Sublimointimusteet

Sublimointimusteet, known in English as sublimation inks, are a type of ink designed for a specific printing process. These inks are water-based and contain special colorants that, when heated, transform directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid phase. This property is the core of the sublimation printing technique.

During sublimation printing, an image is first printed onto special transfer paper using sublimation inks. This paper is then placed in contact with the material that will receive the image, such as polyester fabric, ceramics, or specially coated metal. Applying heat and pressure causes the sublimation ink on the paper to gasify. This gas then penetrates the pores of the substrate material and cools, solidifying back into a solid state within the material.

The result is a vibrant, full-color image that is permanently embedded into the substrate. Unlike other printing methods, the ink becomes part of the material, leading to a print that is highly resistant to fading, scratching, and washing. Sublimation inks are crucial for creating durable and high-quality graphics on a wide range of products, from apparel and sportswear to mugs and phone cases. They are only effective on materials that can withstand the heat and pressure required for the sublimation process, and that have a porous surface or a special coating to accept the ink.