Jimmy Lamb

3/17/2011
Sublimation!
It’s A Lot More Than Mouse Pads & Coffee Mugs
Jimmy Lamb
Sawgrass Technologies
jlamb@sawgrassink.com
Sublimation Is Hot And Profitable!
The Digital Advantage
• Quick Setup
• Unlimited Colors
• Low Production Costs
• No Special Skills Required
• No Color Separations Needed
• Ideal Short Run Production Solution
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What Is Sublimation?
Sublimation is a digital printing process that makes use of a unique
chemical process.
Technically, printing adds color to the surface of the substrate (the
item being printed). Sublimation on the other hand is a dye
process, meaning that it actually re-colors the fibers in the
substrate being printed.
The chemical process is such that sublimation dye turns into a gas
when heat (400 degrees) and pressure is applied. It then
permeates and attaches to any polymer based fiber it comes in
contact with. The result is high resolution, permanent coloration
that won’t peel or crack.
The Polymer Connection
Sublimation is probably best known for decorating hard products such
as photo panels, mugs, license plates, mouse pads, coasters,
plaques, awards, etc. The key factor is that the surface being
decorated is polymer coated! However, Sublimation Vendors offer
hundreds of unique polymer coated items that can be decorated, so
the opportunities for your customers are vast.
Picture Perfect Reproductions
The quality and resolution of the dye sublimation process is
superior to almost every other form of digital printing (assuming the
original artwork is also of high quality). Thus, the process is used
extensively by the photography industry, especially by those whose
business reputation depends upon producing the highest level of
clarity and detail in their work.
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Everlasting Apparel Imprinting
Sublimation only works for 100%
polyester products. But think polyperformance,
not
traditional
polyester which includes: athletic
uniforms,
moisture
wicking
garments, performance apparel etc.
The really cool thing is that
sublimation will not fade, crack or
peel when laundered and will easily
outlast the garment.
Tons Of Products, Applications & Markets
The Sublimation Process
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Sublimation Is Quick, Easy & Low Cost!
Step 1 - Create
GARBAGE IN = GARBAGE OUT
Using
a computer
designartwork
software,
create your
image onscreen.
High quality,
high and
resolution
is important
– 350dpi
or better
Step 1 - Create
CorelDraw - Powerclip
PhotoShop - Layers
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Step 2 - Print
Print the image in reverse (mirror) using Sublimation ink, transfer
media and a supported printer.
Step 3 - Press
Press the image onto the garment using a standard heat press.
Sublimation Startup Costs
The startup costs for adding sublimation production to a business is
relatively low. Assuming you have a computer and graphics software, your
investment is a printer, inks, papers and heat press.
Startup Equipment Costs - $500 to $2500
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Sublimation Imaging Costs
An 8” x 10” graphic
averages $0.64 in cost
and can print in under
30 seconds.
Printing On Darks
Printing On Dark Backgrounds
To print on a dark background it is necessary to first put down a base
layer of white ink. In screen printing, the white ink is flash-cured before
any additional ink is applied.
In the world of digital printing, some processes such as DTG utilize a
special white ink that must be self-curing before additional ink is
positioned on top of it. Thus its vital that white ink “stabilizes”
immediately upon coming in contact with air.
This inherent characteristic of the ink means that there is a high
probability that it may clog the ink jets during printing. In addition, white
ink may harden within the print heads if not used for long periods of
time.
Sublimation being a dye process, does not offer a white ink.
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Printing On Darks
Graphics With White Areas
White ink is not just used for creating a base on a dark garment, its also
needed to print white areas of graphic images when printing on colored
fabrics.
On a white garment, the white area of the design is left “open”. But on a
colored garment that doesn’t work. White ink will be needed to create the
white area.
Sublimation – Dark Substrates
There is no white ink available for sublimation. Thus, sublimation is
usually done on white substrates. White area of an image can be
produced by leaving those portions “open” so that the white
background shows through.
In fact, with pretty much all digital
printing processes, the desired method is to start with a solid white
substrate and then add color to it.
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Sublimation – Colored Garments
You can definitely use sublimation on light and medium colored
garments (backgrounds) but because of the transparent nature of
sublimation dyes (versus pigment inks) the color of the background
will have an impact on the color of the printing. For the most part,
you can add color that is darker than the background, but not lighter.
Sublimation – Dark Garments
Without a white ink solution, its not possible to sublimate dark
garments. However, there is a “work-around” solution called “allover”.
You start with a white garment and then uses the sublimation to
create a dark garment by virtue of printing the background color as
part of the image. This can be done on a finished garment and
requires a large heat press and a printer with a large printing field.
Marketing
Sublimation
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Sublimation Is Everywhere!
From apparel to souvenirs to awards to personalized gifts,
Sublimation is everywhere!
People want it, they love it , they demand it and they BUY IT.
It hangs in the closet, it sits atop desks, it’s mounted on the walls
even makes up a part of some walls…)
(it
Sublimated Products have become a part of everyday life…
Schools & Sports
School and sports customers need many things including apparel, awards,
plaques, action sports photos, team mementos, ID products, fundraiser items
and spirit products by the caseload.
Corporate & Small Business
The business world has a need for a lot of things including signage, promotional
products, plaques, apparel, awards and much more.
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Gifts & Personalization
The highly profitable personalized gift marketplace is full of opportunities that go
way beyond apparel, including photo gifts, travel souvenirs, commemorative items,
ornaments, pet products and home decorations to name a few.
Think Outside The Box
Dare To Be Different
Thinking Outside The Box
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Thinking Outside The Box
Thinking Outside The Box
Thinking Outside The Box
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Thinking Outside The Box
Thinking Outside The box
Thinking Outside The Box
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Thinking Outside The Box
A Picture Is Worth A
Thousand Words
And A Fistful of Dollars…
Perception Is Reality
Bottom-line, its only worth what someone will pay for it.
Therefore you must focus on raising the perceived value of
what it is you are selling, in order to get the highest possible
margin, while increasing your chances of closing the deal.
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You Must Turn Ordinary Into Extraordinary
Let’s face it, a lot of sublimation substrates are pretty basic and boring
while undecorated. But don’t let that carry over in your presentations to
customers.
The reality is that a blank substrate is simply a canvas waiting to be
turned into a masterpiece!
Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary
Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary
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Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary
Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary
Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary
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Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary
Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary
Better Graphics = Higher Profits
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You Don’t Have To Be An Artist!
Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary
A photo on a shirt
looks like… a photo on
a shirt!
Consider adding a
border to give it a
more custom look.
Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary
A photo on a shirt still
looks like… a photo on
a shirt!
Instead of adding a
border, try removing
the background.
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Making Money With
Sublimation
Can You Make Money With Sublimation?
It takes more than just having the best equipment to be successful in
this business - it also takes a good solid business approach with an
emphasis on sales, marketing and operations plus a healthy dose of
creativity.
But even more important you have to know what it is you are selling!
What Is This?
Advertising
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What Is This?
Souvenir
What Is This?
Spirit Products
What Is This?
Making A Statement
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What Is This?
Keepsake
Memory
Heirloom
What Is This?
Proof that people will buy just about anything if its
packaged creatively!
Thanks For Attending!
If you would like to receive a FREE COPY of the new e-book
The Guide To Successful Sublimation
send me an email and I will send you the link to download
Jimmy Lamb
jlamb@sawgrassink.com
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