I ran an apparel company back in 2008 and believe me that the fact that you cannot print sublimation on 100% cotton t-shirts will be an annoying hurdle that your apparel startup may never get past. This alone should steer you away from sublimation if your main goal is apparel. You could print sublimation to 50/50 cotton-poly blends, but the ink will still wear off in under 5 - 6 washes. If you want to sell cheap-o tees for a one off event or make matching shirts for the family trip to Disneyworld then cotton printing will be fine. But when it comes to buying wholesale inventory, quality shirts out there will be 100% cotton and even at a low retail price, people buying your shirts will expect to have the image not completely fade away in a few washes, and if you do print to 100% cotton, it will wash off completely within 1 - 2 washes. It will have a soft hand for sure, but the longevity just is not there. Also, when using a regular inkjet printer with sublimation ink, the colors will often not match up as well as other methods, so the colors you see on the screen will not 100% match what actually prints, which can often make or break a design that you likely spent time creating. Sublimation ink is just not a language that your Canon inkjet was created to fluently understand, so there will be some misinterpretations. And depending on what app you're printing from, like Photoshop, you'll have to play with the color management a lot to get it to be as close to your on-screen image as possible, because monitor settings also vary and colors can completely change on screen depending on your contract, brightness, etc settings. And of course, the fact that you cannot print to black/dark shirts can be a deal breaker all in itself. I was able to make some black ink to olive green shirts, but that's about it and even then it's still barely visible. And in regards to 'maintenance ', sublimation ink actually WILL dry up over time. It is recommend to do at least one print a week for proper ink flow. I have had $5,000 printers turn into large paperweights because of not being used often enough and having the ink within turn to stone. I suggest routine DIY cleaning as well using an OTC solution called Simple Green. And know that if you plan to purchase an inkjet printer and use sublimation ink instead, this will only work if you put in the sublimation ink first and ONLY. Whatever type of ink you put into that printer when taking it out of the box - that is the only type of ink you can use from there on out. If you've already used it with regular ink then try to use sublimation ink instead, your tubes are going to get clogged and depending on the severity, you'll either have to get the tubes professionally cleaned out or worse, replaced completely, which is costly. So don't think you can use that old inkjet you've got sitting around the house and just change inks, because that won't work. Regarding size, you are certainly not limited to 8 x 11 with sublimation. Print size depends only on printer size, and larger Epson printers for example can net you 36+ inch wide images. Though remember that you will also need a larger heat press for larger images, and if you're doing an 'all-over' print, using a smaller press and trying to get the top and bottom to match up using several presses is not going to work out well for you.
Thanks for this insight, its very informative. I've known that printing on cotton shirts makes the print kinda dull but i havent heard about it fading fast, especially since its always been said that since its adhered to the fabric far better than DTF and doesnt leave a film then the print is presuned to last longer. I guess thats why i havent really seen much artists in art conventions/artist alleys sell sublimation printed shirts, its always tote bags. In the case of tote bags however, sublimation prints on canvas seem vibrant and close enough to digital designs from what i have seen, plus i own quite a number of totes that i have used and washed a couple of times now but the print still looks fine. I guess because its printed on canvas instead of cotton? I'd love to hear more of your insights if you have any regarding sublimation on canvas. Thanks again!
Thank you so much for this comment. I just have a question. So, say I have a square picture. Would it work if I put a white vinyl on a t-shirt and then put the sublimation on the white vinyl?
I love your explanation of sublimation! Thank you for explaining the chemistry. Sublimation = transformation from a solid state directly to a gaseous state
Great video, thanks! but I wish the video had more info about how safe is to use DTF method, specially when you have to heat that powder. I would stick to sublimation. Safety is my number one priority.
I thought sublimation printing was referred to as DTF- direct to film and what yall call DTF is actually DTG- direct to garmet. Im try to learn all this, not because Im use it, but because Im trying to suprise my girlfriend for Christmas and I need to do sone research.
I really appreciate y’all taking the time out to do this video and y’all are so cute together. I’m new to this small business and I am doing my homework on every bit of these processes. I am leaning toward DTF. Thanks again
Yayyy!! Happy Friday!! You guys help make these processes “make sense” that’s why I love you guys! Thanks for everything you do! (My Google review for this Fridays video 😆 but it’s so true! )
Amazing video! Thank you!!! Also yall need to mention.. sublimation printing doesn’t work on 100% cotton (which is better than polyester shirts) and that it releases a lot of fumes. DTF is more versatile and worthwhile.
