What the Heck is Sublimation? (And Why It’s Kinda Magical)

Goat'd Creations
Jul 21
2 min read

If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite “Mom’ed TF Out” tee or your personalized Libbey glass stays so vibrant and detailed—it’s all thanks to sublimation. Sounds fancy, right? It kind of is. But don’t worry—I’m breaking it down without the science-y headache.

💨 So… What Is Sublimation?

In short?Sublimation is a printing process where special ink is turned into a gas and fused directly into the material.

No, seriously.The ink skips the liquid stage entirely (science is wild) and becomes part of the fabric or coating on your item.

So instead of ink sitting on top of your shirt or cup like vinyl or screen print, it becomes part of it—like a tattoo for your product.

🎨 Why Sublimation is the GOAT

Here’s why sublimation is my ride-or-die process for a bunch of my designs:

✅ It Never Peels or Cracks

Because it’s not sitting on top of the material, the design won’t peel off, crack, or fade like other methods. Perfect for everyday wear and washes.

✅ Vibrant, Long-Lasting Color

The colors are bright, bold, and built to last. Whether it’s your daily coffee mug or your favorite snarky tee, your design stays poppin’.

✅ Crazy Detail

Sublimation can handle tiny details and gradients like a champ. So even your most intricate custom design turns out flawless.

✅ It’s Smooth to the TouchNo raised areas or thick textures. Your shirt feels just like… a shirt. No crunchy graphics here.

👕 But There’s a Catch… Kinda

Sublimation only works on polyester (or poly-coated items) and white or light-colored surfaces.

So while I’d love to sublimate onto, like, a fuzzy black hoodie or a wood plank, it doesn’t quite work that way (trust me, I’ve tried).

BUT—if you're into soft, lightweight tees, glossy mugs, sleek Libbey glasses, or crisp custom tumblers? Sublimation is your best friend.

🧪 Why I Love Using It in My Shop

Sublimation lets me create custom, colorful, durable designs that are just as bold as your personality. Whether it’s a sarcastic quote, a bookish vibe, or your kid’s drawing turned into a mug—I can make it happen, and make it last.

And let’s be honest… it’s basically crafting witchcraft, and I live for that.