise print quality;
- Fabrics that cannot withstand high temperatures, since sublimation requires heat for the ink to bond properly to the material.
It is also important to pay attention to a few key factors to ensure high-quality results:
- Before sublimating, check the fabric composition to ensure the best possible outcome;
- Make sure the material’s surface is clean and free from dust, dirt, or residues that could interfere with ink transfer;
- Ensure the image is properly positioned and secured during the sublimation process;
- Adjust the temperature and pressing time according to the material being sublimated;
- Verify that the pressure settings are appropriate for both the material and the image being transferred.
What is the difference between a print and a pattern?
As the sublimation market continues to grow, questions often arise about the difference between a print and a pattern. The answer is quite simple.
A print is a design applied to the fabric after it has been produced, typically allowing for greater creative freedom, a wider range of colors, and more detailed artwork. As a result, it requires greater control and precision during the printing process.
A pattern, on the other hand, is defined within the fabric’s design structure itself, featuring elements that repeat continuously in a planned arrangement. This ensures consistency, alignment, and greater predictability in production.
In other words, while a print focuses on the visual design applied to the fabric, a pattern is related to the fabric’s structure and the repetition of elements from the material’s origin.
In this context, digital textile printing plays a key role in meeting both demands with efficiency, productivity, and speed, while also helping reduce waste.
The good news is that, with the right textile technology, it is possible to maximize these benefits and improve overall operational performance.
How can you ensure high-quality sublimation?
Choosing the right fabrics for sublimation is only part of the equation. Investing in intelligent textile solutions is essential to improve profitability and even enhance the sustainability of the process.
One example is the Delta Transfer Calender (CTM450), developed for industrial operations that require thermal stability and consistent pattern reproduction.
Its main differentiator is its heating system, which ensures uniform temperature distribution across the entire surface of the cylinder. This reduces color variations, thermal marks, and inconsistencies between production batches.
In practice, this makes sublimation a more predictable process, delivering consistent quality from the first to the last meter of fabric while reducing rework and textile waste.
The CTM450 combines thermal engineering, structural robustness, and operational intelligence to deliver greater productivity with fewer errors.
Its high-performance chrome-plated cylinder, combined with a 100% Nomex felt blanket, contributes to process stability and durability. At the same time, precise control of temperature, fabric length, and speed through the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) provides greater control over production.
In addition, the machine generates real-time data and integrates with ERP systems, aligning operations with Industry 4.0 principles. The result is greater efficiency and production scalability.
All of this is backed by local technical support, ensuring faster service and more cost-effective maintenance.
Learn more about this solution and take your sublimation process to the next level.
