What is Sublimation Paper? How to Use it?
Bright, colorful shirts, photo mugs, or customized mouse pads – all share one secret: sublimation printing.
The key to this technique is sublimation paper, which takes designs from the printer and transfers them with precision to the target surface. But how does it do that? What allows the paper to hold onto a design and release it when needed?
In this article, you’ll discover the chemical makeup of sublimation paper, how it works, and how you can use it to add style to everyday items.
In This Article
- What is Sublimation Paper?
- What Can You Make with Sublimation Paper?
- How to Use Sublimation Paper?
- FAQs of Using Sublimation Paper
What is Sublimation Paper?
Sublimation paper is a specialized material featuring a sublimable ink-receptive coating on at least one side. This receptive coating is 35% silica and 5% binder by weight. The silica acts as a highly porous surface that absorbs the dye sublimation ink during printing. The binder ensures the ink particles stay in place until it’s time for the transfer.
When exposed to heat, the ink on the sublimation paper transforms, turning from solid into gas. Heat also loosens the binder’s grip and these ink vapors migrate from the paper and infuse into the polyester fabric or polymer-coated surface, transferring the design onto it.
What Can You Make with Sublimation Paper?
Sublimation paper isn’t an average paper – it’s like a magic key that opens the door to printing on a wide range of surfaces, from fabrics to metals and everything in between.
Apparel and Fashion Items
This is probably the most popular use of sublimation paper. You can create full-color, vibrant prints on t-shirts, hats, and even socks with amazing detail. Just remember, it only works on polyester fabrics or blends with at least 2/3 polyester. If you want to try it on other materials, they’ll need a polyester coating first.
Personalized Drinkware
Mugs with bright, full-color photos or prints? That’s a sublimation paper in action. It can be folded and wrapped around a cylindrical surface. So, you can use it to personalize mugs, water bottles, and tumblers with your favorite designs and photos.
Custom Tech Accessories
Want to design a custom mobile or laptop cover with your photo? Sublimation paper makes it happen. The detail and quality are impressive. The same goes for mouse pads – you can add quotes, images, or any type of high-quality designs.
Ceramic and Metal Products
Sublimation isn’t limited to soft materials—tiles, metal plates, and ceramic products can all be enhanced with vivid, permanent designs. However, they have to be coated first.
Promotional Items
Sublimation paper is widely used to create branded items such as keychains, lanyards, and promotional giveaways. Since it can customize and add design on almost any substrate, it’s quite handy for making items for corporate events.
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Learn MoreHow to Use Sublimation Paper?
Now that you’ve explored the power of customization and stylization with sublimation, let’s explore how you can use sublimation paper to do the same for you.
Step 1: Designing and Printing the Image
Sublimation requires high-quality, high-resolution graphics for the best results. Realistic photos work well, too. We recommend using a powerful editing software like Adobe Photoshop for resizing and fine-tuning your design.
You can also find plenty of design options online, but make sure any design you use is copyright-free and allowed for commercial use.
Before printing, mirror the image so it appears correctly when transferred. Set your sublimation printer to high-quality settings, and print on the coated side of the paper, which is white.
Step 2: Preparing the Substrate
Not every material can handle sublimation ink. For fabrics, only polyester or polyester-blend fabrics (with at least 2/3 polyester) can work.
Other materials like metal, glass, or ceramics also need a special sublimation coating before transferring the design. Make sure to add one before sublimation.
Step 3: Using A Heat Press to Transfer the Image
The main step is heat pressing. The temperature for sublimation is generally the same—around 401°F (205°C). However, the time and pressure settings vary with the substrate.
Here are heat press settings for sublimation on some common substrates:
XTOOL HEAT PRESS
Heat Press for Sublimation, HTV, and DTF Transfers
Flexible heat press modes - portable or hands-free for most transfer needs.
Learn MoreStep 4: Removing the Transfer Paper
Once the pressing time is complete, allow the material to cool slightly, but not fully. In most cases, the transfer paper should be removed while it’s still warm. For fabrics, it’s best to peel immediately after pressing, while for harder surfaces like metal or glass, waiting a few seconds can prevent smudging.
FAQs of Using Sublimation Paper
Which side of the sublimation paper to print on?
You need to print on the coated side of the sublimation paper. This side is usually white and brighter in color. Some suppliers also provide a clear indication of the correct side for printing.
How to print on sublimation paper?
Use a sublimation printer loaded with sublimation ink. Ensure that the design is mirrored before printing, and select the high-quality print settings. The design must be printed on the white side of the sublimation paper.
Can you use parchment paper for sublimation?
Parchment paper or Teflon sheets are not recommended for sublimation because their coatings can trap moisture, which interferes with the process. Instead, use uncoated butcher paper or silicone paper to protect your materials during the heat transfer.
Can you use regular ink on sublimation paper?
No, regular ink is chemically different from sublimation ink. While it may print onto the paper, regular ink won’t sublimate, and you will end up with a failed transfer.
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