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home > products > sublimation > what is sublimation

What is Sublimation (Dye Sublimation Transfer)?

Dye Sublimation Transfer is a process where you use an image that has been created digitally either by scanning a photograph or downloading a picture taken with your digital camera or an image created in a piece of imaging software like Adobe Photoshop or CorelDRAW and then printing this image with an Epson printer using special inks called sublimation inks onto paper. Once the image is on the paper you place it under a heat transfer press on top of your substrate and heat the paper until the inks turn to a gas and transfer the image onto the item you are making.

What type of printer do I need?
Because of the type of ink that is used you are limited in the type of printer you can print with. Currently you can purchase sublimation ink for the following EPSON printers: Epson C82, C84, C86, 1280, 900, 980, 1400, R1800/800, 3000, 4000, 4800, 4880, or 7600. Condé offers sublimation solutions for wide-format printers such as the Roland Hi-Fi Jet Pro. Contact our Wide Format Division to learn more.


What kind of inks do I need?
The ink used in the Sublimation Transfer process is aspecial mixture of water and heat reactive dyes. For professional results everytime we recommend, sell, and support ArTainium UV + Sublimation Inks.


What paper can I use?
For Sublimation there are different papers developed for different substrates. Mousepads, tote-bags, DyeTrans™ Apparel, Soft L' ink Wearables, metal, and fabrics are best transfered using our Jetcol 5000 Hi Release Paper. When transfering items such as ceramics, plastics, jewelry, and porcelain, we recommend our DyeTrans™ Sublimation Paper.


What type of Heat Transfer Press do I need?
A heat press is the machine that presses a transfer onto an imprintable substrate. Using high temperatures and heavy pressures for a certain amount of time, the transfer is permanently embedded into the product.

Heat presses are recommended for professional and satisfying results simply because standard laminating devices and home hand irons can not get even near the temperatures required for a reliable transfer. Standard transfers require anywhere from 375° to 425° F demand serious force in pressing often from 40-80 psi. These temperatures and pressures are simply not possible with other heated devices.

Condé recommends George Knight Heat Presses because they are simply the best. George Knight Heat Presses have been the backbone of literally thousands upon thousands of business over the past 4 decades, providing a reliable workhorse of a product that stands up to the demands of imprinting business, manufacturing and personal use.


What types of products can I make?
Simply browse the list of sublimatable products from the menu to your right to see all the exciting items you can produce with a DyeTrans™ Sublimation Transfer System. Remember, Condé is here to help you grow your business by providing premium products, systems, supplies, and support for everything we sell. We are your partner and we are devoted to helping you grow your custom personalized product business.


Why Shop Condé?

Condé stocks everything you need to get into the highly profitable custom imprinting business! Use the drop-down lists on the left to browse our huge sublimatable product line. Our website has the latest product pricing and is updated in real-time. New products, pricing, and changes shown on our website may not reflect in our catalog immediately so always be sure to check here often.