Dye Sublimation in solid surface is an excellent surface fabrication technique. It results in a surface that is anti-microbial and fade / scratch / peel resistant. This makes it ideal for any setting, even healthcare applications where heavy duty cleaners are often used. Dye Sub is best for indoor applications.
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Food Service
• Corporate
• Commercial
• Retail
Healthcare
Hospitality
Food Service
Corporate
Commercial
Retail
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Dye Sublimation?
Dye sublimation is an imaging technique that embeds dyes into solid surface materials using heat and pressure, resulting in high-resolution, full-color, durable, and fade-resistant images.
2. What materials are suitable for dye sublimation?
For our process, the best results are achieved on white or light-colored acrylic solid surface materials. This process is not recommended for polyester-based solid surfaces.
3. What kind of designs can I print?
Our Dye Sublimation process can accurately print any photograph, graphic, pattern, or image. High-resolution artwork results in high resolution results.
4. How durable is it?
For image printing, nothing is more durable than Dye Sublimation on solid surface. The embedded designs are resistant to fading, scratching, and peeling. Even after the fabrication process, the base material retains its antimicrobial, non-staining, and durable properties, making it suitable for long-term use.
5. How should they be cleaned?
These surfaces can withstand aggressive cleaners, such as the ones used in healthcare environments. In most situations, water mixed with a few drops of dish soap and a soft cloth is appropriate.
6. Can it be repaired?
Surface scuffs can typically be polished away. Any cracked or chipped item will likely need replacement.
7. Is it suitable for outdoor use?
No, they are not recommended for outdoor use. For outdoor applications, consider using our Surface Print process with the UV-stable labGLASS coating.
8. Is color matching available?
Pantone color matching is supported.
9. Can I backlight Dye Subbed Panels?
Using a transluscent solid surface material allows for great backlighting effects.
10. What is the maximum size I can create?
A single panel's size is limited to a maximum of 5' x 12'. Seamless designs can be achieved with precise alignment during mounting.
11. What is the surface like after sublimation?
Since the sublimation process integrates the dyes into the material, the printed design becomes a seamless part of the solid surface. This results in a smooth and consistent finish without any raised or textured layers. The absence of additional layers ensures a visually appealing and tactilely pleasing surface.
12. What are the typical outboard edge details?
We can supply the Dye Sub panels with a 90-degree return edge. Also, close-out trim pieces from other materials are available. Schluter® type of trim pieces have been utilized as well.
13. Can I thermoform a Dye Sublimated panel?
Typically we do not recommend thermoforming Dye Sublimation panels. If needing thermoforming, Surface Print is a better solution.
14. What image file types do you require for this process?
The better the quality of your image, the better the end result. We recommend 300DPI files. Adobe design files, JPG, PDF, or vector files.
15. Do you have a a CSI Spec sheet for this process?
16. How much does Dye Sublimation in solid surface cost?
The cost is around $85 per square foot. This includes the cost of the solid surface material. This cost does not include design work, project management, custom fabrication, packaging/crating, freight, and installation. For accurate pricing, please reach out to us!
17. What is the typical lead time?
Since surfaceLAB's work is all custom, the lead time will vary based on project size and scope. Please reach out to us for budgeting and lead times.
18. What else should I know?
Dye Sublimation in solid surface features: • Anti-microbial final product • Scratch, water, and stain-resistant • Can be installed over any surface • Impact-resistant • Class A Fire Rated • No minimum orders • Create lifelike wood, fabric, tile, stone, metal, and more