Cant Decide Between Sublimation or DTF? Let Us Help You Make That Decision!

Whether Sublimation or DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is better depends on what you're printing and your business needs. Here’s a comparison to help you decide:

1. Fabric & Material Compatibility

  • DTF: Works on cotton, polyester, blends, leather, nylon, and more. Great for dark and light fabrics.
  • Sublimation: Only works on light-colored polyester (or polyester-coated items). Won’t work on cotton.

Winner: DTF (more fabric options)

2. Print Durability & Feel

  • DTF: Prints are durable, stretchable, and don’t crack easily, but they have a slight plasticky feel.
  • Sublimation: The ink infuses into the fabric, making it feel like part of the material. No cracking or peeling.

Winner: Sublimation (softer feel, no peeling)

3. Color & Design Quality

  • DTF: Vibrant colors, works well on dark fabrics, and supports detailed designs.
  • Sublimation: Also has vibrant colors, but only on light-colored polyester.

Winner: DTF for dark fabrics, Sublimation for light fabrics

4. Washability & Longevity

  • DTF: Holds up well over time, but low-quality prints may peel or fade.
  • Sublimation: Extremely durable—no cracking, fading, or peeling because the ink becomes part of the fabric.

Winner: Sublimation (better washability)

5. Ease of Use & Cost

  • DTF: Requires a DTF printer, special film, ink, powder, and a heat press—higher initial costs.
  • Sublimation: Requires a sublimation printer, sublimation ink, and a heat press—can be cheaper to start.

Winner: Sublimation (simpler and lower cost for beginners)

6. Versatility (Beyond Clothing)

  • DTF: Mostly for fabric, but can be used on some non-fabric surfaces with adhesives.
  • Sublimation: Works on mugs, tumblers, phone cases, metal, wood, etc. (if they have a polyester coating).

Winner: Sublimation (more product options)


Final Verdict: Which is Better?

  • DTF is better for cotton, dark fabrics, and flexibility in fabric choices.
  • Sublimation is better for light-colored polyester and printing on hard surfaces.

 

Ready To Get Started On Your Sublimation Journey? Get Your High Quality Faux Bleach Sublimation Blanks Here!

Back to blog