Printing Methods Explained | PixelBunny Pretoria

1. Sublimation Printing

How It Works: Heat transfers dye onto polyester fabrics or polymer-coated surfaces (e.g., mugs, tumblers).
Best For:

  • Vibrant, all-over prints (e.g., sportswear, leggings, custom mugs).

  • Photo-realistic designs with gradients and fine details.

  • Durable, fade-resistant items (ideal for gym wear or outdoor use).
    Considerations:

  • Works only on polyester fabrics or coated surfaces.

  • Not suitable for 100% cotton or dark-colored garments.

2. Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing

How It Works: Prints designs onto a film, transfers to fabric using heat, and leaves a soft, flexible finish.
Best For:

  • Cotton, blends, and dark fabrics (e.g., hoodies, tote bags, baby clothes).

  • Small to medium orders with intricate designs or text.

  • Soft-hand feel (no stiffness, perfect for detailed logos).
    Considerations:

  • Slightly higher cost for single items vs. bulk.

  • Requires minimal fabric pretreatment.

3. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

How It Works: Cuts designs from colored vinyl sheets and heat-presses them onto garments.
Best For:

  • Bold, single-color logos (e.g., team jerseys, event t-shirts).

  • Durable, waterproof designs (great for workwear or gym gear).

  • Simple text or shapes (limited color blending).
    Considerations:

  • Not ideal for complex, multi-color designs.

  • Vinyl may crack over time with frequent washing.

4. Vinyl Printing

How It Works: Cuts pre-colored vinyl into designs for application on fabrics, tumblers, or hard surfaces.
Best For:

  • Personalized tumblers, mugs, and decals.

  • Crisp, glossy/metallic finishes (e.g., branded merch, promotional stickers).

  • Long-lasting prints on non-fabric items (glass, metal, plastic).
    Considerations:

  • Limited to solid colors or simple layered designs.

  • Not as soft as DTF or sublimation on fabrics.

What Clients Need to Know When Choosing a Method

  1. Fabric/Item Type:

    • Polyester? → Sublimation.

    • Cotton or dark fabrics? → DTF or HTV.

    • Tumblers/mugs? → Sublimation or Vinyl.

  2. Design Complexity:

    • Photorealistic art? → Sublimation or DTF.

    • Simple logos? → HTV or Vinyl.

  3. Order Size:

    • Bulk orders (50+ units)? → Sublimation (cost-effective).

    • Small batches? → DTF or HTV.

  4. Durability Needs:

    • High-wash items? → Sublimation (fade-proof) or DTF (flexible).

    • Outdoor use? → Vinyl (weather-resistant).

  5. Budget:

    • Low-cost for simple designs? → HTV or Vinyl.

    • Premium, detailed prints? → Sublimation or DTF.