Sublimation Glossary

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Learning Sublimation is as easy as 1-2-3. But just like anything, Sublimation has its own “terms” or words. Some of the essential terms will soon become second nature to you, I promise. However, in the meantime use the Sublimation Glossary to help you build your Sublimation vocabulary words quickly and effortlessly. Some words are prevalent when talking Sublimation and others are even “interchangeable.”

Searching the web for information on sublimation can be confusing. There are lots of conflicting opinions out there about what sublimation is, how it works and the key factors in making it successful.

Sublimation is a simple process that’s easy to do at home. In this guide we’ve broken down the basics of sublimation and then provided a few advanced techniques. These tips will help you get good results with your sublimation machine and develop your own sublimation process.

Need help with time and temperature for your Sublimation items? You are in the right place, grab the Time and Temperature Chart today! Can I use any image for Sublimation? Where do I find the RIGHT Images for Sublimation?

Last update on 2025-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Glossary of Sublimation Terms

All over Dye Sublimation Printing is the same as sublimation printing. You cover the entire garment with your design, instead of a smaller area.

Blow Out Paper– Blowout paper is essential when doing Sublimation Printing. By definition, blowout paper is what is used to catch any stray dyes and should only be used once. 

CISS is a Continuous Supply System that allows you to minimize printing expenses for Sublimation. Also known as Bulk Ink kits but most commonly called CISS.

Design– The image or “graphic” that you will apply to your substrate. My favorite places to get my designs are Creative Fabrica, Design Bundles, and So Fontsy.   

Digital Sublimation is the process of sublimation printing. As defined here: Sublimation-The process of Sublimation Printing includes some specialized equipment that is often converted to the use of sublimation ink onto a specific type of paper. The definition of Sublimation is when a solid material turns into a gas without going through a liquid stage. Digital Sublimation is also known as  Full Dye Sublimation and Dye Sublimation

Dye Sublimation is the process of sublimation printing. As defined here: Sublimation-The process of Sublimation Printing includes some specialized equipment that is often converted to the use of sublimation ink onto a specific type of paper. The definition of Sublimation is when a solid material turns into a gas without going through a liquid stage. Full Dye Sublimation and Dye Sublimation are also known as Digital Sublimation. 

Easy-Subli– by Siser is HTV that allows you to sublimate onto cotton materials. 

Full Dye Sublimation is the process of sublimation printing. As defined here: Sublimation-The process of Sublimation Printing includes some specialized equipment that is often converted to the use of sublimation ink onto a specific type of paper. The definition of Sublimation is when a solid material turns into a gas without going through a liquid stage. Full Dye Sublimation and Dye Sublimation are also known as Digital Sublimation. 

Full Dye Sublimation Machine is a sublimation printer that top brands make, and they get more expensive as they get bigger and faster.

Graphics– The image or “design” that you will apply to your substrate. My favorite places to get my designs are Creative Fabrica, Design Bundles, and So Fontsy.   

Heat Gloves– Save your hands from burns because most items need a temperature of 400F for Sublimation.

Heat Press– A heat press is needed for bonding the printed image to the blank or substrate. If you are doing mugs, caps, or plates, you will need a separate heat press for those or attachments for compatible presses.

Heat Tape-Heat tape is used for substrates to keep the sublimation paper in place while applying heat and pressure for Sublimation. 

High Release Sublimation Paper– Works just like the Hybrid Sublimation paper by allowing more ink to be released onto the substrate. It works on hard and soft substrates and comes in sheets. 

Hybrid Sublimation Paper– is paper made by Johnson Plastics and is sold by the roll. It has a thicker bond which allows more ink to transfer over to the substrate. Another brand is available in which is perfect for bigger projects.

is the perfect sublimation paper and we have an exclusive coupon code to help you save on your Sublimation Paper.

Image Types

JPG- JPEG– is short for the Joint Photographic Experts Group and JPG is the type of images most digital cameras use. They are generally usually used for photos and not graphics.

PNG– Portable Network Graphics or PNG’s are commonly used for Sublimation items, especially when you need a transparent background. They are typically more significant in size than a JPG and are great for designs that include text which is perfect for graphics.

SVG– are scalable vector graphics that allow you to make the image larger or smaller depending on your needs. They are two-dimensional and are in an XML-based markup.

Low Release Sublimation Paper or Standard Sublimation Paper allows your ink to dry quickly, so smearing issues are less likely. It works best with hard substrates and has very little “blow out” onto your blowout paper.

 

PolySpray– This is a spray that will enable you to spray a cotton garment so that it coats the fibers in a polyester chemical that, once it is dry, allows you to Sublimate on Cotton.

Pressing Pillow-They are flat foam squares with a protective cover on them. They cushion items with thick pieces in them, like buttons, bulky seams, rings, bags, masks, etc. It essentially lifts areas with seams or other items listed above, so you still get more even pressure and keep blurring to a minimum. *Stay away from Teflon for Sublimation Printing

Refillable Cartridges– Cartridges that you place into the printer for printing, usually filled with Sublimation Ink. 

Spray Adhesive–Spray adhesive is mainly used for soft substrates (shirts, blankets, etc.) to keep the sublimation paper in place while applying heat and pressure for Sublimation. Heat tape (can) leave a mark on your substrate, but I still use it on all of my soft substrates.

Sublimatable Items – products that are otherwise known as substrates or blanks

Sublimate– is the gaseous products that form at the end of the sublimation process.

Sublimated- It is the past tense of sublimation. Ex. it is the finished item because it went through the sublimation process.

Sublimator– Someone who Sublimates using the process of Sublimation Printing. (I think I made the word up, but it sounds professional!

