Two totally different techniques with totally different ideal use cases. Here's the breakdown.
| Factor | Screen Printing | Sublimation |
|---|---|---|
| Garment compatibility | Almost any fabric | Polyester (or poly-blend) |
| Color range | 1–8 colors typical | Unlimited, photo-real |
| Feel on garment | Ink-in-fabric, soft | No hand-feel (dyed INTO fabric) |
| Best for | Cotton tees, hoodies, bulk runs | Jerseys, performance wear, all-over prints |
| Cost (bulk 100) | $2–4/pc | Higher — per-piece printing cost |
| Setup fees | $15–30 per color | No setup, per-piece cost |
Sublimation uses heat to turn a specially-printed image into gas that bonds with polyester fibers at a molecular level. The result: the design IS the fabric — no ink feel, no cracking, incredible color range, and it covers the entire garment if you want. Limitation: only works on poly (or high-poly blends). Won't work on 100% cotton. Not our everyday recommendation for the Treasure Valley market, but perfect for sports uniforms and performance apparel.
Screen printing is the workhorse of the industry. We push ink through a mesh screen onto the shirt. After curing, the ink sits in the fibers and softens over a few washes into something really comfortable. Works on any fabric, scales beautifully on volume orders, and holds up for years.
Team jerseys, performance tees, all-over designs, sports uniforms → sublimation. 100% cotton tees, hoodies, any fabric that isn't poly, volume runs with a simple logo → screen printing.
We do both but screen printing is our bread and butter — 95% of our bulk t-shirt work. Sublimation shines for custom sports jerseys and performance wear where the full-coverage look is the point. If you're not sure, tell us the garment and the quantity and we'll recommend.
Family-run print shop in Meridian, Idaho. Free mockups, no minimums, 4.9★ on Google.