DTF vs Sublimation Printing – All You Need To Know

Printing technology is evolving day by day and choosing the right method can significantly impact the vibrancy, durability and quality of the final outcome. 

Two popular methods i.e. sublimation printing and DTF (direct to film), each offers unique advantages and fulfill different needs.

Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, understanding these printing methods will let you make informed decisions for your printing projects. 

So, you should know the benefits, key differences and best applications of sublimation printing and DTF, empowering you to find the right fit for your creative needs. 

Out of curiosity I tested both printing methods and here is my opinion about what is the difference between DTF and sublimation.

Key takeaways

• Sublimation printing is the best choice for producing durable, high quality and vibrant prints, mainly on polyester fabrics. This printing method is ideal for premium print quality like promotional or sportswear items. It needs a high initial setup cost, and it is more specialized. Its unparalleled print quality on suitable materials and environmental benefits makes it the best choice in its niche.
• DTF printing provides flexibility across a wider range of materials which makes it more versatile for multiple applications. It needs a moderate initial investment and is best for businesses which can handle small to medium orders. It stands out for its cost effectiveness, fabric compatibility and lower barriers to entry in terms of initial investment and equipment. 

DTF vs Sublimation Printing

What is sublimation printing?

A very unique printing method which uses solid ink that can transition from solid to gas without even becoming liquid. The design is first printed on transfer paper and then it is transferred to a substrate under specific heat and pressure. Here the ink is heated until it blends right into the fibers of the substrate.

Pros and cons 

Pros

1. Unlimited color options

Sublimation gives the opportunity to play with multiple colors. This printing technique is perfectly suitable for multi – colored or complex designs.

2. Durability

This technique is very less prone to cracking and fading over time as the ink becomes part of the substrate.

3. Seamless printing 

This technology is capable of edge to edge printing and allows to paint entire substrates without leaving any borders.

4. High resolution

It permits high resolution and detailed images, ensuring clear and sharp prints.

5. Vibrant colors

The printing technology offers vivid, bright colors which are hard to achieve with any other printing method.

6. Eco – friendly

This technology produces less waste when compared to any other printing method, as it does not need water and uses a small amount of dye.

Cons

1. White creasing

If the areas of your fabric are not properly pressed then it can result in folds or creases.

2. Initial cost

The initial setup cost for sublimation is expensive as it requires special ink, printer, heat press and other items for printing.

3. Works with limited substrates

This printing technique yields amazing results on polyester or polymer coated objects but it does not work well with natural fabrics like cotton. Also the material you are printing should withstand high temperatures.

4. Color matching issues

There are instances where the color of the final output may not match with the color of the original image. It is due to the differences in monitor settings and material properties.

Which material is best for sublimation printing?

Dye – sub is mainly effective on polyester material or the materials having polymer coating. Here is a broader list to know it better.

1. Polyester fabrics

It is the most common material for this printing as it has the property to hold ink well. It results in long lasting and vibrant colors. This material is perfect for banners, flags, sportswear or apparel.

2. Polymer coating items

This technique can be easily applied on multiple hard surfaces beside they should have special polymer coating which can absorb dye. It include:

• Ceramic tiles
• Metal sheets
• Keychains
• Phone cases
• Mouse pads
• Plates
• Mugs

3. Poly blend fabrics

Fabrics which contain a very high percentage of polyester are best. Remember, higher the polyester content, the more vivid the print is. If the fabric has low polyester content, it will result in faded or vintage look.

4. Speciality Dye – Sub materials

There are some specific products which are purely designed for this printing:

• Puzzles
• Canvas
• Printable blanks
• Sublimation paper (transfer paper)

What type of ink is used in sublimation printing?

This printing technique uses specially formulated ink which can be transitioned from solid to gas under specific pressure and heat. The ink penetrates the surface of the material and makes bonds with it. Some commonly used ink types are:

1. Water based ink

These are the most widely used sublimation ink and contain dyes suspended in the water based carrier liquid. When it is heated, the water evaporates and the dye ink turns to the gas, which then makes a bond with the substrate.

Here are types of commonly used dyes.

• CMYK dyes

This printing technology generally uses CMYK(Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black(Key color)) dyes for full color printing. 

• Disperse dyes

These are some specific types of dyes which are used in the dye – sub printing ink and are capable of sublimation and bonding with the polymer coated and polyester substances.

2. Eco – friendly ink

Many manufacturers provide more environmentally friendly options which focus on reducing the harmful chemicals and improving the sustainability of the process.

It is necessary to note that not every ink is made for Dye – sub printers. Manufacturers generally make their own proprietary ink designs which work with their specific model only and they make sure it is of best quality and offers great results.

What is DTF printing?

DTF printing includes printing the image on the film first and then transferring it to the fabric. This method does not need any pretreatment of the fabric; however, it needs a powder to be applied after transferring the image on the film for preventing the ink from streaking or running.

Pros and Cons 

Pros

1. Versatility

It can be applied to a huge range of fabrics like polyester, cotton and blends, which makes it more versatile than dye – sub printing.

2. White ink capability

This technology allows the usage of white ink, making it possible to print black or dark colored fabric easily with amazing results.

3. Vibrant colors

It produces vivid and bright colors with super quality prints which are visually appealing.

4. Good washability

These prints are resistant to washing so they can retain their quality over time with less effort.

5. Low minimum quality 

This print technology is best for small batch production or customized products.

Cons

1. Equipment cost

Initial setup is expensive as it needs specific powder, ink and printer.

2. Durability issues

DTF prints are less durable compared to sublimation printing.

3. Process complexity

The process is complicated as it requires printing to film, applying the powder, curing and then heat pressing the fabric.

