DTF vs screen printing vs sublimation: which apparel printing method fits your order

All three methods put a design onto fabric, and each one wins on a different combination of order size, design complexity and fabric type.

DTF (direct-to-film)

A full-colour design prints onto film, then heat-presses onto the garment. DTF handles complex, multi-colour designs and photo-quality detail with no minimum order, at a moderate per-piece cost, and includes a white ink base so it works on dark fabric too.

Screen printing

A stencil, or screen, is made per colour, and ink is pushed through by hand or machine. Screen printing is the cheapest method per piece at high volume with a limited number of colours, but the per-colour setup cost makes small runs expensive relative to DTF.

Sublimation

Dye is heat-transferred directly into the fibres of polyester fabric, producing a permanent, wash-resistant, fully saturated print with no texture on the surface. It only works on polyester or polyester-coated items, not on cotton.

Choosing between them

Small run, many colours, quick turnaround: DTF.
Large uniform run, few colours, lowest cost per piece: screen printing.
All-over prints or polyester sportswear and drinkware: sublimation.

Frequently asked questions

Screen printing, once the per-colour screen setup cost is spread across a large quantity, generally comes out cheapest per piece for simple, few-colour designs.

Yes, DTF transfers include a white ink base layer, so full-colour designs print accurately on dark and coloured fabric, unlike some direct-to-garment methods that struggle on dark backgrounds.

No, sublimation dye bonds with polyester fibres specifically, so it doesn't work on 100% cotton. Cotton apparel is printed with DTF or screen printing instead.