Contrast Printing

Printing Principle

Sublimation

Heat transfer printing uses special ink and transfer paper. Through high temperature and high pressure, the ink is sublimated into gas and penetrates into the polyester fibers, forming an “embedded” pattern.

Screen Printing

Screen printing uses mesh screens and scrapers to directly press the ink onto the substrate. The printed patterns are vivid and the color layers are distinct with high color saturation.

Printing Effects and Pattern Presentation

Sublimation

Vivid and Rich Colors: Supports full color, gradients, and high-resolution photo-like effects.

Tightly Bonded to Fabric: Patterns are integrated into the fabric, with no fading, no cracking.

Excellent All-Over Print Capability: Ideal for full-garment printing and large-scale patterns.

Screen Printing

Suitable for high-saturation and solid-color designs, such as logos, text, or icons, with strong layer definition.

Does not support photo-level detail, and gradients are harder to achieve.

Can use special inks like metallic gold, silver, or glitter to create enhanced visual and tactile effects.

Material Compatibility

Sublimation

Only suitable for polyester-based or coated synthetic materials (such as nylon, polyester blends, ceramic, metal cups, etc.);

Not suitable for cotton fabrics or dark-colored materials.

Screen Printing

Offers more flexible material choices; in addition to fabrics, it can be used on plastic, metal, glass, paper, and many other materials;

Can print on dark cotton fabrics, making it ideal for natural fibers with high absorbency.

Cost & Production Efficiency

Sublimation

Low initial equipment cost, suitable for small-batch and on-demand printing;

Lower unit cost compared to screen printing for small runs, no need for screens, no inventory pressure, ideal for personalized printing.

Screen Printing

High upfront cost for screen setup, but more suitable for mass production—unit cost decreases as quantity increases;

High production efficiency and durability, ideal for bulk orders.

Durability

Sublimation

Ink is fused into the fabric fibers, making the colors long-lasting and resistant to fading;

Can withstand repeated washing while maintaining vibrant colors.

Screen Printing

The ink stays on the fabric surface, making it prone to cracking or fading over time;

However, using high-quality inks can greatly extend the lifespan of the print.

Summary

If you need rich colors, low quantities, fine details, and on-demand printing, choose sublimation.

If you are looking for large volumes, lower unit prices, a variety of materials, and sharp logos, screen printing is more suitable.

Both techniques have their strengths:

Sublimation excels in color vibrancy and flexibility.

Screen printing offers broad material compatibility and economies of scale.

They are not mutually exclusive—choose based on your actual business needs.

Image source: Internet