When it comes to curling apparel, not all printing methods are created equal. You’ve probably seen a screen-printed hoodie with cracked ink… or a vinyl logo that peels after just two washes. That’s exactly why sublimation has become the trusted method for elite curlers, high-performance teams, and clubs that want their gear to last. At Runback, sublimation isn’t just an option — it’s our standard. And once you understand why, you’ll never go back to anything else.

What is Sublimation, Anyway?

Sublimation is a process that transfers high quality digital graphics into polyester based fabrics. Sublimation allows for designs to be embedded deeply in the material’s fibres leaving a product the feels like nothing is actually printed on it.

This printing method allows you to create vibrant, visually appealing garments that not only look great, but feel amazing and perform extremely well both on and off the ice!

What This Means?

No ink sitting on top of the garment

No cracking, fading, or peeling

No itchy, bulky embroidery

Just clean, vibrant colour that becomes part of the gear itself

Think of it like a tattoo for your gear – permanent, breathable, and built to perform.

Why Is Sublimation Perfect for Curlers? Let’s break it down:

1. Lightweight & Durable

Sublimated fabric isn’t weighed down by ink or plastic layers. 

That means:

  • More comfort
  • Better mobility
  • No stiffness on game day

2. Won’t Crack, Peel, or Fade

Unlike vinyl or screen printing, sublimation doesn’t sit on top of the garment. Your design is permanent — wash after wash, end after end, spiel after spiel.

Great for:

  • Packed Seasons 
  • Long tournaments
  • 8+ Ends of sweeping per game (ie: + loads of laundry)

3. Unlimited Design Possibilities

Sublimation allows for:

  • Full colour gradients
  • Fades, textures, and patterns
  • Sponsor logos, club crests, names, numbers — all included in one design fee
  • No extra cost for more colours 
  • No setup fees for each element
  • Total creative freedom to achieve that unique, custom design

4. Durability That Matches Your Season

Curling can be a grind. Your gear should keep up.

Sublimated apparel handles:

  • Ice, sweat, tape, lint rollers
  • Repeated washing
  • Tossing in the back of your car post-game

How It Compares to Other Methods

Sublimation is a process that transfers high quality digital graphics into polyester based fabrics. Sublimation allows for designs to be embedded deeply in the material’s fibres leaving a product the feels like nothing is actually printed on it.

PRINTING METHOD PROS CONS
Sublimation
  • Full-colour, unlimited design freedom
  • Becomes part of the fabric (no cracking, peeling, or fading)
  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Washes easily and lasts for years
  • No restriction on logos, names, or numbers
  • Ideal for active, performance-focused sports like curling
  • Works best on white or light-coloured polyester
  • Not suitable for cotton-based apparel
  • Slightly higher setup effort (requires a full design template and vector graphics)
  • Higher upfront cost vs. screen/heat press — but no extra fees for multi-colour or logos
Screen Printing
  • Good for simple, single-color or small-colour-count designs
  • Works on a wide variety of fabrics (including cotton)
  • Budget-friendly for large, simple bulk orders
  • Often a bit quicker for local, one-colour prints
  • Prone to cracking and fading over time
  • Heavy ink layers can feel stiff
  • Limited colours (each colour = extra setup cost)
  • Less durable for high-movement sports like curling
  • Can peel or flake with repeated wash and wear
Vinyl Heat Press
  • Great for fast, single-name or number personalizations
  • Easy to apply on small-run team names
  • Works on many different fabrics
  • Simple setup for “one-off” or add-on orders
  • Can peel or crack after repeated washing
  • Feels heavier and less breathable
  • Limited colour/design options
  • Adds a “plastic” feel on top of the garment
  • Poor durability under heavy physical activity or stretching

What Sublimation Doesn’t Do (and Why That’s a Good Thing)

  • It doesn’t feel thick or rubbery
  • It doesn’t flake off mid-season
  • It doesn’t cost more for “customization”

This isn’t just decoration — it’s integration.

Rapid Fire FAQ: Sublimation Edition

1. Can I iron sublimated gear?
You shouldn’t need to — the fabric doesn’t wrinkle like cotton. But if you must, use low heat, iron inside out, and protect it with a cloth or parchment paper.

2. Can you feel the design on the fabric?
Nope — it’s fully embedded. Smooth and sleek.

3. Does sublimation work on dark fabrics?
Sublimation requires white or light-colours base fabric. That’s why we start with a white canvas and print everything into it.

Sublimation = Runback Standard

We believe every team deserves great gear. And great gear deserves a printing process that doesn’t let you down. That’s why we only use sublimation — no screen printing, no vinyl, no compromises.

Ready to Design Your Own?

Start with our Create Your Design Form and tell us what you’re envisioning.

We’ll take care of the rest — and your gear will be built to last.