Sublimation Vinyl vs Heat Transfer Vinyl: Which One to Choose?

About Printing on Heat Transfer Vinyl

Iron-on vinyl (HTV) is a simple method of personalising a variety of fabrics, including cotton and nylon, with vibrant, textured designs. Typically, the design is created using single-colour vinyl sheets. Therefore, the process is best suited for text-based designs, logos and simple patterns with limited colours. However, printable HTV allows for a wider range of colours.

HTV sheets come in a variety of colors, textures, and gradients, allowing you to choose the texture you like. It is one of those versatile methods that offer easy access to newcomers, which is why it is a favorite choice for hobbyists and small businesses.

Here's how to create an HTV design:

• Create a design pattern digitally. For best results, keep it simple.
• Load your vinyl sheet into a vinyl cutter, such as the xM1 or M1 Ultra tool , and cut the vinyl. For printable vinyl, simply color print your favorite design onto the plain vinyl sheet.
• Using a tool to remove excess vinyl around and inside the design.
• Place the cut vinyl design on top of the fabric.
• To apply heat, use a heat press or household iron. Time and pressure will vary based on the texture and type of vinyl.

xTool M1 Ultra Tool

Multifunctional craft machine with cutting, inkjet printing and drawing

Pros of heat transfer vinyl

• Beginner-friendly process that requires minimal equipment.
• Ideal for bold logos and text designs.
• It works on both natural and synthetic fabrics.
• Highly versatile, with a range of vinyl types (e.g. glitter, iridescent, soft) for different effects.
• Fast delivery times for unique projects.

Cons of heat transfer vinyl

• Mass production can take a long time.
• It may flake, crack or fade over time.

Sublimation Vinyl vs. Heat Transfer Vinyl: What’s the Difference?

The previous section gave you an idea of ​​the strengths of each method. However, making the right choice means digging deeper into the key aspects. So, let’s compare sublimation vinyl and heat transfer vinyl in terms of design complexity, color options, feel, production time, and installation costs.

Complexity of design

The nature of the design each technique can handle is different. With HTV, the design is usually cut from sheets of vinyl, which limits the color range and complexity. Each layer of color requires a separate sheet of vinyl, making multi-color designs difficult and time-consuming.

In contrast, sublimation printing uses a digital process to transfer designs onto sublimation paper. This means you can replicate any design that can be created digitally, from intricate patterns to photo-realistic ones.

Design Feel and Texture

In the HTV process, the vinyl sits on top of the fabric, which creates a noticeable texture. This layered design can make the fabric less breathable and slightly heavier in the printed areas.

On the other hand, in sublimation, the dye becomes part of the fabric by binding directly to the fibers. This keeps the original softness and texture of the fabric intact . The result is a smooth and light finish that feels like the fabric itself.

Color choices

As mentioned above, sublimation uses digital printing, so all the colors that CMYK inks can create are possible . This allows you to easily print detailed, multi-color designs.

Vinyl sheets come in a variety of color and texture options, such as iridescent, gradient, glitter, or puffy vinyl . They are great for unique effects, but the design is limited to the colors of vinyl you have . However, for complex design options, you should upgrade to printable HTV, which allows you to print any design on vinyl.

Compatible fabrics

Sublimation works best on light colored synthetic fabrics, especially polyester . The dye bonds well to synthetic fibers but does not have a white base. This means that designs appear opaque or transparent on dark fabrics. Ideally, the fabric should be at least 65% polyester. There is an alternative solution for other fabrics as well, but you will need to add a vinyl base layer .

Vinyl works on a variety of fabrics, regardless of color . It can be applied to cotton, polyester, polycotton blends, nylon, and even leather. Because vinyl is bold and opaque, it stands out on both light and dark fabrics.

Costs involved

Iron-on vinyl is not only easy but also affordable . That's why it's a favorite choice for DIYers and crafters. To give you an idea of ​​the costs, here's a breakdown:

A 16-sheet pack of HTV vinyl costs about $12.99 at the xTool store. A 4-in-1 vinyl cutter, like the xTool M1 Ultra Tool , runs about $999, and a basic heat press can cost as little as $53.99. In many cases, a household iron can work as a replacement for the heat press, further reducing costs.

xTool M1 Ultra Tool

Multifunctional craft machine with cutting, inkjet printing and drawing

On the other hand, sublimation requires more specialized tools and materials . You need a sublimation printer, sublimation paper, sublimation dyes, and a heat press, which is usually larger and more expensive than the one used for HTV. Maintenance and ink costs are also recurring.

Duration

HTV creates a layered design that sits on top of the fabric . Yes, it is durable, but it is also more prone to scratching and cracking over time , especially with heavy use. On average, HTV designs can last up to 50 washes before signs of wear appear.

While sublimation embeds the design directly into the fabric , making it part of the material itself. This eliminates any chance of cracking or peeling . Fading is also rare, as the dye binds at a molecular level to the fabric.

Production time

HTV is a simple method but requires more manual effort. You cut the design from the vinyl(s), trim off the excess material, align it on the fabric, and then use a heat press to transfer it. The range increases if you have multiple colors in the design. In comparison, sublimation simply involves printing the entire design once and heat pressing it.

Amount

Both HTV and sublimation can be used to create single or multiple designs, but the cost-effectiveness varies depending on the quantity. HTV is ideal for single designs or small batches because it requires minimal setup and you can work with individual sheets of vinyl for each design without much waste.

On the contrary, sublimation shines in mass production or larger batches . Once the design and setup are prepared, sublimation can handle more items more efficiently.

Sublimation Vinyl vs Heat Transfer Vinyl: Which One to Choose?

We’ve covered the differences in depth and the distinction between sublimation and heat transfer vinyl (HTV) is clear. Both are excellent printing methods, but the choice ultimately depends on your specific printing needs and requirements.

You can choose HTV when:

• Vivid text designs and logos.
• You are working with cotton, nylon, or other non-polyester fabrics.
• You need an affordable solution for small-scale or one-off projects.

Use sublimation when:

• You are printing on light colored polyester blends.
• The design is detailed and includes color images.
• Seamless prints are needed to preserve the softness and breathability of the fabric.

FAQ: Sublimation vs Vinyl

Which is better, sublimation or vinyl?

Both are excellent methods for creating designs on fabrics. Which is better depends on your needs. For light-colored polyester fabrics, when vivid, photographic images are needed, sublimation is ideal. For bold, textured designs like logos, text, and comics, HTV is the best choice.

What lasts longer, sublimation or vinyl?

Sublimation, without a doubt, as the design bonds directly to the fabric and becomes part of it. In contrast, HTV designs are layered and prone to cracking.

Is printable vinyl the same as sublimation?

Printable vinyl is a digital version of HTV, where you can print any type of complex design in full color onto vinyl and then heat press it - the texture and feel are the same. But the process is not the same as sublimation, where the inks soak into the fabric. The only similarity is that they both use digital printing.

Can I use my sublimation printer to print vinyl?

No, this is not possible because sublimation printers use dye-based inks that are not compatible with printable vinyl. However, it is possible to heat press sublimation inks onto clear or white vinyl, which can then be applied to fabrics where direct sublimation is not an option. This technique is commonly used as a workaround for materials such as cotton.