Trying to decide between sublimation vs screen printing? Both are popular printing methods used in apparel, home decor, and promotional products, but they work differently.

In this article, we’ll break down how sublimation printing and screen printing work, compare their pros and cons, and help you decide which method fits your brand in 2025.

Sublimation printing vs screen printing explained

Sublimation and screen printing are both excellent methods for creating custom products. Let’s walk through how each method works, what materials they require, and what makes them stand out.

Sublimation printing

Sublimation printing is a digital printing technique that uses heat to transfer dye directly into the surface of a product. 

Rather than sitting on top of the fabric, the dye becomes part of the material itself, creating smooth, vibrant, and long-lasting seam-to-seam prints.

The sublimation printing process starts by applying a design onto a special transfer paper using a printer loaded with sublimation ink cartridges. 

That transfer sheet is placed onto the product, usually a polyester-based item or polymer-coated surface. A heat press applies high temperature and pressure, turning the sublimation dye into gas, allowing the ink to bond with the material’s fibers.

Best materials for sublimation printing:

• Light-colored synthetic fabrics like polyester and blends with a high polyester content.
• Coated items such as mugs, mouse pads, phone cases, and home decor.

Common uses:

• All-over print apparel.
• High-resolution digital photos and artwork.
• Personalized gifts and small-batch product runs.

Since sublimation printing works best on synthetic surfaces, it’s not suitable for cotton or dark-colored materials. 

Screen printing

Traditional screen printing techniques – also known as silk screen printing – apply ink through a mesh screen onto the surface of a material. 

Each color in a design needs its own stencil, which makes this process more hands-on but highly effective for certain types of prints.

The screen printing process starts with a detailed screen print stencil for each color in the design. Ink is then pushed through these screens using a squeegee and transferred onto the fabric.

After each color is applied, the ink is dried before moving on to the next. This helps all the layers adhere properly to the material’s surface for long-lasting results.

The involved setup process isn’t efficient for small batches. However, many businesses use screen print transfers in larger batches to speed up production and maintain design consistency.

Best materials for screen printing:

• Cotton and cotton blends.
• Paper, posters, cardboard, wood, and certain plastics.

Common uses:

• Screen printed shirts for events, teams, and brands.
• Promotional materials and merchandise.
• Simple, bold designs with fewer colors.

Screen printing is well-suited for bulk orders and designs that don’t require intricate detail. It’s also one of the most scalable printing techniques, especially when compared to other dye transfer techniques (such as simple heat press transfer).

Tip

Compare direct-to-garment (DTG) vs screen printing on our blog.

The difference between sublimation and screen printing

From material types to cost and durability, here’s how sublimation and screen printing stack up.

Material compatibility

Sublimation printing works exclusively on synthetic fabrics like polyester and polymer-coated surfaces. It’s ideal for t-shirts, mugs, and home decor items that are specifically made for this printing process. 

Screen printing is more versatile when it comes to materials. It works on natural fibers like cotton, as well as paper, cardboard, and some plastics. If you want to print on a wider range of materials, screen printing is a better option.

Color range

Sublimation produces vibrant colors, smooth gradients, and full-spectrum designs. It’s perfect for printing digital images, but it doesn’t support white ink, which limits its use on dark backgrounds.

Screen printing performs well on both light and dark materials thanks to opaque inks. It handles multiple colors through layering, although complex or photo-based designs can be more difficult to reproduce.

Pros and cons

Each printing process comes with advantages and trade-offs. Use this side-by-side breakdown to see which one best suits your production needs.

Screen printing process

Pros	Cons
Works on cotton fabrics, paper, plastic, and more	Not ideal for detailed or photo-based designs
Best for simple, bold graphics and large text	Can fade or crack over time without proper care
Cost-effective for bulk production	High setup time and cost for small batches
Supports dark and light materials with opaque inks	Uses chemicals and creates more waste
Good for special effects like metallic or neon inks	Each color requires its own stencil

Sublimation vs screen printing: Pick the best method for you

Not sure which method is right for you? Here’s when to go with sublimation and when to opt for screen printing.

Choose sublimation printing if you want:

• Vivid results with high detail, smooth gradients, and full-color artwork.
• All-over prints that hold up over time without fading or cracking.
• Small-batch or one-off products made from polyester or coated materials.