4. Powder and film cost

Necessary items like adhesive powder and transfer film add ongoing cost to the process.

5. Environmental concerns

Compared to many sustained printing technologies, the usage of powder and disposable films may raise environmental concerns.

6. Learning curve

This printing requires experience and knowledge to get better output.

Materials used in DTF printing

This process used a special type of ink and material which are necessary for getting durable and high quality prints. Below is the list of necessary material needed for this printing.

1. PET Film 

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) film is the most commonly used film in DTF printing. It is a type of plastic and acts as a carrier for printing ink and adhesive powder. This is available in rolls or sheets and also comes in various thickness, normally around 0.75mm.

2. Hot Melt Powder

After printing the art work on PET film, a hot melt powder which is commonly known as adhesive power is applied to the printed side of the film. This powder melts and becomes the adhesive which bonds the ink to the fabric during the heat pressing process. This powder is normally white in color and is available in various grades for different fabric types.

Which ink is used in DTF printing?

DTF specific inks are purely formulated inks which can be easily printed on PET film and can be easily transferred to a fabric. These inks are normally water based and contain a very high concentration of pigments for getting durable and vibrant prints. Two common examples are

1. White ink

White ink is very important in DTF printing as it is laid down as the base layer under CMYK ink while printing on the dark or black material. This layer makes sure that the colors of the design stand out vividly against the fabric.

2. CMYK ink

The main colors used are Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (Key). These colors are normally mixed during the process of printing for creating a huge range of hues on the material.

How to choose materials and ink for DTF printing?

DTF is a versatile and quality printing popular for producing detailed and colorful designs on a huge range of textiles i.e. from t-shirts to hoodies to bags and hats. However the choice of ink and material is important for achieving the required result.

1. Environmental impact

Many manufacturers are making more eco – friendly ink including non toxic inks and biodegradable films, in response to the concerns about the impact on the environment.

2. Quality 

High quality material and ink are important for producing vibrant and durable prints. Lower quality ink can fade easily and there are chances that it will not transform. Also the low grade powder and films may not adhere properly to the fabrics.

3. Compatibility

It is very important to make sure that the inks, film and powder are compatible with each other and also with the printer you are using. Using the incompatible material can result in poor quality prints or the damage prints.

DTF vs. Sublimation printing

There are so many printing options which you can choose from when it comes to transferring the designs on material. Two most popular methods are DTF and sublimation printing. It is necessary to understand that both the processes are different and have different printing procedures. Here are the key points which will let you understand the difference in both techniques.

1. Texture

DTF prints have a comparatively soft texture and better hand feeling than dye sub printing which sometimes can feel rigid or stiff.

2. Compatibility

DTF can be easily used in a huge range of materials including dark color or black fabrics. While sublimation is limited to polymer coated or polyester and offers amazing output on light colored fabric.

3. Ease of doing

DTF printing includes applying the design directly on the film which is then heat pressed on the desired material. However sublimation printing requires the design to be printed on the transfer paper first and then it is heat pressed on the substrate, causing the dye ink to turn in the gas and make a bond with the fiber.

4. Print size

Both printing techniques can accommodate multiple print sizes, based on the printer and heat press equipment used. But the sublimation typically allows for larger print size as compared to DTF as it does not require the film to be cut and then applied to a material.

5. Transfer process and print quality

The process of transfer in DTF and dye sub printing is almost similar as it includes heat pressing the design on the substrate. But there is a small difference in print quality.

• In sublimation printing you will experience slight loss of details or low color accuracy because the ink turns in gas during the transfer process.
• On the other hand DTF offers high resolution and much more vibrant colors than sublimation as it does not rely on the fiber of substrate to hold ink.

6. Print texture

Most of the time, dye – sub prints feel rigid and stiff due to the bonding of ink with fiber, on the other hand DTF prints have a softer hand feel as it does not both with the material’s fiber.

7. Suitable materials

DTF printing is more versatile as it can be used in a huge range of fabrics including dark/black color materials and cotton substrates. Sublimation printing has its limitations to polymer coated or polyester materials but it works best with light color fabrics.

8. Quantity of products needed

Both printing techniques can be used for large or small production. However DTF printing is cost effective for small batches as its initial setup cost is less compared to sublimation printing.

9. Colors

DTF printing technique provides more vibrant color and better color accuracy than sublimation printing. It is because the DTF printing technique does not rely on the fibers of the material to bond with the ink, allowing the higher resolution and much more vivid colors. However dye – sub printing can sometimes appear slightly dull or somewhat less accurate due to the ink turning in gas while printing on blanks. 

Conclusion

Both printing techniques have their own pros and cons. DTF printing provides better versatility, texture and print quality in terms of suitable material, however sublimation printing is best suited for larger print size and large production of products. So, the choice depends on your specific budget, preference and needs.

FAQs

Q- Which printing technique is best for polyester fabrics?

Polyester fabric has the tendency to make bond with special ink i.e. sublimation ink. So, to print beautiful designs on your materials made of polyester you should use sublimation printing. However, you should use high quality printing ink and printer else the designs will come out to be of low quality.

Q- Is a DTF printer the same as a sublimation printer?

No, both printing techniques use different printers as the method to transfer designs on materials is different. Sublimation printing require a piezo print head printer while DTF printing can be done with inkjet printers offering good color accuracy and print resolution.

Q- Can you sublimate with DTF?

No, you cannot sublimate with DTF. Both printing technologies use different methods for printing ink on substrate, however both can produce high quality prints. Dye – sub printing generates permanent and durable prints mainly on polyester or poly coated materials, however DTF is suitable for every substrate.