A T-shirt with an excellent design appears fantastic. What if your t-shirts fade over time? That is seriously ANNOYING!!
But relax! We have the top two printing methods for exciting textures and elegant designs. Sublimation printing and screen printing.
Guess what?
No matter. You have 100 pieces or 200. They are exceptional at stunning prints.
Jace Apparel is quite impactful as your top-notch clothing manufacturer. Our 15+ years of experience can fetch you BOTH methods. Print your favorite colors on fabric fibers. Let consumers rock and roll with your custom apparel. Non-stop sales are now a reality!
But who is better at sublimation vs. screen printing? Today, we will delve into each printing method and vote for the best one.
Table of Contents
What Is Sublimation Printing?
Want to deploy the contemporary printing method? Let’s get to everyone’s favorite—sublimation printing!
Sublimation printing is a newer technique that dips the shirts into the NEVER-FADING colors. Sublimation printing is quite effective at printing structures on polyester blends.
In sublimation printing, the heat transfer transforms colors from solid to gas. No intermediate stage. No liquid form. The direct gas conversion is magical.
Guess magic. Let me tell you— it gives bold and deeper colors. Moreover, there are no cases of fading for extended periods.
How does sublimation printing work?
Sublimation printing is simple and efficient.
Let’s untangle the mystery and unlock its potential by understanding the following points.
- Create design. Use Photoshop or other tools to prepare your design. Whether complex or simple, make things easy.
- Printing. Grab your sublimation ink. Now, print it on the transfer sheet.
- Positioning of the transfer sheet. Properly arrange the sheet using the material or fabrics you want to print.
- Heating. Turn on your heat presses and elevate the temperature to 400° F.
- Cooling. Let the material be excellent.
Understood?
The sublimation ink is the truthful black magic. It transforms into the gas and, upon cooling, gets converted to the solid form, leaving a bold design for your t-shirts.
What Is Screen Printing?
Old mind? Like the 90s?
Screen Printing is the one you want to protect your legacy. Isn’t that so?
Well.
Screen Printing is a traditional printing method that deploys a separate stencil. Instead of directly printing the design on the whole t-shirt surface, it works differently.
The stencil blocks the areas that don’t print. It allows printing only in the required areas.
Screen Printing is everyone’s favorite. LITERALLY.
For bulk orders, it is your savior! You can screen print hundreds of t-shirts and quality apparel in minutes. Also, stay free of tension for the color fading.
How does screen printing work?
Screen Printing creates a separate screen for each color.
So, a warning— get ready for fun!!
- Design creation. Let the design come out of your brain. Creativity is a bid.
- Screen Creation. Prepare a mesh screen with a light-sensitive emulsion.
- Stencil Creation. Now, drop the light and enjoy the show. Wherever light hits, it is a rock-solid area for printing!!
- Ink application. Apply the mesh screen on the fabric surface. A squeegee can help print the design on the surface.
- Drying and curing. Dry and heat it!!
The result is fantastic printing with elegant colors. Do the same if the colors differ and must be printed on the fabric surface.
Sublimation vs Screen Printing
Sublimation and screen printing are by far the most competitive printing methods. Don’t forget the other printing techniques as well.
Let’s compare the sublimation and screen printing methods.
| Feature | Sublimation Printing | Screen Printing |
| Print Quality | Vibrant and bold colors, no fading | Good colors but struggles with multiple colors |
| Print Complexity | Great for complex designs, supports intricate details | Requires multiple screens for complex designs |
| Color Blending | Can print multiple colors seamlessly | Limited to one color at a time, multiple screens needed |
| Durability | Long-lasting with no peeling or cracking | Can peel or crack over time, thick print layers |
| Special Effects | Capable of 3D effects and specialty inks | Can achieve 3D effects, but less accurate |
| Fabric Compatibility | Best for polyester and blends, not suitable for cotton | Ideal for cotton and natural fabrics |
| Eco-friendliness | Eco-friendly inks, recyclable leftovers | Uses toxic inks unless water-based alternatives are used |
| Cost Efficiency | Cost-effective for small and large orders | Best for bulk orders, less efficient for small runs |
| Upfront Investment | High initial setup costs, long-term affordability | High setup costs, especially for bulk printing |
| On-Demand Fulfillment | Quick and easy for small or large orders | Requires time for setup, best for bulk orders |
Print Quality
Printing the vibrant and bold colors!! Listen up to the sublimation and screen printing techniques.