Thank you for sharing this information!! I love dtf color quality print , this has made me decide to go for it trying to print for our business tshirt which we use a variety of colors tshirts
Wish we'd had all this info before we dumped money into sublimation and white toner printing a couple years ago. I think we're on our third Sawgrass printer. They die and the hubby just buys another one because it's what he knows. And we are not happy with our white toner printer, which was way more $$ than your DTF printer and really doesn't transfer well.
So I want to make more tshirts that is better than my current method: printing laser printer on vinyl iron on and iron on transfer. Don’t like thickness and easy cracking. So I got into looking at ordering DTF transfer prints or making my own prints at home with Eco Tank sublimation. Your video helped me give a clear ideas of pro and cons, and that the route with sublimation will limit me on product I can offer BUT def a easier and more affordable start up! Thanks again
I wish I had gotten an eco tank. Have u tried printing on Inkjet transfer film and then using the dtf powder on the image? Then pressing on a cotton shirt. I’ve seen it done a few times but have yet to try. A mix of both worlds lol. Would love to see your take on it!
Just curious if you can post a close up photo of the DTF film after you've cured the powder? Just wondering if it looks smooth or like alligator skin? I tried the sublimation hack with sublimation paper & the powder, looked nicely coated, but when cured it was very alligator or dry skin look, not smooth. Thanks for your awesome videos.
Thank you 😅this was absolutely thee greatest explanation… I’m a Newbie and am looking to upgrade to a dtf printer /oven 😬any suggestions on a start up dtf?
Glad it was helpful! This is the only DTF printer we have used. We like it, but if we did it again, we would get one with the roll of film and the automatic powder and oven.
How long does the ink last in each? Or about how many projects can I make till I need to reup on the ink? Is there some type of ink program that HP has that will send you ink when u start to run out??
Thank you so much for this awesome video. DTF is awesome but its machines still not matured enough. I would start with Sublimation for now, and may be in few years DTF will become easier to maintain and faster in terms of the extra step with powder, baking, etc.
This was very helpful. I am still a little lost but I will be starting with the Sublimation. I just wish I had found this video before I put the ink into the printer. Wasted money. But aye.
Thanks a lot for this video. I have a question for mr Kim about DTF . can i print a picture on top of another. For example i print a picture and after it cool down i print another smaller one on top of it ?
Ok I brought a DTF from Amazon. I've been sick every since. The fumes are killing me what do I do to get rid of fumes in my house? No body talks about the fumes.
That's definitely a topic that needs too be addressed... I use a 3M mash with the pink filters that are designed too filter out gases... I also have an extractor fan that sucks out dirty air and pumps in fresh air...
Because the composition of white ink is titanium dioxide, it is easy to precipitate. You can use a needle to pump the waste ink tube to let the ink circulate, and you can clean the print head with F12
Hey Michelle! Yeah, the white is finicky! It clogs and separates pretty quickly. When my white starts looking thin, I will use the syringe to pull a 1-2oz through both white nozzles and then do a print head cleaning. That will usually put me back in business.~garrett
Sublimation for me. Hopefully I can use my Cricut for what my Sublimation can’t do! Thanks to the both of you for the information….you guys are awesome!!
Anyone know if there's any daily maintenance for a converted Epson sublimation printer? I just got mine and I've heard many horror stories about ink drying up if it's not used daily. Can I keep it unplugged when it's not in use?
Your creativity knows no bounds! DTF printing could be the perfect tool for unleashing even more innovation in your custom t-shirt designs! 🚀 @fastdtftransfer
Whaaat? No wearing a t for more than 50 times? The whole year has 52 weeks, so if you’re wearing a T once/week you can only have that for a year? That’s crazy wasteful.
Honestly a good point but. In a year you should have a new design to add to the collection. I mean .... Seriously new design once a month is minimal for most ppl. You got plenty holidays in a year.
