We’re going to start this article by taking you back to high school chemistry class. Do you remember learning about sublimation? No? Well, just in case chemistry wasn’t your best subject, sublimation is when a solid material turns into a gas without going through a liquid stage.
Now you may be saying to yourself, 'I’m a marketer. What does that have to do with me?' Our response is that if you are responsible for ordering marketing materials in your business, you may want to know about sublimation printing.
Dye sublimation printing is a digital printing technology that allows you to print full color artwork on polyester (and polyester-coated) substrates. It involves applying heat and pressure to a printed design (a solid), which turns the design into a gas (through an endothermic reaction) without going through the usual liquid phase. The gas then penetrates and fuses into the material. The result is permanent because instead of simply laying on top like a regular print, the ink becomes a part of the substrate itself. This means the images won’t fade or crack even after dozens of uses.
This print method is quick, effective, and conducive to small-batch printing. These are all convincing reasons for retailers and brands to use it for POP materials, event signage, promotional items and more. The best surface for sublimation printing is polyester, although you can also use more rigid surfaces like glass and metal. Today, we are focusing just on fabric. Here are some ideas on how you can use sublimation printing on fabric.
Event signage: Sublimation printing is perfect for event signage because you can print edge-to-edge images that are lightweight, easy to store and transport.
Our Phase 3 event team recently produced and installed large, fabric-faced walls to create a branded environment within multiple presentation spaces. The unique structures directed event traffic flow and created the illusion of individual spaces.
Soft signage: Flags, POS and sale signage, murals, and curtains are great for sublimation printing because the images are high quality and durable. In the example below, we used sublimation printing to create the bed toppers and headboard drapes to brand these bedding displays.
We've already discussed several benefits of sublimation printing, but let's summarize. When you use sublimation printing on fabric, you will enjoy these benefits.
Retailers have been using sublimation printing for years to promote sales and events. If you have not tried this technique for your business signs or banners, Phase 3 can help. Printed fabric is a cost-effective way to showcase your brand with vivid and eye-catching images. Our experts will work with you to develop an interchangeable sign system you can use again and again.
Phase 3 offers complete printing and finishing services across the U.S. We can create just what you need, at any size or quantity, on time, and on brand. To learn more about our print capabilities, give us a call today.