Sublimation printing focuses on the vibrance with vivid colors. No fading risks. Pure printing. Quality printing. You can even print the images and multiple colors on the same fabrics.
The screen printing process is quite good at printing quality colors. But. It lacks. Especially when you are printing multiple colors, it fails. (You need various screens to print multiple colors.)
Don’t you think it is a headache?! Moreover, the color vibrancy is not the same as expected.
Winner: Sublimation print is our winner at this point.
Print Complexity
Bow down to the sublimation prints again here!! Let me tell you the unbelievable facts about sublimation printing.
Sublimation printing is a newer and more advanced technique. Craft the complex artwork with freedom. Print it on your fabrics without a second thought. You can even try Adobe Photoshop and other top tools for sublimation print.
Screen print is not what you want here. Traditional screen printing requires multiple screens for multiple colors. Moreover, printing complex designs is the crux of the matter. No ease, but the pain is more in the screen-printed designs.
Winner: Sublimation printing is an undisputed champion in design complexity.
Color Blending
One color? Or multiple colors? One color is more accessible for other dye printing techniques. At the same time, the dispute occurs when multiple colors come into the picture.
The sublimation printing doesn’t care if you have one or more colors. It prints the colors non-stop. If you have a complex design with multiple colors, sublimation printing is good at printing such color blends.
In the case of screen printing, there is much more to worry about. It prints only one color at a time. Multiple mesh screens can be troublesome. Moreover, color accuracy is not the same.
Winner: Sublimation printing is a non-stop option!
Quick Tip: For color blend, the ideal choice is sublimation dye. However, giving plenty of time and quality dyes to the screen printing gets a long-lasting touch. Enhance your screen printing color durability with plastisol inks.
Durability
It is not only the quality that matters. Hundreds like I focus on the fading and long-lasting strength.
Let’s announce the kingmaker here.
Sublimation dye has no match. I am being honest. The quality of sublimation prints is next-level. Even more. It prints the colors deeper into the fabrics. So, peeling or cracking of colors is no longer a migraine!!
Screen printing is reasonable but not practical. It provides color integration at the top, not deep into the fabric. That is why screen printing creates a thick print layer of multiple colors. Easy peeling and quick cracking create a fuss!!
Winner: Sublimation printing is a matchless choice!!
Special Effects
Want to get out of the matrix?! Try the special effects. Create better filters for your prints.
Let’s see who is better at it.
Sublimation printing is the digital method. So, technically, you can print the 3D designs and colors. Special effects can also be produced with specialty inks.
Screen printing again bows down to the sublimation printing at this point. This printing method can print the 3D designs but consumes more time. Moreover, it is not very accurate in every single aspect. For screen printing of special effects, do it with plenty of time.
Winner: You can’t deny the sublimation printing here!
Fabrics
Fabrics can be a game-changer if you have cotton or polyester. Let’s dive into the reliance on each fabric.
Sublimation printing is the ideal choice if you have the following:
- Polyester
- Polyester blends
- polymer-coated fabrics
- Neoprene
- Nylon
- Spandex
The higher the polyester is, the better it is suitable for sublimation printing. Remember, sublimation printing is unsuitable for natural fabrics like cotton or silk.
Screen printing has a sole purpose for cotton or natural fabrics. Its purpose is to create elegant designs on cotton. When it comes to polyester or blends, the printing is not very accurate.
Eco-friendly
Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint? Try it with every single printing method you love the most.
