Sublimation Printing Techniques

Sublimation printing techniques refer to the different methods and equipment used to transfer dye onto polyester fabrics and polymer-coated surfaces. While the core science of sublimation is the same — solid ink turning into gas and bonding with the material — the technique varies depending on the product being printed. A flatbed heat press is used for t-shirts, a mug press for drinkware, and a roll-to-roll printer for large fabric runs. Each technique requires different temperatures, pressures, and timings to achieve optimal results.

At Krayon, we use a range of sublimation printing techniques to ensure every product meets our high standards for vibrancy, durability, and finish.

Sublimation Printing Techniques

1. Flatbed Heat Press Technique

The flatbed heat press is the most common technique for sublimating flat items such as t-shirts, mousepads, and fabric pieces.

How It Works:

• Your design is printed in reverse onto sublimation transfer paper.

• The paper is placed face-down on the substrate.

• The flatbed press applies heat (190–210°C) and pressure for 30–60 seconds.

• The ink converts to gas, penetrates the fabric, and bonds permanently.

Best For:

• T-shirts, polo shirts, and hoodies

• Mousepads

• Fabric pieces

• Canvas and rigid boards

Pricing: T-shirt sublimation branding from KSh 150 per t-shirt.

Sublimation Printing Techniques

2. Mug Press Technique

A mug press is a specialised heat press designed for cylindrical drinkware. It wraps around the mug to apply even heat and pressure.

How It Works:

• Your design is printed onto sublimation paper.

• The paper is wrapped around the mug and secured.

• The mug is placed in the mug press for 30–60 seconds at 180–200°C.

• The ink transfers to the mug’s polymer coating and bonds permanently.

Best For:

• Coffee mugs (white, two-tone, magic, frost, patch)

• Stanley mugs and thermal mugs

• Enamel mugs, gold and silver mugs

• Mason jars and square mugs

Pricing: Mug sublimation printing from KSh 100 per mug.

NB: We stock a wide variety of mugs — or you can bring your own.

3. All-Over Sublimation Technique

All-over sublimation is a technique that prints edge-to-edge across the entire garment, with no visible seams or unprinted areas.

How It Works:

• The design is printed onto a large sheet of transfer paper.

• The paper is placed on the fabric and pressed.

• The design covers the entire surface, including sleeves and sides.

Best For:

• Sports jerseys

• Performance wear

• Full-print t-shirts

• Team kits

Pricing: Custom 3D sublimation t-shirt from KSh 1,800 one piece; bulk KSh 1,500 each. Long sleeve from KSh 2,000.

4. 3D Sublimation Technique

3D sublimation is a specialised technique that creates lifelike depth, shadow, and texture in the printed design. It uses a vacuum press or 3D heat press to mould the design around curved surfaces.

How It Works:

• The design is printed with special 3D effects (shadows, highlights).

• The transfer is placed on the substrate.

• A 3D vacuum press applies heat and pressure, conforming the design to curved surfaces.

Best For:

• Phone cases

• Curved promotional items

• 3D t-shirt designs

• Mugs with curved contours

Pricing: Custom 3D sublimation t-shirt from KSh 1,800.

5. Roll-to-Roll Sublimation Technique

Roll-to-roll sublimation is used for high-volume fabric printing. The fabric is fed through a calendar press on a roll, allowing continuous printing.

How It Works:

• The design is printed onto a roll of transfer paper.

• The paper and fabric are fed together through a calendar press.

• Heat and pressure transfer the ink continuously.

Best For:

• Flags and banners

• Large fabric runs

• Gazebo canopies

• Backdrops

Pricing: Sublimation printing on fabric from KSh 350 per meter.

6. Hard Surface Sublimation Technique

Hard surface sublimation uses a flatbed press with a special coating to print on rigid materials.

How It Works:

• The substrate must have a polymer coating.

• The transfer paper is placed on the surface.

• A flatbed press applies heat and pressure.

Best For:

• Ceramic tiles

• Metal panels

• Acrylic awards

• MDF boards

• Phone cases

7. Dark Fabric Sublimation (Not Possible)

Traditional sublimation does not work on dark fabrics because the inks are transparent and require a white base. For dark fabrics, we recommend DTF printing, which uses a white ink underbase to keep colours vibrant on black, navy, and other dark colours.

Pricing: DTF printing from KSh 150 per t-shirt.

NB: We don’t stock the garments — you bring your own, and we print for you.

Sublimation Printing Techniques

Why Choose Krayon for Sublimation Printing Techniques in Nairobi?

Industrial-Grade Equipment
We use professional sublimation printers and heat presses capable of handling high-volume production runs with consistent, vibrant results.

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 a single item 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.

Sublimation Printing Techniques

Sublimation Printing Techniques Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are sublimation printing techniques?
Sublimation printing techniques refer to the different methods and equipment used to transfer dye onto polyester fabrics and polymer-coated surfaces. Common techniques include flatbed heat press, mug press, all-over sublimation, 3D sublimation, and roll-to-roll sublimation.

2. What is the flatbed heat press technique?
The flatbed heat press technique uses a flat press to apply heat and pressure to transfer the design onto flat items like t-shirts and mousepads.

3. What is the mug press technique?
The mug press technique uses a specialised cylindrical press to wrap around mugs and transfer the design onto the curved surface.

4. What is all-over sublimation?
All-over sublimation is a technique that prints edge-to-edge across the entire garment with no visible seams.

5. What is 3D sublimation?
3D sublimation is a technique that creates lifelike depth and texture in the printed design, often using a vacuum press for curved surfaces.

6. What is roll-to-roll sublimation?
Roll-to-roll sublimation is a high-volume technique where fabric is fed through a calendar press on a roll for continuous printing.

7. Can sublimation print on dark fabric?
No. Traditional sublimation does not work on dark fabrics. For dark garments, we recommend DTF printing.

8. How much does sublimation printing cost?
Pricing starts from KSh 100 for mugs, KSh 150 for t-shirts, and KSh 350 per meter for fabric. Contact us for a quote.

9. Do you sell sublimation machines?
No, we don’t sell machines. We use our machines to provide sublimation printing services for clients.

10. What is the turnaround time for sublimation printing?
Same-day delivery available for urgent orders in Nairobi.

11. Do you have a minimum order?
No minimum order — we handle single items to bulk corporate orders.

12. Do you offer design services?
Yes. Our in-house design team assists with artwork preparation and colour matching. Design assistance is free.

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

14. Do you deliver sublimation printed items outside Nairobi?
Yes. We deliver across Kenya. Delivery charges may apply for locations outside Nairobi.

15. Why choose Krayon for sublimation printing techniques 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 sell machines. We use our machines to provide sublimation printing services for clients.

Sublimation Printing Techniques

Get a Quote 

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

Sublimation Printing Techniques

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