Sublimation VS Direct to Film Transfer Printing

Рет қаралды 69,488

Күн бұрын

THIS WEEK! We went head to head with Sublimation VS Direct to Film Printing. We have get a lot of comments about the differences between the two, so we did a 1 to 1 breakdown of both systems.
TOOLS
Both are converted Epson Inkjet Printers
DTF Transfer Printer A3 L1800 Printer: amzn.to/3B14dep
DTF Transfer Film PET: amzn.to/3qoY86v
DTF Powder Digital Transfer Hot Melt Adhesive: amzn.to/3QsCF7j
Sublimation Epson EcoTank ET-2760: amzn.to/3qqBDhF
A-SUB Sublimation Paper 8.5x11: amzn.to/3eERCG3
Printers Jack 400ML Sublimation Ink: amzn.to/3RTXCJl
DTF - CMYK + W ink, Heater, Heat Press
Sublimation - CMYK - no white, Heat Press
WHAT IS IT?
DTF Process
Print CMYK + White ink onto a PET film Polyethylene Terephthalate
Adding powder adhesive to the back
Melt powder adhesive
Heat Press dtf film onto chosen Substrate
Sublimation Process
Print sublimation CMYK ink onto sublimation paper
Heat Press onto chose substrate.
Ink transitions from solid to gas and adheres to fabric at a molecular level
SET UP
DTF
Set Up Printer
Fill Inks, Pull Ink Through Nozzle
Install RIP Software
90 Minutes
Sublimation
Set Up Printer
Fill Inks
30 Minutes
TRANSFERS
DTF
PET Film - Polyethylene Terephthalate - $80 for 100 Sheets 11 x 17
DTF Powder Adhesive - $25 for 17.5oz or 500g
Store - 1yr in dry, dark, sealed package
Sublimation
A-Sub Sublimation Paper - $20 for 110 sheets
Store - 1yr in dry, dark, sealed package
MATERIALS
DTF
Cotton, Canvas, Linen, Fleece
Will do wood, metal, plastic, acrylic
Sublimation
Restricted to synthetics like poly & nylon
Will do cotton, wood, metal but must be pretreated
TEXTURE
DTF
Soft Vinyl feel
Not as thick as Cricut
Will last 50+ washes
Sublimation
Ink bonds to fibers so only feel the shirt
Will last lifetime of the shirt
COLORS
DTF
More vibrant
More Detail
Light & Dark Fabrics
Sublimation
Less vibrate
Loses detail
MAINTENANCE
DTF
Daily Head Cleaning
Weekly Nozzle Flush
White Ink Separates, If it sits for a few days pull new ink through nozzle
Sublimation
Periodic Head Cleaning
QUANTITY
DTF
More steps per transfer so it takes a little longer
Quick press time of 10 seconds
Large 11 x 17 size
Sublimation
Can create transfer in one easy print step
Can print more faster
Press times vary from 1min to 5min depending on substrate
Limited to 8 ½ x 11 size
COST
DTF
Higher cost of entry - $2800 for printer, heater & ink
Cost of ink about the same for both
~ $1.50 per print
Sublimation
Cheaper cost of entry - $250
Limited size 8 ½ x 11
~ .60 per print
CONCLUSION
Both are great
Depends on the business and purpose
If we were doing mostly koozies, tumblers & ceramics, we’d use the sublimation printer
But we wanted to print on wood, t-shirts and the ability to wholesale prints for our customers, so we’ve purchased the DTF printer to meet those needs.
But we are happy we have both so that we can use the best tool for the job.
Stuff We Used:
www.amazon.com/shop/kimandgar...
We love to Do It Ourselves. You love to Do It Yourself. Let's Do It Together. New DIY Videos Every Week!
For more details visit: www.kandgmakeit.com/
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FYI: We are not professionals, and we don’t claim to be. This is what we found worked for our project. Yours may need a little different approach. We have just enough woodworking skill to make some basic furniture. Safety first!
FTC Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video. All opinions are genuinely our own. This post may contain affiliate links and we earn a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. It doesn't cost you any extra. Thank you for your continued support to keep Making It!

