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You’ve probably heard about sublimation paper if you work in the printing industry. But, if you’re new to this world, you’re probably wondering what a sublimation paper is.
In a nutshell, sublimation paper is a type of printing paper that allows ink to be absorbed and retained. Ink is released onto the material by laying the paper on a blank surface and heating it.
And as you’re here, you’re probably on the lookout for a sublimation paper. This is why we’ve prepared for you a well-researched list of the best sublimation papers out there. So, let’s have a look at our top 9 picks!
It takes a lot of time and effort to find the perfect sublimation paper. So, to make the process easier, we’ve created the following list of the 9 best sublimation papers in the market.
Printers Jack Sublimation Paper is favored in the industry for its impressive color reproduction and reliability. It’s engineered for superior ink absorption, yielding vibrant and sharply detailed prints with excellent color saturation. It is compatible with a wide range of dye sublimation inks, making it a versatile choice for many printing applications.
While Printers Jack excels in print quality and consistency, it is positioned in a higher price segment compared to other sublimation papers. This factor might influence the purchasing decisions of budget-conscious users. Additionally, it demands careful handling to prevent smearing the ink, which is a common concern with most sublimation papers.
A-SUB 120gsm Sublimation Paper is known for striking a balance between cost-effectiveness and performance. The paper’s denser weight facilitates superior ink retention, minimizing issues like ghosting and bleeding during transfer. It displays excellent compatibility with a range of sublimation printers and substrates, offering significant versatility.
However, some users have reported that A-SUB 120gsm paper might require a bit more fine-tuning of heat press settings to achieve optimal results. Ensuring the correct pressure, temperature, and timing is crucial in this paper to prevent undesirable effects like blurring or fading.
Seogol Sublimation Paper is a reliable choice, appreciated for its fast-drying properties and smooth heat transfer capabilities. It’s tailored for high-definition prints, displaying impressive color precision and clarity. Moreover, it’s adaptable to an array of sublimation inks, making it a versatile choice for diverse printing requirements.
However, Seogol Sublimation Paper may not perform as well on softer fabric materials, which is something users should consider depending on their specific project needs. It’s also slightly more expensive than some of the other options in the market, which might not make it the first choice for those operating on a tight budget.
Pros:
Fast-drying properties
Smooth heat transfer
High-definition prints and color precision
Cons:
May not perform as well on softer fabrics
Slightly more expensive compared to some alternatives
Koala Sublimation Paper is applauded for its excellent transfer rate and its ability to produce rich, vibrant colors. It’s also praised for its fast-drying features, which significantly reduce the risk of smearing and blur during transfer. It is compatible with most popular brands of sublimation inks, offering a wide spectrum of uses.
Despite these strengths, some users have noted that Koala Sublimation Paper might curl under high heat press temperatures, which could affect the transfer quality. Additionally, as with most sublimation papers, it requires precise calibration of the heat press settings to ensure optimal results.
Pros:
Excellent transfer rate
Fast-drying features
Produces rich, vibrant colors
Cons:
Might curl under high heat
Requires precise calibration of heat press settings
The most fantastic sublimation paper for printing on many mediums is the A-SUB sublimation paper. It’s used on premium ceramic, tile, phone cases, and metal plates. It can also be used with polyesters and fabrics with less than 30% cotton.
When it comes to its size, A-SUB is pretty versatile; there are sizes 8.5” x 11”, 8.5” x 14”, 11” x 17”, and 13” x 19”. So basically, there’s a size for every use, big or small.
What’s more, it’s considered a thick type of sublimation paper. Its thickness is between 120-130 GSM, which is higher than the average of 123 GSM in other sublimation papers. A thick paper is essential and easier to use during sublimation printing as it prevents creasing and also withstands stress; who wants a paper that isn’t stress-tolerant during sublimation?
In addition, A-SUB holds ink perfectly, so you’ll have a greater quality of transfers.
However, this sublimation paper might be a bit costly, but you’re going to get that money back with all its perks and practicality.
