Dye-Sublimation is a digital print method where ink is heated up and pressed onto a substrate by undergoing sublimation, converting the solid ink into a gaseous state without becoming a liquid. At the same time, the dye then makes contact with a synthetic material (such as polyester) and, upon exposure to the heat, the fibres in the material open up and allow the dye to permeate into the fibre and then create a permanent bond.

In short, we use heat transfer ink to apply images to fabric, creating a bright, vivid permanent printed transfer. That's why it's a favourite technique in the fashion and art world.

At Brandstand we deliver dye-sublimation technology as a process to transfer your image onto fabric, film and metals.

Sublimation printing gets the best results when it’s used on synthetic materials such as polyester. This is because of the high temperatures that are used within the process that the material is exposed to in order to transfer the dye from the source to the garment. Fabrics, such as nylon, can’t withstand the heat and will end up melting during the process due to the high temperatures.

The printing process will also work better with an industrial heat press as it provides the fabric and the dye with a consistent heat and the correct amount of pressure to ensure that the print remains full and bright.

We can print on to the following materials:

Polyester Fabrics: Satins, Knits, Chiffons, Voiles, Lycra

• Metals: White Gloss, Clear, Backlits, Reflective
• Flooring: Floor Canvas 3mm tile, Autex Workstation, Rubber Backed Mats
• Polycarbonate: Clear, White

Background

Originating in the USA over 50 years ago, Vans have become synonymous with the very best skateboarding shoes and clothing. We were approached by Vans NZ to produce a small run of branded textile.

Challenges

Other than getting the brand and colours right there were few challenges here. The textile needed to be hard wearing and fit for purpose as the materials would be used to cover sofas and foot stools in retail stores across the country.

Solution

We printed and produced bulk rolls of commercial grade textile and delivered these to their furniture makers, who then turned them into very cool and completely unique branded sofas and foot stools.

Background

Over the past 30 years, Trelise Cooper has established herself as one of New Zealand’s foremost fashion designers. Her clothes are known, admired and appreciated around the world.

Once she has created her initial designs and the decision has been made to go into production with a design, then often it needs to be produced as a small run using printed fabric to ensure that the design and fabric works well together.

Solution

We printed and produced bulk rolls of commercial grade fabric and delivered these to Trelise Cooper, who then used them to turn her designs into reality as part of an initial test run.

Background

The Costume Studio has established itself as one of the country’s foremost creator of mascots and character costumes.

Solution

We’ve been working with this talented and unique team for the past 10 years , providing bespoke printed fabrics that are used in making up mascots and costumes.

We not only produce and print fabrics for them but we’re also involved in artwork creation and consultancy around best fabrics for use in certain ways.

They love our creativity, attention to detail, inventiveness and proximity to their own business.