Are you looking for a printing method that offers high-quality results and versatility? If so, you might be looking for various options. Consider direct-to-film printing over other alternatives because Direct-to-Film Printing is better than Sublimation and Vinyl Printing.
Yes, sublimation and vinyl have been the first choice and the most popular for years. But there is a new player in the market: DTF printing. Direct-to-film printing is an ideal option due to its numerous advantages over other printing methods.
In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of direct-to-film printing and compare it to other popular methods in the market. This will help you make an informed decision and make a better choice.
So, let's get started and learn why direct-to-film printing is the better option for printing.
What is Direct-to-film Printing?
Direct-to-film (DTF) printing is a two-step printing process that involves printing a design into a film (PET film) using a dtf printer and then transferring the design from the film into the material using adhesive power and heat press.
DTF printing is often used for producing high-quality graphics and designs on various materials such as textiles, plastics, metals, and more.
Direct-to-film printing has become more popular due to its ability to produce vibrant colors and focus on fine details for various applications, including ordinary clothes, advertisements, and promotional items.
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Before comparing this printing method with others and determining the better one, let’s learn what Sublimation and Vinyl are.
What is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing is a popular method that uses a sublimation printer to print the design onto a transfer paper, also known as sublimation paper, using special inks or dyes.
The special inks are transferred to nylon, polyester, and acrylic materials using heat and pressure. The heat and pressure cause the ink ( transfer paper) to bond with the material. The result is a clear, colorful image that won't fade or crack over time.
Direct-to-film (DTF) Printing VS. Sublimation Printing: Comparison
DTF printing involves embedding the image into the fabric or substance using transfer film. While sublimation printing uses a process in which a solid instantaneously transforms into a gas without first becoming liquid, transferring design into the material.
Sublimation printing has been a top choice in the printing industry for years. But now a big rival is taking up the market. Yes, that's right, DTF printing has become a direct rival to sublimation printing.
Let’s dive into their differences to determine which is better.
1. Versatility and Material Compatibility
DTF printing can be done in various substrate materials, including fabrics including cotton and synthetic fabrics, metal, plastics, wood, leather, plexiglass, and copperplate paper.
On the other hand, sublimation printing is only appropriate for usage with synthetic but can be used in metals, ceramics, and leathers after it is coated with polyester.
Hence, DTF printing is the best option compared to sublimation printing for versatility.
2. Color and Detail
DTF printing delivers vibrant and brighter colors compared to sublimation printing since DTF ink is dense and embedded into the material, producing a picture that is more vivid and saturated.
In addition, DTF printing produces finer details and sharper lines than sublimation printing, giving images a better level of clarity.
Finally, Sublimation printing does not work well for the darker substrate material or white design.
3. Print Texture
Sublimation printing and DTF printing feel differently after applying heat to transfer the print pattern to the material. There is melted adhesive powder, and the ink is embedded in the material, which can be complex and stiff.
Similarly, in the case of sublimation printing, the transfer is heated from the solid state of the image and then enters the product as a gas. As a result, the texture of the product's image print will feel soft to the touch.
4. Quantity
DTF printing usually produces only one print simultaneously, while Sublimation printing can produce many prints simultaneously. However, the number of prints for sublimation printing highly depends upon the print size and design, machine, materials, and complexity of the print design.
So, if you run a large-scale printing, it is better to adopt sublimation printing; however, if you are only in a small-scale or medium-scale printing industry, DTF printing is more than enough.
5. Cost
Considering the cost of equipment and other factors like transfer papers, DTF printing is slightly cheaper than sublimation printing. Moreover, there is significantly less wastage in DTF printing than in sublimation printing, making DTF a cost-efficient technique.
This cost efficiency is seen in the market price of these printing, where DTF printing is available at a slightly lower price.
Better Choice Between Direct-to-film (DTF) Printing and Sublimation Printing
DTF printing is preferable regarding cost, versatility, color, and detail.
Compared to sublimation printing, DTF printing produces more vivid colors and finer details in various materials. DTF printing is also more affordable than sublimation printing and results in less waste, making it a more cost-effective process.
However, DTF printing typically only produces one print at a time, while sublimation printing can produce multiple prints at once, making it a better option for large-scale printing.
What Is Vinyl Printing?
Vinyl printing prints customized artwork, logos, or text on vinyl material. It includes accurately cutting out designs from sheets or rolls of sticky vinyl using a specialized tool called a vinyl cutter or plotter.
Vinyl printing is commonly used to produce signs, banners, vehicle decorations, window decals, wall graphics, stickers, etc. It is a preferred option for indoor and outdoor applications because of its adaptability and toughness.
Vinyl printing is a process that includes creating custom designs on vinyl materials. It involves cutting techniques from sticky vinyl sheets or rolls using a vinyl cutter. The procedures include designing, setting up, choosing materials, cutting, weeding, applying transfer tape, and completing the application to the target surface.
Direct-to-film (DTF) Printing VS. Vinyl Printing: Comparison
Now that we have covered Vinyl Printing let's compare it with DTF printing.
1. Cost-effective for Small Batches
In general, DTF printing is more economical for small to medium print runs. The method does not call for the expensive screen-making or filtering steps in vinyl printing. DTF printing has become an ideal choice due to the initial setup requirements for vinyl printing, which may be excessive for personalized or custom orders.
2. Versatility and Compatibility in Fabric
When it comes to fabric compatibility, DTF printing gives greater versatility as compared to Vinyl printing. Various textiles, including cotton, polyester, mixes, and even more complex materials, like dark polyester fabrics, can be used with DTF printing. On the other hand, vinyl printing has fewer compatibility options and might not adhere to some fabric types.
3. Final Result
DTF printing produces a softer and translucent finish than vinyl printing. While using DTF printing, the ink absorbs into the fabric and keeps it feeling natural. Vinyl occasionally seems stiffer and less comfortable on clothing; thus, DTF printing is the better choice, beneficial for garments and textiles that need comfort and flexibility.
4. Detailed and Complex Designs
DTF printing is excellent at making complicated and complex designs with fine detail and vivid colors. Regarding DTF printing, the process involves printing the design directly onto a transfer film, which is then transferred to the fabric.
With vinyl printing, it may be challenging to obtain complex designs and accurate color matching, especially on smaller or more delicate pieces.
5. Fade and Crack Resistance
DTF printing provides longer life and more excellent durability because the ink is absorbed into the fabric fibers. As a result, the printed designs are less likely to fade, break, or peel over time, especially after several washings. In contrast, vinyl prints may deteriorate in quality and look quicker due to wear and tear after being in a harsh environment.
Better Choice Between Direct-to-film (DTF) Printing and Vinyl Printing
Direct-to-film (DTF) printing has a competitive advantage when comparing its benefits with vinyl Printing. Firstly, it's notably cost-effective for small to medium-sized print runs due to its omission of expensive screen-making and intricate filtering steps inherent in vinyl printing.
DTF printing is, therefore, a desirable choice, especially for personalized or custom orders where vinyl's early setup expenses may be problematic. Likewise, various textiles, particularly complicated materials like black polyester fabrics, can be printed with DTF printing. On the other hand, some fabric types may not adhere to vinyl printing.
Conclusion
In summary, Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is the superior choice over Sublimation and Vinyl Printing. DTF offers versatility, vibrant colors, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for complex designs, making it the ideal option for various printing needs. However, consider the specific requirements of your project before making a final choice.
Direct-to-Film Printing at trydtf
At trydtf, we transfer your plain and straightforward substrate and material to a fully customized piece of art.
Bring your t-shirts, mugs, caps, and more; we guarantee to return these items with versatile and high-quality direct-to-film transfers at the most competitive prices.
So, if you want to start your journey with DTF printing but are still considering if it is worth it, Trydtf has brought a solution for you. We offer free samples to get you started and make the process more convenient!
Please visit our site or contact us at trydtf to learn more about us and start your journey in the DTF printing industry.