Thermal printing vs Digital print
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Which one to prefer?
Both print styles make the pop up tent a branding tool - but are suitable for different situations. This guide will help you choose the right method according to your needs, budget and delivery time.
Two paths to the same goal
Thermal vs Digital printing
Accurate comparison of characteristics, applications and delivery times between the two methods.
Thermal printing can be used for smaller logos, text or designs – for example, printing a logo on the edge of a tent or roof. A fast, accurate and cost-effective method for one to two-colour designs. This method can be used to apply logos, text or shapes up to 1 m2 in size.
CMYK digital four-colour printing allows you to apply the desired image to the entire surface of the tent – fabrics are printed edge-to-edge using sublimation. The best way to turn a product into a complete branding.
Which printing method to choose?
Choose according to your needs, schedule and the complexity of your design.
Fast result, simple design
Full branding, maximum visibility
Print results - real examples
See what both printing methods look like.
How to order a printed tent?
Choose your tent and printing reference
Choose your pop up tent model and decide which printing method you prefer. We will also help you with the selection during the consultation.
Send the design
For thermal printing, a logo in vector format (AI, EPS, PDF). For digital printing, a full design with background, min 300 dpi.
Attach a sample of the print image
We'll send you a digital preview to confirm. Once confirmed, the order will be sent to production.
Delivery
Thermal printing 3-5 working days, digital printing 3-4 weeks. We deliver directly to the requested address.
Frequently asked questions
Is thermal printing durable?
Yes – the thermal print is heat transferred to the fabric and will not come off during normal use. Avoid abrasive cleaning products on printing surfaces. If the fabric needs to be washed, do so carefully by hand with cold water.
What format does the logo have to be in to be printed?
Thermal printing: logo in vector format – AI, EPS or PDF. The vector format ensures sharp results at any size. Digital print: full artwork min 300 dpi at the recommended print size. We accept PSD, PDF, AI formats.
Can only new tents be digitally printed?
Digital printing will be done on new fabrics – the roof and walls will be sublimation printed before sewing. An existing tent can be thermo printed if the edges are in good condition and the material is suitable.
Can I order a print only for the roof and not for the walls?
Yes – both thermal and digital printing can only be ordered for roofs. Separate printing of wall fabrics is also possible. The most ordered solution is the roof + logo on the edge of the tent.
How many colours will fit under a thermal print?
Thermal printing is best suited to logos and text in 1-2 colours. More complex multi-colour designs, logos with gradients and images are not suitable – for these, digital printing is the only option.
Is there a significant difference in print quality between thermal and digital printing?
Both methods deliver professional results in their respective fields of application. Digital printing with sublimation techniques provides richer colour saturation and allows for transitions, shading and photorealistic imagery – something that thermal printing does not allow.
Ready to brand your tent?
Ask for a quote - we'll respond on weekdays.