Full Colour Printing also known as Sublimation Printing is a specialist printing method.
The pattern to be transferred to the ribbon is initially printed onto a special paper using sublimation ink which is then overlaid onto the ribbon and passed through a heat and pressure source - This is the tricky stage as the temperature, pressure and heat application time have to be precise in order to obtain a quality print.

Advantages:

• A full colour image can be transferred onto the ribbon. ie. Photos etc.
• A wide range of fabrics can be used - Polyester based are best.
• Can print onto very wide ribbon - Even 300mm +

Disadvantages:

• Printing process is quite involved and therefore slower than most other prints.
• Ribbon does tend to shrink to some degree due to the high temperatures involved.
• Slightly more expensive than other prints.
• Not recommended for Cotton or other natural fibre ribbons.
• Colour depth can be limited on certain background colours. ie. Dark print on Dark ribbon.