Dye-sublimation vs. Water-based Screen Printing
Here's everything you need to know about the pros and cons of water-based screen printing and dye-sublimation printing.
There are several factors to consider when deciding which type of printing will work best for your custom threads. Let’s break down each option.
Water-based screen printing is very much like it sounds. The process uses water-soluble ink that transfers onto garments and permanently changes the color of the fabric.
Dye-sublimation printing uses a process that transfers ink using high heat that also merges with the fabric, permanently changing the color.
With water-based screen printing, you get a super soft design that won’t crack it won’t peel. You also get the best, most vibrant tees on A-rated shirts.
The downside? You have to have minimums for every color in your design.
For example: if you have a 1-color design the minimum is 12 pieces. For every additional color printed in your design, an additional 12 pieces are required to meet the minimum. That means if you have a 5-color design, you have a minimum of 60 pieces.
Water-based discharge ink cannot be used on 100% polyester garments. This is because the discharge ink can only discharge cotton when trying to achieve the best vibrancy with your design. Your best bet is to choose an A-rated 100% cotton T-shirt.
With dye-sublimation, you also get a soft print that won’t crack or peel, but with vivid full-color images and no minimums.
Keep in mind the sublimation print process can only be done on 100% polyester. Although you can choose light garments, your best options for vibrant prints are white colored tees.
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