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How well the final prints come out depends upon the materials you use. Whether you're a business owner or you’ve taken sublimation printing up as a hobby, learning about the different types of sublimation papers and their impact on the results will save you time and money. This article will teach you tips and tricks for selecting the best sublimation papers for your next project.
Sublimation paper is a transfer paper specially made for sublimation printing. It is a carrier between the printer and the substrate (the receiving material). The design is transferred onto a sublimation paper in the first step. The sublimation ink on this paper turns into a gas when heated and bonds to polyester fabrics and polymer-coated items. The clarity, vibrancy, and durability of the prints depend greatly upon the quality of your sublimation paper.
Using a sublimation paper is fairly easy. In the first step, the design is printed on the sublimation paper. Next, the paper is placed on the receiving material under a heat press. The heat and pressure turn the solid dye ink into a gas. The gas molecules of the ink form a strong bond with the material and get immersed in it.
Choosing the right sublimation paper can be tricky. But we’ve got you covered, you need to get an understanding of the following things before getting a sublimation paper for your project:
Sticky sublimation paper can be suitably applied where the printings are made on stretchable fabrics like sportswear. The adhesive in this paper makes it easier to stick the paper to the fabric, this way your design does not move or shift in the heat press and turns out exactly as you want it to.
These papers are best for hard surfaces, including mugs and keychains with polyester-coated items. A non-sticky paper should only be applied to stable materials that don’t move in a heat press.
The drying speed of sublimation paper is another important factor. Faster-drying papers prevent smudging, allowing you to work more neatly. On the other hand, if your project has complex designs, a sublimation paper that dries slowly will give you more control over the process.
A4 or A3 paper are the most commonly used sizes in sublimation printing, but if you’re working with something bigger, get a wide-format sublimation paper. Ensure your paper size works well with your printer and your receiving materials.
Make sure to choose a sublimation paper that is compatible with your ink. This ensures proper ink absorption and colorful prints. The information regarding ink compatibility can be found in the manufacturers’ guidelines.
The heavier the paper, the better it will transfer the ink. Lightweight sublimation papers in the 70-90 GSM range are best for finely detailed designs, and thicker transfer papers above 100 GSM are best suited for broad designs with dense ink coverage.
There are typically two types of sublimation papers:
Matte sublimation paper has a non-reflective surface, it is best for printing sharp and detailed designs. Matte paper gives your print a bold and decent look. It works best for photos and intricate designs.
Glossy papers have a shiny and reflective finish. They’re ideal for logos or color-rich graphics.
Always buy your inks from a reputable supplier/vendor. Small-scale vendors sometimes make unstable inks and provide no after-sales services. Save yourself from the hassle.
You should select a sublimation paper that suits your project needs the most. Here are some general guidelines for choosing the right paper for your project;
Choose a wide-format sublimation paper if you’re working on large items or bigger fabrics. Choose a paper with good ink absorption and fast-drying properties.
When sublimating on polyester fabrics, use a paper that allows high ink transfer without leaving any marks on the fabric. Sticky sublimation paper is best for stretchy garments like sportswear.
For prints that need high resolution and detail, such as photographs, a heavy-weight sublimation paper with a matte finish is best. The image will appear sharp and maintain its vibrancy after transfer.
For mugs, phone cases, or other hard objects, non-sticky sublimation paper works best. Make sure to use high-quality paper that offers proper ink transfer.
Note: Before buying sublimation paper in a larger quantity, test different papers and check which one works best with your project. This will give you the experience of working with multiple sublimation papers so you’ll understand them better.
A high-quality sublimation paper is crucial for getting vibrant, high-quality results in sublimation printing. Factors such as paper weight, drying speed, finish, and ink compatibility affect the prints. Whether working with fabrics, hard surfaces, or large format prints, selecting a suitable, high-quality sublimation paper will improve your final product while making you versatile in your projects.
With the papers, inks, printers and substrates, sublimation printing might seem like a lot. Consistent learning and practice can help you become better Good luck with your next sublimation project!
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