Dye-Sublimation vs. Screen Printing

To the layman’s naked eye, the design on a t-shirt is simply a graphic imprinted upon a fabric material. Yet, for those involved in the printing process, there are intricate differences in how such designs are applied, no matter what material they are applied to; be it t-shirts or tablecloths. 

Let’s start with a simple explanation of what each of these two processes are.

What is Dye-Sublimation?

Dye-Sublimation is the process of printing a pattern or design on fabric by intermixing 4 primary colors (CMYK) to dye the complete fabrication. This process always starts with white fabric, as the background color will be dyed in the printing process. This process uses special heat sensitive dyes as well as polyester, polymer or polymer-coated fabrics only.

What is Screen Printing?

Our Screen Printing Process

Screen Printing is a design or pattern applied to the top of a fabric. It can be applied to any color fabric since it does not actually dye the fabric. The ink is mixed to create the desired color before layering it on the project. 

Differences

Some of the key differences between Dye-Sublimation and Screen Printing are:

• Dye-Sublimation Dyes the Fabric VS Screen Printing Layers the Fabric  
• Dye-Sublimation Starts with White Fabric VS Screen Printing Uses the Colored Fabric of Your Choice  
• Dye-Sublimation is Done on Polyester or Polymer fabrics VS Screen Printing Can Be Done on Both Natural and Synthetic Materials

In addition to the differences above, screen printing will crack with age since most of the ink is not absorbed by the fabric and actually dries on top of the material. Dye-Sublimation does not crack, because it is completely absorbed into the fabric during the dying process.

Things To Consider

Both Dye-Sublimation and Screen Printing are durable, machine washable and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as banners, table cloths, clothes, etc. The key factors in determining which process to use for your project are the quantity you require, the amount of detailed work your design contains, your budget and what kind of texture you want your finished project to have. Since Dye-Sublimation cannot be done on natural fibers like cotton, it would not be a feasible option for those who have sensitive skin or allergies to synthetic fibers. 

Dye-Sublimation would be the better solution for such projects that require a smooth-surfaced blended appearance with lots of detail or the inclusion of many colors in the design.

Technology Options

The technology behind Dye-Sublimation and Screen Printing has entered the digital age with (DTG) Direct To Garment and Dye Sublimation printers. Both of these printers rely on digital imagery and have the same drawbacks that any other digital printing would have, requiring a considerable amount of tweaking to get optimal color resolution. While DTG printers only come in four-color units, you can find Dye-Sublimation printers in four, six, and eight color options. Unlike Dye-Sublimation printers, some DTG printers can print on an array of surfaces such as plaques, picture frames, flags, etc. giving you more flexibility on the projects that you can do.

Costs

The cost of these technologies varies depending on what product we're printing on. Be sure to give our friendly staff a call for a personalized quote.  

Now that you know the basics about Dye-Sublimation vs Screen Printing, take a look around at all of the different banners, clothing, and fabrications and use your imagination combined with your newfound knowledge about printing to create your own exciting projects.

If you're in need of either service, screen printing or dye sublimation printing, Advanced Impressions is your trusted source in Colorado Springs and the Front Range. Give us a call today!

Advanced Impressions
4680 Edison Avenue, Suite J
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
(719) 637-2513

www.youhaveanimage.com