If you&#;re into garment customization, you&#;ve probably debated whether to opt for sublimation printing or heat transfer vinyl. Both are used to embellish fabrics and transfer captivating designs. However, the process of sublimation is different from that of heat transfer vinyl. Fabric compatibility also differs and so also the durability and the feel of the final product. The process you choose depends on your requirements, the magnitude of your production, and the budget you have.
Let&#;s see in detail what are the differences between sublimation and heat transfer vinyl printing so that you may decide which technique is best for your next project.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website sublimation vs heat transfer paper.
Sublimation
Heat Transfer Vinyl
High initial investment
Low investment
Excellent for high volume projects
Good for smaller projects
Requires sublimation paper, special dyes, and printer
Requires HTV, automated cutting machine, and heat press
Works with polyester and poly-coated substrates
Works with cotton, polyester, and poly/cotton blends
Highly durable and long-lasting
Lasts up to 50 wash cycles. May peel or crack with time
Best for full-color graphics, gradients, and photographic images
Best for solid color and layered designs that are not very intricate
Easy process of application
Time consuming process of application
Works best with white or light-colored substrates
No color limitation for substrates
The dyes do not create a raised texture and get infused with the fibers of the fabric
It has a raised texture and layers over the substrate
Heat transfer vinyl, also called HTV or iron-on vinyl, is a type of specialty material with an adhesive backing that requires heat and pressure to be activated. It shows the best results on cotton, polyester, and poly/cotton blends and is an ideal embellishment for garments made from these. You can use HTV on glass, metal, leather, and wood as well but it might not be as durable on these.
Jul 20, TeckWrap Craft
If you want to personalize items such as clothing, accessories, or even soft home decor, heat transfer vinyl may be the answer for you. Are there a lot of intricate details in your design? No need to worry! Heat transfer vinyl can be cut into any shape using a pair of scissors or an electronic cutting machine. It is available in a plethora of different colors and finishes and adds life to your garments.
$11.99
$11.99
$14.99
$13.99
Heat transfer vinyl is available for purchase in the form of sheets or rolls. There are a lot of options on the market for different colors, patterns, and finishes. If you choose to use this vinyl material for your craft projects, the possibilities will be endless! Heat transfer vinyl produces durable and long-lasting results. If you take proper care of the design, it can last from 30 to 50 wash cycles.
Sublimation printing is used to transfer images, designs, and patterns onto various types of surfaces applying heat and pressure and using special paper and dyes or inks. It can be used for a number of different surfaces, such as polyester fabrics, ceramics, and metals.
Sep 05, TeckWrap Craft
Sublimation paper is used to print designs on compatible surfaces. It acts as a carrier for the sublimation ink and allows you to transfer your design onto the base material easily. Wondering if regular printing paper can get the job done? No! It won&#;t act as a carrier for the ink, so if you want to use this technique for your crafting projects, you&#;ll have to buy sublimation paper.
You will also have to use special sublimation ink which is dye-based and requires heat and pressure to be activated. It transforms from solid to gas when the appropriate heat settings are applied and transfers onto the base material during this process.
Both heat transfer vinyl and sublimation printing are used to transfer intricate designs onto compatible substrates using heat and pressure. However, they have some stark differences such as:
For sublimation, you will have to invest in a printer that uses special ink needed for the process. Special dyes are used and so also sublimation paper that holds the ink. It is thicker and is coated with special chemicals that help the dye particles evaporate into gas. You will also need a heat press machine and butcher paper.
For HTV transfers, you will just need a premium quality heat transfer vinyl, an automated cutting machine (a scissor or craft knife will also do), a heat press machine, and parchment paper.
Heat transfer vinyl is more affordable than sublimation printing. The initial cost of sublimation is higher since it requires special equipment, such as a sublimation printer, sublimation paper, and sublimation dyes or inks. Though it produces high-quality and professional-looking results, the initial set-up for sublimation printing is much more expensive and it may not be cost-effective if you&#;re not producing large quantities of customized products and full-color designs on polyester-based materials.
