Best Practices for Ordering Custom Sublimation
When it comes to creating one-of-a-kind awards and gifts, sublimation is one of the most versatile and high-quality processes available. At Trophies Unlimited, we use sublimation to transform your photos, logos, and designs into vibrant, long-lasting pieces that stand out. Whether you’re recognizing an achievement, creating a keepsake, or promoting your brand, sublimation offers nearly endless possibilities.
What Is Sublimation?
Sublimation is a process that uses heat and pressure to permanently infuse special dyes into coated surfaces. Unlike traditional printing, sublimation doesn’t just sit on top of the material—it actually becomes part of it. That means your design won’t peel, crack, or fade over time. The result is a professional, full-color finish with crisp detail and rich color depth.
A variety of gifts ideas that we can personalize to fit your unique needs using sublimation.
Why Image Quality Matters
To achieve the best results, we recommend providing high-resolution artwork. Ideally, files should be at least 1500 x 1500 pixels at 300 dpi. This ensures that logos, photos, and text reproduce clearly without becoming pixelated or blurry. Larger files are always welcome—our team can scale them down if needed—but small, low-resolution files usually can’t be scaled up without losing quality.
If possible, vector files (such as .AI, .SVG, or .EPS) are best for logos and graphics. These formats allow for infinite scalability and the sharpest possible lines. For photos, high-resolution .JPG or .PNG files are ideal.
Sublimation Applications
One of the biggest advantages of sublimation is how versatile it is. Here are just a few of the products we can create with sublimation:
Plaques – Add full-color photos, logos, or messages for a striking, polished look.
Trophies – Sublimated inserts bring custom graphics and team branding to classic awards.
Corporate & Personal Gifts – Coffee mugs, tumblers, and water bottles are perfect for branding or personalization.
Slate & Stone – For a more sophisticated, timeless gift, sublimated slate pieces create stunning photo displays.
Cutting Boards, Coasters & Kitchenware – Even the reverse side of cutting boards can be sublimated, creating a unique mix of practicality and personalization.
With sublimation, the possibilities go far beyond traditional awards—it’s an opportunity to create memorable, personalized items for nearly any occasion.
Tips for a Smooth Ordering Process
To make the process seamless, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Provide the highest resolution files available.
Let us know if you’d like us to adjust or clean up your artwork.
Share any deadlines upfront—we’ll work with you to make sure your order arrives on time.
Why Choose Trophies Unlimited
Our team has decades of experience in sublimation and award personalization. We don’t just run your artwork through a machine—we review every file, make recommendations when needed, and ensure that the finished product meets the highest quality standards. Whether you’re ordering one custom gift or hundreds of awards, we treat every project with care.
Ready to Create Something Unique?
If you’re considering sublimation for your next award or gift, we’d love to help. Contact Trophies Unlimited today to request a quote and let’s bring your vision to life.