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Blog / Beginner's handbook / Sublimation vs DTG: Choosing the Right Printing Method for You

Beginner's handbook

Sublimation vs. DTG: Understanding the Differences

Sublimation vs. DTG: Understanding the Differences
Una Berzina-Pudule

By Una Berzina-Pudule

8 min read

There’s no doubt that the best tee in the room gets all the attention. Maybe you’ve even considered creating your own? Building a custom apparel business is no walk in the park, but print-on-demand services have made the industry more accessible to everyone. 

Nowadays, most people have at least heard of POD or t-shirt printing. You may even know people who have printed t-shirts or launched a custom printing business.

Printing your designs onto apparel is exciting, but choosing the best method is where the real work begins. For those diving into custom apparel, two standout options are sublimation printing and DTG printing (direct-to-garment). Each has its own unique strengths, and understanding their differences can help you choose the right printing method for your business.

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between sublimation vs. DTG printing so you’ll know exactly which printing method is better based on your needs.

What is sublimation printing?

Sublimation printing (also known as all-over print or dye sublimation) uses heat to transform dye-based inks into gas. This gas bonds with the fibers of polyester fabrics or other synthetic materials. The result is vibrant, high-quality prints that resist cracking and fading. Since the ink is deeply embedded into the fabric, it feels entirely like a part of the garment and not a sticker on top of it.

The sublimation printing method works best for printing on synthetic fabrics and items like mugs and phone cases.

Key advantages:

  • Produces vivid, long-lasting prints

  • Works perfectly with polyester fabrics and blends

  • Allows full-coverage, edge-to-edge designs

Limitations:

  • Only compatible with white or light-colored polyester

  • Not suitable for cotton or dark garments

  • Requires specialized equipment like sublimation printers and transfer paper

What is DTG printing?

DTG printing, or direct-to-garment printing, applies water-based inks directly onto fabric using advanced inkjet DTG printers. This printing technology is particularly effective for complex designs with intricate details and multiple colors. Unlike sublimation, DTG works well on natural fibers like cotton and can be used on both light and dark garments.

DTG is a go-to choice for custom t-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel, especially when you’re producing small batches or one-off designs. You can produce DTG prints with no minimum order quantity while staying profitable.

Key advantages:

  • Perfect for cotton fabrics and natural fibers

  • Handles intricate designs with high precision

  • Prints well on any fabric color

Limitations:

  • In most cases can’t be printed on synthetic materials

  • Limited to smaller printing areas, such as the chest, back, or sleeves

  • Slightly less durable than sublimation

Note: Be careful and don’t mistake DTG for DTF printing (direct-to-film)! DTF printing involves printing the image directly onto a film first and then transferring it to the fabric. The results are similar to DTG, except DTF creates a thicker, more textured print layer and works on a wider range of fabric types, including polyester and nylon.

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Sublimation vs. DTG: The differences

Now that we’ve covered the basics of these 2 printing methods, let’s explore them further to determine what sets them apart, more importantly, which you should choose for your business.

Print quality and durability

Looking at the sublimation printed image below, it’s safe to say that the print quality is outstanding. Since the color is embedded into the garment fibers, the design won’t wash out over time and you’ll rarely see any cracks or peels. Sublimation allows you to print intricate designs in multiple colors that look bright with sharp, detailed lines.