HTV, on the other hand, can be more economical for smaller runs or when working with a variety of fabric types. The tools required for heat transfer vinyl printing are not expensive as well and are easy to use. HTV sheets or rolls are relatively affordable and come in a wide range of colors and styles. It will be difficult to transfer HTV designs on bulk projects though.
It's essential to consider your budget, the nature of your projects, and your long-term goals when choosing between these two customization methods.
Heat transfer vinyl works well on several different types of substrates. It shows excellent results on cotton, polyester, and poly-cotton blends. Heat transfer vinyl is also used for applying designs to hard surfaces such as wood, glass, and metal. Some of the substrates for HTV are:
There are numerous HTV project ideas that you can employ using these substrates.
Sublimation shows the best results on polyester or fabric materials with a high polyester count. To use this technique on other materials, the substrate surface may need to be specifically coated for sublimation. Sublimation also only shows clear results on white or light-colored backgrounds. Some of the substrates for sublimation are:
It's essential to choose the appropriate substrate for your specific customization method, whether HTV or sublimation, to achieve the best results. While HTV offers more versatility in terms of substrate compatibility, sublimation printing excels in producing vibrant, long-lasting prints on polyester-based materials and coated items.
When heat transfer vinyl is used, the design sits on the substrate as a top layer. A well-transferred HTV design can withstand normal wear and tear, making it suitable for personalized apparel and accessories. However, the longevity can vary based on the quality of the vinyl used.
With time and repeated washing, HTV may experience peeling or cracking, especially if the application process is not done correctly. Properly adhered vinyl should maintain its appearance for a reasonable amount of time, up to 50 washes.
Furthermore, heat transfer vinyl can be less UV-resistant than sublimation, which means it may fade when exposed to prolonged sunlight or outdoor conditions.
Aug 05, TeckWrap Craft
In sublimation, the dye penetrates through the surface of the substrate and becomes a part of the material. Due to this reason, sublimation produces more durable and long-lasting results compared to heat transfer vinyl. The designs do not crack, fade, or wash out as quickly.
Sublimation prints can withstand repeated washes without significant deterioration in color or quality. They are also more UV-resistant than HTV, which means they can maintain their vibrancy even when exposed to sunlight. This makes them suitable for outdoor applications.
Are you working with complex designs that have a lot of intricate details? Though heat transfer vinyl can be used for such projects, it is sometimes difficult to accurately cut and weed designs that have intricate details. For heat transfer vinyl, solid blocks of color work best.
If you&#;re looking to produce colorful, photo-realistic images, opt for sublimation. Sublimation excels at reproducing full-color graphics, gradients, and photographic images with exceptional detail and clarity.
The process of applying heat transfer vinyl and sublimation printing also differ significantly. Let&#;s first see how an HTV design is transferred onto a compatible substrate.
In order to prepare the fabric, wash it first to remove dirt, oils, and chemicals that can interfere with the adhesion. Let it dry then apply heat to it to completely remove moisture. Finalize the design on the software that comes with your cutting machine such as Cricut Design Space or Silhouette Studio. You can also work with pre-existing designs and templates from the internet.
Do not forget to mirror the design or flip it horizontally. Cut a piece of the vinyl and place it on the cutting mat shiny side down. The matte side of the vinyl should be facing you. Load the mat into the automated cutting machine and let it cut the design. If you don&#;t have an electronic cutting machine, you can also use a pair of scissors or a craft knife for this step.
Once this is done, weed out the negative vinyl from your design using a weeding tool. Preheat the heat press machine according to the temperature settings mentioned for the HTV used. Place the design on the fabric where you want it to be shiny side up. Put a Teflon cover sheet or parchment paper on top of the vinyl.
Apply heat and pressure according to the recommended settings for the time duration mentioned. This information will be specific to the type of vinyl you&#;re using and can be found on the vinyl packaging. Once the time is up, remove the parchment paper.
If you&#;re using a &#;warm peel&#; HTV, remove the carrier sheet when the design is still warm. For a &#;cool peel&#; HTV, allow the garment to cool down before removing the carrier sheet. You have successfully transferred your design onto a compatible fabric.
