What is dye sublimation?

The dye sublimation process uses specially coated paper that will print your image. This can be done via a sheet (offset) or a roll (digital). Once we print what is a mirror image of your final piece of art, it is then sent to either a rotary or flat bed heat press. This turns what looks to be a very dull colored image (usually in less than 45 seconds) into a bright, rich, color output on your product of choice. Through heat and pressure the dyes in the paper change into a gas and penetrate the product. It will not fade, wash out or loose its intensity, even after washing.

Sublimation refers to matter changing directly from a solid, to a gas, without becoming a liquid in between. In dye sublimation printing, the dye particles on the electrostatic media turns to a gas in a heat press. The gas enters the fabric, permanently dying it.

The newest process to come along over the past several years, digital dye sublimation now offers the same high quality as offset with an additional bonus - low minimums!

What size files do I need to submit?

Each product has it's own file size requirement according to the size of your purchase item. The larger the file size the clearer the final image.

Files must be one of the following: JPEG, TIFF, PSD, AI, PDF, EPS. We prefer photoshop files in the .jpg format and Illustratator files in an unflattened (layered) .pdf format.

Image clarification: Must be 300 DPI (dots per inch) at 1/4 of desired size or 150 DPI at full size. Please download our “Artwork Guidelines” sheet for sizing requirements. Please send file in CMYK format for optimal color matching. For Illustrator files convert all text to outlines.

How do I get the final print colors to be the colors required?

Two of the most misunderstood and troublesome colors we have ever run across are blue & red hues. In offset printing using CMYK colors (even PMS specific colors) will not print as desired. For example PMS 185 looks red in a Pantone book, but will print in CMYK process with an orange hue to it. Pantone has published a guide specfically for this problem - called the Pantone Color Bridge. Although many can be successfully simulated, a large majority cannot due to the limitations inherent in four-color process (CMYK) printing. If you need a specific color pallet on your printed item, we request a prepress printed proof to verify the colors. Digital proofs are not accurate as they will look different on different monitors. This is not an issue specific to our equipment, but rather, an industry wide issue.

How can I tell what a particular CMYK color I’ve chosen is going to look like when printed?

There are two ways: (1) Contact us to order a color approval proof (your file printed on the same material as your final order). This option can be time consuming and expensive, but is highly accurate! (2) Purchase a PANTONE® process color guide (around $100. For more information, please visit PANTONE® at: www.pantone.com). The PANTONE Process Color System® offers a comprehensive palette of over 3,000 colors achievable in four-color (CMYK) process printing. (3) We can find the closest match to the color(s) requested for your image, however, artwork charges will apply.

Is their any Art Work or Set-Up Fees?

No, as long as the digital image file is in the required format. You will be notified if there is a problem with your file(s).

Additional Charges?

Files not received in above listed formats, Pantone matching file editing will be charged at the rate of $35.00 per hour upon customer approval.

How do I pay for my product?

For your convenience we have PayPal accepting all major credit cards & checks.

How long will it take to receive my purchase?

Upon receiving your order, we ship within 14 business days.

How do I receive my product?

UPS, Fed Ex, Parcel Post and on larger orders, trucker of your choice.