Im missing something; health hazards. You talked about sublimation causing a gas reaction in the shirt. Do you need a extraction?? Im a little in a dillema. I like the epic full color and better graphics but I don't like the feeling of a sticker that also washes after a certain time 😅 pls answer the health hazard question if you guys can. Tnx for the video :)
Dtf inks are glue based in nature.. turns almost plastic when set up for too long. It took a year of learning my large format dtf as well as I had to learn how to fix it constantly
I ran an apparel company back in 2008 and believe me that the fact that you cannot print sublimation on 100% cotton t-shirts will be an annoying hurdle that your apparel startup may never get past. This alone should steer you away from sublimation if your main goal is apparel. You could print sublimation to 50/50 cotton-poly blends, but the ink will still wear off in under 5 - 6 washes. If you want to sell cheap-o tees for a one off event or make matching shirts for the family trip to Disneyworld then cotton printing will be fine. But when it comes to buying wholesale inventory, quality shirts out there will be 100% cotton and even at a low retail price, people buying your shirts will expect to have the image not completely fade away in a few washes, and if you do print to 100% cotton, it will wash off completely within 1 - 2 washes. It will have a soft hand for sure, but the longevity just is not there. Also, when using a regular inkjet printer with sublimation ink, the colors will often not match up as well as other methods, so the colors you see on the screen will not 100% match what actually prints, which can often make or break a design that you likely spent time creating. Sublimation ink is just not a language that your Canon inkjet was created to fluently understand, so there will be some misinterpretations. And depending on what app you're printing from, like Photoshop, you'll have to play with the color management a lot to get it to be as close to your on-screen image as possible, because monitor settings also vary and colors can completely change on screen depending on your contract, brightness, etc settings. And of course, the fact that you cannot print to black/dark shirts can be a deal breaker all in itself. I was able to make some black ink to olive green shirts, but that's about it and even then it's still barely visible.
And in regards to 'maintenance ', sublimation ink actually WILL dry up over time. It is recommend to do at least one print a week for proper ink flow. I have had $5,000 printers turn into large paperweights because of not being used often enough and having the ink within turn to stone. I suggest routine DIY cleaning as well using an OTC solution called Simple Green. And know that if you plan to purchase an inkjet printer and use sublimation ink instead, this will only work if you put in the sublimation ink first and ONLY. Whatever type of ink you put into that printer when taking it out of the box - that is the only type of ink you can use from there on out. If you've already used it with regular ink then try to use sublimation ink instead, your tubes are going to get clogged and depending on the severity, you'll either have to get the tubes professionally cleaned out or worse, replaced completely, which is costly. So don't think you can use that old inkjet you've got sitting around the house and just change inks, because that won't work. Regarding size, you are certainly not limited to 8 x 11 with sublimation. Print size depends only on printer size, and larger Epson printers for example can net you 36+ inch wide images. Though remember that you will also need a larger heat press for larger images, and if you're doing an 'all-over' print, using a smaller press and trying to get the top and bottom to match up using several presses is not going to work out well for you.
Thanks for this insight, its very informative. I've known that printing on cotton shirts makes the print kinda dull but i havent heard about it fading fast, especially since its always been said that since its adhered to the fabric far better than DTF and doesnt leave a film then the print is presuned to last longer. I guess thats why i havent really seen much artists in art conventions/artist alleys sell sublimation printed shirts, its always tote bags. In the case of tote bags however, sublimation prints on canvas seem vibrant and close enough to digital designs from what i have seen, plus i own quite a number of totes that i have used and washed a couple of times now but the print still looks fine. I guess because its printed on canvas instead of cotton? I'd love to hear more of your insights if you have any regarding sublimation on canvas. Thanks again!
Thank you for this comment it’s good to anyone looking to just get started
Thank you so much for this comment. I just have a question. So, say I have a square picture. Would it work if I put a white vinyl on a t-shirt and then put the sublimation on the white vinyl?
I was lost among them.. and you saved me, thank you🌸
I love your explanation of sublimation! Thank you for explaining the chemistry. Sublimation = transformation from a solid state directly to a gaseous state
Thanks guys great comparison ❤🎉 love from INDIA❤
Great video, thanks! but I wish the video had more info about how safe is to use DTF method, specially when you have to heat that powder. I would stick to sublimation. Safety is my number one priority.
You guys really helped me! Thank you so much for your time and dedication on your videos!
I thought sublimation printing was referred to as DTF- direct to film and what yall call DTF is actually DTG- direct to garmet.
Im try to learn all this, not because Im use it, but because Im trying to suprise my girlfriend for Christmas and I need to do sone research.
this helped me understand the difference between the two. thank you. 🙂
By the way. Love you guys show always so informative ❤
Our pleasure!
I really appreciate y’all taking the time out to do this video and y’all are so cute together. I’m new to this small business and I am doing my homework on every bit of these processes. I am leaning toward DTF. Thanks again
Great comparison guys! Thanks!
Yayyy!! Happy Friday!! You guys help make these processes “make sense” that’s why I love you guys! Thanks for everything you do! (My Google review for this Fridays video 😆 but it’s so true! )
You're the best! Thanks for always watching!