In this section, we&#;ll explain how to use sublimation to transfer an intricate design to a suitable fabric. Create the pattern on software as you did for the HTV and mirror it. Load the sublimation paper into the printer. It will act as a carrier for the dye. You will need to ensure that the printer you&#;re using is compatible with sublimation ink and paper. Print your design. If your design comes out a bit duller than what is on your computer, don&#;t worry. The application of heat will make it brighter.
Position the design onto the T-shirt. The graphic should be facing down. Secure it in place with heat-resistant tape. Place butcher paper on top of it. The temperature settings used for sublimation are typically around 400°F. Apply heat for about 15-20 seconds in order to transfer the ink from the paper to the substrate.
After the time is up, remove the butcher paper and let the design cool for a few minutes. Then slowly peel away the sublimation paper. The design will be transferred onto the fabric.
Designing with heat transfer vinyl has its pros and cons. We have enlisted these for you to consider:
Sublimation has its positive and negative aspects as well. These are briefly mentioned below:
TeckWrap Craft offers a comprehensive selection of high-quality heat transfer vinyl films that cater to the creative needs of both hobbyists and professionals. Their extensive range includes a wide spectrum of vibrant colors, textures, and finishes, allowing customers to bring their unique design ideas to life with ease.
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$11.99
$13.99
$13.90
We prioritize user-friendly applications, hence our HTV is suitable for a variety of substrates, from fabrics to leather and beyond. With a commitment to durability and lasting impressions, our vinyl ensures that personalized designs stay vibrant even after multiple washes and wear. You will get the following finishes in a multitude of exquisite colors with us:
The finest sublimation paper is crucial for achieving high-quality and long-lasting sublimation prints. At TeckWrap Craft, we fully understand this hence we offer a 100-sheet pack of 8.3"X 11.7" sublimation paper in 100g and 120g.
$15.90
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Our premium quality paper has quick ink drying properties to prevent smudging and ensure precise image transfer. It is designed to absorb sublimation ink effectively, allowing it to bond with the substrate uniformly. It maintains consistent color and image reproduction, ensuring that the final prints have vibrant and accurate colors.
Our sublimation paper facilitates sharp and detailed image transfers, especially for complex designs and photographic prints, and is compatible with a variety of substrates, including fabrics, ceramics, metal, and more. The transferred prints are durable and can withstand washing, UV exposure, and general wear and tear without fading or deterioration.
For more Quick Dry Sublimation Paperinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Sublimation produces more durable and long-lasting results compared to heat transfer vinyl as the ink penetrates through the material and becomes a part of it.
No, sublimation printing works best on polyester-based materials only and is not suitable for cotton fabrics. You can use HTV on it.
This depends on the material of the T-shirt. Heat transfer vinyl shows excellent results on cotton, polyester, and poly-cotton blends and sublimation works best on polyester fabrics.
We recommend using a specialized sublimation printer for this printing method. This is because the printer will need to be loaded with sublimation ink. Regular ink will not work. Certain inkjet printers, those with printheads that do not use heat, can be used for sublimation if the correct ink is loaded into them. However, most brands of inkjet printers use thermal printheads which makes them unsuitable for this method.
Yes, both methods can be used on hard surfaces, but the choice depends on the material and desired results. Sublimation is often preferred for ceramics and metals when they are poly-coated.
Sublimation typically offers a smoother finish as the ink becomes part of the fabric, while HTV may have a slightly raised texture on the surface. However, sublimation gives the best results on white and light-colored fabrics only.
It depends on your specific needs. HTV is great for customizing cotton-based fabrics, offering a wide range of colors and finishes. Sublimation is best for polyester-based materials, providing full-color, long-lasting prints. It also depends on your budget and the volume of your work. For bulk projects, sublimation is the right choice.
So, what&#;s better &#; sublimation or heat transfer vinyl? It all comes down to the specific requirements of your crafting project. If you are preparing bulk orders in polyester fabric opt for sublimation. For small-scale projects in cotton and its blends, HTV is the best.
