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Sublimation printing in Luxembourg
Sublimation is the print that becomes part of the material: unlimited colours, sharp photos and nothing to feel, on polyester and on mugs.
Sports shirts, technical t-shirts, mugs, water bottles, phone cases… We carry out your sublimation printing in our workshop in Holzem. Ideal for kitting out a club or a race, or for a photo gift.
What is sublimation printing?
Sublimation printing, also called dye sublimation, is a heat transfer technique. The design is printed with special inks onto paper, then pressed onto the item at high temperature. The heat turns the ink straight into a gas, which penetrates the polyester fibres or the coating of the mug.
The ink does not sit on the surface: it becomes part of the material. The print does not crack, peel or feel different to the touch.
Sublimation for sports clubs, events and gifts
It is the go-to technique for custom sports shirts: the fabric stays light and breathable, even with a large design. It is also ideal for race and event t-shirts, and for custom items (mugs, water bottles, cups, phone cases, magnets) with a logo or photo, to give or to sell.
Dye sublimation printing on fabric and mugs
Sublimation works on white or light-coloured polyester fabrics, and on specially coated items such as mugs. These are the items we sublimate most often:
Good to know: sublimation does not work on cotton or dark fabrics. For these items, we will recommend DTF transfers or digital printing.
A few sublimation projects from our workshop
How does sublimation printing work?
- Your requestSend us your design, the items you need and the quantities.
- PreparationWe prepare your file and send you a proof to approve.
- Printing the transferThe design is printed in mirror image with sublimation inks onto special paper.
- Pressing and deliveryWe press the transfer at high temperature in our workshop: the ink penetrates the material, then your items are delivered or ready for collection.
Sublimation printing prices: what affects the cost
With sublimation, the number of colours does not change the price. These are the factors that count:
| Factor | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| Design size | The larger the printed area, the more paper and ink it takes. |
| Number of positions | Each position (front, back, sleeve…) is priced separately. |
| Personalisation | Different names and numbers on each shirt require preparation per item. |
| Quantity | No screen costs: sublimation is worthwhile from the first item. |
| Chosen item | The price of the shirt, t-shirt or mug is added to the decoration. |
Tip: for a club, group the whole team's order together: preparation is shared and the price per shirt drops.
Recommended sublimation sizes and positions
Here are the most common sizes. We adapt them to your design and the chosen item.
| Position | Recommended size | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Left chest | 8 to 10 cm wide | Club or company logo |
| Front (large) | 25 to 30 cm wide | Main sponsor, colourful design |
| Back | 25 to 35 cm wide | Name and number, sponsors |
| Sleeve | 6 to 9 cm wide | Logo, flag, secondary sponsor |
| Mug | One side or full wrap | Logo, photo, message |
Advantages and limits of sublimation printing
Advantages
- Unlimited colours, very sharp photos and gradients
- Nothing to feel: the fabric stays light and breathable
- Does not crack or peel, withstands washing
- Cost-effective from a single item, ideal for names and numbers
Limits
- Only on polyester or coated items (no cotton)
- Only on white or very light fabrics
- White cannot be printed: it comes from the fabric
- Colours may vary slightly depending on the material
Sublimation, DTF transfer or digital printing: which to choose?
| Sublimation | DTF transfer | Digital printing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Polyester, mugs | Almost anything | Cotton (min. 50%) |
| Fabric colour | White or light | Any | Light |
| Number of colours | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Feel | None | Thin film | No texture |
| Breathability (sport) | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Durability | Excellent | Very good | Good |
Custom sports shirts with sublimation
Club logo, sponsors, each player's name and number: sublimation prints everything in full colour without weighing the shirt down. The technical fabric stays light and breathable, even after dozens of washes.
Football, handball, basketball, cycling, running: we kit out clubs and sports events.
Which file to send for sublimation?
A high-resolution PNG, PDF or JPG (ideally 300 dpi at print size), or a vector file for logos. For sports shirts, also send us the list of names, numbers and sizes for each player.
Everything about sublimation printing
What is sublimation printing?
It is a heat transfer printing technique: the sublimation ink, printed on paper, turns into a gas under heat and penetrates the polyester fibres or the coating of a mug. The print becomes part of the material.
Which fabrics can be sublimated?
Polyester fabrics (or high-polyester blends) in white or very light colours. Sublimation does not work on cotton or dark fabrics: we will then recommend a DTF transfer.
Can you sublimate a cotton t-shirt?
No, sublimation ink does not bond with cotton. For a cotton t-shirt, digital printing or a DTF transfer is the right solution.
How much does sublimation printing cost?
The price mainly depends on the design size, the number of positions, the personalisation (names, numbers) and the chosen item. The number of colours makes no difference. Ask us for a quote: it is tailored to your project.
Can you make shirts with names and numbers?
Yes. Each shirt can have its own name and number, as well as the club logo and sponsors. Simply send us the list of players with their sizes.
Are sublimated mugs dishwasher safe?
Yes, the print is fixed in the mug's coating and withstands the dishwasher. To keep the colours bright for as long as possible, hand washing is ideal.
Is sublimation printing washable?
Yes, perfectly: the ink is in the fibre, so it does not crack or peel. Wash at 30 or 40 °C and avoid high-heat tumble drying.
Which file should I send for sublimation?
A high-resolution PNG, PDF or JPG, or a vector file for logos. For sports shirts, add the list of names, numbers and sizes.
How long does a sublimation order take?
Allow 5 to 10 working days after approval of your proof, depending on the quantity. For a match, race or event, please mention the date in your quote request.