UNISIGN · Polyester fabric selection
Direct dye sublimation prints onto suitable polyester fabric, then fixes the dye with heat. Transfer dye sublimation prints onto paper first, then uses heat to move the image into the fabric.
Choose by your equipment, the fabric’s approved print route and the finished display. Use this guide for flags, light boxes, SEG frames and backdrops.
Start with direct when…
- Your printer feeds and prints onto fabric.
- You have a fabric grade prepared for that ink.
- Reverse-side colour matters, as with many flags.
Start with transfer when…
- Your printer prints onto transfer paper.
- You use a suitable heat press or rotary calender.
- Your chosen fabric is listed for paper transfer.
1. How the Two Processes Work
Direct: print onto the fabric
- Select prepared polyester. Match its finish and print side to the direct sublimation ink.
- Print onto the fabric. Control feed tension and any ink passing through the cloth.
- Fix the dye with heat. Use the printer’s inline system or a separate compatible heat unit.
- Cool, inspect and finish. Check colour and size before cutting or sewing.
Transfer: print onto paper first
- Select a transfer-grade fabric. Match the fabric, ink and transfer paper.
- Print the mirrored design on paper. Use the approved print profile and dry as required.
- Heat paper and fabric together. A press or calender transfers the dye into the polyester.
- Separate, cool and finish. Check the finished image and dimensions.
The diagrams show the process steps. Equipment layout varies. See Mimaki’s explanation of both workflows and its fabric and ink guidance.
2. Direct vs Transfer: Main Differences
| What matters | Direct dye sublimation | Transfer dye sublimation |
|---|---|---|
| Print surface | The printer puts ink onto fabric. | The printer puts ink onto transfer paper. |
| Fabric requirement | A grade prepared for the selected direct ink; confirm the correct side. | A grade approved for paper transfer; check heat stability and paper release. |
| Print equipment | Fabric feeding, tension control and suitable ink-through handling. | A paper printer plus fabric/paper handling at the heat-transfer step. |
| Heat equipment | Inline fixation or a separate compatible heat unit. | A flat heat press or a rotary transfer calender, matched to the job. |
| Colour | Judge after fixation, using the correct fabric and profile. | Judge after transfer; the paper print is not the final colour. |
| Reverse-side penetration | Worth testing for flags. Check the actual colour on both sides. | Check the back of the actual sample if it will be seen. |
| Fine text and edges | Check ink spread, cloth texture and feed stability. | Check paper movement, ghosting and colour spread during heating. |
| Paper use | No image-transfer paper. Other process consumables may still be needed. | Image-transfer paper and any required protection paper. |
| Cost and speed | Measure the full print, heat and finishing route. | Measure the full paper-print, transfer and finishing route. |
A fabric listed for both routes gives you a choice, not an identical result. Compare the same artwork after each route’s heat process. Ink, finish, fabric structure and machine settings all affect the result.
3. Choose by the Finished Display
| Your job | Route to assess | Approve on the sample |
|---|---|---|
| Flag with a visible back | Start by testing direct on a compatible flag fabric. Compare transfer if needed. | Front/back colour, edge sewing and movement. |
| Light box | Use transfer for a transfer-only grade; compare both for a dual-route grade. | Colour and even light with the light box switched on. |
| SEG frame graphic | Match the approved fabric route to the printer and heat equipment. | Size after heating, stretch direction and corner fit. |
| Backdrop or display with small text | Compare finished samples from approved routes. | Text edges, solids, show-through and surface glare. |
| Fabric that is hard to feed directly | Assess transfer if that fabric and heat process are suitable. | Stable movement during heating, flatness and size. |
Application photos show display formats, not a controlled direct-versus-transfer print test. For wider jobs, also compare fabric, paper and heat-machine widths.
4. UNISIGN Fabric Models by Print Route
These six models give you starting points for different displays. STB110 and STB150 are listed for paper transfer only. The other four list both direct and paper-transfer dye sublimation.
STB110 · 110 g/m²
Light boxes
Woven · Up to 3.2 m
A light woven option for paper-transfer lightbox graphics.
View STB110 specifications →
STB150 · 150 g/m²
Light boxes / frames
Woven · Up to 3.2 m
A woven lightbox option with slight stretch listed.
View STB150 specifications →
SDB270 · 270 g/m²
Backlit displays
Warp knitted · Up to 3.2 m
Compare both routes with the printed sample lit from behind.
View SDB270 specifications →
DSP09 · 230 g/m²
Displays / backdrops
Knitted · Up to 3.2 m
Check fine text, stretch and frame fit after heating.
View DSP09 specifications →
DSP02 · 110 g/m²
Flags
Warp knitted · Up to 3.2 m
Check reverse-side colour and finished edge quality.
