What Is Sublimation?

 Sublimation transfer is a process that uses an image that has been digitally 
 created by scanning, downloading a picture taken with a digital camera, or
 created in a piece of graphic software like Photoshop or Corel. This image 
 is then printed onto transfer paper with an Epson desktop printer using
 special inks called sublimation inks. Once the image is on the paper you place 
 it under a heat transfer press on top of a substrate and heat the paper.   
 When the sublimation dye is placed next to polyester and heated, at 
 approximately 400 degrees the polyester molecules open. The sublimation dye, 
 which at this time is a gas, will then be able to penetrate the surface of the 
 polyester.  After the heat is removed, the polyester molecules will close 
 and permanently trap the sublimation dyes, and  therefore the image, into
 the polyester substrate.

 
 What Type Of Images Can Be Sublimated? 

 Any image or graphic, once saved to your computer of at least 300 dpi, can 
 be used (subject to copyright laws). The image can be scanned with a 
 regular desktop scanner, or created using many of the available image 
 editing software programs such as Corel® or Photoshop®.  You can even 
 download the image from your digital camera.

 What Type Of Printer Do I Need?

 Because of the type of ink that is used you are limited to using Epson brand 
 printers due to the fact that the Epson ink delivery system is capable of 
 delivering the heavy sublimation inks. The following desktop models have 
 compatible sublimation ink systems for them: Epson 900, 980, 3000, C60, 
 C80, C84, 1280, 3000, and 4000.              

 What Type Of Ink Do I Use ?

 Today, there are several very good brands of sublimation inks available
 on the market. Discuss your needs and objectives with your full service 
 sublimation distributor for the ink that is right for you.

 
 What Type of Transfer Paper Can I Use ?

 Because sublimation utilizes heat activated inks and toners, there is no 
 special paper required. Sublimation works with high-quality ink jet and 
 laser paper for optimal transfer quality.

 What Type Of Heat Transfer Press Can I Use ?

 There are many different heat presses from different suppliers which with 
 many different characteristics. As heat presses can last for more than 
 15 years, it is important to try to determine what your future needs might 
 be as well as current needs. Usually, bigger, sturdier and stronger is better.

 Heat presses come in two basic styles: clam shell and swing-a-way. Clam 
 shell presses are sufficient for thin items and t-shirts, but have the 
 disadvantage of directing heat to your face more so than swing-a-way 
 presses. Future, a swing-a-way press allows you to sublimate thicker 
 products such as plaques, as well as making it easier to position the transfer 
 paper. For more on heat presses, go to www.heatpress.com.              

 
 What Types Of Products Can I Make ? 

 As the sublimation industry continues to advance, there are literally hundreds 
 and hundreds of products you can decorate with sublimation.  What is 
 important is that the product is a high quality product made specifically for 
 sublimation. This will mean it has a polyester surface with either a white or 
 light gray background. For a complete listing of products click on 
 www.fullcolornetwork.com. 

 What are the Financial Opportunities of Adding Sublimation to My 
 Product Offering? 

 For a complete financial review, and to see how sublimation can
 contribute to your bottom line click here: FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITIES