Explore various sublimation papers and their uses, from high-density for vibrant colors to specialty options.
- Ink Capacity and Limits
This is an important factor, higher the ink limit (wet), heavier the paper should be in order to accept moisture from the ink without any disturbances like curling and warping. - Ink Pattern
This explains that the printing of a very complex design artwork that has mixed heavy and light ink input. This is faced with low weight papers, with the occurrence of curling and shifting after pressing. To eliminate this the best solution is using 110gsm or more that accept heavy and light inks. - Roll to Roll, or Roll to Sheet
Calendar heat press prefers low-gsm papers. But in heavy ink, limit and capacity are to be considered wisely. Here we consider the limitations of high capacity production and consequences like warping and curling. - Print Speed
The quality of paper to be produced depends on what speed it is being printed at. Fast printing produces lightweight paper, slow printing produces thick paper.
Sublimation paper and the humidity of your working environment
Low humidity: In the humidity under 45%, it’s better to choose 80gsm. When in low humidity, the paper shrinks, and the print side is hunched-up. During the process, the paper absorbs ink, which leads to the “hunch-up”. 100g and 120g paper are harder than 80g, so the “hunch-up” damages the print-head. 80gsm is softer, it could relief the “hunch-up” and protect your print-head from damage.
High humidity: In the humidity above 70%. It’s better to choose 110-120 gsm. Since the paper is very easy to become damp with a high humidity, it will become softer and stiffness is weak at the same time. If low weight paper is used, it will be hard to print smoothly because of the stiffness and hardness go down. At this time, 110-120 gsm is the best choice.
Uses of Sublimation Paper
Apparels: Lycra materials, cycling, Polyamide, Swim & Surfwear, 100% polyester (stretch), running, ice hockey wear, Sports and functional textiles.
Home Usages: Curtains, Blinds, Cushions, Table Covers, Towel Cleaners, etc.
Advertisement: Flags, Banners, Felts, Gaming tables, Home Textiles.
Sublimation paper is applicable to sublimation transfer, on which can print images with mirror reversal through inkjet printing, flat printing, screen printing and gravure printing. Then change the image onto media by heating and pressuring, which makes ink on the paper become a gaseous state and combine with the media.
Heat change paper is applicable to heat transfer, on which images can be printed through flat printing or gravure printing, and then combined with media by heating and pressuring in order to change the image onto media.
Ink and Media
Ink: Sublimation paper is used with sublimation ink. Heat change paper is used with sublimation ink, pigment ink, solvent ink or others.
Media: Sublimation paper can be transferred onto polyester, mouse pad, banner and hard surfaces, such as mugs, ceramic and aluminium plate. But heat change paper is usually transferred onto cotton.
Successful dye-sublimation requires the following two-part process:
Printing graphics onto special change paper using sublimation inks.
Using heat press to change the ink-on-paper to the item to be designed.
Four types of Heat Press
Small Format Heat Press
This device is used if you’re planning to sublimate on t-shirts and small items such as caps, mugs, plates, and shoes.
Calendar Heat Press
These heat presses are large format presses that are built for flags, large exterior banners, and other large soft-signage applications, as well as day-to-day soft signage and fabric sublimation. With the addition of table attachment to your calendar unit, users can cut and sew apparel pieces.
Flatbed Heat Press
Although they can’t effectively manage the kind of rolls and fabric sizes that a Calendar heat press can, flatbed style heat presses are versatile presses that can heat change onto fabric as well as aluminium, hardboard, floor mats and other unique media.
3D Vacuum Heat Press
A 3D vacuum heat press is a compact desktop machine that allows heat change onto materials with a curved edge or shape. Sublimation blanks and pre-treated objects, such as smartphone covers, mugs, picture frames, sporting goods, buttons and others available for sublimation by this device.
Commonly Asked change Paper Questions for Garments
Here are the most commonly asked questions about Iron on change Paper:
Q: Can I reuse my iron on change paper? I want to use it again or print another design on it. Is this possible?
A: No, you cannot reuse iron-on change paper. The way these paper works is the heat of the iron melts the paper’s plastic lining, transferring the ink to the fabric. It’s a one-time deal. When done correctly, the plastic transfers from the paper to your t-shirt. Re-create the design and use another piece of iron on change paper for the project.
Q: Do I need to trim my iron on change paper before use?
A: Yes, you must trim it because any area that isn’t printed on will show up on your t-shirt as white. This isn’t so much of a problem for light coloured shirts, but it’s absolutely necessary for dark garments. Trim your iron on change paper and you’ll achieve a much more professional result.
Q: How long is my iron on change paper good for? I bought it a while ago, can I still achieve the same results as I would with new paper?
A: All iron on change paper products have a shelf life, but most will perform as intended up to two years after the initial date of purchase. For more detailed information on your specific brand, consult the instruction sheet or contact the company you purchased it from.
Q: How many times can I wear and wash my t-shirt before it begins to fade?
A: Only a few iron-on change papers exceed washing standards and few products can hold up to as many as 50 washes before fading. If you follow your change paper washing instructions, you can extend the life of the garment and keep your image bright and long-lasting.
Q: What type of garment can I use my iron on change paper on?
A: Choose a garment that’s made out of 100% cotton or polyester blend fabric to achieve the best results.
Q: Is it safe to iron over the transferred area after the heat change is completed?
A: You may iron over the rest of your shirt or garment, but do NOT iron directly over the transferred area without covering it with a protective covering, pillowcase, or other means of protection. Be careful not to expose the area to high heat!
