Sublimation, screen printing and embroidery compared
The three methods we actually use, including where each one loses.
The most common question before ordering is which printing method to use. The answer depends on the artwork, the quantity and the fabric — not on one being better overall. This compares the three we actually use, including where each loses.
Sublimation — full coverage, unlimited colour
The dye turns to vapour and bonds inside the fabric rather than sitting on top, so it cannot peel, crack or fade and you cannot feel it. It prints edge to edge across seams, handles gradients and photographs, and extra colours cost nothing.
The limits are real: polyester only, and light fabric only. White cannot be printed, because white is simply where the fabric is left bare. A pale design on a black shirt is not possible this way.
Screen printing — high volume, limited colours
A separate screen per colour, paid for once, so the price per shirt falls quickly with quantity. The cheapest route for a few-colour logo across hundreds of shirts.
It works on any fabric including cotton, and can print white onto dark shirts, which sublimation cannot. The trade-off is a screen per colour, so gradients and photographs do not suit it, and you can feel the ink on the surface.
Embroidery — when it has to look considered
Stitched into the fabric. The most durable of the three and the most formal, which is why it is standard on corporate polos. Priced by size and stitch count, not by colour.
It does not suit very fine detail or small text, because a stitch has a minimum size. Logos with hairline strokes usually need slight adjustment first, which we handle at the design stage.
The short version
Full coverage, many colours, sports fabric → sublimation. Few-colour logo, high volume, or dark shirts → screen. Logo on a polo, needs to look refined → embroidery.
Unsure? Send the artwork and quantity and we will tell you which is most economical — including when that is the cheaper option for us.
Common questions
Can you sublimate onto black shirts?
Only with artwork darker than the fabric. White and pale colours cannot print over dark cloth. The correct route is a light fabric with the dark background printed on.
How many washes before it peels?
Sublimation does not peel at all — the colour is in the fabric, not on it. Screen print longevity depends on care; inside out and no hot water gives years.
For 20 shirts, which is better value?
Usually sublimation, because there are no screen costs. Screen printing wins as volume rises and colour count stays low.
Read next
Fabric
The fabrics actually used in made-to-order work, what each suits, and when not to pick one.
Ordering
What to prepare, when you see the design, and what usually causes delays.
Shirt Design
Tell us roughly what you want. We draft it, revise it until it is right, and only then do you decide.
Pricing
Price depends on quantity, fabric and printing — this page explains what moves it.