Both methods place full-colour designs on textiles, but they work very differently — the choice comes down to the fabric colour and material.
When to use DTF
- Cotton or blended fabrics
- Any background colour, including black
- Small runs of 1–50 pieces
- Full-colour logos or photos
When to use Sublimation
- Light-coloured 100% polyester
- Photo-quality colour gradients
- Mugs, plates, mousepads
Side-by-side
| Criterion | DTF | Sublimation |
|---|---|---|
| Background colour | Any | Light only |
| Material | Cotton + blends | Polyester |
| Durability | 50+ washes | Effectively permanent |
| Cost per piece | Low | Very low |
Bottom line
Need a cotton t-shirt or dark colour? DTF. Have a light polyester item or a mug? Sublimation gives you longer life and better colour reproduction.