Every great design deserves the right finish. At Sarnia Crafts, we use two professional printing methods to bring your ideas to life: Direct-to-Film (DTF) and sublimation printing. From personalised clothing to thoughtful gifts, discover which method works best for your project. Each printing technique has its own strengths. The right choice depends on what you're personalising, the colours in your design and the finish you'd like to achieve. Bold, colourful designs that work on a wide variety of fabrics. DTF printing transfers a design from a specialist film onto fabric using heat and a heat-activated adhesive. The design sits on the surface of the material, producing a vibrant, detailed and flexible print. It works on both light and dark fabrics. A white ink underlayer helps colours stand out beautifully, even on black garments. It's especially good for crisp lettering, logos, illustrations and intricate multicoloured artwork. DTF creates a smooth, flexible layer. You may feel a slight texture where the design has been applied. Wash inside out on a cool, gentle cycle. Avoid bleach and harsh detergents, air dry where possible and never iron directly over the print. Brilliant colour with a smooth, virtually weightless finish. Sublimation uses specialist inks, heat and pressure to bond a design into compatible polyester fibres or a specially coated surface. Rather than sitting on top, the colour becomes part of the material or coating. It's ideal for photographs, colourful illustrations and soft gradients, producing a smooth finish with no raised printed layer. Sublimation doesn't print white ink, so any white areas in your design show the underlying colour of the product. On suitable fabrics, the design feels flat and lightweight, with no surface transfer to crack or peel. Wash clothing on a cool setting and avoid harsh detergents. For mugs and other gifts, follow the individual product care instructions: dishwasher and microwave suitability depends on the coating and manufacturer. Not sure which printing method suits your idea? Here's how they compare. Not sure which printing method is right for your project? Get in touch and we'll be happy to help you explore the options. Please note: Printing suitability, finish and care requirements can vary depending on the material and product. Always follow the care instructions supplied with your purchase. Our Printing Methods.
Find your perfect finish.
DTF (Direct-to-Film)
What is DTF printing?
Why choose DTF?
Perfect for
Caring for your DTF print
Sublimation Printing
What is sublimation printing?
Why choose sublimation?
Perfect for
Caring for your sublimation print
A quick comparison.
Feature DTF Printing Sublimation Printing Best fabrics Cotton, polyester and blends White or light-coloured polyester Dark materials Excellent choice Generally unsuitable Mugs & hard surfaces Not typically recommended Ideal with compatible coatings Print texture Smooth, flexible surface layer Flat, virtually weightless Colours Vibrant colours, including white Vibrant colours, but no white ink Ideal designs Logos, text and illustrations Photographs, gradients and detailed artwork Durability Long-lasting with proper care Long-lasting on compatible materials Care Gentle washing; avoid direct ironing Depends on fabric or product coating Which method should I choose?
You're printing on fabric.
Explore DTF You're creating a colourful gift.
Explore sublimation Let's make something lovely.
✦ MADE WITH CARE · GUERNSEY
METHOD 01 · FABRIC PRINTING
How does it feel?
METHOD 02 · FABRIC & GIFT PRINTING
The 'zero-feel' benefit
CHOOSE DTF IF…
CHOOSE SUBLIMATION IF…