DTF Printing vs DTG Printing vs Dye-Sublimation Printing: Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing the right printing method for custom t-shirts and apparel can feel confusing. Three popular options exist today: DTF (Direct to Film), DTG (Direct to Garment), and Dye-Sublimation. Each one has its own strengths and weak points. This guide explains everything in plain words so you can pick the best one for your business or project.

What Is DTF Printing?

DTF printing prints the design on a special clear film first. Then hot-melt powder is added, and the film gets pressed onto the fabric with a heat press. The result sticks directly to cotton, polyester, nylon, and even leather.

People love DTF because it works on almost any color shirt, feels soft, and lasts many washes. You can print small orders or thousands without big setup costs.

What Is DTG Printing?

DTG printing works like a big inkjet printer for clothes. The machine sprays water-based ink straight onto the garment. It gives bright colors and very detailed designs.

DTG works best on 100% cotton or high-cotton blends. Dark shirts need a white underbase layer, which adds time and cost.

What Is Dye-Sublimation Printing?

Dye-sublimation uses heat to turn special ink into gas that bonds with polyester fabric. The color becomes part of the fiber, so it never cracks or peels.

Sublimation only works on white or light-colored polyester items. You cannot use it on cotton or dark shirts unless the shirt has a special polyester coating.

Cost Comparison: Startup and Per-Shirt Price

• DTF: Startup cost sits in the middle ($3,000–$8,000 for a good printer, shaker, and heat press). Per shirt costs around $2–$4 for transfers even on small runs.
• DTG: Highest startup cost ($10,000–$25,000 for a reliable machine). Ink is expensive, and dark shirts need a lot of white ink, so cost per shirt can reach $6–$12.
• Dye-Sublimation: Lowest startup cost if you already own a good inkjet printer and heat press ($1,500–$4,000 total). The per-shirt cost stays under $2 once you buy sublimation paper and ink.

For small businesses or side hustles, DTF and sublimation are easier on the wallet.

Fabric and Color Choices

• DTF wins here. It prints on cotton, 50/50 blends, polyester, nylon, silk, and even wood or glass.
• DTG needs mostly cotton. Colors look great on white shirts, but black shirts cost more and take longer.
• Dye-Sublimation only works well on polyester or polyester-coated items. Black or cotton shirts are impossible without special (and pricey) coated blanks.

If you want to print on any shirt your customer brings, choose DTF.

Print Quality and Hand Feel

• DTF: Very good detail and bright colors. The print feels a little thicker than DTG but still soft after proper curing.
• DTG: Best detail and softest feel on cotton shirts. Many people say it feels like the design is part of the fabric.
• Dye-Sublimation: No hand feel at all – the ink is inside the fabric. Colors stay bright forever, but you lose sharp small text on some fabrics.

Durability and Wash Test

• DTF: Lasts 50+ washes if you use good film, powder, and curing time.
• DTG: Lasts 30–50 washes with proper pretreatment and curing. Some fading can happen on dark shirts.
• Dye-Sublimation: Best durability. The print never fades, cracks, or peels because it is dyed into the fabric.

Speed and Daily Output

• DTF: Fast once you get the workflow down. You can print 50–100 shirts a day with one person.
• DTG: Slow on dark shirts because of the white underbase. A good machine does 20–40 shirts in an 8-hour day.
• Dye-Sublimation: Very fast for all-over prints. You can press one shirt every 60 seconds.

Best Uses for Each Method

When to Choose DTF

• You sell many different fabrics (cotton hoodies, poly performance tees, tote bags)
• Customers want small orders (1–50 pieces) with no minimum
• You need bright colors on black shirts without high cost
• You want one printer for shirts, hats, sleeves, and pockets

Many new shops start with DTF because it covers almost every order type.

When to Choose DTG

• You only print on cotton or cotton-rich shirts
• Super detailed artwork with tiny text and photos is your main product
• Soft hand feel matters more than anything to your customers
• You already have a big budget for equipment

When to Choose Dye-Sublimation

• You make all-over print shirts, sport jerseys, or mouse pads
• You only use polyester blanks
• You sell large runs (100+ pieces) where speed matters most
• Fade-proof prints are the main selling point

Final Quick Decision Table

My Recommendation for Most People in 2025–2026

Right now, DTF gives the best mix of low cost, flexibility, and quality for most small-to-medium businesses. You can start making money fast without limiting yourself to one fabric type. Many shops that started with DTG or sublimation now add DTF because customers ask for more options.

If you want to see real DTF samples and current prices, check out dtflinko.com – they offer printers, film, powder, and full starter kits with training.

Pick the method that matches the shirts you want to sell most. Start small, test a few orders, and grow from there. The right choice today will keep your customers happy and your profits growing tomorrow.