Amazing video! Thank you!!! Also yall need to mention.. sublimation printing doesn’t work on 100% cotton (which is better than polyester shirts) and that it releases a lot of fumes. DTF is more versatile and worthwhile.
HI EVERYONE CAN I USE SUBLIMATION PAPER TO DENIM PANTS? OR DENIM PANTS IS BETTER WITH DTF TRANSFER FILM? Im from the philippines
Sublimation for me. I like the ease and I like that the ink blends in with the t-shirt better than the DTF
Question: Sublimation t shirt can wash how many time? Thanks
@@percivaldye2535 'I forgot but they say a lot more than a DTF shirt
Glued on your channel. Thanks for all the information, start to end, very informative. Keep it going.
Thanks, will do!
Thank you for sharing this information!! I love dtf color quality print , this has made me decide to go for it trying to print for our business tshirt which we use a variety of colors tshirts
great video thanks!!!
Wish we'd had all this info before we dumped money into sublimation and white toner printing a couple years ago. I think we're on our third Sawgrass printer. They die and the hubby just buys another one because it's what he knows. And we are not happy with our white toner printer, which was way more $$ than your DTF printer and really doesn't transfer well.
So I want to make more tshirts that is better than my current method: printing laser printer on vinyl iron on and iron on transfer. Don’t like thickness and easy cracking.
So I got into looking at ordering DTF transfer prints or making my own prints at home with Eco Tank sublimation.
Your video helped me give a clear ideas of pro and cons, and that the route with sublimation will limit me on product I can offer BUT def a easier and more affordable start up! Thanks again
You guys are super good when it’s about explaining things thank you keep it keep it up 👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you, Ed! Will do! ~garrett
Great video. Thank you. Do you know if I can sublimate on to leatherette? Interested in trying out sublimated leather hat patches? Thanks again!!
Great explanation!
Can you use DTF in a epson converted printer if so can you use it on black cotton t-shirts
I wish I had gotten an eco tank. Have u tried printing on Inkjet transfer film and then using the dtf powder on the image? Then pressing on a cotton shirt. I’ve seen it done a few times but have yet to try. A mix of both worlds lol. Would love to see your take on it!
Ugh I totally understand!
What do you recommend for graphic art work printing for beanies? Which will have the best quality?
Smith Betty Rodriguez David Smith Shirley
Just curious if you can post a close up photo of the DTF film after you've cured the powder? Just wondering if it looks smooth or like alligator skin?
I tried the sublimation hack with sublimation paper & the powder, looked nicely coated, but when cured it was very alligator or dry skin look, not smooth.
Thanks for your awesome videos.
Thank you 😅this was absolutely thee greatest explanation… I’m a Newbie and am looking to upgrade to a dtf printer /oven 😬any suggestions on a start up dtf?
Glad it was helpful! This is the only DTF printer we have used. We like it, but if we did it again, we would get one with the roll of film and the automatic powder and oven.
A+ on the video. Thanks
Much appreciated!
Rodriguez Robert Jones David Jones Karen
Hi guy’s! Okay Garrett, what brand and model are you using for DTF? Love you guys!
Awww! Thanks Lisa! We have the DTF Transfer Printer A3 L1800 Printer: amzn.to/3B14dep Thanks again! ~garrett
How long does the ink last in each? Or about how many projects can I make till I need to reup on the ink? Is there some type of ink program that HP has that will send you ink when u start to run out??
Thank you so much for this awesome video. DTF is awesome but its machines still not matured enough. I would start with Sublimation for now, and may be in few years DTF will become easier to maintain and faster in terms of the extra step with powder, baking, etc.
Is sublimation good for business?
This was very helpful. I am still a little lost but I will be starting with the Sublimation. I just wish I had found this video before I put the ink into the printer. Wasted money. But aye.
Can you use different sublimation ink after using sub ink like I use hiippo can I switch my ink to cosmo ink? Or no
Sublimation WINS! Flawless Victory! !!FATALITY!!!
Miller Nancy Lewis Donna Lee James
I assume the shirt shes wearing is Sub and his is DTF? Is that a visual difference? If so the DTF looks way better than SUB
No hers is light blue pink his is red black
DTF can print it on any fabric and any colour
Good info, Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks a lot for this video.
I have a question for mr Kim about DTF .
can i print a picture on top of another.
For example i print a picture and after it cool down i print another smaller one on top of it ?
Yes! We just tried this out and it works. We did need to do a second press on each image.
@@KimandGarrettmakeit thank you so much 🙏
This is very helpful ❤
Ok I brought a DTF from Amazon. I've been sick every since. The fumes are killing me what do I do to get rid of fumes in my house? No body talks about the fumes.
