What is Sublimation Paper

Sublimation paper is a special type of paper designed for dye-sublimation printing. It can only be used with sublimation ink, and images can be printed in mirror image onto the sublimation paper using an inkjet printer. Through heat and pressure, the image is transferred from the paper onto fabrics with less than 30% cotton content or materials with a sublimation coating. The transferred image is vibrant, clear, and vivid. (Colorfast and can be washed repeatedly in cold water.)

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Sublimation paper is noticeably thicker than other paper alternatives. This thickness allows the paper to retain detailed prints with sharp edges and vibrant colors that do not blend or blur when transferred. Sublimation is also a very fast transfer process, especially when compared to alternative methods. This makes it ideal for use when you need to create a large batch of products very quickly.

The sublimation process is actually quite simple, though there are a few important details that you will need to know. First, you will need to print your design onto a piece of sublimation paper. To do this, you will need a sublimation printer that uses specially designed sublimation dye ink. To print your design onto a piece of sublimation paper, you will need an inkjet printer that uses specially designed sublimation dye ink.

Once you have your design printed onto your sublimation paper, you will then place your paper onto your blank canvas with the design facing down. If you are working with mugs, cups, or tumblers, then you will need to use heat-resistant tape to keep your sublimation paper in place for the next step.

Now that your design is placed onto your canvas, it is time to apply heat. You will need to use a heat press when working with sublimation dyes. An iron is not recommended for this process. Once the heat is applied, the sublimation dyes on the paper will turn to gas and begin to transfer color to the fabric or surface of the blank. Reference our Sublimation Temperature Chart for consistent results.

After cooling down, the dyes will have completely transferred to your blank, creating a gorgeous product with perfect color. We use sublimation paper for this process as it is not only cost-effective but also retains a high level of detail when transferring designs.

You’ll find that there are quite a few different types of sublimation papers available. To know which one is right for you, you will need to know what to look for in a good sublimation paper.

Paperweight is a very important factor when choosing your sublimation paper. Thicker, heavier papers, such as our HTVRONT 125g Sublimation Paper, will retain more ink, resulting in a full and vibrant color transfer. Thicker papers will also be more durable than thinner papers, resulting in less tearing in your designs before you get the chance to transfer.

Lighter papers, such as our HTVRONT 105g Sublimation Paper, are generally better to use when transferring onto rounded surfaces, such as mugs and tumblers. This is because the paper is easier to handle, resulting in a complete transfer. Lighter papers are also better suited for large projects that require your design to be split between multiple pieces of paper. Since these papers don’t create as bold of a transition as heavier papers, due to them holding less ink, lightweight papers can be used to create seamless designs on a large surface.

Another important trait is your paper’s transfer rate . The transfer rate lets you know how much of your sublimation ink you can expect to be transferred from your paper to the blank. The higher the transfer rate, the better. You’ll notice that all HTVRONT sublimation papers have a transfer rate at or above 98%.

Should you be using sublimation paper or an alternative paper type for your designs? The answer to this question will depend on the type of products you want to make and the workflow you want to use. Here is a breakdown between sublimation paper and other popular alternatives:

Heat Transfer Paper is designed to work with a traditional paper printer, without requiring special sublimation dyes. Heat transfer paper can be used on both cotton and polyester surfaces, with polyester providing more consistent results, while sublimation paper should only be used with polyester. Heat transfer paper is also able to transfer onto both light and dark surfaces, while sublimation paper is best used with light surfaces. Sublimation dyes color the fabric of your blank, whereas heat transfer paper becomes an additional layer on top of your fabric. With proper application and garment care, both process can produce durable designs.

Butcher Paper cannot be used for sublimation. It is, however, essential for protecting your heat press from ink during the sublimation process. It is recommended to use sublimation paper for optimal results.

Parchment Paper , often used as a protective barrier between your heat press and your sublimation paper, is not suitable for sublimation. Sublimation requires specialized paper that is heat resistant up to 180-210°C (356-410°F). It is recommended to use sublimation paper for optimal results.

DTF Paper requires an adhesive powder to be applied to your surface before applying heat. This provides a great bond to the material for a durable design. DTF can be used with a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and blends, unlike sublimation paper.

Vinyl attaches to your surface when heat-pressed, while sublimation inks completely dye the fabric of your surface for a long-lasting design. Sublimation printing creates a more durable pattern by penetrating the pattern into the fabric fibers. Vinyl printing, on the other hand, adheres the pattern to the surface of the fabric. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the specific application scenario and needs.

