What Is The Best Paper To Use For Sublimation?
Dec 20, 2023
Introduction
If you are into sublimation printing, you already know that one of the most important factors affecting the quality of your prints is the choice of the paper. Sublimation paper is a specially coated type of paper that is designed to work with sublimation inks. The paper is used to transfer the dye from the sublimation ink onto the substrate, which can be anything from polyester fabric to ceramic mugs. In this article, we will discuss the key factors that determine the quality of sublimation paper, and provide a list of some of the best sublimation papers available in the market.
Factors that affect the quality of Sublimation Paper
There are several factors that affect the quality of sublimation paper, some of which are:
1. Coating: The coating on the paper plays a vital role in the quality of the transfer. The coating should be evenly applied and should have good absorption properties. A good coating ensures that the ink is absorbed properly and transfers onto the substrate without any smudging or blurring.
2. Weight: The weight of the paper determines its thickness and stiffness. A heavier paper is less likely to wrinkle or tear during the printing process, and is more durable than a lighter weight paper. However, a heavier paper may also take longer to dry, which can lead to smudging or blurring.
3. Drying time: The drying time of the paper is another important factor to consider. A paper that dries too quickly can cause the ink to smear or blur, while a paper that takes too long to dry can cause the ink to bleed or run.
4. Brightness: The brightness of the paper affects the quality of the transfer, as well as the color accuracy of the print. A paper with a high brightness level will produce a more vibrant and accurate print than a paper with a lower brightness level.
5. Transfer rate: The transfer rate of the paper refers to the amount of ink that can be transferred from the paper to the substrate. A paper with a high transfer rate will produce a brighter and more durable print than a paper with a lower transfer rate.
Best Sublimation Papers
1. Neenah Jet Pro SofStretch: Neenah Jet Pro SofStretch is one of the most popular sublimation papers available in the market. It has a good coating, a weight of 100gsm, and a fast drying time. The paper produces vivid colors and sharp images, and is suitable for printing on a wide range of substrates, including polyester fabrics, ceramics, and metal.
2. TexPrint R: TexPrint R is another excellent sublimation paper that has a coating that is optimized for use with Ricoh and Virtuoso printers. It has a weight of 105gsm, and a fast drying time. The paper produces high-quality transfers that are resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling, and can be used with a wide range of substrates.
3. Beaver TexPrintXP Hi-Trans: The Beaver TexPrintXP Hi-Trans paper is a heavyweight paper that has a weight of 105gsm. It has a high transfer rate, which ensures that the ink is transferred to the substrate in a vibrant and accurate manner. The paper dries quickly and has a bright white color, which makes it suitable for printing on a wide range of substrates.
4. Epson DS Transfer Production: Epson DS Transfer Production is a heavyweight sublimation paper that has a weight of 105gsm. It has a good coating that ensures that the ink is absorbed properly and transfers onto the substrate in a vibrant and accurate manner. The paper has a fast drying time, and produces a high-quality transfer that is resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling.
5. Forever Subli-Light (No Cut): Forever Subli-Light (No Cut) is a unique sublimation paper that is designed for use with white or light-colored fabrics. The paper has a weight of 120gsm, and produces high-quality transfers that are resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling. The paper can be used with a wide range of substrates, including cotton, polyester, and nylon.
Conclusion
The choice of sublimation paper can have a significant impact on the quality of your prints. When choosing a sublimation paper, it is important to consider factors such as coating, weight, drying time, brightness, and transfer rate. The papers listed in this article are some of the best sublimation papers available in the market, and can be used with a wide range of substrates to produce high-quality prints that are vibrant, accurate, and durable.