Promo Studio FAQ: Sublimation Printing, VersiFlex Technology & School Fundraising Guide

What Is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation printing is a digital heat-transfer process that embeds sublimation ink directly into a surface. Unlike vinyl or screen printing—where graphics sit on top of the material—sublimation permanently infuses ink into the fibers or coating of an item.

Why Sublimation Is Perfect for Schools

Sublimation is popular in K–12 settings because it is:

• Beginner-friendly for students and teachers

• Clean and low-maintenance (no messy liquid inks)

• Long-lasting and vibrant

• Versatile for school merchandise and fundraising

• Ideal for CTE, art, design, STEM, business, and makerspace programs

Schools use sublimation to create spirit wear, event merchandise, personalized products, and profitable fundraising items.

What exactly is VersiFlex technology?

VersiFlex technology allows the SG1000 sublimation printer to use both traditional sublimation paper and special VersiFlex Light Media. This means schools can print on an even wider range of products—from natural, uncoated substrates like wood and fabric to traditional polyester-coated items such as mugs, tumblers, plaques, or ornaments.

The result is a flexible, classroom-friendly system that supports nearly any project or fundraising idea, without schools needing to buy multiple printers or complicated machinery.

Is sublimation printing easy for teachers and students to learn?

Very much so. Sublimation printing involves just three steps: design, print, and apply heat. Because the workflow is simple and repeatable, students pick it up quickly—even those with minimal computer or design experience. Teachers appreciate that it doesn’t require messy inks, complicated setups, or elaborate cleanup.

Every Promo Studio Express package also includes onboarding classes, lifetime training, and ongoing support. That means anyone in your school—teachers, students, volunteers, or PTO members—can confidently operate the system from day one.

What kinds of products can schools create with a Promo Studio Express sublimation printer?

One of the biggest advantages of sublimation printing for schools is the sheer variety of products it can create. Schools often make custom t-shirts, hoodies, and hats, but sublimation goes far beyond apparel. Many programs print on mugs, water bottles, phone cases, blankets, tote bags, keychains, ornaments, photo panels, and even wooden signs.

This versatility gives schools unlimited opportunities for fundraising, school store merchandise, and classroom creativity. With the Promo Studio packages, you can print on natural fabrics, coated hard goods, and dozens of popular sublimation blanks—all with the same printer.

How Sublimation Printing Supports School Fundraising

Sublimation is one of the most profitable and low-risk fundraising methods available to schools.

Why It Works So Well

• Print on demand—no leftover inventory

• Personalized designs families love

• High-profit margins on mugs, shirts, ornaments, and accessories

• Fast turnaround for school events and sports seasons

Common School Fundraising Products

• Spirit wear for sports teams

• Club merchandise

• Graduation items

• Holiday gifts

• Teacher appreciation items

• Campus-branded accessories

Many programs earn hundreds or thousands of dollars per event.

How does sublimation printing help with school fundraising?

Sublimation fundraising is one of the most profitable, low-risk ways for schools to raise money. Instead of pre-ordering bulk apparel in multiple sizes and hoping everything sells, sublimation allows schools to print items on demand. That means zero inventory waste and maximum profit.

Schools commonly sell spirit wear for sports teams, club merchandise, teacher appreciation gifts, personalized graduation items, holiday products, and campus-branded accessories. Many programs generate hundreds or even thousands of dollars per event just by offering customized mugs or shirts families can’t resist.

Which Promo Studio Package Should Your School Choose?

Choose Package A if you want:

• A full school store

• Shirts + mugs + accessories

• Maximum fundraising versatility

Choose Package B if you:

• Primarily produce apparel

• Need a spirit wear or team gear solution

Choose Package C if you:

• Have a tight budget or limited space

• Want a starter system that can expand later

All packages include lifetime training, school-friendly software, and a 3-year warranty.

What kind of training comes with the Promo Studio Express?

Every package includes onboarding classes that walk your team through setup, printing, heat pressing, maintenance, design tools, and best practices for shirts, mugs, and other items. Lifetime training and support are also included, so you can schedule future sessions anytime teachers change, student teams rotate, or you want to explore new sublimation products.