Choose screen printing if you want:

• Bold, graphic-heavy designs like logos, large text, and solid shapes on cotton, paper, or plastic. 
• Cost efficiency for bulk orders and scalable production. 
• Flexibility with materials and finishes, including dark fabrics and metallic, puff, or neon inks.

Sell products with Printify: Sublimation and screen printing made easy

Whether you choose screen printing or sublimation printing, Printify makes it easy to launch and grow your business without managing inventory or equipment. Here’s how to get started.

Conclusion

Choosing between sublimation and screen printing depends on your design, product materials, and business goals. 

Sublimation is best for detailed, colorful prints on synthetic surfaces, especially for small-batch custom orders. Screen printing is better for bold graphics and larger runs on cotton-based materials.

Want to try both? With Printify, you can use screen printing and sublimation without upfront costs or equipment. Pick the printing style that suits your vision, upload your designs, and start selling online with ease.

Is DTF the same as screen printing? Not quite. These two printing methods may both put ink on fabric, but they go about it in totally different ways. If you need vibrant colors, durable prints, or a cost-effective production method, understanding the key differences will help you choose the best option for your garment decoration needs. 

In this ultimate DTF vs screen printing showdown, we’ll compare everything – setup costs, print quality, production speed, and more – so you can pick the perfect printing technique for your business.

What is DTF printing?

Imagine printing a sticker, but instead of slapping it on your laptop, you press it onto a t-shirt – boom, that’s DTF (direct-to-film) printing. 

This digital printing process takes your design, prints it onto a special film, sprinkles it with adhesive powder (like magic dust), and then fuses it onto fabric using a heat press. No separate screens, no hassle. 

DTF printing has lower setup costs, making it a budget-friendly choice for vibrant colors, intricate designs, and durable prints that withstand repeated washes. It’s perfect for dark and textured fabrics, plus it works on a variety of other materials.

What is screen printing?

Screen printing is like making a fancy stencil, then flooding it with ink – one color at a time. Each color in your design needs its own screen, meaning more setup time and equipment.

But here’s the payoff: screen printing delivers bold, vibrant prints that last. It’s a tried-and-true printing method that’s been around forever. While higher startup costs make it better for bulk orders, it’s a solid choice for multi-color designs with a classic, textured feel.

What’s the difference between DTF and screen printing?

DTF and screen printing both create high-quality prints, but they do so in very different ways. DTF is a digital process that’s flexible, fast, and great for complex designs, while traditional screen printing uses wet ink and separate screens to create bold, durable prints.

Which one should you choose for your custom designs? Let’s break it down.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at each point and see which printing technique is right for you.

Popular DTF products from our Catalog

Printify offers the biggest Catalog in the print-on-demand game, giving creators endless ways to bring their designs to life. From classic apparel to must-have accessories, our selection is packed with high-quality, DTF-friendly options. 

Think cozy Gildan hoodies, soft cotton tees, trendy crewneck sweatshirts, and even sleek insulated travel mugs – ready to showcase vibrant prints with durability and style.

Unisex Heavy Cotton Tee

By Gildan · 5000

From $8.61 From $5.89 with Printify Premium

8 sizes 70 colors 22 print providers

Unisex Heavy Blend Crewneck Sweatshirt

By Gildan · 18000

From $17.63 From $11.92 with Printify Premium

8 sizes 38 colors 17 print providers

Insulated Travel Mug, 40oz

By Polar Camel

From $32.81 From $24.14 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 8 colors Fulfill Engine

Kids Heavy Cotton Tee

By Gildan · 5000B

From $7.00 From $6.60 with Printify Premium

5 sizes 33 colors 13 print providers

Unisex Midweight Softstyle Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt

By Gildan · SF000

From $18.94 From $13.83 with Printify Premium

7 sizes 16 colors 4 print providers

Unisex Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt

By Gildan · 18500

From $21.24 From $15.51 with Printify Premium

8 sizes 39 colors 17 print providers

Sell DTF products with Printify

Starting your DTF business has never been easier. Printify makes creating, customizing, and selling high-quality DTF products simple with zero upfront investment. Follow these steps and start turning your designs into profits.