Sublimation-The process of Sublimation Printing includes some specialized equipment that is often converted to the use of sublimation ink onto a specific type of paper. The definition of Sublimation is when a solid material turns into a gas without going through a liquid stage.

Sublimation Ink– (DYE) is the material used to color materials and fiber infused into the substrate. It is a permanent process and will last forever if done correctly. Sublimation ink starts in a liquid form, which is printed onto Sublimation Paper. When heat and pressure are added, the solid dye changes into gas, which then adheres to your substrate permanently. It will not wash out if applied correctly. However, if you sublimate on cotton, the ink will wash out over time.  

Sublimation Paper– Sublimation Paper is a particular type of paper that is used exclusively for Sublimation Printing. It often has a special coating added to it to help the paper hold Sublimation Ink (dye). My favorite is Printer Jack’s Sublimation Paper, which I purchase from Amazon! But am trying A-Sub Sublimation Paper soon! Another name for Sublimation Paper is Transfer Paper.

Sublimation Printer– The printer that you are using to print your images on is a Sublimation Printer. However, most printers have to be converted from a regular ink printer to a Sublimation Printer. Epson now has the SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer that is explicitly made for Sublimation Ink. So converting printers could be a thing of the past. Sawgrass Printers also have printers that are actual Sublimation Printers.

Sublime– (essentially the same as a sublimate, but happens when a solid substance is extracted by a chemical process.

Substrate– This is the base material you will apply the images to; it is frequently called a blank. Substrates are also what the finished product is after the Sublimation process occurs when the sublimation ink changes from solid state directly to vapor. 

Examples of Substrates include paper, fabrics, metal, acrylic, glass, wood, film, and foils, to name a few. 

Transfer Paper– Transfer Paper is a particular type of paper that is used exclusively for Sublimation Printing. It often has a special coating added to it to help the paper hold the color. See also Sublimation Paper,

Underpressed– is a common term for not pressing long enough with heat resulting in off colors. 

Last update on 2025-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Common Sublimation Problems

Banding-it is the technical term for lines of contrast in a print. (The visible lines where no ink is.)

Blowout- Blowout is when the ink colors expand beyond the image design. It also happens when ink is heated, and you will have “blowout” on your blowout paper, which is why it is essential in Sublimation printing. Blowouts can be caused by uneven heat, overheating, and excessive pressure on the substrate and happens when Sublimating. 

Blue Specks– If you have the dreaded blue specks after pressing, it is likely because you have dust or lint on your substrate, your print, or even your paper. So use a lint roller before pressing anything. 

Ghosting-  Ghosting happens when a transfer moves or slips during pressing, which sometimes results in a double image being on your substrate. Ghosting can also include a blurred image. 

If black ink looks brown, it is overcooked, and if the blank ink looks green, it is undercooked. *Think Brown = Burnt Green= Undercooked

If black ink looks blue, it could be undercooked, or your black isn’t showing as a true black

Last update on 2025-06-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Press Lines– Press lines are often the result of too much pressure, not using a pressing pillow, or even using paper that is too thick. I trim around my design with scissors, so I don’t have a square outline on my substrates.

Yellowing– If your substrate shows yellowing after heat, sometimes you can use hydrogen peroxide to make it whiter. But oftentimes, that item is left “unsellable” or into the discount bin. 

Common Acronyms for Sublimation Printing

CMYK– Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, which are the four ink colors that are used most commonly in Sublimation Printing. There are also the four colors of ink cartridges that go into your Sublimation Printer during setup. 

DSP– Dye Sublimation Printing

ST– Sublimation Transfer 

Sub– Short for Sublimation

What other terms or words should be added to our Sublimation Glossary? Leave me a comment, or email me with your suggestions! I’m sure I didn’t get all of the words, into the Sublimation Glossary, however I sure have a great start.

Shop for the Best Sublimation Printer today!

Last update on 2025-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sublimation Glossary

Want to download and print the Sublimation Glossary? Click on the Download button below so you get a nice clean print!

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Find tropical flowers, fruits, animal collections, abstract patterns, watercolor boho designs, and summer girls! All this is perfect for your creative needs this summer time. Normally worth up to $486 for the entire collection, but now it’s only going for $21! That’s over 96% OFF its original value! Hurry on before it’s too late! Introducing The Tropical Paradise Bundle! Jam-packed with a trendy mix of tropical designs that you shouldn’t miss! You’ll be getting 10 font packs and 2300+ items from 25 graphic packs.

Packaging Supplies are essential when it comes to shipping your products. But we all know that we can’t spend a lot of money on them. However, in my experience, you get what you pay for! That’s why I do my purchasing from this retailer. They have a variety of products, all of which are affordable, and their customer service is great! Shop for packaging supplies now.

What is the difference between a sublimation glossary and a sublimation dictionary?

There is no difference, the sublimation glossary could easily be called a sublimation dictionary. The words “glossary and dictionary” in this case are interchangable.

What is a sublimated item?

Sublimated- It is the past tense of sublimation. Ex. it is the finished item because it went through the sublimation process.

What is banding?

it is the technical term for lines of contrast in a print. (The visible lines where no ink is.)

Why am I getting lines on my sublimation prints?

Banding can be caused by:
low ink levels
air bubbles in ink lines
clogged print head
incorrect paper settings
Or even humidity/temperature issues.

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Find tropical flowers, fruits, animal collections, abstract patterns, watercolor boho designs, and summer girls! All this is perfect for your creative needs this summer time. Normally worth up to $486 for the entire collection, but now it’s only going for $21! That’s over 96% OFF its original value! Hurry on before it’s too late! Introducing The Tropical Paradise Bundle! Jam-packed with a trendy mix of tropical designs that you shouldn’t miss! You’ll be getting 10 font packs and 2300+ items from 25 graphic packs.