Babysitting can sometimes bring unexpected challenges, especially when dealing with a lively toddler. One moment, everything seems calm and the next, chaos ensues—stickers end up on cherished books, and spills stain prized décor. Just as some messes can be easily cleaned up, others leave lasting damage.
Although the spilled punch is disastrous for your décor, letting dye sink in is, in some cases, advantageous—like in sublimation printing, which produces bright, long-lasting color. DTF printing, on the other hand, is like applying a high-quality sticker—it can deliver dazzling colors and beautiful designs, but like your patience during a toddler’s tantrum, it might not last forever.
Here are the key differences between direct-to-film (DTF) printing and sublimation printing, and more on the unique advantages of these two printing techniques.
What is sublimation printing?
Sublimation printing is a common image transfer process used to make custom-printed fabric, ceramic, metal, and plastic products. Sublimation printing can reproduce intricate designs and photos in a wide range of colors. This process is only compatible with blended or synthetic fibers and poly-coated materials.
The sublimation printing process uses heat and pressure to convert solid ink into a gas, bypassing the liquid stage. Dye sublimation printers and heat presses enable this change by using sublimation ink, which bonds with the material rather than merely coating its surface. This results in highly durable prints with a slightly transparent quality, allowing the underlying texture and color to remain subtly visible.
This technique works best on light-colored fabrics. Many printing businesses offer sublimation printing services, but this technique is also simple enough for crafty entrepreneurs to execute at home.
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How does sublimation printing work?
Sublimation printing is an easy way to start making custom-printed products. Here’s how sublimation printing works and some tips for creating sublimation transfer designs:
Design preparation
Sublimation printers read digital files, such as PNGs and vector PDFs. Printing businesses may have specific file requirements.
For example, Printful, a print-on-demand business, accepts JPEG or PNG files with a minimum resolution of 150 dpi (dots per inch). The business also specifies that designs should use transparent backgrounds and an sRGB (standard RGB) color profile. Different printing companies may have different requirements.
Printing
Sublimation printers use dry ink, known as sublimation ink, to print designs onto transfer paper. A sublimation printer reverses your image before printing. The image on the sublimation transfer paper is therefore a mirror image of the initial design.
Transfering
Sublimation designs are applied with heat presses. To transfer an image, the design is lined up over the product and placed on a heat press. The press applies the heat and pressure necessary to sublimate the ink and transfer the design. Sublimation prints typically take between 40 to 90 seconds, though the exact timing may vary.
What is direct-to-film (DTF) printing?
Direct-to-film (DTF) printing is an advanced textile printing method for producing high-quality, photorealistic images with vibrant colors on a wide range of fabrics, including light or dark natural fibers like cotton and linen.
DTF printing involves creating, printing, curing, and transferring designs. Specialized printers read digital files and create stencils by applying water-based ink to transfer film. DTF printers apply a base layer of white ink before printing designs, ensuring that colors appear bright and can stand out against dark fabrics.
How does direct-to-film (DTF) printing work?
DTF printing requires a dedicated setup and careful maintenance. Here’s how the DTF printing process works:
Designing
DTF printers read digital files. Printing companies typically provide guidelines for design submission. Commonly accepted file types include PNG and TIFF. Most printers recommend using an sRGB color profile and submitting images with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi.
For best results, avoid designs or images covering large areas; an uninterrupted ink application often feels stiff and unnatural.
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Printing
DTF printers use water-based inks to print designs on heat-sensitive DTF transfer film. The image on the DTF film is a mirror image of the final design.
Curing
The curing process involves dusting freshly printed DTF film with adhesive powder and applying heat. To do this, DTF curing powder is applied while the ink is still wet. Then, a curing oven or a heat press is used to heat and dry the ink. This activates the adhesive material and increases the print’s clarity and durability. Stencils should be fully cooled before transferring.
Transfering
To transfer a DTF design, the fabric is placed on a heat press, the design is positioned over the fabric, and the press is closed. After the transfer is complete, the DTF film is carefully peeled away, leaving behind the design.
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Key differences: sublimation vs. DTF printing
Both DTF and sublimation printing can produce high-quality designs with vibrant colors, but there are key differences between the two printing methods.
Here’s why one might be a better fit for your business:
Material compatibility
DTF works on a variety of fabrics, including natural fibers like silk and cotton, while sublimation printing is limited to polyester or polyester blends. Unlike sublimation, which can also print on poly-coated materials like ceramics and mouse pads, DTF is primarily used for textiles.
Cost and equipment
DTF printing equipment is more expensive and requires more maintenance than sublimation equipment. As a result, printing businesses typically charge higher rates for DTF printing to cover these added expenses and labor. For home production, DTF requires a hefty upfront investment and a complex printer setup.
Sublimation printing, on the other hand, is simple enough for hobbyists and small business owners to do at home. Basic sublimation printers start at about $500, while heat presses are typically available for as little as $200.
Design color
Sublimation and DTF can both print images in a wide range of colors.
Sublimation printers use CMYK—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black—color processing, and can produce almost any color, but cannot print white ink. To incorporate white into your design, you need to print on a white background and leave the target area blank. Sublimation inks are slightly transparent, which means sublimation prints don’t always show up well on dark fabrics.
DTF transfers are brighter and more vivid, because the DTF process applies ink to the fabric’s surface, creating high-contrast designs. DTF can also print white ink, helping designs pop even on dark backgrounds.
Durability
With DTF printing, ink rests on the surface of the fabric like a sticker. These designs are subject to cracking or peeling with frequent use. The sublimation printing process creates a more durable design by infusing the product surface with synthetic ink while it's in gas form.
Design texture
Sublimation transfers are soft and flexible—printed and plain portions of the fabric have the same texture. DTF designs, on the other hand, can alter fabric texture, as the ink sits on the surface, making it less flexible. DTF prints may also have a slightly raised texture or a glossy finish.
Sublimation vs. DTF FAQ
Which is better, sublimation or DTF?
The best printing method depends on your budget, printing volume, material, and durability preferences. DTF printing may be a better choice when working with natural fibers, like cotton t-shirts. Sublimation printing only works on synthetic materials, but it is generally less expensive and more durable.
Does sublimation or DTF last longer?
Sublimation designs are typically more durable than DTF prints. Sublimation printing works by using heat and pressure to fuse gaseous ink into fabric. With DTF printing, ink sits on the surface of the fabric, making it more susceptible to cracking or fading.
What are the disadvantages of DTF printing?
DTF printing is more expensive than many traditional printing methods. DTF printing equipment can be sensitive and requires regular maintenance.
