A Guide to Affordable Sublimation Paper

Sublimation printing is the most popular way to customize things like mugs, t-shirts, phone cases, etc. From creating a design with bright colors to long-lasting, so it doesn’t crack or peel. It is essential to think about sublimation papers of different kinds before starting the project. 

Getting good results is important, but so is keeping costs low, especially if you’re a beginner. Fear not, we have prepared a guide that will help you find affordable sublimation paper that offers a good balance between cost and quality for your creative projects.

What is the Purpose of Sublimation Paper

A sublimation paper is a special paper that is used to transfer the design to your choosable item. Here are the following factors to consider when choosing an affordable sublimation paper:

Size

Standard letter size (8.5" x 11") is the most common and cheapest option. Larger sizes like A4 or roll formats might be more affordable for big projects.

Weight

For Sublimation Paper, weight is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). Heavier paper (120gsm and above) stops ink from bleeding and shows designs better but it can cost you more. Lighter paper (around 100 gsm) is cheaper but requires printing adjustments.

Brand

Sublimation paper brands are well-known in the market and can cost you more while maintaining a high quality. On the other hand, there are many good and budget-friendly alternatives available. So the choice is yours, don’t hesitate to try lesser-known brands with good reviews.

Various Sublimation Papers Comparison

We have combined different sublimation papers comparison leading to ease in the decision to select the most suitable sublimation process:

Printers Jack for Light Colors Sublimation Paper

• The back of this sublimation paper is blue, so you won’t be confused about which side to print on. This is helpful because printing on the wrong side wastes time, paper, ink, and your item.

• It comes in three sizes: A4 105 g, 11×17”, 13×19”, and “8.5×13/14/15”.

• You can pick the size that works best for your items, printer, and heat press.
• It is affordable

• It is easy to find. 

• It is available in 4 sizes.

A-Sub Sublimation Paper

• A-Sub comes in two weights: 105g and 125g. The 105g paper is thinner, while the 125g paper is thicker. Use thicker paper for deep designs, and heavy colors, and thinner paper for lighter colors.

• You choose both, as both are usable papers.

• The back of this paper has a faint A-Sub watermark, so you can easily see which side to print on.

• It is affordable

• It is easy to find. 

• It is available in 4 sizes.

Epson DS Transfer Multi-Use Sublimation Paper

• The back of this sublimation paper is not marked and is white, just like the front. The only difference is that the front is a brighter white, so you have to look closely to see which side to print on.

• This Epson DS Transfer comes with a Multi-Use Paper and sublimation printer.

• It has a matte surface and feels as thick as Texprint DT Heavy paper. 

• It is 4.5 mils thick and weighs 85gsm.

• It is made for Epson’s sublimation printers (F170 and F570).

• It comes with a pack of 200 sheets.

• It is Available in 3 sizes.

Koala Sublimation Paper

• This sublimation paperback is blue, so you can quickly tell which side to print on.

• There is a newer version with a watermark on the back instead of the blue color, but according to the manufacturer, it’s the same except for the packaging.

• This paper is the thinnest of the sublimation Paper. 

• It is affordable.

• It is easy to find.

• It is available in different weights and paper sizes.

TexPrint DT Heavy Sublimation Paper

• You can use this paper for years in your business with consistent results.
• It will provide satisfaction and happiness with the colors and there will be no problems getting it from suppliers.

• The back has a TexPrint watermark, so we always know which side to print on.

• It comes in multiple sizes, including small mug sizes (3.5×9” and 4×9.5”), letter, legal, tabloid (11×17”), and 13×19”.

• It is Affordable and reliable.

• Its weight is around 120 gsm.

• It is Available in multiple sizes.

HTVRONT Sublimation Paper

• The back of this sublimation paper has a watermark, so there will be no confusion about which side to print on.

• We used the 125g weight for this sublimation paper comparison test.
• It is affordable and easy to find.

• It is available in 2 different weights and 4 paper sizes.

Tips for Finding Affordable Sublimation Paper

After knowing the basics and different kinds of sublimation paper, here are some tips for finding affordable sublimation paper:

Buy in bulk Quantity

Many stores offer discounts where you can buy a lot of paper at once like if you do a lot of sublimation projects because buying them in bulk can save your money per sheet.

Sales and Deals

Always try to get benefits from sales and discounts at stores. Keep an eye out for sales and special offers online or in stores. Craft stores and websites often offer discounts or clearance sales on sublimation paper.

Brands

Try out a less well-known brand but one with good reviews. Sometimes the papers these small brands offer are just as good as the more famous brands but cost less.

Online stores

If there are no benefits like sales and discounts on stores and their websites, try out websites like eBay or AliExpress because there you can also find the ones with good prices on sublimation paper. 

Our Insights 

At Craft Vinyl, we understand finding affordable sublimation paper that matches your needs and requirements is challenging. With careful planning and a basic understanding of sublimation paper, you can find affordable options that deliver excellence and fulfill needs and requirements. 

Remember it’s just not a price, it is about finding the right balance between cost and quality for your specific needs.