Пікірлер: 114

@Kai0nTheMoon Жыл бұрын

I ran an apparel company back in 2008 and believe me that the fact that you cannot print sublimation on 100% cotton t-shirts will be an annoying hurdle that your apparel startup may never get past. This alone should steer you away from sublimation if your main goal is apparel. You could print sublimation to 50/50 cotton-poly blends, but the ink will still wear off in under 5 - 6 washes. If you want to sell cheap-o tees for a one off event or make matching shirts for the family trip to Disneyworld then cotton printing will be fine. But when it comes to buying wholesale inventory, quality shirts out there will be 100% cotton and even at a low retail price, people buying your shirts will expect to have the image not completely fade away in a few washes, and if you do print to 100% cotton, it will wash off completely within 1 - 2 washes. It will have a soft hand for sure, but the longevity just is not there. Also, when using a regular inkjet printer with sublimation ink, the colors will often not match up as well as other methods, so the colors you see on the screen will not 100% match what actually prints, which can often make or break a design that you likely spent time creating. Sublimation ink is just not a language that your Canon inkjet was created to fluently understand, so there will be some misinterpretations. And depending on what app you're printing from, like Photoshop, you'll have to play with the color management a lot to get it to be as close to your on-screen image as possible, because monitor settings also vary and colors can completely change on screen depending on your contract, brightness, etc settings. And of course, the fact that you cannot print to black/dark shirts can be a deal breaker all in itself. I was able to make some black ink to olive green shirts, but that's about it and even then it's still barely visible. And in regards to 'maintenance ', sublimation ink actually WILL dry up over time. It is recommend to do at least one print a week for proper ink flow. I have had $5,000 printers turn into large paperweights because of not being used often enough and having the ink within turn to stone. I suggest routine DIY cleaning as well using an OTC solution called Simple Green. And know that if you plan to purchase an inkjet printer and use sublimation ink instead, this will only work if you put in the sublimation ink first and ONLY. Whatever type of ink you put into that printer when taking it out of the box - that is the only type of ink you can use from there on out. If you've already used it with regular ink then try to use sublimation ink instead, your tubes are going to get clogged and depending on the severity, you'll either have to get the tubes professionally cleaned out or worse, replaced completely, which is costly. So don't think you can use that old inkjet you've got sitting around the house and just change inks, because that won't work. Regarding size, you are certainly not limited to 8 x 11 with sublimation. Print size depends only on printer size, and larger Epson printers for example can net you 36+ inch wide images. Though remember that you will also need a larger heat press for larger images, and if you're doing an 'all-over' print, using a smaller press and trying to get the top and bottom to match up using several presses is not going to work out well for you.

@mwcshk113 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for this insight, its very informative. I've known that printing on cotton shirts makes the print kinda dull but i havent heard about it fading fast, especially since its always been said that since its adhered to the fabric far better than DTF and doesnt leave a film then the print is presuned to last longer. I guess thats why i havent really seen much artists in art conventions/artist alleys sell sublimation printed shirts, its always tote bags. In the case of tote bags however, sublimation prints on canvas seem vibrant and close enough to digital designs from what i have seen, plus i own quite a number of totes that i have used and washed a couple of times now but the print still looks fine. I guess because its printed on canvas instead of cotton? I'd love to hear more of your insights if you have any regarding sublimation on canvas. Thanks again!

@tikab7051 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for this comment it’s good to anyone looking to just get started

@CapybaraRobl0x 4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this comment. I just have a question. So, say I have a square picture. Would it work if I put a white vinyl on a t-shirt and then put the sublimation on the white vinyl?

@fatenmhn Жыл бұрын

I was lost among them.. and you saved me, thank you🌸

@pennycollier1258 Жыл бұрын

I really appreciate y’all taking the time out to do this video and y’all are so cute together. I’m new to this small business and I am doing my homework on every bit of these processes. I am leaning toward DTF. Thanks again

@user-te4zj2zp8i 6 ай бұрын

Man you guys are awesome, Love the way y’all give the whole run down in everything y’all do .

@devany7358 Жыл бұрын

You guys really helped me! Thank you so much for your time and dedication on your videos!

@Oneklickmedia Жыл бұрын

So I want to make more tshirts that is better than my current method: printing laser printer on vinyl iron on and iron on transfer. Don’t like thickness and easy cracking. So I got into looking at ordering DTF transfer prints or making my own prints at home with Eco Tank sublimation. Your video helped me give a clear ideas of pro and cons, and that the route with sublimation will limit me on product I can offer BUT def a easier and more affordable start up! Thanks again

@karenhadden4980 Жыл бұрын

Great comparison guys! Thanks!

