Can You Use Sublimation Ink for DTF Printing

DTF Printing (Direct-to-Film Printing) is a modern digital printing method used to transfer designs onto fabrics and other materials. It involves printing a design onto a special film, which is then transferred to the fabric using heat and pressure. Its related discussion has been on the rise, and many newbies are gaining passion for this new printing method.

But new things bring along new problems. For example, new comers, like sublimation printing lovers, are confused about whether supplies of sublimation printing could be used for DTF printing. 

Don't worry, this article will provide adequate information about whether you can use sublimation ink for DTF printing, and clear out all misconceptions.

Sublimation Ink vs DTF Ink

Ink Composition

• Sublimation Ink is dye-based.
• DTF Ink is pigment-based.

Adhesion

• Sublimation ink requires a polyester substrate or a polymer coating to bond properly. It does not adhere to DTF film or fabrics without the right material composition.
• DTF ink is formulated to stick to the specialized DTF film and then transfer to the fabric with the help of adhesive powder.

Printing Process

• Sublimation ink is printed onto sublimation paper, and then transferred by a heat press. The ink turns into a gas and bonds with the fabric's fibers.
• DTF ink is printed on DTF film, and then cured onto the fabric under heat and pressure with the help of an adhesive powder.

Fabric Compatibility

• Sublimation ink works best on polyester or polyester-coated materials. It does not work well on natural fabrics like cotton.
• DTF ink works on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends.

Can I Use Sublimation Ink for DTF?

Using sublimation ink for DTF is not recommended. You can have a try, but the printing result will be less satisfactory.

For DTF printing, selected ink should withstand heat and pressure, work well on DTF film and fit varieties of fabrics. DTF ink is definitely the top priority, as it can stick to DTF film perfectly and then be cured onto the fabric under heat and pressure flawlessly. 

Sublimation ink is not designed for natural fabrics like cotton, and cannot adhere to DTF film or fabrics without the right material composition. Insisting on using sublimation ink for DTF printing can result in low quality prints that carry less vibrant colors and can easily fade.

Among all the DTF inks on the market, xTool Selected Apparel Printer Ink is the most recommended one. It is CMYK+W ink, and uses white ink as the basic color that constitutes the background of the film, thus guaranteeing a large color range for printing. Besides, It is water-based, thus being more environmental-friendly. 

Since good compatibility is vital for DTF printing, new comers can consider the duo of xTool Apparel Printer and xTool Selected Apparel Printer Ink. The whole set is easy to operate and can create stunning prints on any fabric in one-click.

Conclusion

To sum up, sublimation ink and DTF ink are two ink types designed for completely different printing purposes. They differ in composition, adhesion, printing process and fabric compatibility. Using sublimation ink for DTF is acceptable but not advisable. If you want to pursue higher DTF printing quality, invest in the correct DTF ink to achieve better results.