UV Printing vs Sublimation: Which Is Right for You

Thinking about making your own custom products but not sure which printing method to choose?

UV printing and sublimation might seem similar at first, but the differences can really impact your results (and your budget).

Choosing the right one could save you money, time, and a lot of frustration down the road.

Let's take a closer look and see which method fits your needs best.

What is UV Printing?

UV printing is a digital printing method that uses ultraviolet light to instantly dry UV ink during printing.

The printer applies the ink, and UV lights cure it right away so the design sticks firmly to the surface. This creates clear, durable prints on many types of materials.

What Is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation printing is a heat-activated process that uses special dye-sublimation ink to transfer digital designs onto polyester-based or polymer-coated materials. The ink turns into gas under heat and pressure, bonding permanently with the surface for vibrant, long-lasting results.

To get started with sublimation, you'll need a sublimation printer, sublimation ink, transfer paper, a heat press, and compatible blank items (typically made of polyester or coated with a polymer layer).

Here's how it works:

• First, you create your design and print it onto special sublimation transfer paper using sublimation ink.
• Next, you place that transfer onto a polyester-coated product.
• With heat and pressure, the ink turns into gas and seeps into the surface.
• Finally, as the material cools, the ink solidifies inside the surface, leaving you with a vibrant, long-lasting design

UV Printing vs Sublimation: A Practical Comparison

Print Method

Like what we mentioned above, UV printing uses ultraviolet light to instantly cure ink as it prints directly onto the surface. The ink hardens right away, creating a tough, slightly raised finish.

Sublimation, on the other hand, uses heat and pressure to turn dye into gas and fuse it into the fabric or coated surface.

So which one’s quicker?

UV printing is more direct and faster for individual hard items, especially when you use a rotary or flatbed printer.

Sublimation can be faster for fabric or repeated designs, like a batch of shirts. It works better when printing many soft goods at once.

Material Compatibility

This is one of the biggest differences.

UV printing can handle a wide variety of surfaces: wood, glass, leather, metal, acrylic, and more. Most don’t even need a special coating.

Sublimation printing is more limited. It only works with polyester-coated or polyester-based items. Without the right surface, the ink won’t bond.

Therefore, for each sublimation print, you need to prepare the substrate (blank material) in advance. 

A UV printer like eufyMake E1 can also print directly on sublimation blanks, giving you even more creative flexibility alongside other materials.

If you're working with different materials or want more flexibility, UV printing clearly wins here.

Surface Type

Sublimation works best on flat or slightly curved items that fit into a heat press, like shirts or flat tumblers.

For more complex shapes, you'll need specialized presses and tools.

UV printing (especially with a rotary attachment or UV DTF film) can print directly on round or irregularly shaped objects like mugs, tubes, or curved bottles.

If your products vary in shape or size, UV printing handles curves and contours more easily.

Color & Finish

Sublimation produces rich, vivid colors, especially on fabric. The ink blends into the material, giving it a soft, smooth finish.

UV printing creates sharp, high-resolution images with excellent edge definition and a slightly raised feel. Its colors are vibrant but can appear more "on top" than "within" the material.

For fabric and soft items, sublimation has the edge in color blending and softness. For signage or hard goods, UV printing provides more impact and clarity.

Production Speed

This one depends on your setup.

Entry-level UV printers, like the eufyMake E1, are fast and easy for small custom jobs. However, they might be slower than sublimation for bulk runs.

That said, industrial UV printers are significantly faster and more automated than sublimation presses.

In short: Sublimation is faster for soft goods in bulk, but UV wins in one-off jobs or with faster machines.

Ease of Use

UV printing simplifies the process. You load your item and print, no heat pressing or transfer paper required. There's also no need for surface prep in most cases.

Sublimation involves several steps: print on transfer paper, align it, press it with heat, and allow it to cool.

Also, you must ensure the item is polyester-coated or compatible.

For convenience and fewer steps, UV printing is more beginner-friendly and requires less handling.

Durability & Sun Resistance

UV ink is cured by light, creating a tough, scratch-resistant finish. It also holds up well under ultraviolet exposure and outdoor conditions.

Tests on the eufyMake E1 show that prints can maintain their vibrant look for over 3 years with barely any noticeable changes.

Sublimation prints are generally long-lasting too, but they can fade with prolonged UV exposure.

So for outdoor use or sun-exposed products, UV printing lasts longer without fading.

Cost & Maintenance

UV printers do have a higher upfront cost, especially for larger models. Entry-level printers are more affordable but still pricier than basic sublimation setups. UV ink also costs more per ml.

Sublimation printers are cheaper to start with, but you’ll need a solid heat press, transfer supplies, and compatible blanks.

Both systems require maintenance, but UV printers with auto-cleaning features like eufyMake E1 can make that easier.

If you’re on a tight budget and mostly working with fabrics, sublimation is the more cost-effective way to start. But for long-term value and lower manual work, UV printing might pay off more.

Lastly, we’ve covered a lot about both methods, and it can be a lot to digest. So let’s break it down clearly.

When to Use UV Printing vs Sublimation

Now that we know how these two printing methods differ, you might wonder which one is best for you. Let’s make it clearer.

When to Use UV Printing?

• You want to print on a variety of materials like wood, metal, or glass.
• You need to print on curved objects like mugs or bottles.
• You're looking for a simpler process without heat pressing or transfers.
• You want durable, scratch-resistant designs that last for years.
• You're starting a small business and need affordable, entry-level equipment.

When to Use Sublimation?

• You're printing on polyester fabrics.
• Your designs rely on smooth, photographic color gradients.
• You already have the tools and know the workflow.
• You don't mind taking a little extra time for each print.

Final Thoughts

If you're tired of the complicated steps in sublimation printing, UV printing might be the solution you've been looking for.

And if you're looking to start strong without breaking the bank, eufyMake E1 maybe your best choice.

It’s an affordable, beginner-friendly UV printer that’s definitely worth a look for your custom projects or small business.

FAQ about UV Printing vs Sublimation

Which is better, sublimation or UV printing?

It depends on your project, but UV printing is more versatile and easier to use than sublimation. UV works on almost any material and curved surfaces, while sublimation only works on polyester-coated flat surfaces. UV creates a scratch-resistant top layer, while sublimation embeds the design. UV's simpler process makes it easier for most projects.

Can any printer do sublimation?

No, not all printers can do sublimation. To print with sublimation, you need a printer that's specially designed for it, along with sublimation ink. Regular inkjet printers can't handle the high heat required for sublimation, and the standard ink won't bond with the material.