DTF vs Sublimation: What to Use and When
Direct Answer:
Use DTF for cotton and dark shirts — it prints white ink and sits on top of fabric. Use sublimation for polyester and coated blanks — it fuses into the surface permanently.
Decision Guide
- Check substrate: cotton/dark → DTF; 100% poly/coated → Sublimation.
- Durability needed? Heavy-wash garments → DTF; coated mugs/metals → Sublimation.
- Feel: DTF has slight hand; Sublimation has zero hand.
- Color: need white ink? That’s DTF.
- Volume: mug runs → Sublimation; mixed garments → DTF.
Comparison Table
| Factor | DTF | Sublimation |
|---|---|---|
| Substrate | Cotton, blends, darks | 100% poly, coated goods |
| White Ink | Yes | No |
| Feel | Soft film, softens with wash | No feel at all |
| Durability | High if pressed right | Very high on coated goods |
| Setup | Print transfers on demand | Requires coated blanks |
Risks
- Forcing sublimation on cotton = faded, unusable result.
- Dirty blanks with DTF = edges lift.
FAQs
Best for mugs? Sublimation and UV DTF.
Best for black cotton shirts? DTF.
Outdoor decals? UV DTF or cast vinyl, not fabric DTF.
Sources
Ink system specifications and Pressing Images test results.