English 
Arabic 
Chinese 
French 
German 
Portuguese 
Russian 
Spanish 
Polish 
Italian 
What is Sublimation Ink?
In the field of digital printing, sublimation ink is a key material for achieving high-definition pattern transfer. When heated, sublimation ink converts directly from a solid to a gas , a process that skips the liquid stage. This gaseous transformation allows the ink to deeply infuse the fabric , resulting in soft, vibrant designs that are exceptionally durable, washable, and fade-proof.
🛠️ Deep Dive | Sublimation Knowledge:
How Sublimation Works | A step-by-step guide to the digital dye transfer process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid | Learn how to prevent ink ghosting and fading on different substrates .
Sublimation Ink Types
Different types of sublimation inks have their own unique composition and performance characteristics, thus making them suitable for different applications.
The first type is regular sublimation ink
Key Trait: The most cost-effective solution in digital printing.
Characteristics: High water content; ensures good ink flow and minimizes print head clogs.
Best For: Light-colored substrates (eg, white polyester fabrics, light canvas bags). Produces fresh, natural colors for basic customization.
Limitation: Low dye concentration results in poor color rendering on dark fabrics.
The second type is high-concentration sublimation ink
Key Advantages: Rich color development, ink savings, environmental friendliness.
Performance: Achieves vivid, saturated colors on dark fabrics with minimal ink usage, dramatically reducing consumption.
Value Proposition: While the unit cost is higher, its efficiency and extended coverage provide better overall cost-effectiveness.
The third type is penetrating sublimation ink
Purpose: Specially formulated for special/dense fabrics.
Technology: Features smaller molecules for deep fiber penetration, not just surface application.
Key Benefits:
Patterns become one with the fabric.
Exceptionally soft and supple hand feel.
Even, transparent colors without surface clumping or residue.
🚀 Pro Tip | The Right Machine: Explore our industrial Sublimation Printers to see how the HOLDWIN series maximizes ink vibrancy on all fabric types.
What is the best sublimation ink ?
Select your sublimation ink based on your output needs. For high-volume production on light-colored items, standard ink provides the best value. If you need richer, more vibrant colors—especially for darker designs—high-concentration ink is the better choice. For specialty fabrics like scarves, penetrating ink delivers the best results.
Fabric Compatibility
| Fabric Type | Recommended Ink | Result |
| 100% Polyester | Regular Sublimation Ink | Bright, sharp, and highly durable. |
| Polyester Blends (min 70%) | High-Concentration Ink | Vivid colors with good fiber bonding. |
| Dense Knits / Scarf Silk | Penetrating Sublimation Ink | Double-sided color with a soft hand-feel. |
🎨 Master Your Colors | Expert Guides:
ICC Profile Mastery | Why the right profile is just as important as the ink itself.
Print Consistency | How to ensure your ink delivers the same result on every batch.
Where can I buy Sublimation Ink?
Holdwin provides professional-grade sublimation inks engineered for precise color accuracy and reliable printhead protection.
Ready to elevate your digital printing business with industry-leading consumables? Contact our sales team today to discuss bulk ink options and machine compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, sublimation ink is waterproof.
Mixing sublimation ink with regular inkjet ink is a critical mistake that will likely damage your equipment and ruin your products.
Absolutely! Although the cost per liter is a bit more, you actually use much less ink for each square meter to reach the same level of vibrancy, which ultimately lowers your total printing expenses.
Indeed! Even though the price for each liter is somewhat elevated, the amount of ink you consume per square meter to maintain the same vibrancy is considerably less, leading to a decrease in your overall printing costs.