@nelmarieluna2420 6 ай бұрын

This was really helpful and spot on. Keep posting. 😊

@kylefish7909 Жыл бұрын

This is the video I needed! This video has also led me to more questions! Subscribing and going to search your videos for more!

@candacelinville5749 Жыл бұрын

Yayyy!! Happy Friday!! You guys help make these processes “make sense” that’s why I love you guys! Thanks for everything you do! (My Google review for this Fridays video 😆 but it’s so true! )

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

You're the best! Thanks for always watching!

@melsmedia Жыл бұрын

I love your explanation of sublimation! Thank you for explaining the chemistry. Sublimation = transformation from a solid state directly to a gaseous state

@EJ3.16 Жыл бұрын

You guys are super good when it’s about explaining things thank you keep it keep it up 👍🏻👍🏻

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Ed! Will do! ~garrett

@vlab5665 10 ай бұрын

Thank you! This really clarified everything for my decision

@dgomez.69 10 ай бұрын

this helped me understand the difference between the two. thank you. 🙂

@Gilly209x 7 ай бұрын

Amazing video! Thank you!!! Also yall need to mention.. sublimation printing doesn’t work on 100% cotton (which is better than polyester shirts) and that it releases a lot of fumes. DTF is more versatile and worthwhile.

@louisd95714 Жыл бұрын

This is a great comparison between the two. Nothing else that needs to be said!

@reclusivesaint2366 9 күн бұрын

Good to see Lalo Salamanca giving printing tips

@prptink Жыл бұрын

Love this tutorial. Great information! Thank you 😊 stay blessed 🥰

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 🤗

@KingslayersDubai Жыл бұрын

Glued on your channel. Thanks for all the information, start to end, very informative. Keep it going.

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!

@karenbrandon8620 Жыл бұрын

By the way. Love you guys show always so informative ❤

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Our pleasure!

@fmkmediallc6085 Жыл бұрын

Great explanation!

@standupstandstrongitsyourt6279 Жыл бұрын

Sublimation for me. Hopefully I can use my Cricut for what my Sublimation can’t do! Thanks to the both of you for the information….you guys are awesome!!

@monicav4986 Жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks! but I wish the video had more info about how safe is to use DTF method, specially when you have to heat that powder. I would stick to sublimation. Safety is my number one priority.

@jmichelle4524 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video. Very informative

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

So glad you think so!

@cassiosantos3325 Ай бұрын

Great video!

@dislas4469 3 ай бұрын

Nice vid. Thank you

@lelahkarpen2172 Жыл бұрын

Good info, Thanks!

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@BellaviaSigns Жыл бұрын

This Video Rocks ty

@queensheen88 9 ай бұрын

So helpful 😁💞

@lakachewtadesse8707 3 ай бұрын

Thanks guys...

@charleneweege7149 Жыл бұрын

Sublimation for me. I like the ease and I like that the ink blends in with the t-shirt better than the DTF

@percivaldye2535 Ай бұрын

Question: Sublimation t shirt can wash how many time? Thanks

@charleneweege7149 Ай бұрын

@@percivaldye2535 'I forgot but they say a lot more than a DTF shirt

@butubuta Жыл бұрын

Thank you, please let us know about power consumption by comparison.

@LoneBagels 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this awesome video. DTF is awesome but its machines still not matured enough. I would start with Sublimation for now, and may be in few years DTF will become easier to maintain and faster in terms of the extra step with powder, baking, etc.

@estpeter2405 Жыл бұрын

great video

@MatthewsFabrication Жыл бұрын

Just curious if you can post a close up photo of the DTF film after you've cured the powder? Just wondering if it looks smooth or like alligator skin? I tried the sublimation hack with sublimation paper & the powder, looked nicely coated, but when cured it was very alligator or dry skin look, not smooth. Thanks for your awesome videos.

@breakinbreadwnbjones4341 Жыл бұрын

A+ on the video. Thanks

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Much appreciated!

