Choosing the right printing technique is the first and foremost crucial step in the world of custom printing if you want to achieve your desired, high-quality results. DTF printing and sublimation printing are among the most popular techniques, particularly in the apparel industry. Each technique has its ideal use case, advantages, and limitations. 

You need to understand the difference between DTF and sublimation, whether you are a business owner taking a step toward scaling up your printing operations or a hobbyist exploring new possibilities if you wish to take an informed decision in this direction.

Through this article, we would like to present an in-depth comparison of DTF and sublimation, explaining the steps involved in each technique, the benefits and drawbacks of each technique separately, and eventually, the best technique to opt for according to your needs.

What is DTF printing?

DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is itself a revolution in the print industry, especially in the apparel printing sector. This technique allows you to print bright, vibrant, and full-color designs on various materials such as wood, glass, metal, and a vast category of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and many more. This sets DTF printing apart from other printing techniques for the same purpose, as it is not restricted to just light colors or polyester-based materials. The flexibility it offers makes it an attractive choice for custom apparel or apparel printing businesses.

How Does DTF Printing Work?

Here is a step-by-step guide you need to perform to ensure a smooth print on the fabric you are willing to customize, as a business or for your personal needs:

1. Design Preparation: Create your custom artwork, which you want to use as a design on your apparel, digitally through the desired software.

2. Printing on PET Film: The design is printed using a special DTF printer on a PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) film with CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key) colors. CMYK is used as it is designed to exactly replicate the tone of the color on physical matter, such as paper or fabric.

3. Applying Adhesive Powder: A hot melt adhesive powder is applied over the wet ink, which is used to hold the ink to ensure the longevity of the print.

4. Curing Process: The Powder—heated to cure the adhesive at a specific temperature that heals the adhesive in the way it is required.

5. Transfer to Fabric: The prepared film is placed on the garment. The placed film is pressed onto the fabric at a set temperature and pressure using a heat press.

6. Peeling & Finishing: After pressing, the film is smoothly peeled off, leaving a durable and vibrant print.

One of the key advantages of DTF printing is its ability to adhere to various materials, including cotton, polyester, blends, and even leather. This versatility is one factor that sets it apart from all the other popular fabric printing techniques on the market these days.

What is sublimation printing?

The process is another popular technique in the print industry these days. Sublimation printing is a dye-based technique for heat transfer printing that is used to create high-quality as well as long-lasting prints. The process has been a very popular technique, which has been commonly used to print on apparel, mugs, phone cases, and other tough surfaces.

Sublimation vs. DTF printing primarily differs in how the ink is absorbed by the material. In sublimation printing, the ink bonds chemically with the fabric, creating a permanent design, while in DTF it is printed from the film, which gives a little 3-D embossed texture.

How Does Sublimation Printing Work?

In the print industry, it is very crucial to follow the correct procedure if you want to get the desired result in the prints you get. The sublimation printing process involves the following steps:

1. Design Creation: A design is built digitally, with the help of software. 

2. Printing on Transfer Paper: The design is printed using a sublimation printer with sublimation ink.

3. Heat Transfer Process: The printed paper is placed on the fabric or substrate and subjected to high heat (350-400°F).

4. Sublimation Reaction: The heat turns the ink into gas, which penetrates the material and solidifies.

5. Final Result: The final print is vibrant, permanent, and resistant to fading.

A key limitation of sublimation printing is that it works best on polyester fabrics and light-colored surfaces. If we try to use the technique on cotton fabric or materials of a dark color, it might not show the expected results. This is because the absorption of colors on a dark background makes it difficult for the design to be accurately represented.

DTF Printing vs. Sublimation Printing

Now that we understand both processes, let’s compare DTF vs. sublimation across different factors:

1. Material Compatibility

• DTF Printing: Works on cotton, polyester, blends, leather, and even non-textile materials.

• Sublimation Printing: Limited to polyester and polyester-coated surfaces.

