When will my Craft Express order ship and arrive in the U.S.?

Orders placed by 2 pm Eastern ship the same day. Most in-stock items, like sublimation blanks, DTF transfers, and heat press supplies, arrive in about 4–6 business days, depending on your address and the carrier. We do not ship to U.S. Territories, including Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, Midway Islands, American Samoa, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Need it sooner? Pick an expedited option at checkout.

What is the Craft Express return policy?

Email support@craftexpress.com within five days of receiving your order. We can’t accept returns after 15 days. Opened or used Craft Express consumables aren’t eligible. All returns must be unused, in saleable condition, and in the original, unopened packaging. Return shipping is your responsibility unless the item arrived damaged or we sent the wrong product. If your package is damaged, contact support@craftexpress.com right away. You must get an RMA number before sending anything back; returns without an RMA will be refused. After you receive an RMA, we need to receive your return within 14 days.

What is sublimation printing?

Sublimation is a print method where special ink turns into gas under heat and bonds to a polyester coating. The color becomes part of the blank, so it stays bright and won’t crack or peel. You’ll use a sublimation printer, ink, paper, and a heat press. It works on polyester shirts and coated items like mugs, tumblers, and photo panels. In Charleston, SC and across the U.S., find beginner bundles and sublimation blanks at craftexpressus.com. Ready to start? Check our starter guides and bundles.

What are the disadvantages of sublimation printing?

Sublimation printing is popular for bright color and a soft hand, but it does have limits. The main disadvantages of sublimation printing are material restrictions, light color requirements, size and shape constraints, sensitivity to heat and pressure settings, possible color shift, and fading with long sun exposure. You also need the right blanks and a reliable press to get consistent results. The good news is that most drawbacks have simple workarounds. Below I explain each drawback in plain terms and share practical fixes so you can choose the best process for your project.

Is sublimation printing good quality?

Yes. Sublimation printing delivers high quality results on polyester fabric and on hard goods with a polymer coating. The dye turns into gas under heat, moves into the surface, and sets inside the material as it cools. Because the color becomes part of the item, prints look vibrant, feel smooth, and resist cracking or peeling. On the right blanks, with light colors and correct settings, sublimation holds up to regular use and many wash cycles. The key is matching your blank, paper, and press settings to the project.

What is the difference between a regular printer and a sublimation printer?

A regular home or office printer is made to put dye or pigment ink on paper. A sublimation printer is made to print special sublimation ink onto transfer paper that you press with heat onto polyester or a polymer coated blank. The regular printer is for documents and photos on paper. The sublimation printer is for custom mugs, tumblers, shirts, and gifts where the color becomes part of the surface. If you want to print on paper, use a regular printer. If you want permanent full color designs on polyester and coated hard goods, use a sublimation printer with a heat press and the right blanks.

How much does a sublimation printer cost?

Short answer, a sublimation printer for home or small shop use usually costs about $680 to $1,800 for the printer alone, and about $900 to $2,500 if you choose a starter kit with ink and extras. For example, at Craft Express the Sawgrass SG500 is $679.95 and the larger SG1000 is $1,799.95. VersiFlex all in one kits currently start around $899.95 and go up to about $2,499.95, depending on size and what is included. You will also want a heat press and transfer paper. A flat press runs about $299.99 to $499.99, and a mug or tumbler press is about $349.99. Paper starts around $19.99 per pack.

Can any printer do sublimation?

Short answer, no. Not every printer can do sublimation. You need a printer that is built for sublimation ink or a compatible inkjet that is dedicated to sublimation from day one. Regular home or office printers are made for dye or pigment ink on paper, not for gas dye that bonds to polyester or a polymer coated blank. A true setup also uses sublimation paper, a heat press, and blanks made for sublimation. If your goal is permanent full color designs on mugs, tumblers, and light polyester shirts, choose a sublimation ready printer and the right tools for the job.

Is the Sawgrass Printer worth it?

Yes, for most beginners and small shops a Sawgrass Printer is worth it. You get a purpose built sublimation printer with color management software, automatic maintenance, and strong support. That mix makes day one setup simpler and helps you get repeatable results faster. Sawgrass printers are designed for sublimation from the ground up, they include WiFi and efficiency updates in the current SG500 and SG1000 models, and they work with matched inks and paper for clean transfers on polyester and coated hard goods. If you want reliability, help when you need it, and fewer variables to chase, Sawgrass is a smart buy. If your only goal is the lowest possible entry price and you enjoy tinkering, a different path might fit, but plan for more trial and error.

Should I buy a Sawgrass Printer?

If you want a smooth, beginner friendly path into sublimation, the short answer is yes, a Sawgrass Printer is a strong buy. It is purpose built for sublimation, so you get matched ink, helpful software, and automatic upkeep that make day one easier. That means fewer clogs, steadier color, and less guesswork while you learn to press mugs, tumblers, coasters, and light polyester shirts. If you prefer to tinker to save a little up front, another route can work, but most new crafters get to great results faster with a Sawgrass. Sawgrass printers are designed for sublimation and include color tools, self maintenance cycles, and active support, which is a real comfort when you are just getting started.

Why is the Sawgrass Printer so expensive?

Short answer, a Sawgrass Printer costs more because you are buying a complete, purpose built sublimation system, not just a paper printer. The hardware is tuned for gas dye, the software manages color and media presets, the inks are engineered for consistent transfers, and the package includes self maintenance, warranty, and live support. All of that reduces trial and error, which saves time and blanks. If you value reliability and a smooth learning curve, the premium often pays for itself in fewer reprints and faster setup.

