Can sublimation paper for dark fabric be used on fleece?
Aug 20, 2025
Hey there! As a supplier of sublimation paper for dark fabric, I often get asked all sorts of questions about our products. One query that pops up quite a bit is whether sublimation paper for dark fabric can be used on fleece. Well, let's dive right into this topic and figure it out together.
First off, let's quickly understand what sublimation paper for dark fabric is all about. This type of paper is specially designed to transfer vivid and long - lasting prints onto dark - colored fabrics. It uses a special ink and a heat - transfer process to bond the design onto the fabric. The ink on the paper turns from a solid to a gas when heated, and then it penetrates the fabric fibers to create a permanent image.
Now, fleece is a popular fabric known for its softness, warmth, and comfort. It's commonly used in making jackets, blankets, and other cozy items. So, can our sublimation paper for dark fabric work its magic on fleece?
The short answer is: it can, but there are some things to keep in mind. Fleece has a unique texture. It's made up of tiny fibers that create a fuzzy surface. This can have both positive and negative impacts on the sublimation process.
On the plus side, the porous nature of fleece means that it can absorb the sublimation ink quite well. When the ink turns into a gas during the heat - transfer process, it can easily seep into the fleece fibers, resulting in a fairly good - looking print. The color saturation can be decent, especially if you use high - quality sublimation paper and the right settings on your heat press.
However, there are also some challenges. The fuzzy surface of fleece can sometimes cause the print to look a bit less sharp compared to smoother fabrics. The fibers can scatter the light, making the image appear slightly blurry. To combat this, you need to make sure your design is high - resolution. A pixelated or low - quality design will look even worse on fleece.
Another important factor is the heat and pressure settings. Fleece is sensitive to heat. If you set your heat press too high, you can damage the fleece, causing it to melt or lose its softness. You'll need to do some testing to find the optimal temperature and pressure for your specific fleece and sublimation paper combination. Usually, a lower temperature and a bit more pressure than normal might work well.
Let's talk about the benefits of using sublimation paper for dark fabric on fleece. One major advantage is the durability of the print. Once the sublimation process is complete, the design becomes a part of the fabric. It won't crack, peel, or fade easily, even after multiple washes. This is great for items like fleece jackets that are likely to get a lot of use.
Also, sublimation allows for full - color printing. You can create complex, detailed designs with a wide range of colors on fleece. Whether it's a custom logo, a beautiful landscape, or a funky pattern, sublimation can bring your ideas to life on this soft fabric.
Now, if you're thinking about using sublimation on fleece, you might also be interested in some of our other products. We offer SUBLIMATION PAPER FOR TUMBLERS, which is perfect for adding custom designs to tumblers. It works on a similar principle as the sublimation paper for fabric, but it's optimized for the curved surfaces of tumblers.
Our Sublimation Paper Rolls are also a great option. They are convenient for large - scale projects. You can cut the paper to the size you need, making it suitable for various applications, including fleece sublimation.
And if you're looking for a high - quality option, our 100gsm Instant Dry Sublimation Paper is a top choice. It dries quickly, which means you can start the sublimation process right away, saving you time.


Before you start your sublimation project on fleece, here are some steps to follow. First, clean the fleece to remove any dirt or oils. This will ensure better ink absorption. Then, print your design on the sublimation paper using a sublimation inkjet printer. Make sure to mirror the design if necessary.
Next, place the printed paper face - down on the fleece and secure it in place. Use a heat - resistant tape to prevent it from shifting during the heat - transfer process. Set your heat press to the appropriate temperature and pressure, and press for the recommended time. After that, carefully peel off the paper while it's still warm.
In conclusion, sublimation paper for dark fabric can be used on fleece, but it requires some experimentation and attention to detail. With the right approach, you can achieve great results and create unique, personalized fleece items.
If you're interested in purchasing our sublimation paper for dark fabric or any of our other products, feel free to reach out to us for a quote and to discuss your specific needs. We're here to help you make the most of your sublimation projects.
References
- Textile Printing Technology Handbook
- Sublimation Printing Industry Reports
