Creation, whether in art or in fashion, requires freedom of action. Traditional production and printing techniques trap the print with limits imposed by the seams and edges of garments.
In order to allow this level of freedom, we do not use fabric printing companies who print on clothing per se for our “Collection” garments.
Instead, the fibers are dyed using a sublimation technique applied to each product individually to achieve the optimum color balance. It’s a complex process, but it allows us to ensure that the artwork will never fade and that the softness of the fabric will not be altered either. The premium fabrics are designed especially and specifically for this production technique.
WHAT IS SUBLIMATION PRINTING?
Sublimation printing and direct to garment (DTG) printing are two popular methods used in the textile and garment design industries to transfer designs onto various substrates. While both techniques have their unique advantages, sublimation printing has increasingly become the preferred choice for many applications due to its numerous superior qualities. This informative article explores the superiority of sublimation printing over DTG printing by examining factors such as print quality, durability, color vibrancy, environmental impact, and versatility.
Firstly, sublimation printing offers unmatched print quality, which is a significant advantage over direct to garment printing. Sublimation printing involves the use of heat to transfer dye directly into the fibers of satin, chiffon, polyester or polymer-coated substrates. This process results in highly detailed and sharp images with a photographic quality that direct to garment printing often cannot replicate.
Durability is another key area where sublimation printing outperforms direct to garment printing. Since sublimation dyes become part of the fabric itself, the printed design is less likely to crack, peel, or fade over time. This intrinsic bonding to the fibers ensures that the colors remain vibrant even after multiple washes and extensive use.
Color vibrancy and range are also superior in sublimation printing. Sublimation uses a process where solid dye converts directly into gas without becoming liquid, allowing the dye to penetrate deeply into the fibers. This results in bright, vivid colors with a wide gamut and smooth transitions between shades. Furthermore, sublimation printing can reproduce full-color photographic images seamlessly.
From an environmental perspective, sublimation printing is generally more eco-friendly. The sublimation process uses water-based dyes that are less harmful to the environment, and it produces minimal waste because the dye is transferred efficiently with little excess. Additionally, sublimation does not require the use of harmful chemicals or solvents often associated with DTG printing. While DTG inks are generally safer (also water based), pre-treatment chemicals used to prepare garments for printing can still pose some environmental concerns.
Versatility is another factor that highlights the superiority of sublimation printing. Sublimation can be used on apparel, home décor items, promotional products, and even hard substrates like mugs, phone cases, and metal panels. DTG printing, while versatile in its own right, is limited to textiles.
In conclusion, sublimation printing offers several distinct advantages over DTG printing, including superior print quality, enhanced durability, vibrant color reproduction, environmental benefits, and versatile application options. These factors make sublimation printing the preferred method for businesses and individuals seeking high-quality, long-lasting, and visually striking printed products. As technology advances and the demand for sustainable and efficient printing solutions grows, sublimation printing is likely to continue its rise as the superior printing technique in the textile and promotional markets.
Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing:
- Uses specialized inkjet technology to print directly into the fabric.
- Works well on natural fibers, especially cotton.
- Allows for full-color, detailed designs with gradients.
- DTG ink is designed to be absorbed into the fabric fibers.
- May require pretreatment and can be less durable than sublimation.
- Ideal for short runs and custom designs.
SUBLIMATION VS DTG
Sublimation printing is best suited for satin, chiffon, and polyester blend fabrics, producing durable, vibrant prints that are infused into the fabric. In contrast, DTG printing is versatile for cotton and other textiles.
We choose sublimation printing for our higher-end garments made from special fabrics because it offers superior durability and vibrant, long-lasting colors that become part of the fabric itself.
On the other hand, we use DTG printing for our cotton garments because it allows for detailed, full-color designs on natural fibers, providing excellent print quality and comfort. By selecting the appropriate printing technique based on the fabric type, we ensure the best possible finish and longevity for each garment.
And Finally
Our “Collection” garments are crafted using higher value fabrics that necessitate sublimation printing. This combination of premium materials and advanced printing technique results in superior quality and durability, not to mention they are vegan, moisture wicking and wrinkle free. However, due to the specialized nature of sublimation printing and the cost of these fabrics, manufacturing expenses are higher compared to DTG printing on cotton. This investment ensures a unique, premium product that stands out in both feel and appearance, an investment you will value for a lifetime!
