Sublimation Printing Information

Blue Moose Designs uses professional-grade dye sublimation printing to deliver vivid, permanent, and full-color designs on specially coated surfaces and polyester-based materials. This process produces photographic-quality images that are embedded directly into the surface of the product — not printed on top — resulting in a finish that is durable, smooth to the touch, and highly resistant to fading or peeling.

How Sublimation Works

In sublimation printing, solid dyes are converted into gas through heat and pressure, allowing the ink to bond at a molecular level with polyester fibers or polymer-coated materials. This creates a permanent print that becomes part of the material itself, offering long-lasting, vibrant color without adding thickness or texture to the surface.

Ideal Applications

Sublimation is best suited for:

  • Apparel made from 100% polyester or high polyester-content blends.
  • Coated hard substrates such as mugs, aluminum panels, plaques, phone cases, keychains, signage, and tiles.
  • Indoor graphics, photo panels, and promotional products requiring long-term color stability.

Limitations & Material Requirements

  • Sublimation dyes bond only with polyester fibers or polymer coatings. Cotton or uncoated materials cannot be sublimated.
  • The process requires a white or light-colored base to achieve accurate colors; sublimation ink is translucent and cannot produce white ink.
  • Slight color variations may occur due to coating differences, heat press times, or humidity. These are considered normal within professional tolerance ranges.
  • Minor shifts in image position (up to 1/8") may occur on multi-surface or curved items due to heat expansion and product curvature.

Artwork Preparation

  • Submit artwork in CMYK color mode at 300 DPI or higher, sized to final print dimensions.
  • For edge-to-edge designs, include at least 1/8” bleed on all sides.
  • Use vector artwork (AI, EPS, or PDF) where possible for sharp detail and scalability.
  • Colors displayed on screens may differ from final printed output due to RGB/CMYK conversion and substrate characteristics.
  • Blue Moose Designs is not responsible for print outcomes affected by low-resolution or incorrectly formatted customer artwork.

Durability & Care

Sublimation prints are permanent and will not crack, peel, or wash out. However, product life depends on proper use and care:

  • Apparel: Wash inside out in cold or warm water using mild detergent. Do not bleach or dry clean. Tumble dry on low or air dry.
  • Mugs & Hard Goods: Hand washing is recommended to preserve the surface coating, although most items are top-rack dishwasher safe. Avoid prolonged UV exposure on outdoor items.

Environmental Considerations

Sublimation is an eco-conscious printing process, producing minimal waste and using waterless dyes. The inks used by Blue Moose Designs are non-toxic and manufactured under compliance with global environmental safety standards.

Quality Assurance & Limitations of Liability

Every sublimated product is individually produced and inspected for color accuracy, placement, and quality. Minor variations inherent to the heat transfer process — including slight positional shifts or tone differences — are considered normal for custom manufacturing and do not constitute a defect. Blue Moose Designs will replace or correct any verified production defect in accordance with our Guarantee and Returns Policy.

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    Best for low quantity multiple color prints (under 300). Prints have a softer feel than screen printing.
    Best for permanent, lightweight printing. Colors are translucent and fabric color will show through the print.
    Solid color or digitally printing vinyl applied to your garment.
    Best for low quantity multiple color prints (under 300). Prints have a softer feel than screen printing.
    Best for permanent, lightweight printing. Colors are translucent and fabric color will show through the print.
    Solid color or digitally printing vinyl applied to your garment.
    Best for low quantity multiple color prints (under 300). Prints have a softer feel than screen printing.
    Best for permanent, lightweight printing. Colors are translucent and fabric color will show through the print.
    Solid color or digitally printing vinyl applied to your garment.
    Best for low quantity multiple color prints (under 300). Prints have a softer feel than screen printing.
    Best for permanent, lightweight printing. Colors are translucent and fabric color will show through the print.
    Solid color or digitally printing vinyl applied to your garment.
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