A sublimation printer uses polyester-based dyes and paper to create images, such as a favorite photo. Using a heat press these images are transferred onto a variety of objects such as ceramic tile, wood, metal, plastic and fabric. These objects must be made of polyester, or treated with a polyester coating for sublimation to work. Due to heat and pressure, the dyes are absorbed into the polyester surface of the specially treated item to create a permanent image.