Pros:
High-quality, non-sticking paper
Dries quickly
Thick paper
Doesn’t crease easily
Absorbs ink well
Cons:
A bit costly
Bottom Line
The A-SUB sublimation paper is your go-to option when you want to print top-notch sublimation projects.
A DyeMaster sublimation paper is excellent if you want a versatile paper that works on different items. It’s considered to be one of the most advanced sublimation papers in the market.
What we love most about DyeMaster paper is its incredible performance. In a couple of seconds, you’ll receive fantastic, high-quality results. So you shouldn’t worry about your sublimation paper taking too long to dry completely. All you have to do with this paper is wait three seconds, and you’re ready to go.
In addition to its high quality, DyeMaster treats your eyes with the vibrant colors it produces; it’s just a visual delight. So whatever medium you’ll use for your sublimation projects, this paper will make sure to grab everyone’s attention.
However, it’s challenging to know which side of the paper is the front and which is the back. This is important because you need to know which is the print side of your sublimation paper.
Pros:
Mind-boggling drying time
Versatile
High-quality image
Stunning colors
Long-term and dependable
Cons:
Not easy to differentiate between front and back
Bottom Line
The DyeMaster sublimation paper is an outstanding choice because it generates sharp images with vibrant colors. Not to mention, it has an exceptional drying time.
Koala sublimation paper is one of our top picks for your sublimation printing needs. This is because it offers enough options to ensure that you can complete any project you set out to do.
So whether you prefer the smaller size of 8.5” x 11” or the larger 11” x 17”, the Koala sublimation paper can handle both jobs efficiently.
Just like A-SUB, this sublimation paper is also a thicker-than-average brand of paper. It’s usually between 120 and 130 GSM. As we said, this thickness is perfect for preventing creases and folds in your transfers.
Also, Koala sublimation paper has an ideal weight that helps you get the most satisfactory results when transferring your drawings.
And when it comes to its price, Koala doesn’t break your bank; it’s pretty much affordable.
What’s more, it’s beginner-friendly, so it suits people who are just starting their sublimation printing journey.
Pros:
Versatile
Ultra-quick drying
Vivid and crisp image
Colors linger for a long time
Exceptional rate of transfer
Excellent quality
Cons:
Only works with a heat press machine
Bottom Line
Koala sublimation paper is one of the best choices to be used for a diversity of projects. It’ll also deliver excellent quality without breaking the bank!
The Texprint Dye sublimation paper is one of the ideal options for printing stunning graphics on key chains, mugs, mousepads, and phone cases. Its special coating prevents it from breaking and allows it to easily be compatible with sublimation ink.
Also, Texprint Dye offers good ink load stability, a high transfer rate efficiency, and a rapid drying time. Besides, it’s completely recyclable. And with its versatility, you won’t need to buy multiple dye-sublimation papers for different products. It also adds vibrant color and texture to your design, making it a fantastic eye-catching object.
Plus, Texprint Dye comes with free thermal heat tape, making your overall experience with the paper even easier. However, the tape may leave a mark on your objects, so take care of this aspect.
Pros:
The colors are bold and vibrant
Works on a wide range of surfaces
Dependable and long-lasting
Completely recyclable
Cons:
Tape may leave marks behind
Bottom Line
If you want a colorful, eye-catching design, then Texprint Dye has got your back. It’s versatile, dries quickly, and is long-lasting, all helping you produce the desired results.
Printers Jack sublimation paper is a perfect choice to put colorful images on any mug, phone case, purse, or shirt.
It has excellent color reproduction, so it’ll also grab people’s attention! Besides wonderful colors, Printers Jack sublimation paper has an ultra-high transfer rate of 98%, ensuring an easy and reliable process.
It’s also budget-friendly, so you can enjoy the perks of this sublimation paper while you’re on a budget. You’ll even save more money while using it as its ink consumption isn’t high.
However, Printers Jack’s sublimation paper isn’t as thick as others on this list. But it can deliver your designs with ease.
