What Is The Difference Between Sublimation Paper And Sublimation Transfer Paper?
Dec 22, 2023
What is the difference between sublimation paper and sublimation transfer paper?
Sublimation is a popular printing method used in various industries, such as fashion, home decor, and advertising. It allows for vibrant and long-lasting color prints on various substrates, including textiles, ceramics, metal, and more. When it comes to sublimation printing, two commonly used terms are sublimation paper and sublimation transfer paper. While these terms might sound similar, they refer to distinct products with unique properties and uses.
Sublimation Paper:
Sublimation paper, also known as dye-sublimation paper, is a specialized type of paper specifically designed for sublimation printing. It serves as the carrier or medium for the transfer of printed designs onto various substrates. Sublimation paper is coated with a special ink-receptive layer that enables it to hold sublimation inks effectively.
The key characteristics of sublimation paper include:
1. Coating: Sublimation paper is coated with a special layer that allows it to absorb sublimation inks. This coating helps to prevent ink blurring and allows for sharp and precise prints.
2. Weight and thickness: Sublimation paper is available in different weights and thicknesses, ranging from lightweight to heavyweight. The choice of paper weight depends on the application and the type of substrate.
3. Size: Sublimation paper comes in various sizes, including rolls and sheets. The size of the paper depends on the printing equipment, the size of the substrate, and the printing requirements.
4. Fast-drying: Sublimation paper is designed to dry quickly, which is essential for sublimation printing. Fast drying ensures that the paper does not smudge or smear during the printing process.
5. Transfer efficiency: Sublimation paper has a high transfer efficiency, ensuring that a significant amount of the ink is transferred to the substrate. This results in vibrant and high-quality prints.
6. Compatibility: Sublimation paper is compatible with sublimation inks and sublimation printers. It is not suitable for use with regular inkjet printers or pigment-based inks.
Sublimation Transfer Paper:
Sublimation transfer paper, also known as heat transfer paper or thermal transfer paper, is another essential component of the sublimation printing process. Unlike sublimation paper, which is the carrier for the ink, sublimation transfer paper is used to transfer the printed design onto the substrate.
Key characteristics of sublimation transfer paper include:
1. Coating: Sublimation transfer paper is coated with a specific layer that holds the sublimation ink. This coating allows the ink to transfer from the paper to the substrate when heat and pressure are applied.
2. Print orientation: Sublimation transfer paper has a specific print orientation, meaning that the printed image or design should be reversed or mirrored before printing. This ensures that the final transferred image is the correct orientation when applied to the substrate.
3. Transfer process: Sublimation transfer paper requires heat to transfer the ink from the paper to the substrate. This heat causes the sublimation ink to transform into a gas, which then permeates the surface of the substrate and solidifies, resulting in a permanent and durable print.
4. Compatibility: Sublimation transfer paper is designed to work with sublimation inks and sublimation printers. It is not suitable for use with regular inkjet printers or pigment-based inks.
Comparison:**
1. **Function: The main difference between sublimation paper and sublimation transfer paper lies in their function. Sublimation paper acts as a carrier for the ink during the printing process, while sublimation transfer paper is used to transfer the printed design onto the substrate.
2. Coating: Both papers have a coating, but the coating on sublimation paper is different from the coating on sublimation transfer paper. The coating on sublimation paper allows it to hold the ink, while the coating on sublimation transfer paper facilitates the transfer of the ink from the paper to the substrate.
3. Print orientation: Sublimation transfer paper requires the printed image or design to be reversed or mirrored before printing, whereas sublimation paper does not have this requirement.
4. Transfer process: Sublimation transfer paper needs heat and pressure to transfer the ink, while sublimation paper does not undergo a transfer process.
5. Compatibility: Both papers are compatible with sublimation inks and sublimation printers, but they cannot be used with traditional inkjet printers or pigment-based inks.
6. Primary role: Sublimation paper''s primary role is to hold and transport the ink, while sublimation transfer paper''s primary role is to facilitate the transfer of the ink onto the substrate.
In summary, sublimation paper and sublimation transfer paper are distinct products with different functions and properties. Sublimation paper serves as the carrier for the ink during printing, while sublimation transfer paper is responsible for transferring the inked design onto the substrate. Understanding the difference between these two papers is crucial for achieving high-quality sublimation prints.