Sublimation vs. Screen Printing: A Complete Guide by Rise Sportswear

At Rise Sportswear, we know that the printing method you choose can make or break your custom sportswear. Whether you're ordering bulk uniforms for your team or designing personalized fight gear, the two most popular printing options—sublimation sportswear and screen printing—each offer unique advantages. Let's dive into what makes them different, so you can make the right choice for your sports apparel.

1. Understanding the Basics

Sublimation Printing: This modern printing method uses heat to transfer dye directly into polyester fabrics. Unlike screen printing, sublimation infuses the ink into the fibers of the fabric, creating a smooth, permanent print that won't crack or peel.

Screen Printing: Also known as silk-screening, this method is one of the oldest and most widely used printing techniques. It involves creating a stencil (or screen) for each color in your design and pressing ink through the screen onto the fabric. The result is a bold, textured design that sits on top of the garment.

2. Process Comparison

Sublimation Printing Process:

Step 1: Design the artwork digitally and print it onto special sublimation paper.

Step 2: Place the paper on a polyester garment and apply heat and pressure.

Step 3: The heat converts the dye into a gas, which bonds with the fabric fibers.

Step 4: Once cooled, the design becomes part of the fabric, resulting in a smooth, vibrant print.

Screen Printing Process:

Step 1: Create a separate stencil for each color in the design.

Step 2: Align the screen on the fabric and apply thick ink.

Step 3: Use a squeegee to press ink through the screen onto the garment.

Step 4: Allow the ink to dry and repeat for each color.

3. Key Differences

Aspect:

1. Sublimation Printing

Best Fabric: Best for polyester and polyester blends

Durability: Permanent; won't fade, crack, or peel

Color Range: Unlimited; can print full-color designs

Cost Efficiency: Better for small, detailed, multicolor jobs

Feel: Smooth, part of the fabric

2. Screen Printing

Best Fabric: Works on almost any material

Durability: Can crack or peel over time

Color Range: Limited by number of screens

Cost Efficiency: Better for large orders with few colors

Feel: Slightly raised, textured finish

4. Cons and Pros

Sublimation Printing Cons:

Limited to polyester or polyester-coated materials.

Doesn't work well on dark fabrics.

Higher initial equipment costs.

Sublimation Printing Pros:

Highly durable; colors stay vibrant after many washes.

Perfect for detailed, multicolor designs.

Smooth finish with no added texture.

Screen Printing Cons:

Not ideal for detailed, multicolor designs.

Ink can crack or peel over time.

Setup is time-consuming and costly for small batches.

Screen Printing Pros:

Vibrant colors, especially on dark fabrics.

Cost-effective for large orders.

Can print on a wide variety of materials, including cotton and nylon.

5. Best Use Cases

When to Choose Sublimation:

You're printing detailed, colorful designs.

You want long-lasting, high-quality prints that won't fade.

You're working with polyester apparel, like custom jerseys or fight gear.

When to Choose Screen Printing:

You're printing simple designs with a few colors.

You need to print on materials other than polyester.

You have a large order and want to keep costs down.

6. Which is Right for You?

At Rise Sportswear, we specialize in both methods, offering you flexibility based on your specific needs. If you're outfitting an entire sports team and need bold, durable prints on cotton tees, screen printing is a great option. On the other hand, if you're looking for vibrant, full-color designs on high-performance polyester gear, sublimation is the way to go.

No matter which method you choose, our in-house R&D team and advanced printing technology ensure top-notch results every time. From MMA fight shorts to custom team uniforms, Rise Sportswear delivers apparel that looks great and performs even better.

7. Final Thoughts

Both sublimation sportswear and screen printing sportswear have their place in the world of custom sportswear. The right choice depends on your design, fabric, budget, and order size. At Rise Sportswear, we're here to guide you through the process and ensure you get exactly what you need—whether that's bold screen-printed designs or sleek sublimated prints.

Ready to get started on your custom order? Reach out to Rise Sportswear today and let's create something amazing together!