Ever wondered, what is sublimation t shirt printing, and why it’s becoming so popular in Malaysia? Sublimation printing is one of the best ways to achieve high-quality, vibrant, and long-lasting T-shirt designs!
With Malaysia’s humid weather, you need T-shirts that stay comfortable and don’t peel or crack over time. That’s where sublimation printing shines—it keeps prints smooth, breathable, and looking brand new for years.
Whether you’re a business owner, an entrepreneur, or someone who loves custom-designed apparel, understanding how sublimation works can help you make the best choice for your next print order.
Let’s dive into the details of sublimation T-shirt printing, how it works, and why it’s the preferred choice for many Malaysians today.
Key Takeaways
- Dye sublimation printing is a high-quality printing method that infuses ink into the fabric, creating vibrant, long-lasting, and fade-resistant designs.
- This technique uses heat and pressure to transform ink into gas, bonding it permanently with polyester fabric for a seamless, durable print.
- Due to its full-colour, high-resolution prints, it is ideal for sports jerseys, corporate uniforms, event merchandise, and fashion brands.
- Offers bright colours, no cracking or peeling, all-over printing, and cost-effectiveness for bulk orders.
- Best for light-coloured polyester fabrics, less ideal for small orders or cotton-based materials due to ink limitations.
- Compared to screen printing or heat transfer, sublimation provides all-over, high-definition designs with superior durability.
- Prices range from RM8 – RM60 per piece, depending on fabric type, order quantity, design complexity, and production speed.
What is Sublimation T-Shirt Printing?
Dye sublimation printing is a high-quality digital method that uses heat to infuse ink into fabric, creating vibrant, long-lasting designs that won’t peel, crack, or fade.
Popular in Malaysia for custom apparel, sports jerseys, corporate uniforms, and merchandise, it enables full-colour, detailed prints with no design limits. Best suited for 100% polyester or blends, it’s lightweight, breathable, and ideal for Malaysia’s humid climate.
Eco-friendly and cost-effective, it uses water-based inks with minimal waste, making it perfect for bulk and small orders.
How Does Dye Sublimation Printing Work?
Dye sublimation printing uses heat and pressure to embed ink into the fabric at a molecular level, creating vibrant, durable prints that won’t crack, peel, or fade. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Printing Process
The design is digitally created and printed onto special sublimation transfer paper using sublimation ink. This ink is unique as it turns into gas when exposed to heat, allowing it to bond permanently with fabric fibers. The design is printed in mirror image to ensure proper orientation when transferred onto the T-shirt.
Step 2: Cutting Process
Once the design is printed, the sublimation paper is trimmed to fit the fabric accurately. If the T-shirt is custom-made, the fabric is cut into panels before sublimation to allow for precise alignment of the design. This step ensures that the print covers the fabric correctly and prevents unwanted misalignment or excess material.
Step 3: Heating Process
The sublimation paper is placed face-down onto the fabric, and a heat press machine applies high temperature (180-200°C) and pressure. The heat activates the sublimation ink, turning it into gas, which then penetrates the polyester fibers and becomes part of the material.
Once cooled, the ink solidifies, creating a seamless, fade-resistant, and durable print. After removing the transfer paper, the T-shirt is ready with a vibrant, long-lasting design that won’t crack or peel.
This efficient process ensures sublimation-printed T-shirts are soft, breathable, and high-quality, making them a preferred choice for corporate uniforms, sports jerseys, and promotional apparel in Malaysia.
5 Popular Uses of Sublimation Printing in Malaysia
Sublimation printing is the go-to choice for businesses, brands, and custom apparel lovers. Here are 5 popular ways it’s being used today:
Sport Teams & Corporate Events
Perfect for sweat-resistant jerseys, uniforms, and event merchandise with long-lasting, vibrant prints.
Custom Apparel Brands
Ideal for fashion-forward streetwear, athleisure, and personalised T-shirts with unlimited design possibilities.
Souvenir & Merchandise Businesses
Great for tourism souvenirs, promotional gifts, and brand merchandise that need high-quality, fade-proof prints.
Startups & Small Businesses
Affordable bulk printing for new clothing brands, offering full-colour, detailed designs without high setup costs.
Personalised Gifts & Limited Edition Items
Perfect for one-of-a-kind custom T-shirts, family reunion tees, and special event giveaways.
Sublimation Printing vs. Other Printing Methods: Which One is Right for You?
When choosing a T-shirt printing method, it’s important to compare different techniques based on durability, colour vibrancy, fabric compatibility, and cost-effectiveness.
