
A higher-density paper can also go through more stress, like the high heat used in the sublimation process. For one, the paper will be less likely to crease, avoiding lines in your design. Some general rules of thumb: A thicker, higher density is going to result in better transfers. This tells you the measurement of density of the paper rather than the weight of the ream, which can be much less accurate. For example a ream of standard printer paper, or 500 sheets, is about 20 pounds.īecause there are so many factors influencing the standard weight measurement of a ream of paper, you may want to go by the more accurate alternative: the grams per square meter, or GSM. When you see a paper weight marked, it usually refers to the weight of a ream.

Just as paper weight makes a difference with copy paper, it will make a difference with your sublimation paper. If it doesn’t fit in your printer, then you risk crumpling your project and with each crease, your transfer will suffer. If it’s too small, you’ll end up having to reprint it on a larger sheet of sublimation paper or settle for a subpar transfer as you try and match up two sides of the design. There are two measurements you need to pay attention to: the size of your printer and the size of your project. Sublimation paper comes in an array of sizes. For a successful sublimation print, you need a sublimation paper with a transfer rate of at least 95%, but higher is always better. This is an indication of a better-made substrate for the paper and it also tells you it will require less ink for the transfer, saving you money. Most quality sublimation papers will include a percentage indicating the transfer rate. When you select a sublimation paper, there are a couple of things to take into consideration, all of which can impact the quality of your sublimation print. The ratio is dependent on the weight of the paper when it’s dry. Most sublimation paper has a coating that includes about 35% silica and 5% binding agent. Made of paper substrate based on normal paper, sublimation paper stands out in part due to the specialized coating it has. It’s paper specifically designed for the sublimation process from start to finish, from printing the design on the paper to the application of heat for the transfer. Sublimation paper is what quality sublimation printing is built on. And with the right sublimation paper, you can ensure the transfer is done in a way that preserves the design and ensures the transfer of the ink. Fusing the ink in the design with the surface material essentially creates a new material that’s a combination of the two. This makes same-day orders possible, because you don’t have to wait for a distributor.Ībove all, sublimation printing is far less likely to fade because of the printing process. Rather than having to order 1,000 pieces at a time in the hopes they sell, you can print as needed, saving you money and storage space. With these four colors, you can recreate absolutely any color imaginable.Ī benefit to business owners is the option to print limited runs on printed items. There are no added costs to use certain colors because sublimation printers use CMYK - or cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black) - ink. The unlimited range of colors and designs has also been praised by the community. It’s a fairly short journey to be adept at it, making it an accessible hobby or business for just about anyone.


Sublimation printing also doesn’t require a lengthy education process. This opened up the market on personalized items to include a greater variety. First, it allows you to print onto hard surfaces, like mugs and plates.

There are a few reasons sublimation printing has exploded in popularity. This creates a permanent print, because the two materials have essentially become one. When heat is applied, the ink, which is held in the sublimation paper, transforms into a gas, then fuses with the material. Sublimation printing is a printing process that relies on heat to fuse the ink and the surface material together. What to know before you buy sublimation paper Averaging a transfer rate of at least 98%, it’s designed to work with all inkjet printers and to be used on a variety of items and materials. It’s the foundation for a clean, crisp, successful transfer.Ī favorite sublimation paper among enthusiasts and professionals alike is the A-Sub Sublimation Paper. To have a quality sublimation print, you need quality sublimation paper. Sublimation printing is becoming ever-more popular, thanks to the variety of products you can create and the longevity and quality of the print.