@StoneHazeCraze Жыл бұрын

Can you use DTF in a epson converted printer if so can you use it on black cotton t-shirts

@michelleskaggs1603 Жыл бұрын

Do you have a video of how to do the maintenance ? I absolutely love you guys !!❤

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Coming soon!

@JaQuanRPhillips 23 күн бұрын

This was very helpful. I am still a little lost but I will be starting with the Sublimation. I just wish I had found this video before I put the ink into the printer. Wasted money. But aye.

@itsalundra14 Жыл бұрын

Can you use different sublimation ink after using sub ink like I use hiippo can I switch my ink to cosmo ink? Or no

@BobbieBTexas Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Of course!

@JimmyKoKo2 22 күн бұрын

Great video. Thank you. Do you know if I can sublimate on to leatherette? Interested in trying out sublimated leather hat patches? Thanks again!!

@Michelle_Scott. 9 ай бұрын

How long does the ink last in each? Or about how many projects can I make till I need to reup on the ink? Is there some type of ink program that HP has that will send you ink when u start to run out??

@minnesotamakes Жыл бұрын

Wish we'd had all this info before we dumped money into sublimation and white toner printing a couple years ago. I think we're on our third Sawgrass printer. They die and the hubby just buys another one because it's what he knows. And we are not happy with our white toner printer, which was way more $$ than your DTF printer and really doesn't transfer well.

@kaywavy5341 6 ай бұрын

What do you recommend for graphic art work printing for beanies? Which will have the best quality?

@thomascave3270 9 ай бұрын

Did you have to buy a software program to download designs for DTF printer

@sunshinemarie3550 Жыл бұрын

Thank you 😅this was absolutely thee greatest explanation… I’m a Newbie and am looking to upgrade to a dtf printer /oven 😬any suggestions on a start up dtf?

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! This is the only DTF printer we have used. We like it, but if we did it again, we would get one with the roll of film and the automatic powder and oven.

@vee5194 Жыл бұрын

I wish I had gotten an eco tank. Have u tried printing on Inkjet transfer film and then using the dtf powder on the image? Then pressing on a cotton shirt. I’ve seen it done a few times but have yet to try. A mix of both worlds lol. Would love to see your take on it!

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Ugh I totally understand!

@eb7280 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the explanation and sharing the cost of DTF… I’m not there yet 😂

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome 😊

@bonnietyner8986 Жыл бұрын

I used my heat gun to cure my powder. It worked great.

@roashel1975 Жыл бұрын

Thanks, I was about to buy a DTF. But, I think, I’ll stick to my sublimation printer.

@mobilefreelancer3831 Жыл бұрын

Is sublimation good for business?

@sherripaya8969 Жыл бұрын

Hey Kim, nice meeting you this morning at Mathews Market Days

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Thanks for coming to say hi! it made our day!

@lisawhite9725 Жыл бұрын

Hi guy’s! Okay Garrett, what brand and model are you using for DTF? Love you guys!

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Awww! Thanks Lisa! We have the DTF Transfer Printer A3 L1800 Printer: amzn.to/3B14dep Thanks again! ~garrett

@auntienikkisgamin9251 Жыл бұрын

Enjoy your vids

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Thanks Nikki! ~garrett

@jeromepaints1859 Жыл бұрын

There are a3 size sublimation papers. You just need an a3 sublimation printer.

@mustaphaguanoug777 Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot for this video. I have a question for mr Kim about DTF . can i print a picture on top of another. For example i print a picture and after it cool down i print another smaller one on top of it ?

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Yes! We just tried this out and it works. We did need to do a second press on each image.

@mustaphaguanoug777 Жыл бұрын

@@KimandGarrettmakeit thank you so much 🙏 This is very helpful ❤

@lisaweaver3124 Жыл бұрын

What is the Epson printer you converted for the DTF?

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Sorry, I meant to say it and totally forgot!!! DTF Transfer Printer A3 L1800 Printer: amzn.to/3B14dep Thanks Lisa! ~garrett

@KarjianaCadet Жыл бұрын

Anyone know if there's any daily maintenance for a converted Epson sublimation printer? I just got mine and I've heard many horror stories about ink drying up if it's not used daily. Can I keep it unplugged when it's not in use?

@ThatsAshD 6 ай бұрын

Mine was a nightmare. I used it once and that was it. I personally wouldn’t recommend it.

