Welcome to the Fabric Base Inc. Sublimation Fabric FAQ!
- Fabric Base
- Mar 24
- 5 min read
Welcome to the Fabric Base Inc. Sublimation Fabric FAQ!
At Fabric Base Inc., we are your trusted partner in providing premium sublimation fabrics for all your printing needs. We have been in the industry for over 30 years, offering a wide variety of high-quality fabrics for sublimation printing. Whether you're a hobbyist, manufacturer, or business owner, we have the fabrics to help bring your designs to life.
In this FAQ, we cover everything you need to know about sublimation fabrics, including what they are, which types work best, and why Fabric Base Inc. is your go-to supplier for high-quality sublimation fabrics made in the USA.
1. What is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing is a popular method of transferring dye onto fabric. Using heat and pressure, the dye turns into a gas and bonds with the fabric fibers, allowing the design to become an integral part of the fabric. This process results in vivid, durable prints that won’t peel or crack, offering high-quality, long-lasting products.
Unlike traditional printing methods, sublimation allows for full-color prints with intricate designs that are sharp, clear, and vibrant. It’s ideal for creating custom apparel, accessories, home décor, and promotional products.
2. Which Fabrics Work Best for Sublimation Printing?
For the best results, sublimation printing is most effective on synthetic fibers, primarily polyester. At Fabric Base Inc., we offer a wide selection of sublimation-friendly fabrics that are specially designed to deliver exceptional print quality.
Some of the best fabrics for sublimation include:
Polyester Fabrics: 100% polyester fabrics are the most commonly used materials for sublimation printing. They provide optimal print quality and durability, making them ideal for t-shirts, jerseys, and activewear.
Polyester Blends: Polyester blends (such as cotton-polyester blends) are also a great choice for sublimation printing, as they combine the softness of cotton with the dye-accepting properties of polyester. These are perfect for everyday wear and custom garments.
Minky Fabrics: Minky fabrics are incredibly soft and plush, making them perfect for custom baby blankets, throws, and luxury home décor items. These fabrics take sublimation printing beautifully, ensuring that your vibrant designs remain intact even after repeated washing.
Spandex: Our stretch fabrics like Spandex offer the best in performance apparel, such as athletic wear, swimwear, and leggings. These fabrics allow for optimal stretch while retaining crisp, vibrant prints.
Jersey Fabrics: Jersey fabrics offer a slightly stretchy feel and are ideal for sportswear and custom t-shirts. They accept sublimation inks well, ensuring durability and vibrant prints without sacrificing comfort.
Nylon Blends: Nylon fabrics can be sublimated when properly treated. These are often used for bags, jackets, and performance gear.
At Fabric Base Inc., we offer these fabric types in a variety of colors and textures, ensuring you find the perfect material for your sublimation project.
3. Why is Polyester the Best Fabric for Sublimation?
Polyester is the best fabric for sublimation because it bonds easily with sublimation inks, resulting in sharp, vibrant, and long-lasting prints. During the sublimation process, the dye transforms into a gas and permeates the polyester fibers, becoming part of the fabric. This results in the dye becoming a permanent part of the fabric, which ensures durability and vibrant colors that won’t crack or fade, even with repeated washing.
Polyester also provides color retention—the colors stay rich and vivid over time, making it a top choice for custom apparel, uniforms, and sportswear.
4. Can Sublimation be Done on Cotton Fabrics?
Traditional 100% cotton fabrics do not work well with sublimation inks, as cotton fibers don’t bond effectively with the sublimation dye. However, sublimation-coated cotton fabrics or cotton-polyester blends can work for sublimation printing.
At Fabric Base Inc., we offer specially treated cotton fabrics that have been pre-treated to accept sublimation inks. These fabrics can be used for custom t-shirts, home décor, and other projects, allowing you to achieve vibrant results on natural fiber fabrics.
5. What are the Benefits of Using Minky Fabrics for Sublimation?
Minky fabrics are an excellent choice for sublimation printing, especially for products that require a soft, plush texture. Whether you're making baby blankets, luxury throws, or cushions, Minky fabrics from Fabric Base Inc. offer several advantages:
Incredibly Soft: Minky fabrics are known for their plush texture, making them perfect for baby items, blankets, and other cozy products.
Vibrant Prints: Sublimation on Minky fabrics results in vivid, long-lasting prints that remain sharp and bright, even after repeated use and washing.
Durable and Washable: Our Minky fabrics are built to last and retain their softness and color, ensuring your printed designs stay intact.
6. What Fabric is Best for Sublimated T-Shirts?
For custom t-shirts, polyester fabrics or polyester-blend fabrics are the best options. These materials allow sublimation inks to bond perfectly, providing vibrant designs with sharp detail. At Fabric Base Inc., we offer a wide range of polyester fabrics ideal for creating performance t-shirts, sports uniforms, and branded apparel.
7. Can Sublimation Be Done on Stretch Fabrics?
Yes! Stretch fabrics, such as Spandex or jersey fabrics, are excellent for sublimation printing. Spandex fabrics retain their vibrant colors even after stretching, making them ideal for activewear, leggings, and swimwear. These fabrics ensure that the designs remain crisp and clear, even with frequent movement.
8. How Durable Are Sublimated Prints?
Sublimated prints are incredibly durable. Because the dye bonds with the fibers, it becomes a permanent part of the fabric, ensuring that your designs will not peel, crack, or fade over time. Unlike other printing methods where the ink sits on top of the fabric, sublimation guarantees long-lasting prints that can withstand frequent washing without losing their vibrancy.
9. How Should I Care for Sublimated Fabrics?
Sublimated fabrics are easy to care for and maintain. We recommend the following:
Machine wash in cold water to prevent fading.
Avoid fabric softeners as they can break down the ink over time.
Tumble dry on low or air dry to preserve fabric integrity.
Avoid ironing directly on the printed areas.
By following these care instructions, you can ensure that your sublimated fabrics maintain their vibrancy for years to come.
10. Why Choose Fabric Base Inc. for Your Sublimation Fabrics?
At Fabric Base Inc., we specialize in providing high-quality sublimation fabrics that are designed to meet the needs of professionals, manufacturers, and hobbyists alike. Here are some reasons to choose us as your supplier:
30+ Years of Experience: We’ve been in the industry for over 30 years, providing top-quality sublimation fabrics to businesses across the world.
Extensive Selection: From Minky fabrics to Spandex, polyester blends, and cotton fabrics, we offer a wide range of materials perfect for sublimation printing.
Made in the USA: All of our fabrics are stocked in our Los Angeles warehouse, ensuring fast shipping and immediate availability.
Custom Samples: We offer sample fabrics to help you test your designs before committing to large orders.
11. Can I Request Samples of Sublimation Fabrics?
Yes, we offer samples of all our sublimation fabrics at Fabric Base Inc.! Whether you need to test the fabric’s print quality, color retention, or feel, we can send you a sample to ensure it meets your needs. Just contact us through our website or by email, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
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