From Sketch to Sublimation: A Deep Dive into the Custom Jersey Process
Creating a custom jersey for your team is an exciting process, but what happens after you finalize the design? Understanding the technology that brings your vision to life can help you make the best choices for your team's needs.
At GetSporty.ai, we specialize in high-quality athletic wear, and we rely on advanced printing techniques to ensure every jersey looks and performs at its best. Let's break down the two primary methods: sublimation and screen printing.
The Sublimation Process: A Modern Approach to Design
Sublimation printing is a cutting-edge digital process that creates a vibrant, permanent design. Unlike traditional methods where ink sits on top of the fabric, sublimation embeds the dye directly into the fibers.
How It Works
Design and Print: Your custom artwork is printed onto a special transfer paper using sublimation-specific inks.
Heat Press: The printed paper is then placed on a synthetic fabric (usually polyester) and put under a heat press.
Infusion: The heat turns the solid ink into a gas (a process called sublimation), which then infuses and bonds with the polyester fibers. As the fabric cools, the ink returns to a solid state, becoming a permanent part of the material.
Pros & Cons of Sublimation
Pros:
Unlimited Colors and Detail: You can print complex, photo-realistic designs with an unlimited number of colors at no extra cost. This is perfect for gradients, intricate patterns, and full-coverage designs.
Durability: The design will not crack, peel, or fade, even after countless washes, because the ink is part of the fabric itself.
Breathability: The printing process doesn't add a layer to the fabric, so the jersey remains lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for high-performance athletic wear.
Cost-Effective for Small Runs: There are no expensive setup costs per color, making it a great option for smaller teams or customized one-off jerseys.
Cons:
Fabric-Specific: Sublimation only works on polyester or polyester-rich blends.
Color Limitations: It works best on white or light-colored fabrics, as there is no white ink and the colors are translucent.
Screen Printing: The Classic, Trusted Method
Screen printing is a traditional and highly durable method that involves applying ink through a series of stencils, or "screens," directly onto the fabric's surface.
How It Works
Screen Creation: A separate screen is created for each color in your design.
Ink Application: Ink is pushed through the mesh screen onto the garment using a squeegee.
Layering: Each color is applied one at a time, with drying time in between layers.
Pros & Cons of Screen Printing
Pros:
Versatility: Screen printing can be used on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, cotton blends, and polyester. It also works on both light and dark garments.
Vibrant Colors: It produces bright, opaque colors that stand out on any fabric.
Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders: While the initial setup can be costly, the per-item price drops significantly for large orders, making it a budget-friendly option for big leagues or clubs.
Cons:
Limited Colors: Adding more colors requires creating more screens, which increases both cost and time. It is best suited for designs with a limited number of colors.
Weight & Texture: The ink creates a physical layer on top of the fabric, which can feel heavier and less breathable than sublimated designs.
Prone to Wear: Over time, the design may crack or fade, as the ink is not infused into the fabric.
Choosing the Right Method for Your Team
Both sublimation and screen printing are excellent options, but the best choice depends on your specific needs:
Choose Sublimation if:
Your design is complex, multi-colored, or includes gradients.
You want a lightweight, breathable jersey for high-performance sports.
You need a small batch of jerseys.
You prioritize maximum durability and longevity for the design.
Choose Screen Printing if:
Your team requires a large number of jerseys.
Your design is simple with a limited color palette.
You are working with cotton or dark-colored fabrics.
You are looking for a more traditional, tactile feel to the design.
At GetSporty.ai, we can help you navigate these choices and bring your team's unique identity to life.
Ready to start designing? Explore our options for custom uniforms and apparel today at GetSporty.ai!
custom jerseys
custom jerseys
sublimation jersey printing
sublimation jersey printing
screen printing jersey
screen printing jersey
More Great Sports & Uniform Ideas
From Sketch to Sublimation: A Deep Dive into the Custom Jersey Process
Creating a custom jersey for your team is an exciting process, but what happens after you finalize the design? Understanding the technology that brings your vision to life can help you make the best choices for your team's needs.
At GetSporty.ai, we specialize in high-quality athletic wear, and we rely on advanced printing techniques to ensure every jersey looks and performs at its best. Let's break down the two primary methods: sublimation and screen printing.
The Sublimation Process: A Modern Approach to Design
Sublimation printing is a cutting-edge digital process that creates a vibrant, permanent design. Unlike traditional methods where ink sits on top of the fabric, sublimation embeds the dye directly into the fibers.
How It Works
Design and Print: Your custom artwork is printed onto a special transfer paper using sublimation-specific inks.
Heat Press: The printed paper is then placed on a synthetic fabric (usually polyester) and put under a heat press.
Infusion: The heat turns the solid ink into a gas (a process called sublimation), which then infuses and bonds with the polyester fibers. As the fabric cools, the ink returns to a solid state, becoming a permanent part of the material.
Pros & Cons of Sublimation
Pros:
Unlimited Colors and Detail: You can print complex, photo-realistic designs with an unlimited number of colors at no extra cost. This is perfect for gradients, intricate patterns, and full-coverage designs.
Durability: The design will not crack, peel, or fade, even after countless washes, because the ink is part of the fabric itself.
Breathability: The printing process doesn't add a layer to the fabric, so the jersey remains lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for high-performance athletic wear.
Cost-Effective for Small Runs: There are no expensive setup costs per color, making it a great option for smaller teams or customized one-off jerseys.
Cons:
Fabric-Specific: Sublimation only works on polyester or polyester-rich blends.
Color Limitations: It works best on white or light-colored fabrics, as there is no white ink and the colors are translucent.
