Custom Sublimation Printing in the Bay Area
Dye sublimation turns solid ink into gas that bonds permanently into polyester fibers. Because the color becomes part of the fabric, there’s no ink layer to crack, peel, or fade — and you can print seam-to-seam, edge-to-edge, all-over the garment.
What is sublimation printing?
Your artwork is printed onto a special transfer paper, then heat and pressure turn that ink into gas that dyes the polyester directly. The color lives inside the fibers, so the finished garment feels completely uncoated — there is literally no print to touch.
The trade-offs are the reason it isn’t used for everything: sublimation only works on polyester (or poly-coated) fabrics, and only shows on light colors, since it dyes rather than covers. On cotton or dark garments, DTF or screen printing is the right call.
Where sublimation shines
It’s unbeatable for all-over prints and full-color, photographic art on performance apparel — jerseys, cycling kit, running gear, and polyester tees where you want zero print feel and zero cracking, even after heavy athletic use and washing.
- All-over and edge-to-edge prints
- Sports jerseys and performance apparel
- Photographic, full-color artwork
- Light-colored polyester garments
- Art & quote. Send your design and garment type; we confirm sublimation fits and quote it.
- Color proof. We color-manage your art and approve a proof with you.
- Print & press. We print to transfer paper and heat-press it into the polyester.
- Ship. Folded, counted, and shipped — free on orders over $200.
Full-color, all-over, forever.
From a single all-over jersey to a full team set, we manage the color profile and the press so your art lands bright, sharp, and consistent — with a hand so soft you can’t feel the print at all.
- A real proof before we print
- Color-managed for accurate, vivid output
- Permanent — bonded into the fibers
- Satisfaction guaranteed — 15+ years of experience
Sublimation Printing, answered.
Can you sublimate cotton shirts?
No — sublimation only bonds to polyester or poly-coated surfaces. For cotton, DTF or screen printing is the right method. If you love the all-over look, we can point you to poly and poly-blend garments that sublimate beautifully.
Can you print white with sublimation?
Sublimation dyes the fabric and has no white ink, so any white in your design shows as the garment color. That’s why it’s done on light (usually white) polyester. For white ink on darks, DTF is the answer.
Will a sublimated print fade or crack?
No. The dye is bonded into the fibers, not layered on top, so there’s nothing to crack or peel and the color holds up to heavy washing and athletic wear.
Can you do all-over prints?
Yes — that’s a signature strength of sublimation. We can print seam-to-seam across the whole garment, which is why it’s the standard for custom jerseys and kit.
Puff Print
A raising agent lifts the ink off the shirt for a soft, 3D, spongy finish — the retail-favorite look that begs to be touched.
High-Density Printing
Ink built up in sharp, glossy, raised layers with crisp vertical edges — including clear high-density gloss and raised heat-transfer versions.
Water-Based & Discharge Printing
Ink that soaks into the fibers instead of sitting on top — an ultra-soft, almost printless feel. Discharge does it on dark garments.
Process & Halftone Printing
Photo-realistic artwork screen-printed with halftone dots — simulated process on darks and 4-color CMYK on whites.
Metallic & Foil Printing
Mirror-bright metallic foil bonded to an adhesive print — gold, silver, and holographic shine, as a direct print or a ready-to-press transfer.
Glow-in-the-Dark Ink
Phosphorescent ink that charges under light and glows green in the dark — a hidden second design that only shows at night.
Glitter Ink
Real metallic flakes suspended in the ink give a sparkling, textured finish that catches the light from every angle.
Fluorescent & Neon Ink
Electric neon inks that pop in daylight and glow bright under UV blacklight — the go-to for parties, runs, and club nights.
Color-Changing Inks
Inks that transform with heat (thermochromic) or water (hydrochromic) — a print that reveals a hidden design when it warms up or gets wet.
Silicone Ink Printing
Stretchy, ultra-soft silicone ink that flexes with the fabric and resists cracking — a premium, tagless-soft finish built for performance wear.
Printing on Polyester
Special low-cure inks and blockers stop dye migration so prints stay bright and true on polyester, tri-blends, and performance fabrics.
Ready to make something great?
Get a fast, no-obligation quote — most within one business day. As few as one, no setup fees.