Laser Paper follows different printing principles and application scopes than sublimation paper. Laser paper is mainly used for ordinary printing, and sublimation paper is used for thermal transfer. The image quality depends on many factors, and one paper cannot be simply compared with another.

When using sublimation paper, be sure to always use butcher paper or parchment paper as a protective layer between your sublimation paper and your heat press. This will ensure that the dyes will not reach your heat press once they become gas and stain the machine.

Make sure that you always use blanks that are specifically made for sublimation, typically with a white, polyester surface. Sublimation blanks are sure to provide consistent transfer results that are bright and durable.

When working with a new blank, make sure that you take the time to test out this new surface before attempting to make multiple products with it. Check that your temperature and time settings are dialed in for this new surface.

Sublimation paper is a popular choice for a variety of products, as it provides one of the most vibrant color transfers and is known to be very durable. This makes it a great choice for items such as:

As you can see, there are plenty of products that you can personalize using sublimation paper. HTVRONT carries a variety of sublimation blanks, making it easy to quickly find what you need and have them shipped right to your door. Small business owners can save a lot of time looking for blanks simply by shopping with us.

Before you can get started with sublimation printing, you are going to need a suitable printer. There are five key factors you need to look for in a sublimation printer:

Print area size: Most sublimation printers or inkjet printers will not print on the edges, so if the ideal size of your finished garment is 11" x 17", you need to get 12" x 18".

Print multiple images: If you sell many smaller designs (such as mobile phone images), you must get a dye sublimation printer that prints multiple images at the same time. This will save you a lot of time printing.

Printing speed: How fast your printer can finish a print. This is especially important when printing in large quantities.

Number of ink colors: Sublimation printers create a large number of output colors by mixing a selected number of basic ink colors. Most printers use 4-color ink sets, but some use 8-color inks for ultra-high resolution.

Brands: The sublimation printer market is highly competitive, with Epson, Sawgrass, and Ricoh consistently leading the pack. As technology advances, other brands are actively introducing new products, promising further optimization of the market landscape.

Sublimation ink is a key component in the sublimation printing process. The choice of sublimation ink significantly influences the quality of the final product. Several sublimation ink brands are available in the market, including Printers Jack, Hiipoo, Sublijet HD, inkXpro, Xcinkjet, TBTeek, and HTVRONT.

HTVRONT Sublimation ink is a set that must be used in conjunction with sublimation paper. Currently, only Epson printers are compatible with this. Through high-temperature heating, the solid ink on the sublimation paper sublimates onto various substrates. Available in 4*100ml specifications.

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Now that you have your sublimation paper, printer, and ink all picked out, you are going to need a heat press machine to transfer your prints onto your blanks. The best heat press machine for you will depend on the type of products you want to create. Some machines are better suited for t-shirts and toe bags, while others specialize in mugs and pens.

Out Heat Press Settings guide can help you determine the best settings to use depending on your machine. Note that you will need some heat-resistant adhesive tape to keep your sublimation paper in place when working with tumblers, cups, and mugs. You can follow our guide on How to Remove Sublimation from Tumblers for more details.

There are a few safety measures that you will want to take when working with sublimation paper. Follow these rules to stay safe while you enjoy your hobby.

Heat Press Machine Safety. Heat press machines can get very hot during use. Make sure that you keep your hands away from the heated areas and always wear heat-resistant gloves when operating your heat press machine. After a heat press, let the machine cool down before handling your paper again.

Sublimation Ink Ventilation. Sublimation ink, when exposed to heat, becomes a gas before dying the surface of your blank. You should not breathe in this gas as it can harm you. While wearing a respirator is recommended for high-volume or industrial sublimation settings, adequate ventilation or using regular mask is often sufficient for home-based or small-scale projects.

If you like to buy your sublimation paper in bulk, proper storage is essential to maintain its quality. Store your paper in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.

To protect your paper from moisture, dust, and other contaminants, we recommend storing it in an airtight container . When handling the paper, avoid touching the print surface with your bare hands . Handling the paper from the edges will help preserve print quality.

A lot can go into creating a product using sublimation paper. Once you have the basics down, sublimation paper is a great way to permanently transfer your designs onto your products. It creates vibrant colors and a professional level of detail with every print. The best part is that you do not need a professional-level sublimation printer to start enjoying the craft at home.

Whether you plan on personalizing some t-shirts for a family reunion or starting your own small business out of your living room, sublimation is a great way to get into the decorating craft! You can check out our video on How to Sublimate a Tumbler for inspiration on your next project!