Sublimination, what printing is it?

Spotted Lizard prints company Logo

Sublimation Printing Explained: The Magic Behind Our Personalised Gifts – Spotted Lizard Prints

If you’ve ever admired the vibrant colours on a personalised mug, the smooth finish on a custom t-shirt, or the crisp detail on a printed photo slate, you’ve likely witnessed the results of sublimation printing. At Spotted Lizard Prints, sublimation is at the heart of many of our most popular personalised gifts — helping us create long-lasting, high-quality designs that our customers love.

But what exactly is sublimation printing?
How does it work?
And why is it such an important part of delivering the beautiful personalised products we’re known for?

Let’s dive into the world of sublimation printing and explore why it’s one of the best printing methods available today.

What Is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation printing is a modern printing technique that uses heat and pressure to transfer dye directly into a surface, rather than onto it. Unlike traditional printing where ink sits on top of a material, sublimation turns solid dye into a gas — bypassing the liquid stage completely — and infuses it into the fibres or coating of a product.

This means the design becomes part of the material itself.

At Spotted Lizard Prints, sublimation is used across a wide range of our products, including:

Explore examples in our shop:
👉 Unique Personalised Mugs – SpottedLizardPrints

How Does Sublimation Printing Work?

The magic lies in the science.

1. The Design Is Printed Using Sublimation Ink

We start by printing your personalised design onto a special sublimation transfer paper. This uses dye-based inks designed to convert into gas when heated.

2. Heat + Pressure Are Applied

Next, the printed paper is placed onto the product — for example, a mug or t-shirt — and positioned inside a heat press.

The heat press applies:

  • High temperature (usually 180–200°C)
  • Firm pressure
  • Time (40–90 seconds depending on the item)

3. The Dye Turns Into Gas and Bonds with the Material

When heated, the solid dye transforms directly into a gas.
This gas permeates the surface of the material — such as polyester fibres or a special polymer coating — and solidifies when cooled.

4. The Design Becomes Permanent

Once the press opens and the product cools, you’re left with:

  • A permanent
  • Scratch-resistant
  • Vibrant
  • High-definition

print that will last for years.

You can see this incredible quality in our clothing collection:
👉 Personalised Clothing – Kids T-Shirts – SpottedLizardPrints

Why Is Sublimation Printing So Popular?

Sublimation is widely considered one of the best printing methods available, and for good reason.

⭐ 1. Long-Lasting and Durable

The design doesn’t sit on the surface — it becomes part of the material.
That means:

  • No fading
  • No cracking
  • No peeling
  • No scratching

Even after thousands of washes or daily use, sublimated products remain as vibrant as the day they were printed.

⭐ 2. Full-Colour, High-Definition Prints

Sublimation can achieve:

  • Complex gradients
  • Photographic detail
  • Bold colours
  • Smooth blends
  • Crisp, sharp edges

This is why our photo slates, mugs, and clothing look incredibly sharp.

⭐ 3. Smooth, Professional Finish

Because the dye sinks into the material, there’s no raised surface.
The result?

A beautifully smooth, premium-feeling finish.

⭐ 4. Eco-Friendly Printing Method

Sublimation produces minimal waste, uses waterless technology, and requires no harsh chemicals.

At Spotted Lizard Prints — an eco-conscious small business — this aligns perfectly with our sustainability values.

⭐ 5. Incredibly Versatile

Sublimation works on a wide range of surfaces, including:

  • Polyester fabrics
  • Polymer-coated ceramics
  • Metal sheets
  • MDF products
  • Plastic items
  • Slate

This allows us to create everything from mugs to baby clothing — all with a flawless finish.

Examples of Sublimation Printing at Spotted Lizard Prints

☕ Personalised Mugs

Our most popular sublimated product — durable, dishwasher-safe, and beautifully printed.

👉 Unique Personalised Mugs – SpottedLizardPrints

👕 T-Shirts and Kids' Clothing

Soft, comfortable, vibrant prints that never fade.

👉 Kids Personalised Clothing – SpottedLizardPrints

🧽 Coasters and Placemats

Hard-wearing, wipe-clean sublimated surfaces with beautiful colours.

🖼️ Photo Slates

Your favourite memories printed directly onto natural slate for an elegant finish.

🛍️ Tote Bags, Keyrings, Water Bottles

Colourful, personalised, and built to last.

Want to see sublimation in action?
👉 Spotted Lizard Prints – YouTube

Why Spotted Lizard Prints Uses Sublimation

At Spotted Lizard Prints, we hand print all our products in our Stafford workshop. Sublimation is one of our favourite printing techniques because:

  • It produces professional, long-lasting results
  • It allows us to offer vibrant personalised products
  • It supports our eco-friendly mission
  • It creates gifts that can be used and enjoyed for years

Every personalised gift we make — whether it’s for a birthday, wedding, Christmas, first holiday, new baby, anniversary or memorial — is handled with care, attention to detail, and expert printing knowledge.

Spotted Lizard Prints – High-Quality, Eco-Friendly Personalised Gifts Made with Care

At Spotted Lizard Prints, quality is everything.
We ensure:

  • Every order is handmade
  • Each item is individually inspected
  • All materials are high-grade and durable
  • Prints remain vibrant for years

Our Values:

🌱 Sustainability

We reuse, recycle, and minimise waste wherever possible.

💖 Customer Satisfaction

We carefully check orders and offer friendly support.

🎨 Premium Quality

We invest in materials and technologies that ensure long-lasting results.

🌍 Worldwide Shipping

From Stafford to Scotland, Spain, Australia, Canada and beyond — we send personalised gifts all over the world.

When you buy from us, you’re supporting:

  • A small UK business
  • Eco-friendly production
  • Skilled craftsmanship
  • Hand-printed artistry

We’re proud to make gifts that become treasured keepsakes.

Why Choose Sublimation Printing for Your Next Personalised Gift?

If you want a product that is:

✔ Bright
✔ Clear
✔ Durable
✔ Fade-proof
✔ Personalised
✔ Professionally finished

— sublimation printing is your best choice.

It’s perfect for:

With sublimation, your design becomes a permanent part of the gift — full of colour, personality, and meaning.

Conclusion: Sublimation Printing Makes Personalised Gifts Better

Sublimation printing has revolutionised the world of personalised gifts. With its bright colours, incredible durability, and ability to print on a huge range of products, it ensures your gift is long-lasting, high-quality, and truly special.

At Spotted Lizard Prints, we’ve perfected the process so every gift we send out is one you’ll love — whether you're buying for yourself or someone special.

Looking for a thoughtful personalised gift?
You’re in the right place.

👉 Hand Printed Personalised Gifts Sent Worldwide – SpottedLizardPrints

Contact Us for More Information

Have questions? Need help with personalisation?
We’re always here to help.

📩 Contact Spotted Lizard Prints (Stafford)
Hand printed personalised gifts created with care, shipped worldwide.

Back to blog