Sublimation vs. DTF
We offer two premium print methods to suit different shirt styles and colors. Understanding the differences helps you choose the best option for your design.
See the difference
Dye Sublimation Printing?
Dye sublimation is a printing process that uses heat to transfer dye directly into the fibers of a polyester-based fabric. Unlike traditional screen printing or heat transfers that sit on top of the fabric, sublimation turns the dye into gas under high heat, allowing it to bond with the fibers permanently. This creates long-lasting prints that won’t crack, peel, or fade over time.
DTF Printing?
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is a process that allows full-color designs to be printed onto a special film, coated with adhesive powder, and then heat-pressed onto garments. Unlike sublimation, which chemically bonds with polyester, DTF prints sit on top of the fabric—making it suitable for a much wider range of materials, including cotton, polyester, blends, and dark fabrics.
Shirt Colors
Sublimation printing works best on white or very light-colored polyester shirts because the process does not use white ink—any “white” in the design is simply the color of the shirt showing through. Dark or richly colored shirts can’t achieve accurate or vibrant results, as the shirt’s base color will affect and mute the printed colors. At Free Sunshields, we offer up to 16 shirt colors for sublimation printing, depending on the shirt style, but the best results are always on lighter shades.
Shirt Colors
DTF printing works on any shirt color—light or dark—because it uses white ink as a base layer. This means you can print full-color designs on black, navy, or brightly colored shirts without losing detail or vibrancy.
There are virtually no shirt color limitations with DTF, which makes it more versatile than sublimation, especially for dark-colored or 100% cotton shirts.
Design Colors
Since sublimation relies on CMYK dye and the shirt’s background color, designs must be created with the shirt color in mind. Light-colored shirts can handle a wide range of designs, while mid-tone shirts may require darker, more saturated graphics to remain visible. True whites and light pastels are not possible to print unless the shirt itself is that color. Additionally, sublimation cannot achieve metallic or neon colors.
Design Colors
DTF allows for unlimited design colors, including gradients and photographic images. Since it prints in full CMYK with a white base, your designs will retain their original color integrity regardless of the garment color.
That said, here are a few minor limitations:
- Neon/fluorescent colors may not appear as bright. Ask us about blank-light DTF for your fluorescent design needs.
- Large solid prints may feel slightly heavier or less breathable due to the film layer.
- Very small, delicate details might need additional design work before printing.