What kind of printer is Sawgrass?

If you’ve been exploring sublimation printing, you’ve probably come across the Sawgrass printer. So, what kind of printer is Sawgrass? A Sawgrass printer is a dedicated sublimation printer designed specifically for printing with sublimation inks. Unlike regular inkjet or laser printers, Sawgrass models are built from the ground up for sublimation, making them reliable, consistent, and beginner friendly. With a Sawgrass printer, you can create vibrant designs that permanently bond to polyester fabrics and coated hard goods like mugs, tumblers, and keychains.

Can a regular printer be used for sublimation?

The short answer is no, a regular printer cannot be used for sublimation printing. Sublimation requires special inks and a printer built to handle them. Standard inkjet and laser printers use dye or pigment inks that sit on top of paper or fabric, but sublimation ink turns into gas when heated and bonds permanently with polyester surfaces. To get bright, long lasting results, you need a dedicated sublimation printer, such as a Sawgrass or another machine designed specifically for this process.Trying to use a regular printer with sublimation ink can clog the print head, damage the printer, and produce poor transfers. If you want to explore sublimation, it’s best to invest in the right setup from the start.

How do I know if my printer can be used for sublimation?

If you’re curious whether your current printer can handle sublimation, here’s the quick answer: most regular printers cannot be used for sublimation. Sublimation printing requires a printer that is designed to work with sublimation ink, which turns into gas under heat and bonds with polyester surfaces. Regular inkjet or laser printers use standard inks and toners that don’t work for sublimation.The easiest way to know if your printer can be used for sublimation is to check the manufacturer’s specifications. If it’s not marketed as a sublimation printer, it likely isn’t one.

Can I do sublimation without a sublimation printer?

The short answer is yes, you can do sublimation without owning a sublimation printer, but your options are limited. A sublimation printer is the most flexible way to create custom designs at home. However, if you don’t have one, you can still make sublimated products using pre-printed sublimation transfers or by outsourcing your designs to a printing service. With these ready-made transfers, you only need a heat press and sublimation blanks to complete the process.So while you don’t necessarily need a sublimation printer to get started, having one gives you complete creative control over your projects.

Can any printer become a sublimation printer?

The quick answer is no, not every printer can become a sublimation printer. Only certain inkjet printers are compatible with sublimation inks, and even then, it usually requires a conversion process. Laser printers, office printers, and most all-in-one models cannot be turned into sublimation printers at all.Sublimation printers, like Sawgrass, are designed from the ground up to handle sublimation inks. These inks are special because they turn into gas when heated and permanently bond with polyester-coated surfaces. Regular printer inks don’t work this way.

Article: What is the difference between sublimation and DTF?

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Aug 27, 2025

What is the difference between sublimation and DTF?

If you’re new to custom printing, you’ve probably heard of both sublimation and DTF printing. At first, they might sound similar because both involve transferring designs onto products, but they are actually very different methods. The main difference between sublimation and DTF is the type of materials they work on and how the designs bond to the surface. Sublimation fuses ink into polyester or coated blanks, while DTF (Direct-to-Film) uses a printed film and adhesive powder that transfers to a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton.

Understanding the differences helps you choose the right process for your projects.

How sublimation works

Sublimation uses special inks that turn into gas when heated. The gas bonds permanently with polyester fibers or polymer coatings. This makes sublimation perfect for:

Polyester shirts and fabrics
Mugs, tumblers, and coated drinkware
Keychains, ornaments, puzzles, and more

The result is vibrant, long-lasting designs that won’t peel, crack, or wash away.

How DTF works

DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing involves printing your design on a special film with DTF ink. The print is coated with adhesive powder, then heat-pressed onto fabric. Unlike sublimation, DTF does not fuse into the material but instead bonds on top. This allows DTF to work on:

Cotton, polyester, and fabric blends
Dark and light fabrics
Items that sublimation can’t cover, like cotton hoodies or tote bags

DTF transfers are flexible, durable, and allow for full-color designs.

Key differences between sublimation and DTF

Feature	Sublimation	DTF
Materials	Works best on polyester fabrics and polymer-coated items	Works on cotton, polyester, blends, and many fabrics
Colors	Best for white or light surfaces	Works on dark and light surfaces
Durability	Permanent, won’t peel or crack	Durable, but sits on top of fabric
Texture	No feel to the design (it’s part of the surface)	Slight texture from the transfer film
Blanks	Wide variety of coated hard goods (mugs, tumblers, puzzles, etc.)	Mostly textiles (shirts, hoodies, bags)

Which is right for you?

Choose sublimation if you want to create mugs, tumblers, ornaments, or polyester shirts with a smooth, vibrant finish.
Choose DTF if you want to print on cotton or dark fabrics, or if you want to expand into garments that sublimation can’t cover.

Many crafters use both processes depending on the project.

Craft Express sublimation printers
Craft Express DTF printers
Craft Express heat presses

FAQ: Sublimation vs DTF

1. Is DTF better than sublimation?
Not necessarily. DTF works on more fabric types, but sublimation is better for hard goods and a smooth, permanent finish.

2. Can I use sublimation ink for DTF?
No, each process uses different inks and papers/films.

3. Which is easier for beginners?
Sublimation is often easier to start with because it requires fewer steps and less handling.

4. Do I need separate printers for sublimation and DTF?
Yes, each process needs its own dedicated printer and supplies.

Written by Vik Patel