Things Need to Know Before Choosing Sublimation Paper

Sublimation printing is one of the great ways to create colorful and long-lasting designs on many products, like personalized mugs, t-shirts, phone cases, and metal signs. However, before you start, it's important to think about the sublimation paper you will use!

Sublimation paper is special because it helps transfer your design onto the item. There are many types of sublimation papers, it can be confusing to pick the right one. Fear not, we have prepared a guide, that provides the proper knowledge to choose the best sublimation paper and have successful printing projects.

Understanding Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing is different from regular printing. Instead of putting ink on top of the material, it uses heat and pressure to dye it permanently. Here’s a simple explanation of the process:

Design Creation

First, you need to create your digital design on a computer using software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, canva and many more.  

Printing 

You need to print the design onto special sublimation paper using sublimation ink. This ink turns from liquid to gas when heated.

Heat Press

After printing successfully, the sublimation paper is placed on the item (like a mug or t-shirt) inside a heat press. With high heat and pressure, the sublimation ink turns into a gas which helps to transfer the design. 

Release

After the press, open the heat press and carefully remove the paper. The design is now permanently dyed onto the item.

Characteristics of Sublimation Paper

Here are the most important features of sublimation paper that you should know:

Paper Weight (GSM)

GSM (Grams per Square Meter), which shows the paper thickness. Sublimation paper usually ranges from 120 GSM to 150 GSM. Thicker paper (higher GSM) absorbs ink better and doesn’t twist as much in the heat press. However, you might need to adjust your heat press settings for thicker paper.

Coating

Sublimation paper has a special coating that helps absorb and release ink during the process of heat transfer. This coating keeps the ink on the paper until it turns into gas when heated.

Drying Time

Drying time is how long it takes for the printed ink to dry on the paper. It is better to use the quick-drying paper for busy printing environments as it helps working smoothly.

Opacity

Sublimation paper can be coated or uncoated. Coated paper is better for designs with lots of white or light colors. Uncoated paper might be better for projects where the color matters a lot for the final look.

Choosing the Rightest Sublimation Paper

After understanding sublimation printing and sublimation paper, it is now time to choose the the rightest sublimation paper that fulfills your needs. Here is how:

Project Type

Analyzing your need is essential. The kind of project you're working on affects your choice. Thicker paper (140-150 GSM) is good for hard items like phone cases or metal signs. Thinner paper (120-130 GSM) works well for t-shirts and other fabrics.

Ink Similarity

Make sure the sublimation paper you're using matches the sublimation ink. Sometimes Ink brands suggest specific papers for the best results.

Printer Similarity 

Most sublimation papers work well with inkjet printers, but it is important to check the compatibility of printer model with the paper,

Budget

Sublimation paper prices can vary based on brand, quality, and features. Think about the budget and the quality you need. 

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to ensure the success: 

• Store your sublimation paper in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight because moisture can affect the paper and the printing process.

• Always mirror your design before printing on sublimation paper because the image gets flipped during the heat press transfer.

• Perform a test print on a scrap piece of sublimation paper because it will help you check if your paper working well with the printer. 

• Check your heat press manual and sublimation ink recommendations for the right heat and pressure settings for your project. Note that incorrect settings can cause a failed transfer or damage your project.

Sublimation printing seems like simple component but plays an important role in creating a successful print. At first, the process will look harder but understanding basic techniques can lead to the success.You can create a professional design by understanding the needs and requirement of project with the characteristics of choosen sublimation paper. Get started with your project now by unlocking your creativity and exploring new ideas!