Modern Printing Methods on Clothing and Promotional Gadgets – DTG, DTF, and Sublimation

Digital printing on clothing is currently one of the most popular and fastest-growing methods for branding promotional and personalized products. Unlike traditional screen printing, digital techniques allow for fast, precise prints even on single items – with full color reproduction and no need to prepare screens.

In this article, we introduce three of the most commonly used digital printing technologies for textiles and promotional gadgets: DTG (Direct to Garment), DTF (Direct to Film), and sublimation printing.

DTG – Direct to Garment (Direct Printing on Fabric)

DTG printing on t-shirts is a method where pigment ink is directly applied to fabric (usually cotton) using specialized textile printers.

Advantages of DTG:

Ideal for short runs and custom prints on demand,

High quality and detailed printing – even photographic graphics,

A great choice for personalized clothing with prints, such as t-shirts with names or custom graphics.

Popular applications:

Digital prints on cotton t-shirts,

Hoodies, baby bodysuits, fabric bags,

Promotional clothing with colorful logos.

DTF – Direct to Film (Indirect Printing with Film)

DTF printing on clothing involves printing a design onto a special film, which is then transferred to fabric using adhesive and a heat press. This is a very versatile and durable technology, suitable for dark fabrics as well.

Advantages of DTF:

High durability – prints do not crack or fade after washing,

Works on cotton, polyester, and blends,

Allows for printing fine details and bright colors.

Where to use it?

DTF prints on workwear,

Hats, hoodies, sportswear,

Promotional clothing in small and medium runs.

Sublimation – Ideal for Promotional Gadgets and Polyester Clothing

Sublimation is a process where the dye transitions to a gas under high heat and directly penetrates the fabric structure (usually polyester or polyester-coated surfaces).

Main advantages of sublimation:

The print becomes part of the fabric – there is no noticeable paint layer,

Excellent durability and resistance to washing, UV rays, and scratches,

Full color palette – ideal for full-color projects.

Common applications:

Sublimation printing on promotional mugs,

Keychains, lanyards, phone cases,

Sports t-shirts and hoodies made of polyester,

Sublimation on promotional gadgets – e.g. water bottles, mouse pads.

UV Printing – Innovative Method for Printing on Hard Surfaces

UV printing is an innovative printing method that uses special inks cured by ultraviolet light. This process allows printing on various surfaces – not only textiles but also glass, metal, plastic, wood, and other hard materials.

How does UV printing work?

In this technology, ink is applied to the surface of the item and immediately cured with a UV lamp. As a result, the print is durable, resistant to scratching, and unaffected by external factors.

Advantages of UV printing:

Full-color printing on almost any surface – even uneven ones,

Durable UV prints that do not fade or wear off,

Perfect for personalized promotional gadgets with logos,

Allows for highly detailed reproduction of graphics and small text.

Where is UV printing used?

UV printing on promotional gadgets, such as pens, USB drives, power banks, notebooks, keychains,

Marking glass and metal surfaces (e.g., thermoses, bottles, mugs),

UV printing on pens and office accessories,

Exclusive labels, nameplates, premium gifts.