DTF, DTG and Sublimation Printing in New Orleans: Which One Is Right for Your Job

There is more than one way to put a design on a shirt, a mug or a bag, and the right choice depends on your artwork, your fabric and how the item will be used. If you have run into terms like DTF, DTG and sublimation and were not sure what they mean, here is a plain guide from a New Orleans and Metairie print shop that does all of them under one roof.

Screen printing

The classic method. Ink is pushed through a stencil, one screen per color. It is the most efficient choice for larger runs of bold designs with a few colors, and it holds up well on cotton apparel. For team shirts, event runs and bulk orders, screen printing is usually the go-to. See our screen printing page for more.

DTF, direct to film

DTF prints your design onto a special film and then heat presses it onto the garment. It handles full color and fine detail, works on cotton, blends and many other fabrics, and does not need a minimum quantity. That makes it a strong pick for small runs, complex or photographic artwork, and jobs with lots of colors.

DTG, direct to garment

DTG prints ink directly into the fabric, much like a paper printer lays ink on a page. It captures photo level detail and unlimited colors with no minimum order, which is ideal for one-offs and short runs on cotton garments where the artwork is detailed.

Sublimation

Sublimation uses heat to dye the design into polyester fabric or specially coated items. Because the color becomes part of the material, it never cracks or peels, and it can cover the entire product edge to edge. It shines on polyester apparel, mugs, drinkware, and all-over prints.

Which method is right for you

A quick way to think about it: choose screen printing for bulk, bold apparel, DTF or DTG for detailed or full color art in smaller runs, sublimation for polyester and all-over designs, and embroidery for a premium stitched look on uniforms and caps. The good news is you do not have to decide alone.

Not sure? Bring your idea and a rough logo

Tell us what you are making and how it will be used, bring even a rough logo, and our in-house team will clean it up and recommend the right method for the job. As a one-stop shop with more than ten years in business, a five-star reputation and a helpful, hands-on team, we can match your design to the best process and put it on thousands of product options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DTF printing?

DTF, or direct to film, prints your design onto a special film and heat presses it onto the garment. It handles full color and fine detail, works on cotton and blends, and does not require a minimum quantity, so it is great for small runs and complex artwork.

What is the difference between DTG and screen printing?

DTG prints ink directly into the garment like a paper printer, so it captures photo level detail with no minimum order. Screen printing pushes ink through a stencil and is the most efficient choice for larger runs of bold designs with a few colors.

When should I choose sublimation?

Sublimation dyes the design into polyester fabric or coated items, so it never cracks or peels and can cover the whole product. It is ideal for polyester apparel, mugs, drinkware and all-over prints.

Which method lasts the longest?

Each one is durable when it is done right. Sublimation and embroidery are extremely long lasting, screen printing holds up well on bulk apparel, and DTF and DTG give you detail and flexibility. We match the method to how the item will be used.

I do not know which one I need, can you help?

Absolutely. Tell us what you are making and how it will be used, bring even a rough logo, and our team will recommend the right method and get your artwork production ready.

Want the right method for your project? Explore screen printing, embroidery and promotional products, or contact us and we will point you the right way. Serving New Orleans, Metairie and Kenner. You Think It, We Ink It.

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