About Sublimation

Sublimation is the most versatile way to customize performance apparel, allowing for endless creative possibilities. Designs can feature any colour, gradient, font or effect, all without compromising the weight or performance of the fabric.

How it Works

The sublimation process transfers ink into the fibres of the garment using heat, as opposed to screenprinting where ink is applied on top of the fabric. Once a design has been sublimated, it becomes part of the material. The artwork will stretch with the fabric, it will allow sweat to wick through the design, and it will not crack or fade over time or with repeated washing.

Full Sub vs. Spot Sub

Full sublimation involves pressing full panels of white fabric before they are sewn together, allowing you to maximize your design space. 

Spot sublimation uses the same process, but in a limited area with a much smaller heat press. The artwork is applied to a white jersey that is already sewn together. You still get all the benefits of sublimation - unlimited colours, gradients, digital effects, and fonts.

Why can you only spot sublimate on white jerseys?

Because the ink is transferred into the fabric, the result cannot be any lighter than the base colour of the fabric. White jerseys allow for a full range of colours to be visible. Other fabric colours are affected by the heat press, leaving an obvious shiny mark where they have been pressed.

Maximum Print Area

Spot sublimation is priced based on the number of "hits" per garment – how many times we use a heat press to apply artwork – and the size of each print. You can include multiple logos within the same print area. We will work with you to make your artwork fit within the fewest number of hits!

We can press a maximum of 3 hits on any garment.

But I need more than 3 hits!

Pricing

To calculate complete item pricing for your spot sublimated apparel, we start with the base price of the product and add the spot sublimation cost.

If you have a VC Card, or qualify for a partnership/sponsorship discount or special offer, your discount applies to the base product price only.

For example, a short sleeve jersey with a Medium logo on the front and Small logo over a player number on the back would be priced as follows (assuming a 12+ unit order):

Short sleeve jersey: $27
Spot sub front logo: $6
Spot sub back: $6 + $1 = $7*
Total: $40

*Since the back number + Small logo fit within the same 8"x8" area and can be pressed in one hit, the back print cost is only $7.

Questions? We're here to help! Contact us for more information or a no-obligation estimate.

Sublimation Disclaimer

VC staff thoroughly reviews all orders, but each sublimated garment is unique and handmade.  Some inconsistencies may occur from print to print including: small colour discrepancies, dust spots, and "ghosting" or colour shadowing.  These are part of the sublimation process and cannot be prevented.  If you believe there is a problem with one of our products beyond these issues, please contact us.

We do not spot sublimated on gear that is not purchased from VC. In the rare situation that we make an exception, there will be a 50% surcharge on the customization cost.

Spot Sublimated Products