In this article, we&#;ve gone over the list of factors you should consider when trying to decide between these two printing methods. We&#;ve also explained the application processes for both techniques. Hence you can easily decide for your specific project, which printing method is the best.
In order to purchase premium quality heat transfer vinyl films and sublimation paper, visit TeckWrap Craft to get the best value for money. Do not forget to share your creations with us!
If you&#;re looking to create custom t-shirts or other custom printed products, you have a few different printing methods to choose from. Two of the most popular methods are heat transfer vinyl (HTV) and sublimation printing. You may be familiar with these terms, but you may be wondering which is right for you.
In this article, we&#;ll explore the key differences between these two printing methods, and compare the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision about which is best for your next project.
Keep reading to learn more!
Heat transfer vinyl, also known as HTV or iron-on vinyl, is a type of material with a heat-activated adhesive that can be cut into any shape using scissors or a die-cutting machine. After the design is cut, it can be transferred onto fabric using an iron or a heat press.
HTV comes in sheets or rolls and is available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes including glossy, metallic, glitter, and holographic, and can be used to create both simple and complex designs. Once applied, HTV creates a durable, long-lasting bond with the fabric and the design becomes permanent after cooling.
Printed garments using HTV can be washed just like any other piece of clothing and the design can last for years with the proper care.
Heat sublimation is a digital printing process that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials such as fabric, ceramic, metal, or wood. It works by first printing the design onto sublimation paper using a special inkjet printer. The paper is then placed onto the material and heated to a high temperature. This causes the dye to vaporize and penetrate the fabric, permanently bonding the design onto the fabric.
Unlike HTV, which relies on an adhesive to bond the design to the fabric&#;s surface, sublimation dyes are absorbed into the material itself. This results in a design that is less likely to crack or peel over time and is actually dyed into the fabric. Sublimated designs are also resistant to shrinking and stretching.
One downside of sublimation is that it can only be done on materials with a polyester coating or those that are at least 50% polyester. This printing method is often used for apparel, mugs, coasters, koozies, mousepads, and other smaller items.
Now that we&#;ve covered the basics of each printing method, let&#;s look at the key differences to aid your decision-making process.
The main difference between HTV and sublimation printing is how each method adheres the design to the garment. With HTV, you&#;re essentially bonding a layer of vinyl to the surface of the fabric with heat and pressure. With sublimation, you&#;re actually dyeing the fabric itself so that the design becomes part of the garment. This makes sublimation more durable and longer-lasting than HTV. Because of this difference, HTV is typically better suited for harder surfaces like wood, glass, metal, or plastic, while sublimation works best on natural fabrics like cotton or polyester.
Another key difference is that HTV can be applied with an iron or heat press, while sublimation requires a special printer and transfer paper as well as a heat press.
In addition, because HTV only transfers the design onto the surface of the material, you don&#;t need to worry about losing any of the design when cutting it out like you would with sublimation.
You probably have lots of creative ideas when it comes to both design and the types of products you can create. But it&#;s important to keep in mind that not all products are compatible with both printing methods and some design considerations will be more important than others depending on the printing method you choose.
You may already have plans for the images you want to produce, however you may be limited in your creativity if you choose one printing method over the other. Let&#;s take a closer look at each option in terms of the design possibilities and the product types that are most compatible with each method.
Because sublimation is an ink transfer process, it is not suitable for use on cotton fabrics as the ink will only fuse with polyester products or those with a high percentage of polyester. Of course, it can also be used on non-fabric surfaces such as glass, metals, ceramics, etc.
The background color is another consideration - whether fabric or another material - designs using sublimation printing will only show up clearly on white or light-colored backgrounds. Dark-colored t-shirts are a no-no!
Vinyl, however, allows for a wider choice of both materials and colors and opens up many more possibilities when it comes to the kinds of products you can print on. There are drawbacks though - you can&#;t combine colors in one print so multi-colored designs, will require cutting, positioning, and heating vinyl sheets of each color separately.
