The current state of the sublimation printing industry in the UK

[Signzworld web]

It seems that competition in recent years has been getting tougher, and quite a few businesses are shifting towards DTF. Does anyone know the specifics of what’s going on?

 

[Signzworld web]

I’m thinking about starting a DTF printing business. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions?

 

[fisicx]

I Googled DTF. I’m not sure the meaning I saw is the one you are referring to.

 

[louis292]

Sublimation in the UK isn’t dead, but it’s niche-heavy now. It works best on polyester and light fabrics. DTF is booming because it works on cotton, dark garments, and mixed fabrics with fewer restrictions.

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

I’m thinking about starting a DTF printing business. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions?

The problem with DTF is that the metre price has been reduced to such a level that anyone can submit their own transfer artwork and press onto garments with an Iron. That said the key to running a successful personalised clothing business is not how cheaply you can apply a print, but how many pieces you mess up whilst doing so. An iron is not commercially viable in this respect.

I've been in and out of the low quantity garment printing game for 30 years, using laser transfers, sublimation, cad cut film, outsourcing screen printing and embroidery and lately, jumping on the DTF bandwagon. If DTF had been kept within the trade it would be a barnstormer. Sadly every Tom, Dick and Harry is onto it.

PS: You should know this as you supply printing equipment!

 

[anonuk]

It seems that competition in recent years has been getting tougher, and quite a few businesses are shifting towards DTF. Does anyone know the specifics of what’s going on?

Your dtf products can’t be any worse than Signzworld’s sublimation mugs in all fairness.

However, to answer your question, DTF is incredibly saturated and very competitive already so you need to be able to offer something that’s keeps you unique compared to others. I personally don’t think there’s a lot of money in it currently and the printers need running everyday to stop the white inks clogging.

The last company we ordered DTF from, we ordered 100 prints on one day and they were delivered the following day.