View DSP02 specifications →
DSP-BLK-01 · 260 g/m²
Black-back backdrops
Warp knitted · Up to 5.0 m
Check the approved print face, opacity and final panel size.
View DSP-BLK-01 specifications →| Model | Weight | Direct | Paper transfer | Max. width | Standard roll |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STB110 | 110 g/m² | No — transfer only | Yes | 3.2 m | 100 m |
| STB150 | 150 g/m² | No — transfer only | Yes | 3.2 m | 100 m |
| SDB270 | 270 g/m² | Yes | Yes | 3.2 m | 100 m |
| DSP09 | 230 g/m² | Yes | Yes | 3.2 m | 100 m |
| DSP02 | 110 g/m² | Yes | Yes | 3.2 m | 100 m |
| DSP-BLK-01 | 260 g/m² | Yes | Yes | 5.0 m | 100 m |
Routes and sizes are listed on the linked model pages, checked 12 September 2026. Confirm the required width, print side, current technical data sheet and sample settings for your setup.
Printing onto fabric?
Compare direct-grade rolls by treatment, penetration and heat fixation.
Printing onto paper first?
Compare transfer-grade rolls by use, fabric build and calender checks.
5. Compare Cost and Speed on Finished Output
Direct removes the image-transfer-paper step. The total cost depends on fabric, ink, heat equipment, labour and rejected output. Use the same order size and quality target for both routes.
| Record this | Include in both quotes or trials |
|---|---|
| Materials | Fabric, ink, transfer paper where used, and other process consumables. |
| Production | Setup time, heating energy, operator time and equipment cost. |
| Waste | Start-up waste, rejected print area and rework. |
| Output | Finished square metres that pass the agreed image and size checks. |
| Elapsed time | Time to print, heat, inspect and finish the same order. |
Cost per accepted m² = total job cost ÷ accepted finished m²
Finished output per hour = accepted finished m² ÷ total production hours
Use your actual trial data. A printer’s headline speed does not include every heat, handling and finishing step.
For roll-to-roll work, check the usable width and throughput of the heat machine as well as the printer. A fast printer can still wait for transfer, fixation or finishing.
6. Run the Same 6-Point Sample Check
- Identify the fabric. Record model, batch, width, weight, approved route and print side.
- Use one test design. Include small text, solid colours, gradients and a measurement grid.
- Record the setup. Note printer, ink, profile, paper where used, and heat time, temperature and tension or pressure.
- Check the finished image. View edges, colour and both sides. Switch the lights on for backlit work.
- Measure and fit. Check length and width after heating, then sew and install in the intended frame.
- Record cost and accepted output. Keep the approved sample and settings for repeat orders.
Print profiles can depend on the media, application and heat conditions. See Caldera’s profile documentation. Use the starting settings for your exact fabric and equipment.
Get Fabric Options for Your Print Setup
Send these 5 details so UNISIGN can help narrow the sample list:
- Display type and finished size
- Printer model and ink
- Direct or paper-transfer route
- Heat equipment and usable width
- Roll quantity, destination and required date
Frequently Asked Questions
Does direct sublimation fabric need pretreatment?
Use a fabric grade prepared for your direct ink system. The supplier may already provide this finish. Confirm the grade and print side before printing.
Can one fabric work for direct and transfer sublimation?
Some can. UNISIGN SDB270, DSP09, DSP02 and DSP-BLK-01 list both routes. STB110 and STB150 list paper transfer only. Follow the exact model’s data sheet and test your setup.
Does direct dye sublimation still need heat?
Yes. The dye needs heat fixation. Some printers include this step; other workflows use a separate heat unit.
Which method should I choose for flags?
Direct is worth testing when reverse-side colour matters. Check both sides of the finished sample. Fabric weight, structure and print settings affect the result.
Which method gives sharper text and better colour?
Compare finished samples with the same design. Check text edges, solids and gradients after heating. For a light box, also check colour with the lights on.
Is direct sublimation cheaper or faster?
It removes image-transfer paper, but compare the whole job. Count materials, heat, setup, labour and waste, then measure accepted finished output per hour.
What temperature and time should I use?
Start with the guidance for the exact fabric, ink and heat equipment. Confirm it on a sample and record time, temperature and the required tension or pressure.
Is direct dye sublimation the same as DTF film printing?
No. Direct-to-film garment printing uses film and adhesive powder before heat pressing. This guide compares two dye-sublimation routes for polyester fabric. See Epson’s explanation of DTFilm.
Updated 12 September 2026. Model facts link to UNISIGN product pages; process references link to equipment and software makers. Explore the wider printable textile selection guide or UNISIGN textile range.
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