1. Sign up – Register for a free Printify account and unlock access to the biggest POD catalog.
2. Choose your products – Explore our Catalog, filter by “DTF printing,” and pick the perfect items.
3. Apply designs – Click Start designing and use our Product Creator to upload artwork, add text, or generate AI-powered images.
4. Start selling DTF goods – Integrate your store, sync products, and start selling on your favorite platforms and marketplaces.
5. Let us do the rest – Focus on marketing while our Print Providers handle printing, packing, and shipping.

DTF vs screen printing: FAQ

To sum up

We’ve explored the ins and outs of DTF vs screen printing, covering everything from quality to cost. Both methods have their strengths – DTF is versatile and detailed, while screen printing is bold and built to last. Ready to start selling? Join Printify to create and sell custom DTF products effortlessly.

When it comes to customizing apparel, embroidery vs screen printing is a common debate. Each printing method involves a different process but both offer a professional, polished look.

The best option for your clothing brand depends on the desired outcome. Screen printing is ideal for detailed designs and bulk printing, while embroidery involves stitching thread for a more textured, high-end finish. 

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between screen printing and embroidery – the good, the bad, and the complexity of each method – to help you decide what best suits your project.

What is embroidery?

Embroidery is a customization method in which machines stitch thread directly into fabric to create raised, textured designs. It uses thread to produce a premium and tactile sheen finish for crafting a logo, embroidered text, or artwork.

1. Digitizing the design: Convert the design into a digital format compatible with embroidery machines to guide the stitching process and stitch types.
2. Stitching the design: Place a garment in the machine to stitch the design directly into the fabric using different thread colors.
3. Finishing the embroidery: The completed design is durable as is, but operators may reinforce it by checking for loose threads and sealing with adhesive.

Unlike screen printing, which lays ink on top of the fabric, embroidery weaves thread stitches into the material, embedding the design as part of the garment itself. Stitching with modern embroidery machines achieves professional designs with a textured finish.

Usage and application

Embroidery is ideal for limited quantities of high-end items like polo shirts, hats, jackets, and uniforms. The designs are typically smaller and act as an accent detail.

Businesses prefer an embroidered design for products where a polished and professional appearance is crucial. To add a lasting touch to your branded apparel, check out our Catalog’s embroidery products to find the best items for your business.

Pros and cons of embroidery

What is screen printing?

Screen printing, also known as silk screening, is a widely used customization method that involves preparing a design stencil or mesh screen and using it to press inks onto a fabric, creating vibrant and durable designs.

1. Design preparation: Each color in the design requires a new mesh screen. Print operators separate the design into layers, preparing one screen for each color.
2. Ink application: Operators press the ink through the mesh screen onto the fabric using a squeegee. The process continues one color at a time, with careful alignment for layering.
3. Curing the design: Once all layers are printed, the garment goes through a curing process. Operators apply heat to bond inks onto the fabric, smoothing out the garment and making the design long-lasting and resistant to wear.

The screen printing process is a more traditional approach that differs from newer methods relying on digital printers. While screen printing involves a longer manual setup, the actual printing process is quick, can handle multiple runs, and yields long-lasting results that withstand multiple washes.

Usage and application

Businesses often use this t-shirt printing method for promotional items because it provides excellent coverage on a wide range of different fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends.

Screen printing also offers great flexibility for producing large quantities of printed products, making it a go-to option for bulk orders of cotton t-shirts, tote bags, and print-on-demand sweatshirts.

Pros and cons of screen printing

Embroidery vs screen printing: Complete comparison

Each method offers unique advantages, from the vivid prints of screen printing to the premium look of an embroidered logo. As different as they are, both methods share some qualities.

If you haven’t decided between screen printing or embroidery just yet, find the key differences in our comprehensive embroidered vs screen printed comparison below.

Material and appearance

Embroidery designs involve stitching thread directly into the fabric, creating a raised effect that adds depth and durability. This makes it ideal for thicker fabrics like cotton, denim, or polyester blends, where the thread holds well onto the garment without excess weight.

Popular uses for embroidered garments:

• Professional wear
• Company uniforms
• Luxury brand logos

Screen printing uses an ink transfer method that lays ink flat on the fabric surface, producing a smooth, finished product. Screen printing works exceptionally well on softer fabrics like cotton or blends for t-shirts and hoodies.