Also, its sizes aren’t diverse, so it won’t be your best pick when it comes to really small or really big projects.
Pros:
High transfer rate
Easy to use
Fade-free
Works well with inkjet printers
Stunning colors
Cons:
Doesn’t have diverse sizes
Bottom Line
If you want to print some stunning photos on your mug, Printers Jack sublimation paper would be your way to go! With its high transfer rate, it’ll deliver reliable designs.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Sublimation Paper
Before you choose your sublimation paper, there are crucial factors to consider. Let’s check some of these important factors.
Weight:
The weight of sublimation paper plays a critical role in the quality of your prints. It’s typically measured in grams per square meter (gsm). Heavier paper (such as 120gsm or 125gsm) often provides better ink absorption, allowing for a more saturated and vivid image transfer. However, it might be more challenging to work with, especially on curved surfaces or detailed designs. Lighter paper, on the other hand, can be more pliable, but it may not deliver the same color density.
Ink Compatibility:
Different sublimation papers are designed to work best with specific sublimation inks. Compatibility affects the clarity, color fidelity, and durability of your prints. Make sure to check that your chosen sublimation paper matches the ink you’re using. Mismatched combinations might result in issues like poor color reproduction, smudging, or incomplete transfers.
Printer Compatibility:
The right sublimation paper should be compatible with your specific printer model. Certain papers are designed to work optimally with particular printers. Ensuring compatibility helps to avoid printer jams, subpar image quality, and other technical issues.
Transfer Rate:
Transfer rate indicates the effectiveness of a sublimation paper in transferring the ink onto the substrate. A higher transfer rate generally leads to vibrant, crisp prints as it allows more ink to sublimate from the paper to the substrate. Lower transfer rates can result in dull, faded images because some of the ink remains on the paper after pressing.
Drying Time:
The drying time of sublimation paper impacts the efficiency of your printing process and the quality of your prints. Faster drying papers reduce the risk of ink smearing or blurring, which can lead to clearer, more precise image transfers. Slower drying papers require careful handling post-printing to avoid smudges or smears.
Heat Resistance:
Given that sublimation printing requires the application of heat, it’s paramount to choose a paper that can endure high temperatures without deforming. Papers that lack sufficient heat resistance might curl, warp, or yellow, which can negatively affect the final product’s appearance and quality.
Substrate Compatibility:
Depending on the materials you plan to print on (such as fabric, ceramic, metal, etc.), some sublimation papers may perform better than others. For instance, some papers are designed to work best with soft textiles, while others excel with hard substrates.
Cost:
While cost shouldn’t be the only deciding factor, it’s undoubtedly important. Higher-priced sublimation papers usually offer superior performance, but they might not fit within all budgets. Conversely, less expensive options may be more cost-effective for large-volume jobs or beginners, but they may not deliver the same quality results. Balancing cost with your specific requirements and business goals is key.
Brand Reputation and Reviews:
Lastly, consider the reputation of the paper’s manufacturer and the reviews of other users. These resources can offer real-world insights into the paper’s performance and potential issues not mentioned in product descriptions. Look for consistent praise or criticism in reviews, as these can be telling signs of the product’s overall quality and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between sublimation papers?
Yes, there is a difference between sublimation papers. There are two main types of sublimation paper: coated and uncoated. Coated paper is more durable and produces sharper images, but it is also more expensive. Uncoated paper is less expensive, but it is not as durable and may not produce as sharp images.
Why use butcher paper for sublimation?
Butcher paper can be used for sublimation, but it is not the best choice. Butcher paper is not as durable as sublimation paper and may not produce as sharp images.
What is the best image quality for sublimation?
The best image quality for sublimation is a high-resolution image that is saved in a format that is compatible with sublimation printers. The image should be at least 300 dpi and should be saved in a format such as JPEG, PNG, or SVG.
How do you sublimate a black shirt?
