DTF Vs Sublimation Printing: Which One To Choose?

Planning to enter the garment printing market? You have likely come across two popular options – sublimation and DTF – and wondering which one you should choose.

Both methods shine in specific scenarios and come with their own set of limitations. DTF is a modern printing method, known for its high-quality vibrant prints on all fabric types. Whereas, sublimation is a popular approach for realistic, full-cover prints on light-colored polyesters. 

This DTF vs. sublimation printing guide examines both t-shirt printing techniques from different perspectives to help you select the one that best suits your specific needs.

Understanding DTF Printing

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is relatively a new method for printing high-quality complex design images onto fabrics. In fact, in 2000, the first patent was filed for the technology in the US. The technique has recently gained prominence due to the rise of customization in apparel.

Unlike traditional printing techniques, DTF allows for full-color, high-resolution designs to be replicated on PET transfer film by digital printing. Those designs are then transferred to fabric via heat press and adhesive powder.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

• A digital artwork is created on graphic design software, likely Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw.
• The design is printed onto a coated PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film using a specialized DTF printer, loaded with textile-grade pigment inks.
• Right after printing, the film is coated with a unique adhesive powder, usually made from polyester resin.
• The adhesive-coated film is dried and then heat-pressed onto the fabric at a specific temperature. The transfer film is peeled off and the design sticks to the fabric as a separate layer.

Pros of DTF printing

• Suits both synthetic and natural fabrics.
• Work best for complex design and photos.
• Yields vibrant prints with excellent color reproduction.
• Durable and can withstand multiple washes.

Cons of DTF printing

• Higher setup and running costs.
• Textured prints can make the fabric stiff.

Understanding Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing is based on the physical process of ‘sublimation’ (transition of a solid substance directly into gas). In this method, solid dye sublimation ink is heated until it vaporizes and penetrates the fabric fibers. On cooling, it becomes part of the fabric.

Sublimated designs are embedded not layered as in other printing techniques. So, it’s primarily used for realistic multi-cover designs that can cover the full fabric.

Here’s a short overview of the process:

• The digital design is created in graphic design software.
• The design gets printed on sublimation paper with a sublimation ink printer. These specialized printers are designed to handle these dye inks.
• Heat transfer paper is placed on top of the fabric and heat-pressed at 401F for about 25~40 seconds.
• The paper is peeled off to reveal the design.

Pros of Sublimation Printing

• Excellent at replicating realistic images.
• Ideal for all-over prints.
• Ink prints inside and has no impact on the fabric.
• Very resistant to fading.

Cons of Sublimation Printing

• Limited to light-colored and polyester fabrics.
• No white ink.

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DTF Vs Sublimation Printing: What’s The Difference?

The brief introduction gave you the basics of each. Now, let’s take it a step further and compare the different aspects of each process in detail – so you can have a clearer picture of which one suits your needs best.

Design Complexity 

Since both DTF and sublimation use digital printing technology, they can handle virtually any colorful image or photo you can create digitally. We are talking about designs with intricate details, color gradients, and high-resolution images.

Color Options

Color options are governed by the inks they use. DTF printing uses solvent-based inks available in CMYK colors, which allows for a wide range of color combinations, including bold and vibrant hues.

On the other hand, sublimation inks, also come in CMYK but lack white base ink. This means that any white areas in your design will be transparent on the fabric, allowing the underlying fabric color to show through. To add white to sublimation designs, you would need a white vinyl base layer, which adds extra steps and impacts the design’s smoothness.

Designs Look and Feel

DTF and sublimation both offer very bright images, but they feel different on the fabric. In DTF, the design is applied as a layer on top of the fabric, creating a noticeable texture that you can feel. This gives it a slightly raised effect on the surface.

Whereas sublimation printing embeds the dye directly into the fabric fibers. It maintains the fabric’s original softness and breathability.

DTF printing also offers fluorescent inks for extra brightness under light, which adds a unique glow. But sublimation inks do not have any glow or texture.

Material Compatibility

DTF printing works on nearly all fabrics, including natural ones like cotton, synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, and even leather. It can be used on both dark and light fabrics, and the fabric color doesn’t impact the print’s brightness.

In contrast, sublimation works best for light-colored polyester fabrics. For bright results, the fabric should be at least 65% polyester. On darker fabrics, sublimation colors will appear dull or may not show well at all.

Print Size

Both DTF and sublimation are limited by the size of the printer and transfer film. DTF printers usually handle designs that cover the front or back of a shirt, so they’re good for standard print sizes. However, sublimation printers are often used for all-over or seam-to-seam prints, so machines usually offer wide and large printing capabilities.

Durability

DTF prints are durable and hold up well through multiple washes. However, because they are layered on top of the fabric, they can be prone to cracking over time, and extra care is needed when ironing. Sublimation prints, on the other hand, become part of the fabric itself. They don’t fade easily and have no risk of cracking since the dye is embedded directly in the fabric fibers.

Production Time

The production time differs slightly between the two methods. With sublimation, you print onto transfer paper and then heat-press it onto the fabric. In DTF, after printing, you apply adhesive powder, dry it, and then heat-press it. This extra step makes DTF a bit slower than sublimation.

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Setup Costs

DTF is more expensive than sublimation due to the cost of equipment and specialized inks. An entry-level DTF printer starts around $2,000, with ink packs (about 900ml) costing around $150. In comparison, sublimation printers are more affordable, with entry-level options available starting at $500. The ink is also slightly cheaper as well.

Both methods also require heat press and transfer sheets, but overall, DTF has a higher upfront cost largely due to the machine price.

Order Quantity

Both methods are suitable for on-demand product runs, as each piece is individually created. This makes them effective for both small and large-batch productions. However, for larger orders, sublimation is a more cost-effective choice.

DTF Vs Sublimation Printing: Which One To Choose?

Now, the final question is which one to choose between DTF and sublimation. It’s subjective and depends on your specific needs. Here’s a split between options:

Go with DTF printing if you want:

• Vibrant designs across items like t-shirts, hoodies, and bags.
• Flexibility to print on cotton, polyester, or nylon.
• A textured or fluorescent look that adds extra pop.
• Prints that cover specific parts, like the front or back of a shirt.

Opt for sublimation printing if you need:

• Seam-to-seam, full-color prints that cover larger areas.
• A soft feel on light polyester fabrics.
• A cost-effective solution for larger production runs.
• Prints with no texture.

FAQs: DTF Vs Sublimation Printing

Is DTF the same as sublimation?

They are similar in a way that both use digital printing and heat transfer, but the process differs. Sublimation infuses ink into the fabric, while DTF creates a bonded layer on top. Sublimation works only on light polyester whereas DTF works on all fabric types.

Is DTF ink the same as sublimation ink?

DTF inks are pigment-based and designed to adhere to a wide range of fabrics when combined with adhesive powder and heat. Whereas, sublimation inks are dye-based and specifically formulated to convert from solid to gas under heat. They infuse into the fabric and become a part of it.

Does DTF last as long as sublimation?

Although DTF prints offer great durability, they don’t match that of sublimation. DTF prints may crack over time since they sit on top of the fabric. Whereas sublimation prints last longer, as the design becomes part of the fabric.

Related Reading:

Heat Transfer Printing: Types & Process Explained

DTF Vs Screen Printing: Which One to Choose?

Screen Printing Vs Sublimation: Which is Better?

Sublimation vs Heat Transfer Vinyl