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Sublimation and heat Transfer both belong to the print business. More specifically, these two are printing methods that people look for to get garments in personalized versions. Even, the market of t-shirts becomes exciting upon their arrival in the market. 


Having learned that, you might be asking which printing method is better, and in which area. To answer similar queries, we have brought you the ultimate difference checklist between sublimation and heat transfer in this article below.

What is Sublimation?

Sublimation, in other words, the sublimation printing process refers to the printing method that gets onto the sublimation paper. Then this paper goes through the process of being applied with heat. While heating sublimation ink, it turns into gas. This gas is from a solid state. 


Sublimation

Then, the ink integrates itself into the fabric. After being cold, the gas turns into a solid. It soon becomes the material part for permanent. It is important to note that the sublimation printing method works only on polyester garments. 

What is Heat Transfer?


Heat transfer paper printing refers to the process of printing where heat transfers paper. Regular inkjet, toner, inkjet ink, or laser printer, all these are materials for which the heat transfer printing method is applied. If the print process is complete, then the process of transferring print onto the garment is similar to the sublimation. 

Heat Transfer

The only thing you need is to print the design in a reverse position. Print onto the heat transfer paper. Now, place the paper face down on the garment. 

Difference between Sublimation and Heat Transfer


Area of Difference

Sublimation

Heat Transfer

Feel and Durability


Superior Feel, and an unmatched durability

Easy to feel the layer on the top. With multiple washes, the layer gets cracked up. 

Preferable Fabric to Apply on

Polyester material

Polyester, Cotton, and poly-cotton fabrics

Picking Full Colors

Sublimation can pick full colors

Heat Transfer may not always pick full-color

Materials Suitable for Printing

Mugs, Mousepads, and Phone Cases

T-shirts, caps, awards, plaques. 

Suitable Designs

Full-color print, all-over print, colorful patterns, graphics, complex patterns, and intricate designs.

Graphics, Text, Photographs

Production Time

Takes less time

Depends on the use of transfer method

Popular for

Durability, and Fading Resistance

Depends on the fabric or material. It can be prone to fading. 

Cost

Expensive compared to Heat Transfer

Cheap and Cost-effective

Conclusion

Printing methods differ based on color printing capabilities, printing durability, and others. These also refer to sublimation and heat transfer. If the user is planning to have prints on a variety of fabrics, heat transfer would be the better option as it allows. Other than that, the requirements and the outcomes depend on the project the user intends to perform. 

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Mohammad Mahedi Hasan

Senior Author

Mahedi Hasan, a Textile Engineer, as well as a Top Rated content writer at Upwork, Level 02 Seller at Fiverr, Level 02 Publisher at Ezoic. A passionate textile ad fashion content writer, fashion SEO expert, and fashion web designer. Having a B.Sc. in Textile Engineering from Textile Engineering College, Noakhali (TECN). Department is Apparel Engineering. Highly Experienced fashion writer for the last 3+ yrs. Established Textile Details Website website to enhance professional Fashion Blogging skills.