To sublimate a black shirt, you will need a sublimation printer, sublimation ink, and sublimation paper. You will also need a heat press. First, print your image on sublimation paper. Next, place the sublimation paper on the black shirt. Then, heat press the shirt at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 seconds. Finally, allow the shirt to cool completely before wearing it.
What is better than sublimation?
There is no one answer to this question, as the best method for transferring images to fabric will vary depending on the specific project. However, some alternatives to sublimation include heat transfer vinyl, screen printing, and direct-to-garment printing.
What t-shirts are best for sublimation printing?
The best t-shirts for sublimation printing are those that are made of 100% polyester. Polyester is a fabric that is made from plastic, and it is the best material for sublimation because it allows the ink to penetrate the fabric and create a long-lasting image.
Are all sublimation inks the same?
No, not all sublimation inks are the same. There are a variety of different brands and types of sublimation inks available, and each one will produce slightly different results. It is important to choose a sublimation ink that is specifically designed for sublimation printers and that is compatible with the type of paper you are using.
How do I get the most vibrant sublimation?
There are a few things you can do to get the most vibrant sublimation: Use a high-quality sublimation printer. Use sublimation ink that is specifically designed for sublimation printers. Use sublimation paper that is compatible with the type of ink you are using. Print your image at a high resolution. Heat press your image at the correct temperature and for the correct amount of time.
Is thicker sublimation paper better?
A thicker sublimation paper is not necessarily better. Thicker sublimation paper can sometimes be more difficult to work with and can produce less vibrant images. It is important to choose a sublimation paper that is the right weight for your needs.
Why are my sublimation prints not vibrant?
There are a few reasons why your sublimation prints may not be vibrant. Here are some possible reasons: You are not using a high-quality sublimation printer. You are not using sublimation ink that is specifically designed for sublimation printers. You are not using sublimation paper that is compatible with the type of ink you are using. You are not printing your image at a high resolution. You are not heat-pressing your image at the correct temperature and for the correct amount of time.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right sublimation paper can make all the difference in your printing projects. Given the diversity of sublimation applications and requirements, it’s unlikely that one type of paper will uniformly cater to all needs. Nevertheless, based on our extensive reviews and research, a few products stand out as top contenders in the field of sublimation printing.
A-SUB 120gsm Sublimation Paper consistently rises to the top, thanks to its impressive blend of quality and value. Its heavier weight makes it an excellent choice for those seeking robust, high-quality transfers without compromising on detail or vibrancy. This paper’s ink absorption and transfer efficiency make it an exceptional choice for projects where quality is paramount.
Printers Jack 100 Sheets, while slightly pricier, is another outstanding option. It sets the bar high with its remarkable color reproduction and superior ink retention. If achieving vibrant, strikingly detailed prints is your goal, this product should be seriously considered. It is a testament to the saying that quality often comes at a price.
For those prioritizing fast-drying features and high-definition prints, Seogol Sublimation Paper shines brightly. Its rapid drying time significantly minimizes the risk of smudging, allowing for a smoother workflow. Furthermore, its ability to produce high-definition prints makes it a reliable choice for detailed and professional-grade projects.
While each of these papers has its unique strengths and potential applications, the choice ultimately depends on your specific requirements, preferences, and budget.
Whether it’s the superior quality of A-SUB 120gsm, the vibrant color reproduction of Printers Jack 100 Sheets, or the fast-drying, high-definition qualities of Seogol Paper, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision for your sublimation printing needs. Remember, the key to exceptional sublimation printing lies in finding the perfect alignment between your paper, ink, printer, heat press, and substrate.
Please advise on Laser heat transfer paper for Gold/coloured metallic foil to T-shirt (cloth) and glass, like ‘Miracle’
Yeah, of course. Please check this article https://podi.org/printers-for-heat-transfer/
This was insightfull, I’m new to this printing method.
Can you do sublimation printing on an already made T shirt?
Hey, Kay. Yeah, you can do that but make sure the T-shirt is clean and never printed before