What Is Sublimation?
Sublimation transfer is a process that uses an image that has been digitally
created by scanning, downloading a picture taken with a digital camera, or
created in a piece of graphic software like Photoshop or Corel. This image
is then printed onto transfer paper with an Epson desktop printer using
special inks called sublimation inks. Once the image is on the paper you place
it under a heat transfer press on top of a substrate and heat the paper.
When the sublimation dye is placed next to polyester and heated, at
approximately 400 degrees the polyester molecules open. The sublimation dye,
which at this time is a gas, will then be able to penetrate the surface of the
polyester. After the heat is removed, the polyester molecules will close
and permanently trap the sublimation dyes, and therefore the image, into
the polyester substrate.
What Type Of Images Can Be Sublimated?
Any image or graphic, once saved to your computer of at least 300 dpi, can
be used (subject to copyright laws). The image can be scanned with a
regular desktop scanner, or created using many of the available image
editing software programs such as Corel® or Photoshop®. You can even
download the image from your digital camera.