How to Choose Sublimation Paper for Inkjet Printers?

 

Do you feel puzzled and need more suggestions about selecting the right sublimation paper for your projects? Do you find it challenging to figure out the complex relationship between sublimation paper, sublimation ink, inkjet printers, and regular printers? No worries! This article helps you make wise choices for your sublimation work.

 

Below is the table content of this article to help you go over this article quickly:

To begin, we will answer the three basic questions that are often being asked.

Can you use sublimation paperon any printer?

No, sublimation paper is not compatible with any printer. It is specifically designed for sublimation printing and requires special sublimation inks and a compatible printer to achieve the desired results.

While an inkjet printer can be used for sublimation printing, it is crucial to ensure that it is compatible with sublimation ink. Regular inkjet printers are not designed to handle sublimation inks with different chemical properties. Using sublimation ink in a traditional printer can lead to poor transfer rates, incomplete designs, and fast fading.

Can you use regular printer paper to sublimate?

No, regular printer paper is not suitable for sublimation printing. Sublimation printing requires specialized sublimation paper to handle the sublimation ink and heat transfer process.

Regular printer paper is typically not designed to withstand the high temperatures required for sublimation. Sublimation ink needs to vaporize and bond with the surface of the printed material, which requires specific conditions that regular printer paper cannot provide. Using regular printer paper for sublimation printing can result in poor transfer quality, smudging, or can even damage your printer.

Can you use regular ink on sublimation paper?

No, sublimation paper is specifically designed to work with sublimation ink. Sublimation ink is unique because it undergoes a chemical process, turning from a solid to a gas without becoming a liquid. This process allows the ink to bond with the surface of the printed material, such as fabric or ceramics.

Regular ink does not have the same chemical properties as sublimation ink. If traditional ink is used on sublimation paper, it will not sublimate properly, resulting in a low transfer rate, incomplete design, and fast fading.

After figuring out the necessity of a sublimation paper and an inkjet printer in the process of sublimating, it is practice time for you to choose the most suitable sublimation paper. 

Part 1: Pro tips to choose sublimation paper for inkjet printers

Here are some key factors to consider when searching for a sublimation paper:

Ink-saving performance

Ink-saving performance refers to the ability to minimize ink consumption during the printing process. Sublimation ink can be relatively expensive; using sublimation paper with good ink-saving performance can result in cost savings and more efficient ink usage. 

Drying speed

Sublimation paper is specially designed to hold sublimation ink and release it onto the substrate during the heat transfer process. If the ink doesn't dry properly, it can smudge or spread on the paper, resulting in blurred or distorted prints.

Ideally, sublimation paper should allow the ink to dry quickly, ensuring clean and crisp prints without any ink bleeding. Fast-drying sublimation paper helps maintain the sharpness and clarity of the printed image, resulting in high-quality sublimation transfers.

Transfer rate

High transfer rate sublimation paper allows for better ink absorption and transfer, resulting in sharper and more vibrant prints. It ensures that the sublimation ink is effectively released from the paper and bonded with the substrate, resulting in high-resolution and accurate reproduction of colors, details, and gradients.

Now that you have obtained the essential sublimation paper and an inkjet printer, it's crucial to collect the remaining materials necessary for your sublimation work. These materials will enable you to achieve successful and professional sublimation results. We prepare a list of the additional items you will need below:

1. Sublimation Ink
2. Design software
3. Protective gloves, aprons, and goggles to ensure safety.
4. Heat Press Machine
5. Substrate(fabrics, ceramics and metal etc. )
6. Teflon Sheet
7. Cutting Tools and Trimming Supplies (if needed)

Below is a flow chart for making a sublimation shirt to help you understand the whole process.

Part 2: Best Sublimation Paper for Inkjet Printers 

Exploring the market for the most suitable sublimation paper can be time-consuming and challenging. We have compared popular brands and listed their pros and cons, hoping this recommendation list will assist you in making an informed decision and save you time and effort.  

HTVRONT sublimation paper for inkjet printer [Best deal]

 

Compatible with: Any inkjet printers

Weight: 120g

Size: 8.5”*11”/ 8.5”*14”/11”*17”/13”*19”

Pros:

• High transfer rate.
• Great printer and substrate compatibility.
• No curling and bleeding. 

Cons:

• Fingerprints residue.
• The colors aren't as vibrant for surfaces with more than 30% cotton content.

 

A-sub Sublimation paper [Best Seller]

 

Compatible with: Any inkjet printers

Weight: 120g

Size: 8.5”*11”/ 8.5”*14”/11”*17”/13”*19”

Pros: 

• Top sales on Amazon
• Suitable for light or heavy ink saturation
• No paper Jam, no bleed

Cons: 

• Pricey
• Transfer rates are not as high as other papers.

 

Hiipoo Sublimation Paper[Package recommendation]

Compatible with: Any Epson or Sawgrass sublimation printer 

Weight: 120g

Size: 8.5”*11”/ 8.5”*14”

Pros: 

• Wide machine compatibility
• High drying-speed
• High transfer rate

Cons: 

• Works best with the Hiipoo inks.
• Poor packing and damaged product 
• Leave streaks on the substrate

 

Printers Jack Sublimation Paper

Compatible with: Any Epson, HP, Canon, and Sawgrass inkjet printer 

Weight: 120g

Size: 8.5”*11”/ 8.5”*14”/11”*17”/13”*19”

Pros: 

• Works with light-colored 100% polyester fabric and polyester-coated items. 
• High transfer rate
• No fracturing and no fade

Cons: 

• Cause paper jam
• Paper curl

Part 3: Summary

Selecting the right sublimation paper is crucial for achieving high-quality and vibrant sublimation prints. By considering factors such as ink-saving performance, drying speed, and transfer rate, you can make an informed choice that meet your specific needs and budget.

We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights and guidance to make the best decisions for your sublimation projects. Now, armed with the knowledge and the recommended sublimation paper options, you can easily create stunning and loved sublimated designs. Happy sublimating!