JAYBEE SUPPLIES LIMITED
Unit 9, Victoria Mills, Boot Street, Earby, BB18 6UX
Tel: 01282 505043 | sales@jaybeesupplies.co.uk
Sublimation Printing Information
QP 127 – Jaybee Supplies Limited
| Document Ref | QP 127 |
|---|---|
| Title | Sublimation Printing Information |
| Version | 1.0 |
| Prepared By | Jaybee Supplies Ltd |
| Approved By | Managing Director |
| Issue Date | 21 October 2026 |
| Review | Annually |
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Best for | Full-colour, photographic and all-over designs on white or light polyester |
| Not suitable for | Cotton and dark garments. Hi-vis and FR garments use special substrates (see Section 3) |
| Artwork | Vector (PDF, AI, EPS) or high-resolution PNG at 300 dpi at print size |
| Lead time | 7–10 working days from artwork approval, subject to stock and order size |
1. What is sublimation printing?
Sublimation is carried out in-house at our branding factory in Earby. It transfers a full-colour design onto polyester fabric or polyester-coated items. The design is printed with special inks onto transfer paper, then heat and pressure turn the ink into a gas that bonds with the polyester fibres. Because the ink becomes part of the fabric rather than sitting on top of it, the print does not crack or peel and keeps the garment's feel and breathability.
2. Benefits
- Long-lasting colour: the ink is locked into the fibres, so prints resist cracking, peeling and washing out.
- Unlimited colours: ideal for detailed logos, gradients, photographs and all-over patterns, with no extra cost per colour.
- Soft and breathable: no added layer, so performance and sports fabrics stay light and comfortable.
- Suits short runs: no screens or set-up per colour, so small quantities and individual names or numbers are practical.
3. Things to know before you order
| Point | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Polyester only | Sublimation bonds with polyester. Garments should be at least 65% polyester; higher polyester content gives brighter colours. It does not work on cotton. |
| White or light colours | Sublimation inks are transparent, so they do not show on dark fabrics, and white cannot be printed. For dark garments we recommend embroidery or transfer printing. |
| Colour matching | Colours are printed in CMYK and may vary slightly from screen and from Pantone references. We can match brand colours closely on request and confirm them on your proof. |
| Seams and folds | On made-up garments, small white creases can appear near seams, collars and under arms where the fabric does not meet the press. |
| Hi-vis and FR garments | Hi-vis and flame-resistant garments are branded only with special substrates, applied in line with the garment manufacturer's recommendations, so that certified performance is maintained (for example fluorescence and retroreflection to EN ISO 20471, and flame resistance). Standard sublimation is not used on these garments. Decoration is recorded for every FR order (QP 105). |
4. Perfect for
- Sportswear and team kit: shirts, training tops and shorts, with names and numbers
- Event, charity and club garments in bright, full-colour designs
- Promotional items with a polyester coating, on request
5. Artwork and approval
- Send vector artwork (PDF, AI or EPS) where possible, or a PNG or JPG at 300 dpi at the size it will be printed.
- Fonts should be converted to outlines, or supplied with the artwork.
- You must own the artwork or have permission to use it (see QP 126).
- We send a proof for approval before production. Production starts once the proof is signed off (QP 042), so please check spelling, colours, sizes and positions carefully.
6. Lead times and returns
Orders are normally despatched within 7–10 working days of artwork approval, subject to stock and order size. Sublimated goods are personalised, so they cannot be returned for change of mind or wrong size choice unless they are faulty or incorrectly supplied (see QP 008 and QP 126).
7. Care instructions
- Wash inside out at 30°C with similar colours.
- Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
- Tumble dry on low or line dry.
- Do not iron directly on the print, and do not dry clean.
8. Review
This information is reviewed annually and whenever our processes or equipment change. Related documents: QP 008 Terms and Conditions, QP 042 Customer Artwork Approval Form, QP 105 FR Garment Decoration and QP 126 Website Terms of Use.
9. Contact Us
For advice on whether sublimation suits your garments and design, or to request a quote:
Telephone: 01282 50 50 43
Email: sales@jaybeesupplies.co.uk
Post: Jaybee Supplies Limited, Unit 9, Victoria Mill, Boot Street, Earby, Barnoldswick, BB18 6UX
Authorisation
| Signed | Jacqui Pope |
|---|---|
| Name | Jacqui Pope |
| Position | Managing Director |
| Date | 21 October 2026 |