That's definitely a topic that needs too be addressed...
I use a 3M mash with the pink filters that are designed too filter out gases...
I also have an extractor fan that sucks out dirty air and pumps in fresh air...
Thank you James.
Ypu need a hood sucker machine. Those fumes are toxic
Thanks, I was about to buy a DTF. But, I think, I’ll stick to my sublimation printer.
Did you have to buy a software program to download designs for DTF printer
What is the Epson printer you converted for the DTF?
Sorry, I meant to say it and totally forgot!!! DTF Transfer Printer A3 L1800 Printer: amzn.to/3B14dep Thanks Lisa! ~garrett
This Video Rocks ty
I bought one of these from Amazon... after a couple prints, the white quit working. Any suggestions?
Because the composition of white ink is titanium dioxide, it is easy to precipitate. You can use a needle to pump the waste ink tube to let the ink circulate, and you can clean the print head with F12
Hey Michelle! Yeah, the white is finicky! It clogs and separates pretty quickly. When my white starts looking thin, I will use the syringe to pull a 1-2oz through both white nozzles and then do a print head cleaning. That will usually put me back in business.~garrett
Agreed! 👍 ~garrett
Sublimation for me. Hopefully I can use my Cricut for what my Sublimation can’t do! Thanks to the both of you for the information….you guys are awesome!!
DTF doesn't mean what I thought it did.. 😅
Very informative, thank you. Just slightly cringy at the start
4:44 me wearing that t'shirt for the 1000 time 🌚
Thank you, please let us know about power consumption by comparison.
This is the video I needed! This video has also led me to more questions! Subscribing and going to search your videos for more!
There are a3 size sublimation papers. You just need an a3 sublimation printer.
Good to see Lalo Salamanca giving printing tips
Thank you! This really clarified everything for my decision
Ok is it just me or does the white on his shirt look like some shiny iron on?
great video
Man you guys are awesome, Love the way y’all give the whole run down in everything y’all do .
This was really helpful and spot on. Keep posting. 😊
Anyone know if there's any daily maintenance for a converted Epson sublimation printer? I just got mine and I've heard many horror stories about ink drying up if it's not used daily. Can I keep it unplugged when it's not in use?
Mine was a nightmare. I used it once and that was it. I personally wouldn’t recommend it.
I used my heat gun to cure my powder. It worked great.
Garrett looks like Mark Ruffalo
This is a great comparison between the two. Nothing else that needs to be said!
Nice vid. Thank you
Yo this the the video that says it all
Thank you
Of course!
Thank you for the explanation and sharing the cost of DTF… I’m not there yet 😂
You’re welcome 😊
Love this tutorial. Great information! Thank you 😊 stay blessed 🥰
Thank you so much 🤗
Hey Kim, nice meeting you this morning at Mathews Market Days
Thanks for coming to say hi! it made our day!
Your creativity knows no bounds! DTF printing could be the perfect tool for unleashing even more innovation in your custom t-shirt designs! 🚀 @fastdtftransfer
Great video!
Do you have a video of how to do the maintenance ? I absolutely love you guys !!❤
Coming soon!
Thanks guys...
If I purchase a DTF print from someone can I then create my product, i.e., black tshirts. using my Infusion IQ heat press.
I believe so!
Thanks for this video. Very informative
So glad you think so!
So helpful 😁💞
😅😅😅
You guys are adorable:)
Thanks so much!
Enjoy your vids
Thanks Nikki! ~garrett
Whaaat? No wearing a t for more than 50 times? The whole year has 52 weeks, so if you’re wearing a T once/week you can only have that for a year? That’s crazy wasteful.
Honestly a good point but. In a year you should have a new design to add to the collection. I mean .... Seriously new design once a month is minimal for most ppl. You got plenty holidays in a year.
@@iSprayChromeYeah but what about the buyer. It’s kinda wasteful to buy clothing snd it only last for 2 weeks lest than a year.
Exactly. I have some shirts with images in vinyl and some of these have five to ten years
Im missing something; health hazards. You talked about sublimation causing a gas reaction in the shirt. Do you need a extraction??
Im a little in a dillema. I like the epic full color and better graphics but I don't like the feeling of a sticker that also washes after a certain time 😅 pls answer the health hazard question if you guys can.
Tnx for the video :)
Dtf inks are glue based in nature.. turns almost plastic when set up for too long. It took a year of learning my large format dtf as well as I had to learn how to fix it constantly