What is DTF printing?
Direct-to-film (DTF) printing involves two-step digital printing using inkjet technology and heat to make prints on a variety of customized items.
In the first stage, using a four-color CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and key) overlay process, an Ink Jet prints the design onto a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sheet. The design is then secured with an adhesive film and heated to cure the photo. A heat press then transfers the image to the surface of the product being printed.
This approach is primarily for small-scale printing and is ideal for working on cotton, polyester, and nylon material with a large range of other materials. The result of DTF Printing is realistic photo-quality images that are color-rich and last a long time without fading. Businesses that want to promote their brands can use this printing procedure on t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and banners.
What is Sublimation printing.
Sublimation shirt printing is a specific process of printing that first involves printing onto a special sheet of paper, then transferring that image onto another material (usually polyester or a polyester mix).
The ink is then heated until it disintegrates into the fabric / material.
The process of sublimation shirt printing costs more than other methods, but it is durable. Great option for a lower price and gives a nice, finished product.
Sublimation Pros:
-Press the image one time (No repressing)
-Thinner feel and very light weight
-Cheaper in cost to make and start up
-Durability, no fading over time
Sublimation Cons:
-Restricted print size, usually fitting one image per paper
-Pressing on Polyester or blended garments ONLY
-Restrictions on Color garments
DTF vs. sublimation: key differences.
Now that we know more about the two different printing styles, we would like to break down the differences to make it easier for you to decide which one might be better for you on specific jobs or crafts.
PRINT SIZE
The printing size is a very important aspect to a company because time is money. The DTF machines are run off of a roll system and you are able to gang sheet them 22 inches wide, fitting as many designs as possible you can in those 22 inches wide by 120 long. maximizing your space on the gang sheet is ideal to save your total per image cost. Sublimation is a A3 paper size, is amazing for the smaller jobs, and allowing that price point to stay lower for a smaller company. Usually, it's a one design per paper. 8.5x11.
PRINT QUALITIY & COLOR.
You cant go wrong with either sublimation or DTF, they both look great when the finished product is complete, based on print quality. They are different and let me let you why.
DTF is printed with ECO solvent ink (DTF Ink is specially designed pigment ink. White ink is a special component, which can be used to layout the white base on the film to print colorful designs.), extremely vibrant and making the colors look very rich and pop on any color garment.
Sublimation ink is made of is disperse dyes. Disperse dyes are soluble in a variety of solvents, including water, glycols, and resins. Then sublimation ink is heated, the disperse dye changes from a solid to a gas and imbedded into your material. The color looks amazing but insure you are using this method with polyester based materials and only on light color garments.