Screen Printing: The Classic, Trusted Method
Screen printing is a traditional and highly durable method that involves applying ink through a series of stencils, or "screens," directly onto the fabric's surface.
How It Works
Screen Creation: A separate screen is created for each color in your design.
Ink Application: Ink is pushed through the mesh screen onto the garment using a squeegee.
Layering: Each color is applied one at a time, with drying time in between layers.
Pros & Cons of Screen Printing
Pros:
Versatility: Screen printing can be used on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, cotton blends, and polyester. It also works on both light and dark garments.
Vibrant Colors: It produces bright, opaque colors that stand out on any fabric.
Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders: While the initial setup can be costly, the per-item price drops significantly for large orders, making it a budget-friendly option for big leagues or clubs.
Cons:
Limited Colors: Adding more colors requires creating more screens, which increases both cost and time. It is best suited for designs with a limited number of colors.
Weight & Texture: The ink creates a physical layer on top of the fabric, which can feel heavier and less breathable than sublimated designs.
Prone to Wear: Over time, the design may crack or fade, as the ink is not infused into the fabric.
Choosing the Right Method for Your Team
Both sublimation and screen printing are excellent options, but the best choice depends on your specific needs:
Choose Sublimation if:
Your design is complex, multi-colored, or includes gradients.
You want a lightweight, breathable jersey for high-performance sports.
You need a small batch of jerseys.
You prioritize maximum durability and longevity for the design.
Choose Screen Printing if:
Your team requires a large number of jerseys.
Your design is simple with a limited color palette.
You are working with cotton or dark-colored fabrics.
You are looking for a more traditional, tactile feel to the design.
At GetSporty.ai, we can help you navigate these choices and bring your team's unique identity to life.
Ready to start designing? Explore our options for custom uniforms and apparel today at GetSporty.ai!
custom jerseys
sublimation jersey printing
screen printing jersey
More Great Sports & Uniform Ideas
From Sketch to Sublimation: A Deep Dive into the Custom Jersey Process
Creating a custom jersey for your team is an exciting process, but what happens after you finalize the design? Understanding the technology that brings your vision to life can help you make the best choices for your team's needs.
At GetSporty.ai, we specialize in high-quality athletic wear, and we rely on advanced printing techniques to ensure every jersey looks and performs at its best. Let's break down the two primary methods: sublimation and screen printing.
The Sublimation Process: A Modern Approach to Design
Sublimation printing is a cutting-edge digital process that creates a vibrant, permanent design. Unlike traditional methods where ink sits on top of the fabric, sublimation embeds the dye directly into the fibers.
How It Works
Design and Print: Your custom artwork is printed onto a special transfer paper using sublimation-specific inks.
Heat Press: The printed paper is then placed on a synthetic fabric (usually polyester) and put under a heat press.
Infusion: The heat turns the solid ink into a gas (a process called sublimation), which then infuses and bonds with the polyester fibers. As the fabric cools, the ink returns to a solid state, becoming a permanent part of the material.
Pros & Cons of Sublimation
Pros:
Unlimited Colors and Detail: You can print complex, photo-realistic designs with an unlimited number of colors at no extra cost. This is perfect for gradients, intricate patterns, and full-coverage designs.
Durability: The design will not crack, peel, or fade, even after countless washes, because the ink is part of the fabric itself.
Breathability: The printing process doesn't add a layer to the fabric, so the jersey remains lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for high-performance athletic wear.
Cost-Effective for Small Runs: There are no expensive setup costs per color, making it a great option for smaller teams or customized one-off jerseys.
Cons:
Fabric-Specific: Sublimation only works on polyester or polyester-rich blends.
Color Limitations: It works best on white or light-colored fabrics, as there is no white ink and the colors are translucent.
Screen Printing: The Classic, Trusted Method
Screen printing is a traditional and highly durable method that involves applying ink through a series of stencils, or "screens," directly onto the fabric's surface.
How It Works
Screen Creation: A separate screen is created for each color in your design.
Ink Application: Ink is pushed through the mesh screen onto the garment using a squeegee.
Layering: Each color is applied one at a time, with drying time in between layers.
Pros & Cons of Screen Printing
Pros:
Versatility: Screen printing can be used on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, cotton blends, and polyester. It also works on both light and dark garments.
Vibrant Colors: It produces bright, opaque colors that stand out on any fabric.
Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders: While the initial setup can be costly, the per-item price drops significantly for large orders, making it a budget-friendly option for big leagues or clubs.
Cons:
Limited Colors: Adding more colors requires creating more screens, which increases both cost and time. It is best suited for designs with a limited number of colors.
Weight & Texture: The ink creates a physical layer on top of the fabric, which can feel heavier and less breathable than sublimated designs.
Prone to Wear: Over time, the design may crack or fade, as the ink is not infused into the fabric.
Choosing the Right Method for Your Team
Both sublimation and screen printing are excellent options, but the best choice depends on your specific needs:
Choose Sublimation if:
Your design is complex, multi-colored, or includes gradients.
You want a lightweight, breathable jersey for high-performance sports.
You need a small batch of jerseys.
You prioritize maximum durability and longevity for the design.
Choose Screen Printing if:
Your team requires a large number of jerseys.
Your design is simple with a limited color palette.
You are working with cotton or dark-colored fabrics.
You are looking for a more traditional, tactile feel to the design.
At GetSporty.ai, we can help you navigate these choices and bring your team's unique identity to life.
Ready to start designing? Explore our options for custom uniforms and apparel today at GetSporty.ai!
custom jerseys
sublimation jersey printing
screen printing jersey