Winner: DTF printing (greater material flexibility).

2. Print Durability

• DTF Printing: Offers excellent durability, resistant to washing and fading.

• Sublimation Printing: Very durable but can fade slightly over time, especially on garments subjected to frequent washing.

Winner: Tie (both offer high durability, but DTF is better for dark fabrics).

3. Color Vibrancy

• DTF Printing: Produces rich, vibrant colors with a slight texture.

• Sublimation Printing: Offers bright, high-resolution prints but works best on white or light backgrounds.

Winner: Tie (depends on fabric type and color).

4. Feel & Comfort

• DTF Printing: Has a slightly textured feel due to the adhesive layer.

• Sublimation Printing: Feels soft and fully integrated into the fabric.

Winner: Sublimation printing (provides a smoother finish).

5. Cost & Equipment

• DTF Printing: Requires a DTF printer, PET film, adhesive powder, and a heat press.

• Sublimation Printing: Needs a sublimation printer, special ink, transfer paper, and a heat press.

Winner: sublimation printing (lower startup cost).

6. Versatility

• DTF Printing: Can be used on various fabrics and materials.

• Sublimation Printing: Limited to polyester and coated materials.

Winner: DTF printing (more versatile).

DTF Printing vs. Sublimation: Which One Will You Choose?

When deciding between a DTF printer and a sublimation printer, you need to study your actual needs and conclude which of these techniques is the appropriate choice for you. You can: 

• Choose DTF printing if:
  
  

• You want to print on different fabric types, including cotton, cotton blends, and even other fabrics.

• Your print requirements don't always limit you to a light-colored background; you need durable, full-color designs on dark garments.

• You want to expand your product range from glass to metal, from cotton to leather, and many more.

• Choose sublimation printing if:
  
  

• You primarily print on polyester fabric only. You might not yield the desired result on any other fabrics.

• You want a soft, lightweight feel with no added texture as compared to DTF, whose print gives a little 3-D embossed texture. 

• You need a cost-effective solution for large batches as compared to DTF.

Here is a detailed, concluded comparison between both of these methods that you can look up at any time if you wish to decide to opt for either of these two printing techniques:

If you’re comparing DTF vs. sublimation vs. screen printing, keep in mind that screen printing is better for bulk orders but lacks the flexibility and color range of DTF and sublimation.

Why choose We Must?

At We Must, we specialize in providing high-quality DTF and sublimation printing solutions. Whether you're looking for the best DTF printer vs. sublimation printer, premium printing materials, or expert guidance, we have you covered. Our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction ensures that you get the best results for your business.

We offer durability, creativity, and innovation to ensure you get your DTF and sublimation printing solutions according to your purpose and passion. Refer to our collection to see how we create magic!

Final Thoughts

When comparing a DTF printer vs. a sublimation printer, both methods have their pros and cons. DTF printing is more versatile and works on a wide range of materials, while sublimation printing provides seamless, high-quality results on polyester. The choice depends on your business goals and the types of products you want to create.

If you're looking for DTF vs. sublimation printing supplies or guidance, We Must is here to help. Get started today and bring your designs to life with the best printing technology available!

Frequently asked questions 

1. Is DTF better than sublimation?

It depends on your needs. DTF printing is more versatile and works on various materials, while sublimation printing provides a softer, seamless finish on polyester.

2. Is DTF or sublimation better for cotton shirts?

DTF printing is better because it can adhere to cotton, while sublimation printing requires polyester.

3. What is the main difference between DTF and sublimation?

The main difference between sublimation and DTF is that DTF can print on multiple fabric types, while sublimation requires polyester.

4. Can I use a sublimation printer for DTF printing?

No, a sublimation printer vs. DTF printer uses different inks and processes, making them incompatible.

5. Is DTF printing more durable than sublimation?

Both are durable, but DTF printing performs better on dark fabrics and cotton.