Two Ways to Get Full-Color Designs on Fabric
If you want to put a full-color, photographic, or multi-color design on a garment, two of the most popular methods are sublimation transfers and printable heat transfer vinyl (HTV). Both can produce beautiful results, but they work very differently, have different fabric requirements, and are better suited to different use cases. Here's a thorough breakdown of both methods to help you decide which one is right for your project.
What Is Sublimation?
Sublimation is a printing process where heat converts sublimation dye from a solid to a gas, and that gas infuses directly into polyester fabric fibers. The dye becomes part of the fabric — not a layer sitting on top of it. The result is a print that is permanently embedded in the fabric, making it extremely soft, breathable, and wash-durable.
Key characteristics of sublimation:
- Fabric requirement: Polyester or polyester-coated surfaces only. Sublimation will not work on 100% cotton — see our full explanation of whether you can sublimate on cotton.
- Colors: Can only print on white or light-colored fabrics effectively. Sublimation dye is translucent — it mixes with the fabric color rather than covering it. (Working with darks? Here are your options for sublimation on dark shirts.)
- Feel: Zero hand feel — the print is embedded in the fiber, not sitting on top
- Durability: Exceptional. Will not crack, peel, or fade
- Full bleed capability: Can cover the entire garment surface edge-to-edge
- Application: Heat press required at 380-400 degrees F
What Is Printable HTV?
Printable heat transfer vinyl is a film material that you (or a service provider) print on using an eco-solvent, latex, or compatible inkjet printer and then cut to shape before heat pressing onto garments. The printed film sits on top of the fabric, adhered by a heat-activated adhesive layer.
Key characteristics of printable HTV:
- Fabric requirement: Works on cotton, polyester, blends, and many other fabric types
- Colors: Works on any garment color because the design is opaque
- Feel: There is a noticeable hand feel — you can feel the vinyl layer on the garment
- Durability: Very good with proper application, but not quite as permanent as sublimation
- Design area: The design must be cut to shape — full-bleed garment-wide designs are not practical
- Application: Print, cut, weed (optional depending on type), then heat press at 300-330 degrees F
Sublimation Transfers vs. Printable HTV: Side by Side
- Fabric compatibility: Sublimation requires polyester. Printable HTV works on almost anything.
- Garment color: Sublimation requires white or light fabrics. Printable HTV works on dark and light fabrics.
- Full bleed designs: Sublimation yes, printable HTV no (design must be shaped or cut).
- Hand feel: Sublimation has no hand feel. Printable HTV has a tactile film on the surface.
- Complexity: Both require special supplies, but printable HTV requires printing and cutting equipment. Sublimation requires a sublimation printer.
- Best for: Sublimation — all-over garment designs on polyester blanks. Printable HTV — custom designs on cotton or dark garments where sublimation isn't possible.
When to Choose Sublimation Transfers
- You're decorating polyester or poly-coated blanks
- You want an all-over, edge-to-edge print
- You want zero hand feel for athletic or performance wear
- You're working with light-colored or white garments
- Maximum wash durability is a priority
When to Choose Printable HTV
- You're decorating cotton or cotton/poly blend garments
- You're printing on dark garments
- You want a shaped design (like a logo or graphic) rather than full bleed
- You need to work with a fabric that won't sublimate
- You have access to an eco-solvent or latex printer
Order Both from Atlanta Vinyl
Atlanta Vinyl offers custom sublimation transfers and a full lineup of printable HTV options including Siser S-Print, Siser ColorPrint, Siser SparklePrint, and more. Whether you're looking for sublimation blanks or printable vinyl for your own printer, we have everything you need to produce full-color custom apparel.