Screen printing vs sublimation on straps: which technique to choose?

 

Screen Printing or Sublimation on Belts: Which Technique to Choose?

You have decided to personalise your stanchion belts with your logo. One decisive technical question remains: screen printing or sublimation? The choice affects colour count, finish, durability, cost and minimum order.

Belt customisation relies on two printing techniques: screen printing and sublimation. This article complements our pillar guide on the custom belt stanchion.

Screen Printing

Opaque ink applied through a stencil onto the belt surface. Each colour needs a separate screen. The ink forms a surface layer.

Sublimation

Heat transfers the ink (gaseous) into the polyester fibres at ~200 degrees. No layer: the ink dyes the fabric. Invisible to the touch.

CritereScreen PrintingSublimation
Colour count 1-4 colours Unlimited (gradients, photo)
Photo/gradient Not suitable Excellent
Pantone accuracy Excellent Good (CMYK interpolation)
UV/outdoor Good (3-5 yrs) Excellent (5-8 yrs)
White on colour Yes (opaque ink) Difficult
Minimum order 10 pieces 20 pieces

+

  • Dense, opaque colours
  • Exceptional Pantone accuracy
  • White on coloured belt possible
  • Very economical in large runs
  • Low minimum (10)

-

  • Limited to 4 colours
  • Not for photos/gradients
  • High unit cost in small runs
  • Slightly palpable ink layer

+

  • Unlimited colours, photos
  • Photo-realistic possible
  • Ink in fibre: never cracks
  • Best UV resistance

-

  • Polyester only
  • No white on colour
  • Pantone good not perfect
  • Higher minimum (20)
1-3 colour logo, strict brand Screen printing
Large order (100+) Screen printing
White logo on coloured belt Screen printing
Photo/character visual Sublimation
Gradient, multicolour Sublimation
Outdoor permanent use Sublimation

FAQ

Which lasts longer?

Sublimation (5-8 yrs) generally outlasts screen printing (3-5 yrs) as the ink impregnates the fibre.

Does sublimation work on all belts?

Polyester only — but almost all stanchion belts are polyester, so not a practical issue.

Can you print white in sublimation?

Not on coloured backgrounds. Sublimation has no white ink. Use screen printing for white on coloured belts.

Which is cheaper?

Small multicolour runs: sublimation. Large runs with few colours: screen printing.

Unsure which technique suits your logo?

Send us your logo file: we recommend the best technique and provide a proof and quote within 24h.

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Posted in: Buying Guide, Customer Journey

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