Sublimation is generally not suitable for direct application on stainless steel surfaces. Sublimation requires a specific polymer coating on the material to work effectively, and stainless steel lacks this coating.
However, there are sublimation-coated stainless steel products available in the market. These products come with a special polymer coating that allows the sublimation ink to adhere to the surface, resulting in vibrant and durable prints. If you intend to sublimate on stainless steel, it's essential to use items that are specifically designed and coated for sublimation.
When looking for sublimation-coated stainless steel items, you might find sublimation water bottles, travel mugs, or other stainless steel products designed for customization. Always check the product specifications to ensure that it has the necessary coating for sublimation printing.
In summary, while you cannot sublimate directly onto untreated stainless steel, there are sublimation-coated stainless steel products available that are designed to work with this printing technique.