What Is The Best Paper To Use For Sublimation?

Introduction

When it comes to sublimation printing, choosing the right paper is just as important as choosing the right printer and ink. The paper you choose will greatly impact the final outcome of your sublimated designs. In this article, we will dive into the world of sublimation paper and explore what makes a good sublimation paper, types of sublimation paper, and recommended brands available in the market.

What is sublimation?

Sublimation printing is a process where a design is printed onto a special paper using sublimation ink. The printed design is then transferred onto a substrate using heat and pressure. When the heat is applied, the ink turns into a gas and penetrates the surface of the substrate, creating a permanent and vibrant image.

What makes a good sublimation paper?

A good sublimation paper should have the following properties:

1. Smooth surface: The paper should have a smooth surface that allows the sublimation ink to be transferred with ease. A rough surface can result in poor image quality and even a distorted image.

2. High ink absorption: The paper should have high ink absorption to ensure that the ink does not bleed or smear during the transfer process.

3. Good release: The paper should be able to release the sublimation ink easily and uniformly onto the substrate.

4. Stability: The paper should not curl or wrinkle during the printing or transfer process.

Types of sublimation paper

There are two main types of sublimation paper: coated and uncoated.

1. Coated sublimation paper: This type of paper has a special coating that helps to improve ink absorption and release. It is recommended for high-quality designs and images.

2. Uncoated sublimation paper: This type of paper does not have a coating and is generally less expensive than coated paper. However, it may result in less vibrant images and poor image quality.

Recommended brands

There are several brands of sublimation paper available in the market. Here are some of the most popular and recommended brands:

1. TexPrint: TexPrint is a leading brand in the sublimation paper industry. They offer a range of coated papers that are suitable for both soft and hard substrates. TexPrint papers are known for their high quality and excellent transfer properties.

2. Beaver Paper: Beaver Paper is another well-known brand in the sublimation paper industry. Their papers are highly recommended for textile printing due to their excellent ink absorption and release properties.

3. Epson: Epson offers a range of sublimation papers that are compatible with their printers. Their papers are known for their excellent color reproduction and sharp image quality.

4. Neenah: Neenah offers a range of sublimation papers that are suitable for both soft and hard substrates. Their papers have a smooth surface and good release properties.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paper is a crucial step in achieving high-quality sublimated designs. It is important to consider the properties of the paper when making your choice. Coated papers offer better ink absorption and release properties while uncoated papers are generally less expensive. When choosing a brand, it is best to go for a reputable brand that offers high-quality papers. With the right paper, you can create vibrant and permanent sublimated designs that will last a lifetime.