@lchevere90 Жыл бұрын

Yo this the the video that says it all

@ishakch5744 Жыл бұрын

4:44 me wearing that t'shirt for the 1000 time 🌚

@mrburns366 14 күн бұрын

DTF doesn't mean what I thought it did.. 😅

@michelleskaggs1603 Жыл бұрын

I bought one of these from Amazon... after a couple prints, the white quit working. Any suggestions?

@junma7533 Жыл бұрын

Because the composition of white ink is titanium dioxide, it is easy to precipitate. You can use a needle to pump the waste ink tube to let the ink circulate, and you can clean the print head with F12

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Hey Michelle! Yeah, the white is finicky! It clogs and separates pretty quickly. When my white starts looking thin, I will use the syringe to pull a 1-2oz through both white nozzles and then do a print head cleaning. That will usually put me back in business.~garrett

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Agreed! 👍 ~garrett

@cathybrewer4702 Жыл бұрын

If I purchase a DTF print from someone can I then create my product, i.e., black tshirts. using my Infusion IQ heat press.

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

I believe so!

@karenbrandon8620 Жыл бұрын

Ok I brought a DTF from Amazon. I've been sick every since. The fumes are killing me what do I do to get rid of fumes in my house? No body talks about the fumes.

@jamesfein3062 Жыл бұрын

That's definitely a topic that needs too be addressed... I use a 3M mash with the pink filters that are designed too filter out gases... I also have an extractor fan that sucks out dirty air and pumps in fresh air...

@karenbrandon8620 Жыл бұрын

Thank you James.

@nephilimshammer9567 Жыл бұрын

Ypu need a hood sucker machine. Those fumes are toxic

@HarrisonWHB24 Жыл бұрын

Very informative, thank you. Just slightly cringy at the start

@letsgetdowntobusiness- Жыл бұрын

Sublimation WINS! Flawless Victory! !!FATALITY!!!

@DarqChildNYC Жыл бұрын

You guys are adorable:)

@KimandGarrettmakeit Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

@Imyourmoose Жыл бұрын

Im missing something; health hazards. You talked about sublimation causing a gas reaction in the shirt. Do you need a extraction?? Im a little in a dillema. I like the epic full color and better graphics but I don't like the feeling of a sticker that also washes after a certain time 😅 pls answer the health hazard question if you guys can. Tnx for the video :)

@reffa2858 7 ай бұрын

I thought sublimation printing was referred to as DTF- direct to film and what yall call DTF is actually DTG- direct to garmet. Im try to learn all this, not because Im use it, but because Im trying to suprise my girlfriend for Christmas and I need to do sone research.

@MikeJrOfficial Жыл бұрын

I assume the shirt shes wearing is Sub and his is DTF? Is that a visual difference? If so the DTF looks way better than SUB

@nephilimshammer9567 Жыл бұрын

No hers is light blue pink his is red black

@jrich5682 Жыл бұрын

Ok is it just me or does the white on his shirt look like some shiny iron on?

@dylleff Жыл бұрын

Garrett looks like Mark Ruffalo

@redove7142 Жыл бұрын

😅😅😅

@Nclk619 Жыл бұрын

Whaaat? No wearing a t for more than 50 times? The whole year has 52 weeks, so if you’re wearing a T once/week you can only have that for a year? That’s crazy wasteful.

@iSprayChrome Жыл бұрын

Honestly a good point but. In a year you should have a new design to add to the collection. I mean .... Seriously new design once a month is minimal for most ppl. You got plenty holidays in a year.

@robertadodoadji5099 7 ай бұрын

@@iSprayChromeYeah but what about the buyer. It’s kinda wasteful to buy clothing snd it only last for 2 weeks lest than a year.

@dislas4469 3 ай бұрын

Exactly. I have some shirts with images in vinyl and some of these have five to ten years

@theguythatdoesthatonething2133 Жыл бұрын

Dtf inks are glue based in nature.. turns almost plastic when set up for too long. It took a year of learning my large format dtf as well as I had to learn how to fix it constantly

@Fast.DTF.Transfer 3 ай бұрын

Your creativity knows no bounds! DTF printing could be the perfect tool for unleashing even more innovation in your custom t-shirt designs! 🚀 @‌fastdtftransfer