Sublimation printing on ceramic goods is a specialized printing technique that involves transferring dye onto a ceramic surface using heat and pressure.
This process is particularly popular for creating high-quality, durable, and vibrant images on ceramic items such as mugs, plates, tiles, and other decorative items.
Here's a breakdown of the sublimation printing process and why it results in a high-quality product:
- Dye Sublimation Process:
The process involves using a special kind of dye that can be converted from a solid directly into a gas without passing through a liquid phase. This is known as sublimation. Specialized printers are used to apply the sublimation ink onto transfer paper. The design is mirrored to ensure the final image appears correctly on the ceramic surface.The transfer paper with the printed design is then carefully placed onto the ceramic item.
- Heat and Pressure:
The ceramic item and the transfer paper are placed in a heat press machine. The heat and pressure cause the sublimation ink on the paper to turn into a gas, which is then absorbed by the ceramic surface.
The heat and pressure also open the pores of the ceramic material, allowing the dye to penetrate the surface and bond with the material at a molecular level.
Benefits of Sublimation Printing on Ceramic:
- Durability:
The sublimated images become a part of the ceramic surface, making them highly durable. The images are resistant to scratching, peeling, or fading, ensuring a long-lasting product.
- Vibrancy:
Sublimation allows for the reproduction of intricate details and a wide range of colors, resulting in vibrant and high-resolution images on the ceramic surface.
- Full-Wrap Printing:
Sublimation printing allows for full-wrap designs, covering the entire surface of the ceramic item, providing a professional and aesthetically pleasing look.
- Versatility:
Sublimation can be used on various ceramic products, from small items like coasters to larger items like tiles. This versatility makes it a popular choice for personalized and customized goods.
Sublimation printing provides a clean appearance, with the printed design seamlessly integrated into the ceramic surface. There are no raised edges or noticeable layers, creating a smooth and polished final product. Sublimation printing on ceramic goods is valued for its durability, vibrant colors, versatility, and the ability to create high-quality, professional-looking products. The process ensures that the printed images become an integral part of the ceramic item, resulting in a long-lasting and visually appealing finish. We can print anything from a photo to a doodle. Anything is possible.
Click below to see how it's done on our youtube chanel