Direct-To-Film vs. Sublimation Printing | What's the Difference?

Direct-To-Film vs. Sublimation Printing | What's the Difference?

Direct to Film Printing vs Sublimation - which one is right for you?
Just because a new technology hits the scene doesn’t mean it’s better than everything that came before it.

What it DOES mean is that you should take stock of your business, consider your future and decide if one or more new systems should make it to your buy list.

This comparison is between what is arguably the oldest digital decoration method… sublimation… and the newest… direct to film.

DTF, or Direct to Film, has many features that make it an attractive option for busy shops:

- Very fast transfer production
- Use with any fabric
- Stretchable – and looks great afterwards
- Low cost per print
- Sell transfers as well as completed custom apparel
- Low heat press time
- Washes like screen printing

But those features don’t take anything away from what makes Sublimation so popular and so useful:

- Great vibrancy
- Incredibly soft hand or “feel”
- Low cost per print
- Very low entry price
- VERY quiet operation
- No odor or fumes
- Perfect for home, office or kiosk operation

DTF or Direct-to-film is also made specifically for clothing or garments. These transfers adhere to fabric and are not made for hard surfaces.

[NorthIdahoNomads]

Great explanation! I am a hobbyist, and didn't even know that DTF was an option. This is so fascinating!

[roscoevideo]

Thanks so much for your presentation, very clear and concise. Well done.

[leviteapparel]

Love DTF and sublimation got both good products.

[symonebrown]

Thank you. This is the information I have been looking for.

[KristiAlberson]

On the shirt, you wore in this video when it was pressed does it leave it a little faded where the design is? How would you control that fade?

[butubuta]

Thank you, could you please, make a video about power consumption? Which one consumes more power?

[trappyadvice]

What's the best printing technology to print face or picture of persons onto a T-shirt?

[MatthewsFabrication]

Great Video.

What is the Difference in Sublimation inks & DTF Inks?

Is it possible to get White ink for Sublimation?

[freddysal]

like this printer, what is the price of this printer and dryer we are a big company we want to know the price, thanks

[javiervelez]

What’s the storing time for the sublimated printouts before pressing it?

[beverleybhola]

I’ve got a LEC2, do you know if I can use dtf on it

[tracyrutherford]

What kind of maintenance it’s required?

[meganbee.]

Can you dtf print with a sawgrass sublimation printer?

[icyliciousblue]

1:08 what do you mean by "it has no hand"?

[ALDRINTV-VLOGS]

I just wanna ask, are DTF and Heat Transfer the same thing?

[livingfantasy]

Hi I’m new to the tshirt business. I’m basically stuck between choosing if I want to go the dtf route or sublimation? Can someone break down the pros and cons. I read sublimation last longer but dtf colors are better. I also read that dtf ink works on sublimation paper as well? If so, do the colors still come out as good using dtf ink on sublimation. Can someone confirm these statements or add statements? Also best brands?