Custom Sublimated Patches
Full-color photographic patches. Unlimited colors, gradients, photos. Polyester base, smooth flat finish.
Full-Color Photographic Capability
Sublimation is the only patch process with no practical color limit. Because the art is printed (not stitched, woven, or molded), gradient blends, photographic shading, and detailed multi-color compositions reproduce cleanly. If your art lives in Photoshop or comes from a camera, sublimation is the patch that matches it.
Typical sublimated patch jobs include: tournament patches with team photos, mascot patches with detailed character art, memorial patches with portraits, sponsor patches with full-color brand marks, and event patches with logos that include gradients or shading. Anything embroidered would have to flatten and simplify - sublimated keeps the art intact.
Construction
Sublimated patches are built on a white polyester base. The art is first printed onto transfer paper with sublimation inks, then heat-pressed onto the polyester at high temperature. Under heat, the inks transition directly from solid to gas (sublimation) and bond into the polyester fibers - the dye becomes part of the fabric itself, not a layer on top.
The resulting patch is thin, flat, smooth, and full-color. The edge is finished with a hot-cut or laser-cut perimeter for a clean, flush look. Backings (sew-on, iron-on, velcro, adhesive) are applied the same way as on any other patch.
Because the polyester base is white before printing, white areas in your art simply leave the base color. Other colors including blacks, gradients, and photo realistic imagery print at full saturation.
Durability and Trade-offs
The print itself is permanent - sublimated dye does not fade in normal wash cycles or rub off with use. But the patch is a thin polyester fabric, not raised thread or molded PVC. That has two consequences:
- Texture: Smooth and flat. No raised, tactile presence the way embroidered patches have.
- Abrasion: Less durable under heavy rubbing than embroidered or PVC. Not the right choice for tactical, outdoor, or heavy-wear gear.
Best use: soft apparel, jerseys, hats, bags, and event patches. For uniforms, gear, and tough environments use embroidered or PVC.
Pricing
| Size | Sew-On | Iron-On | Velcro |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2" | $9 | $11 | $12 |
| 3" | $12 | $14 | $15 |
| 3.5" | $14 | $16 | $17 |
| 4" | $16 | $18 | $19 |
| 5" | $20 | $22 | $23 |
No per-color charges. No digitizing required. Hot-cut or laser-cut edges available.
Sublimated Patch FAQ
What is a sublimated patch?+
A sublimated patch is a polyester-base patch with the art dye-printed using sublimation - a process where solid dye becomes gas under heat and bonds permanently into the polyester fibers. The result is a smooth, flat patch with full-color, photographic-quality art.
Why use sublimated over embroidered or woven?+
When your art has unlimited colors, gradients, photographs, or fine detail that thread cannot reproduce, sublimation is the answer. Embroidered and woven patches max out around 9 colors and cannot do true photographic gradients. Sublimated has no practical color limit.
How durable are sublimated patches?+
Sublimated patches are durable in the sense that the print will not fade, wash out, or peel - the dye is bonded into the polyester. But the patch is fabric, not thread or PVC, so it lacks the raised texture and abrasion resistance of embroidered or PVC patches. Best for soft applications, not gear that takes a beating.
Can sublimated patches go on cotton garments?+
Yes. The patch itself is polyester, but the backing (sew-on, iron-on, velcro) determines how it attaches. You can put a sublimated patch on cotton, fleece, or denim using the same backings as any other patch type.
How much do sublimated patches cost?+
Sublimated patches are typically a couple dollars cheaper than embroidered at the same size because there is no per-color or digitizing cost. A 3-inch sublimated patch runs about $12, a 3.5-inch about $14, and a 5-inch about $20. See pricing table below.
Are sublimated patches good for sports teams?+
Yes - this is one of their best applications. Action photos, team logos with gradients, mascots with intricate detail, and full-color sponsor logos all reproduce cleanly. Sublimated patches are popular for tournament patches, jersey patches, and youth team programs.
Related Patches
Build Your Sublimated Patch
Send your full-color art - we'll print exactly what you see.
Or call (631) 458-3842