Printing methods
Silkscreen, DTF or sublimation for company tees?
Silkscreen is usually the best choice for a larger order of company tees, because it lasts the longest and is the most cost-effective at volume. DTF suits small quantities and full-colour designs, and sublimation gives an all-over print on light-coloured polyester.
This guide compares the three methods, shows what each one cannot do, and lists what to prepare before you ask for a quote. Every order starts with a free design and mock-up, and our minimum order is 20 pieces.
The three methods at a glance
| Feature | Silkscreen | DTF | Sublimation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Solid colours, 1 to 4 | Full colour and gradients | Full-colour, all-over print |
| Best for | Larger quantities | Small quantities and detailed logos | All-over designs |
| Fabric | See each product page | See each product page | Polyester only |
| Garment colour | See each product page | See each product page | Light-coloured only |
| Watch out for | Not suitable for gradients, photos or many colours | Less long-lasting than silkscreen | Not suitable for dark garments |
Silkscreen: best value when you order more
Silkscreen needs one mould per colour per print location, so fewer colours means a lower price. The mould is a one-time setup, so a larger quantity also lowers the price per piece. Our prices cover the product and the printing, including the silkscreen mould.
For larger quantities we usually recommend silkscreen. It gives solid, consistent colours on every piece and lasts the longest. The trade-off is that it is not suitable for gradients, photos or designs with many colours. Lines in your design should be at least 1 mm wide.
DTF: for small quantities and full-colour logos
DTF is usually the best choice for full-colour designs and gradients, and it suits small quantities. Lines should be at least 2 mm wide. DTF is less long-lasting than silkscreen, so for a large order with a simple logo, silkscreen is usually the better fit.
If you want a name or number on each shirt, DTF is one of the methods that can add them, along with embroidery, sublimation and laser engraving. This costs a small additional charge per piece, and we include it in your quotation when you send us the list.
Sublimation: all-over prints on polyester
Sublimation gives an all-over print and works on polyester only, on light-coloured garments. It is not suitable for dark garments. Because it works on polyester only, it is not an option for a cotton tee.
Two other methods
For apparel we also offer DTG and embroidery.
- DTG: on a black shirt it needs a white base, which costs more.
- Embroidery: a premium stitched look that is popular for corporate wear. It supports up to 8 thread colours and is not suitable for gradients, fine detail or cuffs. Thin lines should be at least 2 mm.
Match the method to your shirt
Garment colour narrows the choice, so tell us yours when you ask and we will recommend the right method.
Fabric matters too. Our CT21 and CT24 cotton shirts use premium 42-count cotton, all our dri-fit shirts are made from recycled plastic bottles, and we also have organic cotton options. As an example, the Siro Comfort Cotton Tee (CT21) is 100% cotton interlock, 210 gsm, in sizes XS to 4XL and 30 colours.
If budget matters most, our budget range includes CT16E (black and white only), DF01E, HD28E and WB01E.
Each shirt model is dyed in a separate batch, so colour may vary slightly between models. We can arrange a sample first if the colour match matters to you.
What to prepare before you ask for a quote
- Quantity, purpose and deadline. The price depends on quantity, printing method and number of colours. Our standard lead time is 2 to 3 weeks after artwork and payment confirmation.
- Your logo file. Ideally 300 dpi or above with a transparent background, sent as a zip file in PNG, AI or PSD format. A Canva link also works. If you only have a low-quality file, we can redraw and trace your logo.
- Print size. A5 is up to 14 x 20 cm, A4 is up to 20 x 28 cm and A3 is up to 28 x 40 cm.
- Brand colour. Send a Pantone code if you have one. If not, we can match it using our colour card.
- Garment colour, as above.
Next step
Send your logo, rough quantity and shirt colour. Your mock-up is usually ready on the same working day, and we reply within 1 working day. You can ask for as many mock-up revisions as you need before anything is produced.
Browse custom tees and polos, or read the FAQ.
Quick answers
Which is better, silkscreen or DTF?
For larger quantities we usually recommend silkscreen. DTF suits small quantities and full-colour designs.
Which method is best for gradients or photos?
DTF is usually the best choice for full-colour designs and gradients. Sublimation also works for all-over full-colour prints on polyester.
Is there a minimum order?
Yes. Our minimum order is 20 pieces.
Can you print on dark garments?
It depends on the method. Sublimation is not suitable for dark garments, and DTG on a black shirt needs a white base, which costs more.