Sublimation paper has a major role in printing beautiful artwork on your material. The paper is specially designed to handle heat and pressure of the heat press. If you are wondering how to use it, then follow along.
Types of sublimation paper
There are multiple transfer papers available and each of them have its unique usage and characteristics. Here are three common types of paper you can use.
1. Standard paper
This type of heat transfer paper is coated with a special layer which absorbs ink and holds it until heat is applied during the process of transfer. Upon applying heat, the ink turns into gas and becomes one with polymer coating or polyester on the substrate.
This paper comes in various sizes and weight and the quality also varies based on brand and manufacturer. It is mandatory to choose the heat paper which is compatible with the printer and also meets the specific printing needs.
It is necessary to follow the manufacturer instruction for the heat press transfer time, printer settings and temperature for best results.
2. Light fabric paper
Light fabric paper is also known as light colored paper is the specific type of transfer paper designed for printing artwork on light – colored or the white fabrics. It is optimized to produce the high – quality and vibrant prints on the light – colored textiles.
Light fabric paper has a special coating which allows it to hold the sublimation ink effectively and release it on the fabric during the heat transfer process. This coating is designed to prevent the ink from bleeding or smearing, ensuring detailed and crisp outcome.
While using the light fabric paper, it is important to make sure that the fabric you are printing on is right for sublimation. This printing technique works best on polyester – blend or polyester fabrics as the ink bonds with the fibers of polyester to create the vibrant and permanent prints.
3. Dark fabric paper
Dark fabric paper also known as dark colored sublimation paper is a special type of transfer paper which is designed for printing on dark fabric. Unlike standard transfer paper or light fabric transfer paper, dark fabric sublimation paper is mainly formulated to produce opaque and vibrant prints on dark materials.
The key characteristic of the dark transfer paper is its ability to offer a light or white colored base layer under the dye – sub ink. The base layer acts as the primer and allows color to appear vivid and vibrant on dark fabrics.
It makes sure that dye – sub inks are not affected by the color of fabric and results in detailed and opaque prints.
While using dark fabric transfer paper, it is critical to select the fabric which has a high polyester content.
How to use sublimation paper? – Complete process
The printing process includes various steps which are
1. Design creation
First create or choose a design using a graphic design software. Your design can include text, graphics and images.
2. Printing
The design is then printed on the transfer paper using sublimation printer.
3. Preparing substrate
The substrates need to be prepared for the design transfer process. For fabrics, it is mandatory to ensure that they are made of polyester, or they should have high content of polyester as the dye – sub ink bonds well with polyester fabric. The material should also be clean and free from contaminants or dust which could affect the transfer.
4. Transfer setup
The printed paper is then placed on the substrate with the printed side facing downwards. The transfer paper is properly aligned to make sure the design is positioned properly.
5. Heat transfer
Prints on substrates are achieved using the heat press machine. The heat press is equipped with heated platens which apply both pressure and heat to the material.
The time, temperature and pressure settings may vary based on specific equipment and materials being used.
6. Sublimation process
When the heat press is closed and fully activated the transfer paper and the substrate are pressed together. The heat from the heat press causes the ink on the paper to convert into gas without turning into a liquid state. This gas then penetrates into the fiber of the material.
7. Ink bonding
As soon as the material cools down, the ink gas molecules harden and make a permanent bond with the polyester fibers. This makes a permanent and vibrant print which becomes an integral part of the material.
8. Finished product
When the heat transfer process is finished, the material is allowed to cool down before removing the transfer paper. You will get a colorful, high – quality and durable print with amazing resolution and details.
Tips for achieving best results
Here are some tips which I follow to get the best results while using the transfer paper.
- Always follow manufacturer’s guidelines for the transfer paper and heat press machine.
- Provide sufficient time for the ink to completely transfer on the item.
- Always align the image properly on the substrate.
- Always use high quality ink and paper.
- Make sure to use optimum pressure and temperature settings for the heat press.
Conclusion
How to use sublimation paper in the printing process is very important. You should always choose the paper wisely according to substrate and follow the above steps to print the designs. If you have any suggestions, let me know in the comments or you can message me directly.
