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DTF vs. Sublimation: A Crafter's Guide to Choosing the Right Method
As a crafter, you’ve probably come across sublimation printing, a popular method for customizing shirts and other items. But how does it compare to DTF, and which one is right for your next project? Let's break it down from a fellow crafter's perspective.
Both DTF and sublimation are fantastic for creating vibrant, full-color designs, but they work in fundamentally different ways.
- Sublimation: This method uses special ink that turns into a gas when heated, infusing the design directly into the fabric's fibers. The result is a vibrant, smooth print with a "no-hand feel"—meaning you can't feel the design on the fabric. The biggest catch is that it only works on light-colored polyester garments or specially coated hard surfaces like mugs. Sublimation doesn’t use white ink, so any white in your design will be the color of the blank shirt.
- DTF: This method uses a heat-activated adhesive to bond the design to the garment's surface. This means DTF works on any color and nearly any fabric, including cotton, polyester, and even tricky blends. The finished product has a soft, flexible finish and a slight hand-feel.
When to Choose Each Method
- Choose DTF when:
- You're using colored or dark fabrics.
- You're using cotton, nylon, or blended materials.
- You need a faster turnaround for small, on-demand orders.
- You want a single transfer for multiple projects with a variety of fabrics.
- Pro-Tip: Check out our DTF Transfers by Size for projects on any fabric.
- Choose Sublimation when:
- Your project is on a light-colored polyester blank.
- You're using a hard surface like a mug or tumbler.
- You want a "no-hand feel" print that won't ever crack or peel.
- Pro-Tip: Check out our Sublimation Transfers by Size for projects on light-colored polyester shirts.
For the best results, you need a high-quality blank. I love the AllPro 48000 Pro-Lock Performance T-Shirt. Its Pro-Lock technology and 100% polyester interlock fabric resist bleeding, ensuring a vibrant and crisp print every time. Another great option is the Next Level N6200 CVC T-Shirt, a poly/cotton blend that is known for its extreme softness and lightweight feel, and is often used for sublimation printing to give designs a vintage look.