Sublimation Printing

Color Fastness

Sublimation ink must go through a high-temperature transfer process to move the image from paper to fabric or other material surfaces. Color fastness determines whether the image can withstand washing, rubbing, and wear:

Poor color fastness: the image fades or peels off after several washes;

Good color fastness: prolongs the image's lifespan, reduces returns, and improves customer satisfaction.

Tips: Choose products that have passed grade 4 or higher water-wash tests, especially for items requiring long-term durability (e.g., T-shirts, pillowcases, mugs, etc.).

Color Reproduction

One of the biggest advantages of sublimation ink is its vibrant color and image clarity, provided the ink has sufficient color reproduction ability:

High-quality ink can reach a color reproduction rate of 90%, achieving near-screen display accuracy;

Poor-quality ink often results in uneven color, color shifts, or even ghosting.

Tips: When choosing sublimation ink, it’s recommended to test print a black square sample first. Black is the most likely color to reveal quality issues. Many low-quality inks produce “black” that actually leans red or purple. Black ink is the most difficult to calibrate and also the most straightforward indicator of ink quality.

Ink Particle Fineness

The finer the sublimation ink particles, the smoother the spraying, resulting in clearer images. Poor smoothness may lead to clogged nozzles and poor printing performance.

High-quality ink has particles smaller than 0.2μm, ensuring stability and smooth output;

Poor-quality ink may clog printheads and reduce precision.

Tips: Choose ink matched to your printhead (e.g., XP600, i3200, etc.). Higher-end nozzles require finer ink particles for optimal performance.

Drying and Adhesion

Sublimation ink must dry quickly after printing and adhere firmly during the heat press stage:

Ink that dries too slowly will smear or blur;

Ink with poor adhesion won’t bind well with the fabric, causing the design to peel or fade.

Tips: Select fast-drying ink with strong adhesion to enhance efficiency while ensuring clear, long-lasting image quality.

Cost-Effectiveness

There are three main types of sublimation ink on the market:

Domestic Ink: Lower price, but often coarser and less stable; suitable for cost-sensitive users with low quality demands.

Imported Ink (e.g., from Japan, Germany, USA): Better color reproduction, consistency, and stability; suitable for customers who prioritize quality.

Blended Ink: Produced locally with imported raw materials; higher cost-performance ratio and widely used in mainstream customer groups.

PS: Don't blindly chase high prices or go for the cheapest option—focus on equipment compatibility and your target market positioning.