Heat Transfer Vinyl or Sublimation: Choosing Between the Two


If you have a knack for creating pieces of art and considering a start-up for sublimation printing, you need to stock up on the essentials. Premium quality inks, heat transfer presses, quality printers, and a collection of printable might be the first things to consider. Following this, comes the decision to choose between a sublimation ink and HTV. To explore what might work better for your business, you might want to see the difference between them.


The Basic Difference


Several companies now prefer Heat Transfer Vinyl or HTV for their versatility. You can use this plastic-based material in applications like:

  • Store signs

  • Car wraps

  • T-shirts

  • Blank clothes

Manufacturers use specialized, flexible polyurethane, which is soft to touch yet durable. On the other hand, sublimation involves chemical processes that work primarily on light/ white shaded fabrics. However, you can also use it to print on:

  • Phone cases

  • Frames

  • Mugs


Cost of Starting Up

Whether you go for sublimation printing or heat transfer vinyl, it would need some investment. Setting up an HTV would require:

  • A quality heat press machine

  • Blank apparel

  • Vinyl cutting machine

  • Weeding tools

  • Vinyl


A vinyl cutter as the heat press machine would need a hefty amount. So make sure that you check and shop around before you buy. Sublimation printing needs a higher investment. You would need to invest in:


  • Sublimation printer

  • Sublimation papers and apparels

  • Heat press machine


The heat press machine and the printer could be a bit expensive, depending on the brand you buy. You can get some discount on your packages if you avail of packages or buy in bulk from reliable service providers.


Durability and quality


If you decide on heat transfer vinyl to print your apparel and other products, you can rest assured that they will last long. However, your customers must take proper care of them. Otherwise, they can peel, crack and even face over time. Here is where sublimation inks can come to the rescue. They can embed into the fabric. So there is a lesser chance of fading or cracking.


Bottom Line


Both sublimation and HTV can be a good choice, to begin with, your creative venture. It all depends on what you want to do. And if you are still in two minds about where to invest, your local suppliers can give you all the help you need.

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