Sublimation dye printing is indeed the one you’ll love. It offers smooth and eco-friendly inks. Moreover, the leftover stock is recycled to minimize carbon waste. However, it boosts the efficiency of the printing. Serve as the best eco-friendly printing compared to other dye transfer techniques.
On the other hand, screen printing uses toxic and non-eco techniques. The inks are purely dangerous ones as a non-biodegradable material. However, you can try the water-based inks that offer safe screen-printed designs.
Winner: No words. Only and only Sublimation printing.
Expert tip: Screen Printing has an eco-friendly secret in its plastisol ink. Try it for staying on the safe ends. Ensure an eco-friendly environment.
Bernadette Vumbaca, Manufacturing Specialist
Cost Efficiency
Saving costs.
Planning budget….
Thinking of cost-effectiveness.
Here is the comparison.
Sublimation printing is a versatile choice with no product restrictions. It offers an equal cost structure, Whether you have one or one hundred items. So you can save on small and large orders.
You have to meet with better cost efficiency when it comes to screen printing. Screen printing is not practical for one or a few orders. Instead, bulk items can cover its costs and save more money. So, think of it when bulk items are ready for printing.
Winner: Sublimation printing is king!!
Upfront Investment
How much budget do you have??
It matters a lot!! Here is why.
Sublimation printing needs an excellent setup. It comes with digital machines and accuracy options. The upfront investment can be high. In the long-term view, it is the most affordable option.
Compared to it, screen printing also costs hectic pricing. You must deploy the bulk inventory to save money. Moreover, it is suitable for hundreds of items but only one or two. Overall, it is also a high upfront investment in the long term.
Winner: The sublimation printing has a heads-up!
On-demand Fulfillment
How often do your consumers order? A single order has a different production pattern than one hundred products.
Sublimation printing has access to the same printing techniques for all orders. Whether one or multiple, you get the instant delivery. So, the on-demand fulfillment makes it a suitable choice for the sellers.
Screen printing requires the stencils and proper setup. You must have the time for all the printing objects to be ready. Finally, you can add prints to your fabrics. So, it doesn’t provide on-demand fulfillment for one item. If you are looking for a bulk opportunity, it is one you have.
Winner: You know already, it is a sublimation dye!!
Paramount advice: For instant order fulfillment, come with sublimation printing and try top companies. Jace Apparel provides instant shipping with speedy and quality printing.
People Also Ask About Sublimation vs Screen printing
1. What shirts are best for sublimation?
Polyester fabric is the first choice for sublimation printing. The following materials can be your priority in this case:
· Tank tops
· Sports jerseys
· T-shirts
· Rash guards
It is better to shake hands with eye-cat
2. Do you need a heat press for screen printing?
Unlike sublimation prints, heat presses are not necessary for screen printing. The screen printing is straightforward and depends on the inks for fantastic print quality.
3. How long does screen printing last?
It depends on the quality of screen printing you have done. Usually, after many washings, the fabrics start losing their colors. It happens because the color gets peeled off. However, a better printing technique can stabilize the colors in deeper layers.
4. Can you sublimate on dark colors?
Sublimation ink is less effective for dark materials. Opt for the light colors that penetrate deeper into the surface. Also, the printing quality of the various materials must be checked to determine the best fit.
Conclusion
So, which method do you select? Both sublimation and screen printing are giving each other tough competition.
The problem lies in the selection. But don’t worry. Choose the one that fits your needs. However, find the top-class digital printing suppliers.
Jace Apparel can be your one-stop solution. Dig out an extensive range of designs and quality screen printing techniques. Also, enjoy the sublimation printing. Remain cost-effective and grow your business at next-level speed.
Please discuss with our experts to get a free quote for your business!!
Sources:
Printful: Sublimation vs Screen Printing
Spiceworks: Sublimation Printing vs. Screen Printing: 12 Key Differences
Pigskin and pigtail: Screen Printing vs. Sublimation: Which Process is Better?
CorelDraw: Sublimation vs. Screen Printing: What’s the Difference?