If you’re planning to start a T-shirt business or create custom products like mugs and bags, you’ve probably come across two popular printing methods: DTF (Direct to Film) and sublimation. While both can produce beautiful prints, they are very different in how they work, what materials they support, and how much they cost.
This guide explains the key differences between DTF and sublimation printing in simple language. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your equipment, this comparison will help you decide which printer is right for your needs.
What Is a DTF Printer?
DTF stands for Direct to Film. It is a digital printing method that lets you print a design onto a special transparent film using textile pigment ink. After printing, you apply a fine layer of hot-melt powder to the ink, cure (bake) it with heat, and then transfer the image onto fabric using a heat press.
How DTF Printing Works:
- Design your artwork on a computer.
- Print it onto PET film using DTF ink (including white ink).
- Apply DTF powder to the wet ink.
- Cure the film in a DTF oven or with a heat press.
- Press the film onto the fabric to transfer the design.
Materials DTF Can Print On:
- Cotton
- Cotton/poly blends
- Polyester
- Denim
- Canvas
- Leather (with care)
- Light and dark-colored fabrics
Common Products Printed with DTF:
- T-shirts and hoodies
- Tote bags and hats
- Aprons and pillow covers
- Small runs of custom clothing
Average Cost:
- Printer: $1,800–$2,500
- Ink and film: ~$1.00–$1.50 per A3 shirt print
- Setup time: 1–2 hours
- Daily maintenance: Required (10–15 minutes)
What Is a Sublimation Printer?
Sublimation printing uses heat to turn solid dye ink into gas, which bonds with polyester fabric or polymer-coated materials. The ink becomes part of the material itself, resulting in a seamless, full-color design.
How Sublimation Printing Works:
- Design your artwork digitally.
- Print the image on sublimation paper using sublimation ink.
- Use a heat press to transfer the image to the item at high temperature.
- The ink becomes gas and embeds into the surface.
Materials Sublimation Can Print On:
- Polyester fabric (at least 65% polyester content)
- Polymer-coated hard items like:
- Mugs
- Plates
- Mousepads
- Phone cases
- Puzzle boards
Common Products Printed with Sublimation:
- Sports jerseys
- Drinkware (mugs, tumblers)
- Promotional products
- Polyester apparel and home goods
Average Cost:
- Printer: $300–$1,000
- Ink and paper: ~$0.30–$0.50 per shirt
- Setup time: Less than 30 minutes
- Maintenance: Minimal (once a week or less)
DTF vs. Sublimation: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | DTF Printing | Sublimation Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Types | Cotton, blends, polyester, canvas, denim | Polyester only |
| Color of Fabric | Works on light and dark | Only works on light |
| White Ink Support | Yes | No |
| Print Feel | Slight texture on top of fabric | No texture, ink is part of material |
| Wash Durability | Very good (40+ washes) | Excellent (100+ washes on polyester) |
| Product Range | Apparel-focused | Apparel and hard-surface items |
| Setup Cost | $1,800–$2,500 | $300–$1,000 |
| Per-Print Cost | ~$1.00–$1.50 | ~$0.30–$0.50 |
| Maintenance | Daily cleaning (especially white ink) | Minimal maintenance |
| Learning Curve | Medium | Easy |
| Speed | Moderate | Fast for small batches |
Real-World Use Cases
Here are some examples to show which printer suits different business types:
- A T-shirt brand using 100% cotton shirts: You should choose DTF, because sublimation doesn’t work on cotton at all.
- A mug printing shop selling on Etsy: Choose sublimation, as it works great on polymer-coated mugs and has low setup costs.
- A sportswear business printing on polyester uniforms: Both DTF and sublimation can work, but sublimation gives a better feel with no texture.
- A fashion startup selling streetwear with dark cotton designs: DTF is the only practical choice, because it prints full-color designs with white ink.
Pros and Cons
DTF Printing
Pros:
- Works on all fabric types, including cotton
- Can print on dark or colored fabrics
- Full-color designs with white ink support
- Very durable prints
- Great for apparel businesses
Cons:
- Higher initial cost
- Requires more maintenance (especially white ink)
- Learning curve with RIP software and curing process
Sublimation Printing
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Low-cost to start
- Prints feel soft and smooth (no texture)
- Extremely durable on polyester
- Great for both fabric and hard-surface items
Cons:
- Only works on polyester or coated items
- No white ink, so can’t print on dark fabrics
- Not suitable for cotton T-shirts
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose DTF Printing if:
- You want to print on cotton or mixed fabric shirts
- You need to print on dark garments
- You’re focused on apparel printing
- You are okay with doing daily cleaning and maintenance
Choose Sublimation Printing if:
- You mainly work with polyester or hard items like mugs
- You want the easiest setup
- Your budget is limited
- You do not need to print on dark or cotton items
According to market data, more than 60% of custom T-shirt brands in the U.S. use cotton or cotton-blend materials. If your target product is cotton-based apparel, DTF is the better long-term investment. If your focus is promotional items or polyester garments, sublimation offers a lower-cost and easier entry point.
Final Thoughts
Both DTF and sublimation printing offer excellent ways to create custom products, but they serve different needs.
- DTF is best for printing on all types of fabric, especially cotton and dark-colored materials.
- Sublimation is best for printing on polyester and coated items, like mugs or mousepads.
Think about what products you want to sell, what materials you’ll print on, and how much time and money you can invest. Making the right choice early can save you money and help your business grow faster.
If you’re still unsure, consider starting with sublimation to learn the basics, and upgrade to DTF once your business grows or you want to offer cotton-based products.