Which Is Better, Screen Printing or Sublimation? A Clear Comparison of Techniques and Benefits

When deciding between screen printing and sublimation, the best choice depends largely on the project’s requirements, including fabric type, design complexity, and durability needs. Screen printing London excels with bold, vibrant colours on cotton garments, while sublimation is ideal for detailed, full-colour designs on polyester.

Each method has distinct advantages and limitations that impact cost, feel, and longevity. Understanding these differences helps determine the most efficient and effective printing technique for a specific purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Screen printing London is best for bold colours on cotton fabrics.

  
  

• Sublimation suits detailed designs on polyester materials.

  
  

• Choosing the right print method depends on fabric and design needs.

  
  

Comparing Screen Printing and Sublimation

Screen printing London and sublimation differ in how they transfer designs, affecting print sharpness, material choices, and colour effects. These differences guide which method suits particular projects best.

Print Quality and Durability

Screen printing London uses ink pressed through a stencil, producing thick layers that sit atop the fabric. This results in high durability and resistance to fading or cracking after multiple washes. It excels on heavier textiles, where bold, solid colours remain vibrant over time.

Sublimation involves infusing dye directly into polyester fibres using heat. The design becomes part of the fabric, creating smooth, soft prints without surface texture.

Material Compatibility

Screen printing London works well on cotton, polyester, blends, and even non-textile surfaces like wood or metal. It adapts to various fabric weights and textures.

Sublimation requires 100% polyester or specially coated substrates. It cannot be applied to natural fibres such as 100% cotton. This limits sublimation mainly to polyester clothing, accessories, and hard goods with a polymer coating.

Colour Vibrancy and Range

Sublimation offers seamless colour gradients and photographic quality with high detail. Its ability to reproduce bright, full-spectrum colours makes it ideal for complex, multi-coloured images.

Screen printing London’s colour range depends on ink blends per run, typically limited to around 6-8 spot colours. However, it produces very solid, opaque colours that are easier to match consistently in bulk orders.

Choosing the Right Printing Method

Selecting between screen printing London and sublimation depends on budget, production scale, and the intricacy of the design.

Cost Considerations

Screen printing London requires initial setup costs such as screens and inks, making it less economical for small batches. However, for large orders, the cost per unit decreases significantly.

Sublimation has lower setup fees, ideal for short runs and personalised items. It typically involves higher ink costs but eliminates the need for screens or colour separations.

For budgets under 50 units, sublimation tends to be more affordable. Above 100 units, screen printing London becomes cost-effective due to economies of scale.

Order Size and Production Speed

Screen printing London excels with large volumes because multiple items can be printed quickly once the setup is complete.

Sublimation offers faster turnaround for small orders because it prints directly from digital files. This method suits customised designs and on-demand printing without lengthy preparation.

For those looking for reliable screen printing London services, Screen 27 delivers high-quality results across a range of fabrics and order sizes. Whether you need bold, simple designs for large events or custom prints for a small group, Screen 27 can advise on the best printing method for your needs. Screen 27’s expertise ensures your finished products are vibrant, durable, and tailored to your requirements. For your next project, consider Screen 27 for professional screen printing London solutions.

If you're looking for expert services, check out our blogs on fabric screen printing London and screen printing in London for trusted local recommendations.

Design Complexity

Screen printing London, especially when handled by Screen 27, is ideal for simple, bold designs. Each colour in screen printing London requires a separate screen, which can increase setup time and cost for complex multicolour gradients.

Sublimation prints full-colour, high-resolution images with gradients and photographic detail effortlessly. It works best on polyester fabrics or specially coated items.

For simple logos and limited colours, screen printing London by Screen 27 offers precision and durability.