Screen printing is best for:

• Casual wear items
• Sports apparel
• Promotional items

Cost comparison

Embroidery is practical for smaller quantities of custom, high-end items like jackets and hats. Although there are no significant setup costs for materials, embroidery machines are quite expensive. Larger designs with multiple thread colors also increase the cost.

Screen printing is more cost-effective for large orders. Though setup costs are higher, especially for designs with multiple colors, the price per item decreases significantly once the screens are made. This makes it ideal for bulk orders of promotional items or t-shirts.

Level of detail

Embroidery excels in creating durable designs and small text. The different types of stitching with embroidery machines add dimension and durability, enabling curved lines, eye-catching outlines, fully color-blocked details, and simple gradients to a lesser extent.

However, embroidery is best for simpler designs, as these machines can’t easily replicate fine details or complex color gradients that’s often seen with digital ink printing.

On the other hand, screen printing can achieve fine details and intricate designs. The screen printing process allows for precise ink transfer, making it perfect for large logos, complex visuals, or designs that blend colors.

While screen printing offers greater detail and smoothness than embroidery, it might still lack the high-resolution capabilities of DTG printing and dye sublimation.

What and when to choose

Choosing between embroidery and screen printing depends on your product’s specific needs, the type of design, and the fabric. Both methods have unique strengths, making them ideal for different applications. Let’s break down when to choose each method.

When to choose embroidery

Embroidery is the go-to option for a high-end look and long-lasting, durable designs. It works well for smaller quantities of high-quality garments where the raised texture and stitching threads add a premium feel. 

Opt for embroidery designs when you’re working on branded apparel, company uniforms, professional garments, or items that need to withstand frequent washing.

Embroidery – final verdict:

• Best for small embroidered logos and stitching on uniforms, jackets, or caps.
• Ideal for simple tactile designs without too many details on thicker fabrics and blends.
• Embroidery machines aren’t ideal for covering large areas with complex designs.

When to choose screen printing

Screen printing is ideal for projects that require vibrant, bold designs, especially for large quantities of t-shirts or other casual wear. This method works best when you need a smooth, flat design that covers a vast design area.

Opt for screen-printed garments when you need bright, colorful designs or when the design needs to stand out on different fabrics.

Screen printing – final verdict:

• Perfect for promotional items like t-shirts, hoodies, or tote bags.
• Best for complex designs that need bold ink coverage for a quality result.
• Screen printing is ideal for producing bulk orders due to the higher setup costs.

FAQ

To summarize

When deciding between creating screen-printed vs embroidered apparel, consider your project’s size, the product fabric, and design complexity.

Embroidery is best suited for small, high-quality designs that last, while screen printing excels in larger projects with colorful, complex visuals.

If you want to try custom embroidery and screen printing with none of the associated equipment costs, leverage print-on-demand and start designing with Printify.

What is the difference between direct-to-garment and screen printing? Choosing the right method is essential for your apparel business, whether you’re into dropshipping or Print on Demand (POD).

This article explores the pros, cons, quality, cost, and durability of DTG vs screen printing. Let’s find out which is the better printing option for your business needs.

What is screen printing?

Screen printing is one of the most popular printing methods. It uses a mesh stencil to transfer ink onto fabric, producing vibrant t-shirt designs.

Previously known as silk screening, the printer creates a stencil on a fine mesh screen and then pushes the ink through it to achieve the desired outcome, imprinting the final design on the garment.

This printing method uses thick inks that lay on top of the material rather than soaking into the fabric. Multiple colors require several layers of ink, with a different stencil for each ink. More colors and layers mean a longer setup and printing time for smaller batches.

What is DTG printing?

Direct-to-garment printing is a newer printing process that uses a specialized DTG printer to spray ink onto a garment to soak into the fabric. It works best with natural fibers like cotton.

DTG printing uses an inkjet printer to print a digital image directly onto the fabric. The process begins by pre-treating the garment, which is especially important for darker fabrics, to prepare the surface for better ink adhesion.

After printing, the ink needs to cure under heat, making the final design washable and durable. This method requires minimal setup time, ideal for custom-printing multicolor and detailed designs on demand.

DTG vs screen printing: Which is better?

DTG and screen printing are two of the most popular methods for custom apparel printing. Both techniques offer high-quality results, but each has its own advantages and drawbacks. 

