Dye-Sublimation FAQ:
Your Biggest Questions Answered

You know dye-sublimation produces stunning full-color graphics, but do you know how? What about its cost? Printing limitations? Don’t worry: ASI supplier Northeastern Promotions is answering all of your dye-sublimation questions once and for all in this handy FAQ.

The Dye-Sublimation Experts

When clients come to you with dye-sublimation requests, ASI Supplier Northeastern Promotions is the company you’ll want to work with. That’s because this U.S.-based supplier focuses on quality and spares no expense to ensure it. They always source the best materials and equipment possible. The result? Quality that is visible, palpable and uniquely superior to others in the industry.

Northeastern Promotions also offers a wide range of products to give you that "one-stop shop" supplier experience. As a high-volume supplier, the ability to create custom signature pieces is often claimed, but seldom delivered. That won’t be the case with Northeastern Promotions, whose foundation is built upon exceptional service and providing value to the customer. Take, for example, their super-fast turnaround times (averaging 2 weeks after art approval) and minimum order quantities as low as 10. Their cut-and-sew operation also guarantees that all products and all sizes are always in stock across all colors and fabric offerings.

And the best part of all? Northeastern Promotions is committed to giving back to the community by donating significant funds, resources and time to support important causes around the world. Premium dye-sublimated products and making the world a better place? That sounds pretty good to us.

Dye-sublimation is a full-color decoration technique which uses heat to apply dye to a surface, such as fabric or plastic. There are no color limitations for this technique, making it highly desired by clients seeking complicated or colorful artwork on their promos.

Dye-sublimation works by heating up ink, causing it to “sublimate.” This means that ink in its solid form skips turning into a liquid and instead turns directly into a gas. Ink, in its gaseous form, is then applied to a promo product’s surface, at which point it turns back into a solid. The result? Changing the color of the promo’s surface itself, rather than just applying an imprint on top of the surface.

Dye-sublimation decoration is extremely durable! In fact, it’s regarded as one of the most long-lasting imprint methods available. Because dye-sublimation changes the promo’s surface itself, you avoid the risk of imprints peeling, cracking or fading over time. Your clients’ full-color graphics will remain just as crisp and clear on day 1 as they will on 100, making it a preferred method for many project needs.

Dye-sublimation works best with polyester or polymer-coated substrates. This can include wearables made from polyester blends as well as common products like flags, sports bottles, keychains, mousepads – you name it!

Dye-sublimation typically has a higher cost than less durable or more limited decoration options, such as screen printing. However, the price difference is likely less than your clients think! For slightly more spend, they can upgrade graphics to be as detailed and colorful as possible along with knowing they won’t wear or fade over time.

Northeastern Promotions has found that custom shirts are the most popular items to be decorated with dye-sublimation; especially their UV-protected UPF 50+ Hawaiian shirts.

Unisex Full Dye Hawaiian ShirtOpens in a new window.

Unisex Full Dye Sublimation UPF 50+ Hawaiian Shirt
(BCH-03-UVSRT)

Unisex, lightweight and breathable, this Hawaiian shirt will be appreciated by every audience.

Women's Full Dye Hawaiian ShirtOpens in a new window.

Women’s Full Dye Sublimation UPF 50+ Hawaiian Shirt
(BCH-04-UVSRT)

Recipients will love how this light and breezy shirt is tailored for a flattering fit.

Boy's Full Dye Hawaiian ShirtOpens in a new window.

Boys’ Full Dye Sublimation UPF 50+ Hawaiian Shirt
(BCH-07-UVSRT)

The only thing better than this shirt’s comfortable fit is it’s impressive full-color decoration.

Girls' Full Dye Hawaiian ShirtOpens in a new window.

Girls’ Full Dye Sublimation UPF 50+ Hawaiian Shirt
(BCH-08-UVSRT)

Along with the gorgeous decoration, let clients know about premium features like antimicrobial elements and snag-free properties.

Along with Hawaiian shirts, Northeastern Promotions also specializes in sporting uniforms and high-performance activewear. Every uniform they create is hand-stitched and performance-ready. This supplier also offers a variety of fabric styles and technologies, such as quick-dry finishing and two-way stretch in breathable knits that can all be fully customized and shipped individually wrapped with custom names, numbers and logos.

Looking for more product ideas? Consider other hot-selling dye-sublimation items such as:

  • Aquatic shoes
  • Backpacks
  • Bucket hats
  • Caps
  • Coins
  • Compression sleeves
  • Door openers
  • Drawstring bags
  • Gaiters
  • Headbands
  • Hoodies
  • Laptop sleeves
  • Magnets
  • Mouse pads
  • Patches
  • Rally flags and towels
  • Socks
  • Sweatbands
  • Sweatshirts
  • Trophies
  • Varsity jackets
  • Waist bags
  • Water bottles
  • Windbreakers
  • Wristbands

There are many common situations where dye-sublimation will be your clients’ ideal decoration method. Consider suggesting this technique for projects that:

  • Include multiple colors, highly detailed or photographic artwork
  • Must match exact PMS colors used in corporate brand guidelines
  • Will be displayed outside where they’ll be impacted by the elements
  • Need to impress recipients with the highest quality graphics possible