DTF vs Sublimation: Which Transfer Method Is Right for Your Shirts?
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Short answer: DTF (direct to film) prints your design onto a film with a glue layer and heat-presses it onto the garment, so it works on cotton, polyester, blends, light and dark colors. Sublimation turns ink into a gas that dyes polyester fibers, so it only works on white or light polyester (or poly-coated items) but leaves no feel at all. For most custom shirts, DTF is the more flexible choice.
Side-by-Side
| DTF | Sublimation | |
|---|---|---|
| Fabrics | Cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, canvas | Polyester (ideally 65%+) or poly-coated hard goods |
| Garment color | Any color, including black | White or light colors only |
| White ink | Yes, prints white | No, white areas show the shirt |
| Feel | Thin, flexible film on top of the fabric | None; the ink is in the fibers |
| Durability | Strong when pressed right; wash inside out | Very high; it cannot crack or peel |
| Best for | Full-color logos on any shirt, small runs, hats | All-over jerseys, performance wear, mugs and hard goods |
When to Choose DTF
Choose DTF when you want a full-color design on cotton or a dark shirt, need a small quantity, or want the same art on shirts, hoodies and hats. We print DTF with no minimum; see custom DTF transfers, how long DTF lasts and how to press DTF transfers.
When Sublimation Makes Sense
Sublimation shines on white polyester performance shirts, all-over printed jerseys and coated mugs or tumblers, where you want zero hand and edge-to-edge color. It is not an option for cotton tees or dark garments.
What About Screen Printing?
For 24 or more of the same design, screen printing is usually the cheapest and most durable per piece: $4.85 at 24 and $3.79 at 48 for one color, plus $20 per screen. See DTF vs screen printing for short runs and screen printing vs embroidery vs DTF.
What Customers Say
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Related Guides
- Does polyester shrink?: What heat, washing and drying really do to polyester shirts.
- Custom dri-fit shirts: Polyester performance tees with your logo, printed or embroidered.
- Choosing the best t-shirt material: Cotton, polyester and blends compared for your design.
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Not Sure Which Method? Ask Us
Tell us the garment, quantity and colors and attach your art. We will recommend the right method and send pricing and a mockup.
Logo files: .ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg or a high-res .png. Prefer to talk it through? Call 775-230-0211 or email sales@battlebornclothing.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DTF better than sublimation?
For cotton and dark shirts, yes, because sublimation cannot print on them. For white polyester and all-over prints, sublimation gives a softer, longer-lasting result.
Can you sublimate on cotton?
Not directly. Sublimation ink bonds to polyester. Cotton needs DTF, screen printing or embroidery.
Does DTF crack?
A properly pressed DTF transfer flexes with the fabric. Washing inside out in cold water and drying low keeps it looking new.
Ready to order? Request a quote or see pricing.