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Dye Sublimation Printing vs. UV Printing

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Determining Which Type of Custom Printing is Right for You

A lot goes into creating custom banners and tents that share your organization’s message to the world! From what information to include on your product, to determining the ideal printing method, we are here to help you create the best marketing graphics possible for your organization.

Dye-sublimation printing and UV printing are the methods used for printing custom flags, tents, table covers, and more. Curious what style of printing is the best fit for your needs? Read on!

Why Does the Type of Printing Matter?

The method used for printing affects the look and feel of the printed material. Some methods print brighter and more vivid colors with crisper lines, while other methods are built for the long haul and use methods that withstand washings and various weather conditions.

Before you determine what type of printing is the best fit for you or your organization, ask yourself:

  1. What environment will the printed material be subjected to?
  2. Where will the printed material be stored?
  3. How important are intricate details when viewing your custom material?

With these answers in mind, let’s dive into the details of dye sublimation printing and UV printing, and determine which style is the best fit for your needs.

Dye Sublimation Printing

Dye-sublimation printing dyes the ink directly into the fabric. The printed lettering and images are not as crisp as the UV method since it uses a gas process to lock the ink into the fabric, and colors may vary when this process is used.

While the printed material may not look as precise as products that use the UV printing method, this style of ink printing can take quite a beating! Long-lasting and durable, these products may gradually fade over the years due to sun exposure (just like any dyed material!) but users can expect a high-quality and durable custom product that can withstand harsh weather and remain usable for years to come.

When is Dye Sublimation The Best Choice for Me?

If you live in a climate with harsh weather conditions or plan to frequently use your custom marketing material outdoors, dye sublimation may be the right fit for you. Through blizzards, rainstorms, and years of love, your product will still proudly share your message with the world.

UV Printing

The UV printing method uses a UV/thermal ink that is printed on the surface of the material.  This allows the print to be very crisp and true to color.  This method is printed on a lightweight flexible material that is used for billboards, and it will not fade like the dye sublimation method after several years.

While the crisper, cleaner look may be attractive to some, it is important to note that the product needs to be removed from the frame and folded between uses to keep the ink looking fresh.  (Putting it on the frame and then into the bag may cause scraping and wear on the ink.)

When is UV Printing Right for Me?

One cool thing about UV printing is that you can print on just about anything! If your marketing material is anything but fabric, UV printing should be your go-to.

Furthermore, if your banner or tent is going to be kept predominantly indoors or within moderate weather conditions, UV printing allows for bright vivid colors without the risk of scraping or wearing down the ink, so long as you put in the time and energy to properly fold and store your material at the end of the day.

Making the Most out of Your Custom Marketing Material

Creating custom marketing materials is a fun and exciting way to get the word out about your organization, business, or brand. Still, have questions about what type of printing is the best fit for your special project? Feel free to reach out to us at any time. We can’t wait to help you create the custom marketing material that helps you achieve your goals.