Here’s what is sublimation printing different from screen printing and heat transfer printing commonly used in Malaysia:
| Feature | Sublimation Printing | Screen Printing | Heat Transfer |
| Durability | High – Ink becomes part of the fabric, making it fade-resistant and long-lasting. | Medium – Ink sits on the surface and may crack or peel over time. | Low – Transfers may fade, crack, or peel after multiple washes. |
| Best Fabric | Works best on 100% polyester or polyester blends. | Suitable for cotton, polyester, and blends. | Works on cotton, polyester, and blends. |
| Colour Vibrancy | Very high – Produces sharp, full-colour, high-resolution prints. | Medium – Limited to a few colours per design, but great for solid and bold graphics. | High – Vibrant colours but lacks durability. |
| Customisation | Unlimited – Full-colour, all-over printing with intricate designs. | Limited – Works best for simple designs with fewer colours. | Moderate – Good for small designs, but colour vibrancy fades over time. |
| Cost for Bulk Orders | Affordable – No extra setup costs, making it cost-effective for large print runs. | Expensive – Requires separate screens for each coloru, increasing costs for complex designs. | Low – Good for small orders but lacks long-term durability. |
Estimated Costs for Sublimation Printing in Malaysia
The cost of printing sublimation shirt in Malaysia varies depending on several factors, including fabric type, order quantity, design complexity, and print size.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when budgeting for sublimation printing:
| Fabric Type & Quality – 100% Polyester: RM15 – RM35 – Polyester Blends: RM10 – RM30 – Dark-Colored Polyester: RM20 – RM40 | Order Quantity – Bulk Orders (+50 pieces): RM8 – RM20 – Medium Orders (10 – 50 pieces): RM15 – RM30 – Small Orders (1 – 10 pieces): RM25 – RM50 |
| Design Complexity & Print Size – Simple Logo or Small Print (A4 size): RM8 – RM20 – Full-Colour, All-Over Printing: RM25 – RM60 – Custom Name & Number (eg. Jerseys): RM20 – RM40 | Printing Setup & Processing Time – Standard Processing (3 – 5 Days): No extra charges – Express Orders (1 – 2 Days): RM5 – RM15 extra per piece – Custom Cutting & Sewing: RM10 – RM30 |
Looking to print corporate T-shirts with sublimation printing? Explore the best corporate shirt design ideas to create a professional and stylish look.
5 Tips to Take Care of Your Sublimation Printed T-Shirt
To keep your sublimation T-shirt looking vibrant and long-lasting, proper care is essential. Follow these simple tips to maintain the quality of your prints:
- Wash with Cold Water – Use cold or lukewarm water (below 30°C) to prevent fading.
- Avoid Harsh Detergents & Bleach – Use mild detergent; avoid bleach and strong stain removers.
- Turn Inside Out Before Washing – Protects the print from friction and extends its lifespan.
- Do Not Use a Dryer – Air-dry in the shade; avoid direct sunlight to maintain color vibrancy.
- Avoid Ironing Directly on Print – If needed, place a cloth over the design before ironing.
- Store Properly – Hang or fold neatly in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.
Get High-Quality Sublimation Printing with Esping
Esping Shirt Malaysia is a leading T Shirt sublimation printing provider, offering premium-quality, long-lasting, and customisable prints that cater to businesses, sports teams, and apparel brands.
Our expert craftsmanship and state-of-the-art printing technology ensure that every T-shirt is vibrant, durable, and tailored to your needs. Here’s why Esping stands out:
1. Unlimited Customisation & Full-Colour Prints
Esping’s dye-sublimation process allows unlimited sublimation design possibilities without limiting colours, gradients, or intricate details. Our high-resolution printing ensures a sharp, vibrant finish that stands out, such as all-over prints, company logos, custom names, and creative patterns.
2. Long-Lasting, Fade-Resistant Prints
We use advanced sublimation technology where ink bonds directly with fabric fibers, making the design part of the material itself. This results in crack-proof, peel-free, and fade-resistant prints, maintaining their vibrancy even after multiple washes.
3. Breathable & Comfortable Fabric Options
Esping specialises in high-performance polyester and moisture-wicking fabrics, making their T-shirts ideal for sports teams, corporate wear, and event apparel. These materials ensure lightweight, sweat-resistant, and comfortable clothing, perfect for Malaysia’s hot and humid climate.
4. Flexible Order Sizes & Competitive Pricing
Esping provides cost-effective solutions with competitive pricing for bulk orders and small batches tailored to your needs. We cater to businesses of all sizes, offering custom packages that fit different budgets while maintaining top-notch quality.
5. Fast & Reliable Production with On-Time Delivery
We understand the importance of deadlines, ensuring fast turnaround times without compromising quality. Whether you need customised jerseys for a sports event, company T-shirts for a campaign, or last-minute merchandise for a product launch, they provide efficient production and timely delivery.
Conclusion
Sublimation printing has become a go-to solution in Malaysia for creating high-quality, durable custom apparel. This advanced technique allows designs to blend seamlessly into the fabric, resulting in rich, fade-resistant colours that withstand frequent washing.
Ideal for corporate wear, team jerseys, and promotional items, it delivers detailed, full-coverage prints with a sleek and professional look.
It is essential to consider fabric compatibility, colour limitations, and order size before choosing sublimation printing.
If you’re looking for a reliable provider that offers premium-quality prints, flexible order options, and fast turnaround times, Esping Shirt Malaysia is your go-to T Shirt manufacturer.
Need a quote for custom sublimation T-shirts from a trusted T-shirt supplier in KL? Contact Esping today for a personalised quotation and expert advice via WhatsApp.
