Sublimation FAQs - Chicago Printing On Canvas & Fine Art Prints, Custom Picture Framing, Plaque Mounting, Metal, Wood & Fabric Dye-sublimation

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1 : What is Dye Sublimation?
Dye sublimation is a method of printing on polymer-coated wood, plastic, or aluminium, or polyester fabric. Instead of using a printer to create the image directly on the substrate, the image is printed with special inks onto transfer paper. The paper is then laid facedown onto the substrate and a large amount of pressure and high level of heat is applied. The colored dyes in the paper sublimate - turn into gas - and are infused into the fibers of the substrate, which expanded with the heat. Once the substrate has cooled and the fibers retracted, the image is trapped permanently within the surface. Sublimation is an excellent choice for branding items such as coffee mugs, t-shirts, and name plates, personalized gifts, and vibrant wall hangings. For more information, check out our dye sublimation guide.

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Q2 : How long will my dye sublimation product last?
Because the inks have been absorbed directly into the aluminium or wood surface, dye sublimation prints can last many years without any fading caused by exposure to UV light. If they are displayed out of direct sunlight, they can retain their original appearance for decades - they hold up very well against ozone gas and air pollutants they may come in contact with. It is not recommended to display your sublimation print outdoors.

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Q3 : On what surfaces can my images be printed?
Dye sublimation can print images onto any polymer-coated surface. Suppliers offer aluminium, hardboard, natural wood, various plastics, and MDF with this coating, and all offer a stunning, vividly colored display of your photos. In addition to flat surfaces, products like coffee mugs, keychains, cellphone cases, and even polyester T-shirts can be printed using the sublimation method.

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Q4 : What is the difference between dye sublimation and direct inkjet prints?
The biggest difference between prints made using dye sublimation and those made using a direct-to-substrate printing method is their durability. Because a direct-to-substrate print is placed on the surface of the wood or aluminium, it can chip or peel over time. A sublimated print, however, is infused directly into the fibers of the material, so it cannot be chipped off.

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Q5 : How do I hang my dye sublimation print on the wall?
Dye sublimation prints come with hanging hardware already attached. A metal or wood shadow mount is placed in the center back of your print and is attached to the wall with a single nail or screw. Your print appears to float off the wall, with no visible nails or wires. For smaller aluminium prints, an easel back is also available.

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Q6 : Is the wood or aluminium surface visible in my dye sublimation print?
Yes it is! When your image is printed onto the transfer paper, no white ink is used. This means any white areas on your wood or aluminium print will be the color of the surface. Additionally, any areas of lower saturation (lighter colors) will show a bit of that natural texture as well. The result is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind print with a real artistic flare.

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Q7 : What shapes are available for dye sublimation prints?
The surfaces for dye sublimation prints come in a variety of shapes including: -circles -rounded edge squares and rectangles -oval -pinched edge -wavy square -arched top -bloom -flower

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Q8 : Can I have a photo mosaic or collage printed with dye sublimation?
Certainly. Any photographic or digital image can be reproduced as a dye sublimated print. This process is known for producing highly accurate photo prints with vibrant color and fine details.

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Q9 : What kinds of images look best with dye sublimation?
Any photographic or digital image can be printed using dye sublimation, but there are some art styles that look best. Black and white photographs, for example, look great on brushed aluminium. The white sections of the image will instead be the color of the metal, giving the print an urban industrial appeal.

Likewise, warmer images are beautiful as wood prints. A rustic farmer's field will seem to glow when the natural wood color and grain show through in the clouds.

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Q10 : Is dye sublimation only for art?
Though fine art prints and photographs can be wonderfully enhanced by the dye sublimation method, the process wasn't originally used for art. This method is a great option for store signage, award plaque, and the company logo. The aluminium and wood panels come in a white wash as well as natural, so the crisp whites of your image will really pop against bold colors.

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Q11 : What is Unisub?
Unisub is a member of the Universal Woods Inc. family of products. They are one of the top leading manufacturer of custom coated materials serving the furniture, electronics, personalised products, and mezzanine flooring panels industry. They are a pioneer in coating technologies that enhance the quality and durability of just about any type of panel. In the sublimation industry Unisub is the leading producer of blank imprintables for personalised colour products. Their product mix ranges from coated hardboard, FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic), MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) to aluminium photo panels all cut to custom shapes and sizes.

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Q12 : What about Dye-sub on Polyester fabics? do you offer this?
Yes, we have over 12 different Polyester fabrics. For the details and pricing please see this page: Fabric printing

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