For those of you who are into custom printing, you must know about sublimation printing and DTF transfer. They are both great for creating vivid designs, but can you use sublimation inks for DTF transfers?
Follow our guide to learn all about them and find out why they can’t be mixed!
What is Sublimation Ink?
First, let’s talk about sublimation ink. This ink is special because it turns into gas when heated. It bonds directly with polyester fabrics, becoming part of the fabric itself. This means your design stays vibrant and doesn’t fade or peel. However, sublimation only works on synthetic fabrics—especially polyester. If you try to use it on cotton, it won’t work at all.
What is DTF Transfer?
Now, let’s discuss DTF transfer (Direct-to-Film transfer). With this method, your design is printed onto a special film using pigment-based inks. Then, the adhesive powder is added, and when the design is pressed with heat onto the fabric, it sticks. The best thing about DTF transfer is its versatility—it works on cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics so that you can print on almost anything.
Can You Use Sublimation Ink for DTF Transfer?
Here’s the short answer: No, you can’t use sublimation ink for DTF transfer. Here’s why:
Different Types of Ink
Sublimation ink and DTF inks are made for different processes. Sublimation ink bonds with polyester fabric by turning it into a gas and fusing it with the fabric. On the other hand, DTF inks are pigment-based and sit on top of the fabric. So, sublimation ink won’t work for DTF transfer.
Fabric Limitations
Sublimation works only on polyester fabrics. DTF transfer, on the other hand, works on a variety of fabrics—cotton, polyester, and blends. If you’re working with cotton, DTF transfer is the way to go.
Printer Differences
The printers used for sublimation and DTF transfer are also different. Sublimation printers are designed to handle sublimation ink, while DTF printers are made for pigment-based inks. Using sublimation ink in a DTF printer could cause clogs and damage your printer. So, it’s best to stick with the right ink for each method.
What Ink Should You Use for DTF Transfer?
For DTF transfer, you need to use DTF inks, which are specially designed for this method. These inks are pigment-based and sit on top of the fabric. Unlike sublimation ink, which bonds with polyester, DTF inks give you vibrant prints on all kinds of materials, from cotton to polyester.
Why Choose DTF Transfer Over Sublimation?
While sublimation is perfect for certain jobs, DTF transfer has some major perks that make it the better choice in many cases:
- Works on more fabrics: DTF transfer works on cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics, giving you a lot more flexibility than sublimation, which only works on polyester.
- No fabric limitations: With DTF transfer, you’re not restricted to using only polyester. You can use whatever fabric you like!
- Perfect for small batches: If you’re doing small custom orders or one-off designs, DTF transfer is faster and more cost-effective than sublimation, especially since it works on all fabric types.
- Long-lasting prints: Both methods deliver great, long-lasting prints, but DTF transfer gives you more options for fabrics, which makes it more versatile.
Conclusion
In summary, dye-sublimation inks are not suitable for use on DTF transfers. If you are using DTF transfers, make sure to use DTF inks for best results.
FAQS
Can I use a regular printer for DTF transfers?
No. Regular printers cannot handle DTF inks and films. It would help if you had a professional DTF printer or a modified one.
What fabrics can I use for DTF transfer?
DTF transfer works on cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics—so it’s much more versatile than sublimation, which is limited to polyester.
Can I use sublimation ink for other printing methods?
Yes, sublimation ink is great for printing on polyester fabrics and hard surfaces like mugs, tumblers, and phone cases. But it’s not compatible with DTF transfer.
How long do DTF transfers last?
When applied correctly, DTF transfers last a long time. They’re durable, resistant to fading, and won’t peel after multiple washes, as long as you use the right heat press settings.
Do I need a special heat press for DTF transfer?
You don’t need anything fancy, but you will need a heat press with adjustable temperature and pressure settings. Most standard heat presses work fine for DTF transfer.
