How it Works
DTF
Direct to Film (DTF) printing is an advanced garment decoration method that allows for high-quality, full-color designs to be transferred onto various types of fabrics. The process begins by printing the design in mirror image onto a special PET film using a DTF printer loaded with textile pigment inks. After printing, a fine layer of hot-melt adhesive powder is applied to the wet ink. This powder only sticks to the printed areas and is then heat-cured to create a dry, ready-to-press transfer.
What makes DTF a superior option is its flexibility and reliability. It works on a wide range of fabric types without the need for pre-treatment, unlike DTG printing. It also produces highly detailed prints with excellent color vibrancy and wash resistance, making it ideal for both single-item customization and high-volume production.
Sublimation
Sublimation printing is a popular method for transferring vibrant, full-color designs onto polyester or polyester-blend fabrics, commonly used for t-shirts and other apparel. The process works by turning solid dye into a gas through heat and pressure (a process called sublimation) without passing through a liquid phase. This gas then penetrates the fibers of the fabric, bonding with them at the molecular level, resulting in a permanent design that is integrated into the fabric itself.
One of the major benefits of sublimation printing is that it produces vibrant, full-color designs with excellent detail. The ink bonds seamlessly with the fabric, which means the print won’t crack, peel, or fade over time, making it highly durable. However, it is important to note that sublimation works best on light-colored, synthetic fabrics, especially polyester, as the dye is absorbed better by these materials. It’s not suitable for cotton fabrics, as the ink doesn’t bond as effectively.
