DTF vs Sublimation: Which Is Better?
Choosing between DTF and sublimation? The short answer: DTF prints on almost any fabric and any garment colour, while sublimation gives a soft, built-in finish but only works on light-coloured polyester and specially coated items. Here is how they compare, and how to pick the right one for your project.
What is DTF?
Direct-to-film (DTF) printing prints your design in full colour onto a film. The film is then pressed onto the garment with a heat press, where the design bonds to the fabric. It works on cotton, polyester and blends, and on both light and dark garments.
What is sublimation?
Sublimation uses heat and pressure to turn special dye into a gas that bonds with polyester fibres or polymer-coated surfaces. The colour becomes part of the material instead of sitting on top of it, so there is no raised layer. It needs polyester or a coated surface, and it works best on white or light-coloured items.
DTF vs sublimation at a glance
| DTF | Sublimation | |
|---|---|---|
| Fabrics | Cotton, polyester, blends and more | Polyester or polymer-coated items only |
| Garment colour | Light or dark | White or light colours |
| Feel | A thin, flexible layer on the surface | No feel, the dye is part of the material |
| Hard goods (mugs, tumblers) | Not suited (use UV DTF) | Yes, if the item is sublimation-coated |
| Best for | T-shirts, hoodies, team wear, mixed fabrics | Polyester sportswear, mugs, coated items |
When to choose DTF
- Your garment is cotton or a cotton blend.
- Your garment is dark or brightly coloured.
- You want to print a mix of designs on one gang sheet.
- You are making small runs of T-shirts, hoodies or team wear.
When to choose sublimation
- Your item is white or light-coloured polyester.
- You want a print you cannot feel on the fabric.
- You are decorating sublimation-coated mugs, tumblers or similar items.
Where does UV DTF fit?
UV DTF transfers are made for hard surfaces such as tumblers, cups, glass, metal and acrylic. If your project is a hard item that is not sublimation-coated, take a look at our UV DTF transfers.
Which should you choose?
- Cotton T-shirt or hoodie: DTF
- Dark garment: DTF
- White polyester jersey or sportswear: sublimation
- Sublimation-coated mug or tumbler: sublimation
- Glass, metal, acrylic or wood: UV DTF
- Mixed fabrics in one order: DTF
Order DTF or sublimation from Sixty6 Signs
We print both from our Burnaby, BC shop. Build a sheet with the DTF gang sheet builder, or browse our sublimation sheets. Local to Vancouver? See our DTF transfers in Vancouver page. We ship across Canada, or you can contact us if you are not sure which to pick.
Frequently asked questions
Is DTF better than sublimation?
Neither is better in every case. DTF is more flexible because it works on more fabrics and on dark colours. Sublimation gives a built-in finish, but only on polyester or coated items in light colours.
Can sublimation print on cotton?
Not well. Sublimation dye bonds with polyester, so on cotton the result is faint and fades quickly. For cotton, DTF is the better choice.
Can sublimation print on dark garments?
No. Sublimation dyes are translucent, so they do not show on dark fabric. Use DTF for dark garments.
Can DTF be used on polyester?
Yes. DTF works on polyester as well as cotton and blends.
Which is cheaper?
It depends on the size, quantity and layout of your order. Contact us for a quote.