Sublimation vs Screen Printing: Which Is Better for Custom Apparel in Malaysia?

If you are ordering custom apparel in Malaysia, one of the first decisions you will face is whether to use sublimation printing or screen printing. Both have their strengths, but they serve different needs.

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing pushes thick ink through a mesh stencil onto the fabric surface. Each colour requires a separate screen, which means setup costs increase with each additional colour. The ink sits on top of the fabric, creating a thicker feel.

Best for: Simple designs with few colours (1-4 colours), large quantities (500+ pieces), and dark-coloured fabrics where opacity matters.

Limitations: Cannot print gradients or photographs well. Minimum orders are high because each colour screen costs RM30-RM100 to set up. Prints may crack or fade after repeated washing.

What Is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation uses heat to turn solid ink into gas, which bonds with polyester fibres at the molecular level. The print becomes part of the fabric — it will not crack, peel, or fade.

Best for: Full-colour designs, photographs, gradients, small to medium quantities, and light-coloured polyester fabrics.

Limitations: Only works on polyester or high-polyester blends (60%+). Does not print white — white areas must be the fabric colour itself. Not suitable for 100% cotton.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Colour Quality: Sublimation wins for multi-colour, gradient, and photographic designs. Screen printing wins for solid, opaque colours on dark fabric.

Durability: Sublimation wins — the print is embedded in the fabric. Screen printing sits on top and can crack over time.

Minimum Order: Sublimation wins — no setup fees, so small runs of 10-20 pieces are cost-effective. Screen printing typically requires minimums of 50-100+ pieces.

Cost Per Piece: Screen printing is cheaper per piece at high volumes (500+). Sublimation is cheaper at low to medium volumes.

Fabric Compatibility: Screen printing works on any fabric. Sublimation requires polyester.

Turnaround: Sublimation is faster for small runs (3-day turnaround). Screen printing requires screen preparation time.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose sublimation if you need full-colour designs, gradients, small to medium quantities (10-500 pieces), or sportswear that needs breathability and moisture-wicking.

Choose screen printing if you need simple 1-4 colour designs on cotton or dark fabrics, or very large quantities (500+ pieces) where per-unit cost matters most.

At Amila Apparel, we specialise in dye sublimation printing for custom jerseys, basketball uniforms, and corporate apparel. We also offer screen printing for specific projects. Contact us for advice on which method suits your needs.