Comparison of two popular fabric printing technologies: DTF and sublimation. Which fabrics each works on, quality, durability, cost.
Two technologies — two different approaches
DTF (Direct-to-Film) and sublimation printing are two of the most popular image printing technologies on clothing today. Both methods allow you to get full-color prints with photo quality, but there are key differences between them.
In this article, we'll figure out which technology is suitable for your project. Both methods are available in our printing house in Yekaterinburg.
How DTF printing works
DTF (Direct-to-Film) — "printing on film". The principle of operation:
- The image is printed on a special PET film with pigment ink.
- An adhesive powder is poured over the raw seal.
- The film warms up — the glue sticks to the ink
- The finished printed film is transferred to the fabric by a thermal press at 160-170 °C.
- The image remains on the fabric, the film is removed.
How does sublimation work?
Sublimation printing — "transformation into gas". Principle:
- The image is printed on special paper with sublimation ink.
- The paper is applied to the fabric and warmed up to 200 °C.
- Ink turns into gas (sublimate) at high temperature
- The gas penetrates into the fibers of the synthetic fabric and crystallizes
- The image becomes part of the fabric — it does not wear out, does not crack
Key differences
| Parameter | DTF | Sublimation |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Type | Any type: cotton, synthetic, leather | Polyester only (from 65%) |
| Fabric color | Any color, including dark | Only white/light |
| The feeling of print | A thick layer on the fabric | Part of the fabric, not felt |
| Brightness | Very bright, juicy | Muted, "watercolor" |
| Resistance to washing | 50-80 cycles | 100+ cycles |
| Using White | Yes (through the white layer) | No (white = fabric color) |
| Minimum print run | From 1 piece | From 1 piece |
| Price A4 print | from 250 ₽ | from 200 ₽ |
When to choose DTF
- Printing on cotton. Cotton T-shirts, backpacks, shoppers — DTF only
- Dark fabrics. Black T—shirts, colored jackets - DTF only (sublimation on dark does not work)
- Mixed fabrics. 50/50 cotton-polyester — DTF gives a brighter result
- Nylon and special materials. Backpacks, jackets made of nylon — DTF
- Prints with white color. Logos with white elements are only possible through DTF
When to choose sublimation
- White or light polyester T-shirts. Sports uniforms, promotional T-shirts
- Long service life. Sublimation lasts longer than DTF
- The "invisible" print. The print does not feel tactile, the fabric breathes as if it were not printed.
- Photographic quality. Smooth gradients, soft color transitions
- Sports uniform with numbers. A classic choice for teams in polyester uniforms
What sublimation doesn't do
- Does not work on cotton (ink does not penetrate cellulose)
- Does not work on dark fabrics (the color of the fabric will blend with the color of the print)
- Does not produce a white color (the white areas are the color of the fabric itself)
- Holds poorly on blended fabrics with a low polyester content (less than 60%)
What DTF does NOT do
- The print is felt on the fabric (there is a layer of glue and ink)
- It may crack after several years of intensive use.
- It's not as resistant to washing as sublimation (but 50-80 times is enough for 90% of customers)
Which technology should I use?
If you are not sure, choose DTF. She works on more fabrics and colors. Sublimation is a specialized choice for sports uniforms and promotional polyester T—shirts.
In our printing house in Yekaterinburg:
- DTF printing: on T-shirts, on shoppers, DTF stickers
- Sublimation: on T-shirts, on mugs, on puzzles
If you are looking specifically for stickers for clothes (and not a print on a finished T—shirt), check out our The sticker printing overview page there are all kinds and prices.
Can't make up your mind? Give me a call +7 (343) 288-71-82 — we will select the optimal technology for your project.
