Sublimation printing is easy to do and environmentally safe. With just a few implements, you can start decorating a countless variety of items to give away or sell for profit.

Sublimation is the process where a substance changes its physical state from a solid directly to a gas. The most readily recognized example would be "dry ice", where instead of the dry ice melting into a liquid, it "sublimates" (changes state directly from a solid to a gas).

In the case of sublimation decorations on ceramic ware, heat and pressure are applied to a decorated paper transfer that is wrapped tightly to the surface of a specially coated surface. The transfers can be made with special dyes, inks, or toners. When heated, the coating on the mug softens, the dye (or ink or toner) will sublimate from its solid state to a gas which permeates the coatings' surface. When cooled, the coating re-solidifies, sealing the design within the coating.

There are some distinct advantages of the sublimation process over other printing methods. The coatings and dyes/toners used for sublimation are organic and free from heavy metal issues associated with ceramic enamels. The color range available for decorations is large, including bright pinks, purples, and other colors that are difficult or even impossible to achieve with conventional ceramic enamels. Short runs are easily accomplished, from simple one color designs up to full wrap, four-color process photographic reproductions. With the proper equipment, medium to large run jobs are also possible.

Limits to the sublimation process include the need to use white or very light colored substrates in order for the transparent sublimation inks/dyes/toners to render accurate, bright colors. Durability of the sublimated mugs is equivalent to that of a good epoxy ink, capable of multiple dishwashings with no noticeable effect. While durable under normal use, the coating can be scratched or abraded if mishandled.

Sublimation inks and toners work well on light colored, synthetic surfaces like polyester and acrylic. However, they do not transfer well to natural surfaces such as cotton or dark colored surfaces. Special transfer paper designed for sublimation is available for laser and inkjet usage. This transfer paper prevents the inks from absorbing too much into the paper when printed, and helps allow the inks to more easily sublimate away from the paper and into the coating. Using special transfer paper is optimal to obtain the best quality transfers.

To get started in sublimation printing, one needs the sublimation ink or toner cartridge set, color management software, a desktop or large format printer, personal computer, design software, and heat transfer equipment. Options are a flat press, mug press, mug wrap, or plate press. Mug wraps require use of a regular or toaster oven. A color scanner can help create transfers from photos or other artwork.

Our ebay store offers sublimation coated ceramic coffee mugs and ceramic tiles to help you get started in your sublimation efforts.