What Is The Difference Between Sublimation Paper And Sublimation Transfer Paper?

What is the difference between sublimation paper and sublimation transfer paper? Many people may think that they are the same thing. However, there are actually some key differences between the two that are important to know if you are looking to invest in sublimation printing.

What is Sublimation Printing?

Before we dive into the differences between sublimation paper and sublimation transfer paper, let''s first talk about what sublimation printing is. Sublimation printing is a technique that allows for full-color printing on a range of surfaces, including fabric, metal, and ceramic.

The process involves printing a design onto sublimation paper or transfer paper, then heat pressing the design onto the surface to be printed. The heat causes the ink on the paper to turn into a gas, which then bonds with the surface material and creates a permanent, high-quality image.

Sublimation printing is popular in the world of customizable products, such as t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases, as it allows for full-color designs that won''t fade or peel off over time.

What is Sublimation Paper?

Sublimation paper is a type of paper that is specially manufactured to work with sublimation ink. The paper is typically coated with a layer of polymer that helps the ink to bond with the surface material during the heat press process.

Sublimation paper comes in a range of sizes, including 8.5x11, 11x17, and 13x19, as well as in rolls that can be cut to the desired size. It is important to note that sublimation paper is not the same as regular printer paper, and it cannot be used with regular ink.

What is Sublimation Transfer Paper?

Sublimation transfer paper, also known as dye-sublimation transfer paper, is similar to sublimation paper in that it is also designed to work with sublimation ink. However, the key difference between the two is that sublimation transfer paper is used in a slightly different way.

Sublimation transfer paper is typically used when printing on fabric, such as t-shirts or jerseys. Rather than pressing the paper onto the fabric, as you would with sublimation paper, you first print your design onto the transfer paper, then use a heat press to transfer the design onto the fabric.

The heat press process can be a bit trickier with sublimation transfer paper, as the paper needs to be placed face-down on the fabric, and the heat and pressure need to be carefully controlled to ensure that the design transfers onto the fabric evenly and accurately.

Which is Better: Sublimation Paper or Sublimation Transfer Paper?

The answer to this question depends largely on what you plan to print your designs on. If you are primarily printing on hard surfaces, such as metal or ceramic, sublimation paper is likely the best option for you.

Sublimation paper allows for a wider range of sizes and cut options, making it easier to work with when printing on irregularly-shaped surfaces or larger items. Additionally, sublimation paper typically produces a higher-quality image than sublimation transfer paper, as the ink is able to bond with the surface material more effectively.

However, if you plan to print on fabric, sublimation transfer paper is the way to go. This is because the transfer process helps the ink to bond more effectively with the fabric, resulting in a brighter, longer-lasting image.

In Conclusion

In summary, sublimation paper and sublimation transfer paper are both important tools in the world of sublimation printing. While they are similar in that they are both designed to work with sublimation ink, they are used in slightly different ways and are best suited to different types of printing projects.

It is important to carefully consider your printing needs and goals when deciding which type of paper is right for you. By choosing the right paper for your project, you can ensure that your sublimation prints come out looking vibrant, sharp, and long-lasting.