The best choice depends on your budget, the complexity of your designs, and the quantity of products you need for your custom apparel business.

Let’s explore the differences between a DTG print and a screen print to see how they compare.

Quality

Print quality is fundamental to meeting your customer’s expectations, especially when printing personalized apparel like t-shirts, hoodies, or custom sweatshirts.

The screen printing process delivers vibrant, saturated, durable prints on various fabrics like cotton, polyester, and blends. Unfortunately, each color requires a separate screen, requiring more time and effort to set up.

DTG printing produces high-quality results but on specific garments. It’s best for lighter-colored, natural fabrics like cotton, while darker fabrics require pre-treatment. This lets you print highly detailed, photorealistic images.

When it comes to printing for profit, quality DTG printing is the go-to printing technique for designers, creatives, and other print-on-demand entrepreneurs needing small-batch solutions.

Durability

Many consumers look for well-made products that are built to last and can stand the test of time.

With proper care, DTG prints can withstand over 50 washes. Screen printing is generally more durable and can last the garment’s lifetime, making it ideal for high-intensity garments like sports or business uniforms.

But if you’re looking to sell everyday items like custom t-shirts or other custom apparel, DTG prints provide sufficient durability.

Design complexity

When it comes to intricate details, DTG printing work is the clear winner. A DTG machine is best for full-color, intricate design illustrations, photographs, or gradients.

Depending on the design and application, the screen-printing process can leave visible dots on the garment. Although it’s great for solid colors, this risk occurs when simulating gradients or complex designs.

Meanwhile, DTG printers provide phenomenal resolution as inks absorb directly into the fabric, giving a soft and detailed finish.

Sustainability

Around 92 million tons of textiles go to waste every year, which means sustainability is crucial – particularly when selling to environmentally conscious consumers.

When comparing the two printing methods, DTG is more sustainable. DTG machines are energy-efficient and typically use environmentally friendly, water-based inks.

Using a print-on-demand service makes DTG even more sustainable because printing occurs after a customer makes a purchase, saving money and reducing waste.

With screen printing, overproduction is a common risk. It’s a cost-effective solution when printing in bulk quantities, but unless sold, products may end up in landfills. Plus, most screen printing techniques still use plastic-based inks called plastisol, requiring solvents for proper disposal.

Minimum order quantity

Many choose DTG as their favorite on-demand printing method because there’s no minimum order quantity. This makes DTG printing an excellent solution for producing one-off t-shirt designs. The process is also hassle-free when using a POD service like Printify.

Things are a little more difficult with screen printing. A lot of third-party print services have  minimum order requirements. If you’re just starting out or simply want to experiment with new designs, screen printing can get costly and time-consuming.

Production time

Screen printing involves a longer setup time, but once the stencils are created, production moves quickly. That’s why it works best for bulk orders – some screen printing presses can produce up to 1,000 pieces an hour.

DTG printing is slower, but it’s perfect for on-demand production. Print just one item, and if the product does not sell, replace it or discontinue without worrying about inventory. It’s great for those who want to enter a new market with a limited budget.

Average cost

Whether you’re just starting a clothing line or thinking about scaling your existing business, choose a printing method that will meet your business goals in the most cost-effective way.

If you prefer the look of screen printing, be ready to order in bulk. The setup makes screen printing too expensive and inefficient for low-quantity orders and complex designs. The number of colors and screens you need also impacts the final price.

DTG printing reduces the setup costs for a single garment. With this method and the right print-on-demand partner, you can print a single product and still make a profit.

FAQ – Direct-to-garment or screen printing?

In summary: Direct-to-garment printing vs screen printing

As eCommerce continues to surge and Print on Demand becomes increasingly profitable, it’s worth find If you’re just starting out, DTG printing is your best bet. It’s perfect for introducing new designs to the market with little cost. Here’s why:

• Photorealistic image quality on natural fibers.
• No upfront investment with Print on Demand.
• No minimum order quantity.
• Environmentally friendly.

Screen printing, on the other hand, is perfect for those who are ready to order in bulk and have a bigger startup budget. Here are its main advantages:

• Durable, high-quality prints on various fabrics.
• Cost-effective for large-scale printing.
• Produces vivid colors.
• High production speed after initial setup.