Printing & Production
Printing on fabric: sublimation, DTF and screen printing compared
The right method depends on the fabric, the artwork and the quantity, not on which technique sounds newest.
Three methods, three strengths
Sublimation transfers dye with heat into polyester or polyester-coated surfaces. The colour becomes part of the surface rather than a layer on top, which suits sportswear, flags and all-over designs. It does not work on dark or cotton fabric in the same way.
DTF (direct to film) prints the artwork onto a film that is then heat-pressed onto the fabric. It works on many fabric types, including cotton and blends, and handles detailed, multi-colour artwork on small runs.
Screen printing pushes ink through a stencil mesh, one colour at a time. It gives strong, even colour and suits simple artwork repeated in larger quantities.
Choosing between them
- Polyester fabric and full-colour designs: sublimation.
- Cotton or mixed fabric, detailed artwork, smaller runs: DTF.
- Few colours, large repeat orders: screen printing.
Artwork and colour
Send artwork as vector files where possible. Colours on screen and on fabric differ, so ask for a sample when an exact brand colour matters. Tell us the fabric, its colour and where the print sits on the item.
Washing and wear
Ask how the item will be used and washed. A garment for daily wear has different needs from a one-day event item.
What to send with your request
The item or fabric, quantity, sizes if garments, artwork, print position and the date. See Printing & Production or request a quote.