The Process

What is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation printing is the application of sublimation inks onto a surface, using a combination of heat, time and pressure. The correct combination causes the inks to be converted from a solid to a gaseous state, enabling them to penetrate the surface of the item so that a permanent, full colour image is formed.

The colour penetrates the surface of the item so that the result is colourful, long lasting, and resistant to most scratching - unlike some other printing methods that merely print onto the surface of the item, and can wear away in time. This gives your product a high quality finish. Mugs and some hard items are coated so that the colours can be transferfed. Depending on the quality of the mugs and the coating used, the image will be long lasting. We mainly use the straightest RN coated mugs that are 100% dishwasher safe to produce a product that will last a long time. Our special mugs such as the colour change, animal handle and glitter mugs are not suitable for dishwasher use.

What can be transferred?

We can use photographs, digital images, scans, paintings, drawings, hand written text and even clip-art. If it can be converted to a digital image then it can be transferred. The quality of the initial image will determine the final image quality on the item. All the items we sell have been tried and tested by Pix2Gifts. If we are not happy with the end results then we wont produce these items.

From Picture To Gift

1. Pictures are transferred to computer, either from a digital camera or a regular photograph can be scanned.
2. One of our ready made blank templates is used to create the image of the correct size for the item. Your text and images are added to produce the final design.
3. The image is reversed and printed out using sublimation ink onto the transfer paper.
4. The transfer paper is trimmed and taped to the item using heatproof tape.
5. The item is heated and pressed to allow the sublimation process to happen. The temperature, pressure and timings used are different for each item.
6. The item is removed from the heat press and the transfer paper is removed leaving a vibrant colourful image.
7. Once the item has cooled it is ready to be used.

About your images

• If you are sending digital photographs, please ensure that your camera's settings are on the highest resolution. A scanned image should be set to at least 300 dpi.
• Please don't forget that you can always ask for a proof to be sent by e-mail before we press your item.
• If you want us to crop the image, such as around a person's face, make sure that this region is relatively large.
• We cannot promise to be 100% colour correct. Colour seen on your monitor, or on a printed page will not always be exactly as they will finish up on the item - but they won't be far off. We use colour profiles specific to the printer and ink being used to ensure the best possible colour match.
• Pix2Gifts reserves the right to refuse images which are deemed unsuitable or offensive. If you are unsure if an image is suitable, please contact us first.
• Some images may need to be cropped to fit on the item. If we believe that this will affect the design, we will contact you to agree this before we press.
• Images are accepted for processing, on the understanding that you have checked with the copyright holder of those images, and you accept full liability for any copyright infringement. We may seek proof that you have the copyright holders permission to duplicate their images.