Is sublimation safe for students to use in a classroom?

Yes—sublimation printing is safe in educational environments as long as heat press safety guidelines are followed. Students should be supervised when using equipment that reaches high temperatures, and presses should be kept on heat-safe surfaces. Many CTE, art, and makerspace programs use sublimation systems daily without issues.

Because the sublimation printer uses enclosed ink cartridges (not messy liquid ink), it’s also clean and easy to maintain in a classroom setting.

Can sublimation be incorporated into our curriculum?

Absolutely. Many schools use sublimation in art and design classes, but it also fits naturally into business and entrepreneurship courses. Students can design products, create marketing materials, learn pricing strategies, manage online orders, and gain hands-on experience running a real business.

For STEM and makerspace programs, sublimation encourages problem-solving, digital creativity, and product development. Because the process is so fast, students can turn their ideas into real products within minutes.

How durable are sublimation prints compared to vinyl or screen printing?

Sublimation prints are much more durable because the ink becomes part of the surface you’re printing on. Shirts printed with sublimation won’t peel or fade in the wash. Ceramic products like mugs and ornaments maintain their vibrant color for years. Hard goods resist scratching and chipping far better than traditional prints.

This durability is one of the main reasons sublimation is such a popular choice for school merchandise.

Does the SG1000 VersiFlex Require Special Maintenance?

Maintenance is simple:

• Keep the printer powered on

• Run occasional nozzle checks

• Follow Sawgrass maintenance prompts

Lifetime support ensures schools always have help when needed.

Can our district use sublimation technology for staff gifts and branding?

Yes, and many districts already do. Offices often use sublimation equipment for staff recognition gifts, branded signage, administrative plaques, district-wide spirit wear, event merchandise, and campus branding. With the Promo Studio Express system, you can print whenever you need something—no delays, no minimum order requirements, and no outside vendor costs.

VersiFlex Light Media vs. TruePix Sublimation Paper

VersiFlex Light Media

• Works on natural, uncoated materials

• Ideal for wood, cotton-blend textiles, and organic textures

• Produces soft, natural-looking prints

TruePix Paper

• Designed for polyester-coated substrates

• Produces bold, vibrant colors

Schools love having both options for maximum product flexibility.

Do we need polyester shirts for sublimation apparel?

For best results, yes. Sublimation bonds with polyester fibers, so shirts that are 65–100% polyester will produce the brightest and longest-lasting prints. Light-colored shirts—especially white—deliver the cleanest and most accurate colors. Many affordable sublimation-ready shirts are available, making them cost-effective for school fundraisers.

Can sublimation replace our vinyl cutter or screen printing vendor?

For many schools, it can. Sublimation handles full-color, photo-quality designs without weeding vinyl or cleaning screens. There’s no drying time, no messy materials, and no limit to the number of colors you can use. It’s the ideal option for short-run or on-demand projects where traditional printing would be too expensive or slow.

Many schools still keep vinyl for non-polyester garments, but sublimation quickly becomes the preferred method for most projects.

Can students run a sublimation-based business as part of a class or club?

Yes—this is becoming extremely popular in entrepreneurship, DECA, FBLA, and CTE programs. Students create designs, manage orders, market their products, handle customer interactions, and learn real business skills. Many schools operate student-run print shops where profits are reinvested into programs, equipment, or community initiatives.

What Ongoing Costs Should Schools Expect?

Primary consumables include:

• Sublimation ink

• Transfer paper

• Sublimation blanks (shirts, mugs, tumblers, ornaments, etc.)

Even with consumables, operating costs are low compared to the profit schools generate.

Is shipping included with Promo Studio Express packages?

Yes. All Promo Studio Express packages include free shipping and handling to your school or district, with no hidden fees.

Do the printers come with a warranty?

Every printer in the Promo Studio Express lineup includes a three-year warranty, giving schools long-term peace of mind and dependable reliability.

If you’re still deciding which Promo Studio Express package is right for your school, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I can help you compare options, build personalized recommendations, and even create teacher- or district-friendly materials to guide your decision. From product descriptions to fundraising proposals and website content, you’ll have everything you need to get started. When you’re ready, click below for pricing and package details.