Complex graphics are also difficult to produce with the HTV process - solid blocks of color work best. If you&#;re looking to produce complex, full-color, photo-realistic images, then sublimation needs to be your printing method of choice.
Having looked at some of the considerations you need to take into account when deciding on a printing method, you may now have a better idea of which products will be most compatible with your desired design. Let&#;s look at some of the products that work best with each method.
Ideal Products for Heat Vinyl Transfer Printing
Vinyl printing is versatile and can be used on a wide range of products. It&#;s important to remember though, that the durability of HTV will depend on the type of material you&#;re printing on and how well you take care of the item.
With that in mind, here are some popular products that are ideally suited for heat vinyl transfer printing:
Custom-Printed T-Shirts - These are often created for special occasions such as birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or themed corporate events and are typically not worn on a regular basis. HTV is a great option for personalizing t-shirts because it&#;s easy to use and relatively inexpensive.
Mugs or Water Bottles - Another popular promotional item that can be easily customized with HTV. These are typically given away at trade shows or corporate events and make great marketing tools.
Koozies, Coolers, and Promotional Gifts - Koozies and coolers are perfect giveaways for corporate picnics, summertime events, or as part of a product promotion when printed with company logos or branding information. These items usually don&#;t see a huge amount of wear and tear so HTV is a good option.
Car and Window Decals - HTV is the perfect medium for car decals and interior window decals. Vinyl is particularly durable when adhered to a hard surface like glass or metal and can withstand exposure to the elements.
Ideal Products for Sublimation Printing
Sublimation is a very versatile method suitable for printing on a wide variety of materials, and with the right type of heat press can be used on many different products. Some examples of products ideal for sublimation printing are:
Polyester Fabrics - This is the most popular type of fabric for sublimation printing. Polyester is a synthetic fabric that&#;s known for its durability and wrinkle-resistant properties. Think garments, aprons, flags, banners, and tote bags.
Shop Signage - Company signs are often made with sublimation-printed polyester material. The dye-sub process ensures that the graphics will be fade-resistant and can withstand exposure to sunlight and other elements.
Home Decor - Sublimation printing is a popular method for creating custom home decor items like pillow covers, blankets, and shower curtains - even ceramic floor tiles. The prints are permanent and won&#;t fade or bleed over time.
Promotional Products - Printable items with a rigid surface such as cell cases, mousepads, koozies, and tumblers are perfect for sublimation printing.
Non-Bendable Products - Polymer-treated materials like plastic, aluminum, and glass can be printed using the sublimation process. These items are often used for promotional purposes with company logos or marketing messages.
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In terms of cost, HTV is typically the more affordable option - both the equipment and the necessary consumables are far less costly than those needed for sublimation printing. With heat vinyl transfer, you only need to purchase the vinyl and a heat press or iron. The low cost of this method makes it perfect for small start-ups and hobbyists taking their first steps into the world of custom printing.
Sublimation, on the other hand, requires a more significant financial investment. In addition to the vinyl and heat press, you&#;ll need a dedicated sublimation printer - which can be quite costly - as well as transfer paper, and sublimation inks. These additional consumables make sublimation a more expensive printing method, particularly in the short term. If you plan on doing a lot of sublimation printing though, the initial investment may be worth it in the long run - you&#;ll get both higher quality and longer-lasting results.
Heat Vinyl Transfer
Pros:
Cons:
Sublimation Printing
Pros:
Cons:
As you can see, there are some key differences between HTV and sublimation printing. So, which method is right for you? It really depends on your needs and what you&#;re looking to create. Both printing methods have their own set of pros and cons, so it&#;s important to decide what&#;s most important to you before making a decision.
If cost is your main concern and you&#;re working with a tight budget, HTV is the way to go. However, if you&#;re looking for a more durable and long-lasting design, sublimation is the better option. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your own personal preferences and what you&#;re willing to spend.
We hope this article has helped you better understand the difference between heat transfer vinyl and sublimation printing. If you have any further questions, please don&#;t hesitate to contact us! We would be happy to help you with your next project.
Want more information on Sublimation Paper Jumbo Roll? Feel free to contact us.