Sublimation Printing on T-Shirts

What Is Sublimation Printing on T-Shirts?

Sublimation printing on t-shirts is a digital printing process that uses heat to transfer dye into the fabric. Unlike screen printing or heat transfer vinyl, which sit on top of the fabric, sublimation ink becomes part of the material itself. When heated to around 190–210°C, the solid ink turns into gas and penetrates the polyester fibres. When cooled, the ink is permanently trapped inside — creating a smooth, vibrant, photo-quality print that won’t crack, peel, or fade.

This makes sublimation the ideal choice for full-colour, all-over designs on polyester t-shirts. It’s perfect for sports jerseys, staff uniforms, political campaign t-shirts, event merchandise, and personal gifts.

How Sublimation Printing on T-Shirts Works

Step 1: Design Preparation
Your artwork is prepared digitally with correct resolution and colour profiles. Designs are mirrored before printing.

Step 2: Printing onto Transfer Paper
The design is printed in reverse onto special sublimation transfer paper using specialist sublimation inks.

Step 3: Heat Press Application
The transfer paper is placed face-down on your t-shirt and heat-pressed at 190–210°C for 30–60 seconds. The heat converts the ink into gas, which penetrates the fabric.

Step 4: Cooling and Bonding
When the heat is removed, the fabric cools and the pores close, trapping the ink permanently inside. The design is now part of the t-shirt — it cannot be washed out, cracked, or peeled off.

Why Choose Sublimation Printing for T-Shirts?

Exceptional Durability
Sublimation prints won’t crack, peel, or fade. The ink is embedded at a molecular level, so it lasts for years — even with repeated washing.

Photo-Quality, Full-Colour Prints
Sublimation produces sharp, vibrant, and photorealistic images with excellent colour reproduction. There are no colour limitations.

Breathable and Lightweight
Unlike vinyl or screen printing, sublimation prints are lightweight and breathable. The design feels like part of the fabric.

No Minimum Order
Sublimation has no setup costs — no screens or plates. You can print a single t-shirt or thousands with the same quality.

Fast Turnaround
The heat press application takes only 30–60 seconds per shirt, enabling same-day delivery for urgent orders in Nairobi.

Washable and Long-Lasting
Sublimation t-shirts are machine washable and withstand repeated washing without fading or degrading.

What Types of T-Shirts Can Be Sublimated?

Sublimation works best on polyester and polyester-blend fabrics. We can print on:

• Round neck t-shirts

• V-neck t-shirts

• Polo shirts

• Chinese collar shirts

• Long sleeve t-shirts

• Short sleeve t-shirts

• Sports jerseys

• Political campaign t-shirts

• Staff t-shirts

• Personal t-shirts

NB: We don’t stock the t-shirts. You bring your own t-shirts, and we print and brand them for you.

Sublimation Printing T-Shirt Pricing in Nairobi

Prices depend on artwork size and number of sides you want branded. Contact us for an exact quote.

NB: We don’t stock the t-shirts. You bring your own t-shirts, and we print and brand them for you.

Why Choose Krayon for Sublimation Printing T-Shirts in Nairobi?

Industrial-Grade Equipment
We use professional sublimation printers and heat presses capable of handling high-volume production runs with consistent, vibrant results. Our machines are the best for dye sublimation printing.

In-House Production
We handle the entire process at our Nairobi CBD workshop — from design to printing to transfer. This gives you faster turnaround, consistent quality, and better pricing.

Free Design Assistance
Our in-house design team assists with artwork preparation, colour matching, and layout optimisation. Design assistance is free.

No Minimum Order
Order one t-shirt or thousands. We treat every order with the same care and attention.

Same-Day Delivery in Nairobi
Urgent order? We deliver same-day across Nairobi.

Nairobi CBD Location
Visit us at Lords House near Khoja Roundabout for samples, design advice, and order collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is sublimation printing on t-shirts?
Sublimation printing on t-shirts is a digital printing process that uses heat to transfer dye into the fabric. The ink becomes part of the material, creating durable, full-colour, photo-quality prints that won’t crack, peel, or fade.

2. How do I order sublimation printing on t-shirts in Nairobi?
WhatsApp us at +254 722 376 151 or visit our store at Lords House near Khoja Roundabout, Nairobi CBD. Bring your t-shirts, share your design, approve the proof, and we’ll print and brand for you.

3. Do you supply the t-shirts or do I need to bring my own?
We do not stock the t-shirts. You bring your own t-shirts, and we print and brand them for you.

4. How much does sublimation printing on t-shirts cost in Nairobi?
Pricing starts from KSh 150 per t-shirt. The final cost depends on artwork size and the number of sides you want branded. Contact us for an exact quote.

5. What is the turnaround time for sublimation printing on t-shirts?
Same-day delivery available for urgent orders in Nairobi.

6. Do you have a minimum order for sublimation printing on t-shirts?
No minimum order — we handle single t-shirts to bulk corporate orders.

7. What file formats do you accept for t-shirt designs?
We accept AI, PDF, EPS (for logos and text) and high-resolution PNG or TIFF (300 DPI minimum) for photographic or gradient-based designs.

8. Do you offer design services for t-shirt printing?
Yes. Our in-house design team assists with artwork preparation, colour matching, and layout optimisation. Design assistance is free.

9. Can you print on both sides of a t-shirt?
Yes. We can print on one side, two sides, or all-over. The price depends on the number of sides you want branded.

10. Is sublimation printing on t-shirts durable?
Yes. Sublimation prints won’t crack, peel, or fade. The ink becomes part of the fabric, ensuring long-lasting vibrancy.

11. What fabrics work best for sublimation printing?
Sublimation works best on polyester and polyester-blend fabrics. It does not work on 100% cotton. For cotton t-shirts, we recommend DTF printing.

12. Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?
Yes. We can produce a single sample t-shirt for your approval before you commit to a bulk order.

13. Do you deliver printed t-shirts outside Nairobi?
Yes. We deliver across Kenya. Delivery charges may apply for locations outside Nairobi.

14. Why choose Krayon for sublimation printing t-shirts in Nairobi?
We offer industrial-grade equipment, in-house production, free design assistance, no minimum order, same-day delivery in Nairobi, Nairobi CBD location, and competitive pricing. NB: We don’t stock the t-shirts. You bring your own t-shirts, and we print and brand for you.

Get a Quote

Ready to get professional sublimation printing on t-shirts in Nairobi, Kenya? Chat with us directly on WhatsApp for pricing, turnaround time, and design assistance.

WhatsApp us: +254 722 376 151

Krayon Enterprises — Lords House near Khoja Roundabout, Nairobi CBD, Kenya | Phone: +254 722 376 151 | Email: sales@krayon.co.ke | info@krayone.com | krayon.co.ke

Sublimation Printing On T-Shirts