Side by side
| Sublimation | Screen printing | |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Polyester, high-poly blends | Cotton, blends, polyester |
| Colours | Unlimited, gradients and photos | One screen per colour |
| Setup cost | Low: no screens | Screens per colour |
| Names and numbers | Printed with the design | Separate step per player |
| Feel | None | Ink layer |
| Durability | Lasts the life of the fabric | Good; can crack over time |
| Best for | Team kits, all-over designs | Big runs of simple prints |
Cost for a typical team order
Take 20 jerseys with a three-colour design plus names and numbers. Screen printing needs three screens for the design, then names and numbers by another method such as vinyl. Sublimation prints all of it in one pass on paper, then presses it. For small and medium team orders that usually makes sublimation cheaper per piece.
For 500 identical event T-shirts in one colour on cotton, screen printing is cheaper and suits the fabric.
Where time goes in each
In screen printing the slow part is making screens and setting up the press. In sublimation the slow part is artwork: every player needs their own file with the right name, number and size. That is the step tools like AJILE automate.
Questions
Which is cheaper for 20 jerseys with names?
Usually sublimation, because names, numbers and any number of colours print in one pass with no screens to make.
Which is better for cotton T-shirts?
Screen printing. Sublimation needs polyester.
Does sublimation fade?
Sublimated prints hold up well because the ink is inside the fibre. Fading is mostly from sunlight and very hot washes over time.
Try AJILE free for 7 days
Install it on your own CorelDRAW, load one real roster and see the time saved before you pay anything.