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SUBLIMATION vs SCREEN PRINTING

Sublimation vs Screen Printing: Which Printing Method Should You Choose?

Sublimation and screen printing are both popular bulk printing methods - but they are best for very different garment types.

The right option depends on:
✅ fabric type
✅ turnaround time
✅ artwork style
✅ quantity
✅ print durability
✅ budget

✅ What Is Sublimation Best For?

Sublimation is ideal for:
✅ polyester garments
✅ sportswear and performance shirts
✅ full-colour designs, gradients and photos
✅ large coverage prints
✅ sponsor uniforms

Sublimation prints become part of the fabric, meaning:
✅ no cracking
✅ no peeling
✅ lightweight feel

Minimum order:
✅ 12 units
Turnaround:
✅ 6 - 7 weeks

✅ What Is Screen Printing Best For?

Screen printing is ideal for:
✅ cotton and cotton-blend shirts
✅ bulk promotional shirts
✅ bold logos and simple artwork
✅ 1-3 colour designs
✅ the cheapest bulk pricing at high quantity

Screen printing is the best option when:
✅ you want the lowest cost per shirt
✅ your artwork uses limited colours
✅ you are ordering 50-200+ shirts

Turnaround:
✅ approx. 3 weeks (depending on job)

✅ Sublimation vs Screen Printing Table

Feature Sublimation Screen Printing
Best fabric polyester cotton, blends
Colour capability              full colour, gradients                    best for 1–3 colours
Best for sportswear bulk promo shirts
Print feel ink infused ink sits on fabric
Durability no crack/peel durable, may fade gradually             
Minimum order 12 units often viable from 20+
Best quantity 12–200+ 50–500+
Turnaround 6–7 weeks 3 weeks

✅ Which Option Is Cheaper?

✅ Screen printing is usually cheaper for bulk cotton shirts.
✅ Sublimation is better value when you must use polyester and need full-colour coverage.

✅ What If You Need Polyester But Faster Turnaround?

If you need polyester and full colour, but 6 - 7 weeks is too long:
👉 DTF printing is usually the best alternative.

✅ Summary: Choose This If...

Choose Sublimation if:

✅ polyester sportswear
✅ full colour sponsor logos
✅ large coverage prints
✅ long wear + wash durability
✅ you have time (6 - 7 weeks)

Choose Screen Printing if:

✅ cotton garments
✅ bulk promo tees
✅ limited colours
✅ low cost per shirt is priority
✅ faster turnaround needed

Quick Links

  • sublimation-printing.md
  • sublimation-pricing.md
  • screen-printing.md
  • screen-printing-pricing.md
  • sublimation-rush-alternatives.md
  • dtf-printing.md
  • printing-methods.md
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