If you are looking for information on sublimation paper, you can learn a lot here.

Please read this guide for more information.

What is sublimation paper?

Sublimation transfer paper is a specialized paper used exclusively for sublimation printing. It is made using a paper substrate that is widely based on plain paper. A special coating is added to the paper to accommodate dye sublimation inks. The coating contains approximately 35% silica and 5% binder, based on the weight of the paper when dry.

Why invest in thermal sublimation paper

Typically, the start-up costs of a thermal sublimation business are a bit higher compared to thermal transfer, but they have come down considerably in recent years, from sublimation printers, sublimation paper, sublimation inks, etc. to not being so expensive - and yes, more and more transfer enthusiasts are using thermal sublimation as well.

And because the characteristics of thermal sublimation paper make it more suitable for mass production, the sublimation market has become so vast that it is increasingly important to choose to work with professional sublimation paper manufacturers and suppliers.

Benefits of conducting sublimation business

The biggest benefit of sourcing thermal sublimation paper and sublimation ink for your sublimation business is that you can print on a myriad of polymer treated materials. Let's say: coffee mugs, cell phone cases, mouse pads, etc.

By using both thermal sublimation paper and sublimation applications, and thus offering more customized products, you can increase your potential customer base and potential revenue! This also provides great convenience for your customers.

For customers who need precise color. Sublimation offers the ability to print complete full color digital printing, so you can be sure that your color choices are just right.

Sublimation brings a product that, because it is designed to be part of the polymer, it also does not create a hand feel, which means you cannot feel the print. No matter how thin it is, heat transfer vinyl still adds a layer to the garment that you can usually feel first hand. Sublimation is the first choice for customers who want a smooth surface on their products.

The workflow of heat sublimation paper

In short, sublimation is a process that transforms a solid and a gas state. Remember, it is the dye that changes state throughout the process, nothing more; hence it is often referred to as "dye sublimation".

The process works like this, with various additions depending on the material you want to print on.

Print on the source paper - First, use a sublimation printer to print the design onto the special transfer paper we mentioned earlier. You cannot use a standard home printer as it requires the use of a special sublimation ink.

Place on the product - Then, secure the transfer paper to the product, making sure it is in the proper position.

Heat press transfer - Finally, you use a heat press to fuse your design to the fabric or other material. Depending on the product, the temperature may reach 400 degrees. 

Then comes the final stage where the actual sublimation takes place. The heat and constant pressure open up the pores of the material and turn the dye into a gas, allowing it to penetrate and fuse with the product. As a result, extremely durable, colorfast custom designs are produced.

Workflow of sublimation vinyl paper

Vinyl printing is done using a special type of vinyl that can be cut and printed using a special vinyl cutter. Once the design is complete, the vinyl design is applied to the product (t-shirt, bag, hat, etc.) using a heat press.

Vinyl is very soft, while still remaining quite durable. Its flexibility makes it ideal for a variety of applications, especially for garments such as T-shirts and jogging pants that need to bend and flex with the body.

Vinyl printing is the opposite of sublimation printing. You will get the best results when printing on black and other dark materials, far better than sublimation printing. 

The cost of equipment and supplies required for vinyl printing is much lower than sublimation. As a result, hobbyists and small start-up businesses often prefer this method to get into the industry.

In terms of technique, vinyl printing is very different from sublimation and very easy to learn, however, vinyl printed products are usually not as smooth and durable as most sublimation products.

Differences between heat sublimation printing and vinyl printing

• Thermal Sublimation Printing

  Sublimation printing is very durable and long lasting, with the ink blending into the fabric for a smoother feel.

  It produces richer colors and is brighter and fuller.

  There is no doubt that the richer colors can be printed and the higher quality images can be printed.

  However, thermal sublimation paper can only be printed on white or light-colored surfaces, and it is not ideal for printing on dark-colored surfaces.

  It is also relatively more expensive to get started.

• Vinyl Printing

  Ideal for small print runs, it is cheaper than sublimation printing and is ideal for beginners.

  However, the whole process is somewhat time consuming and is not suitable for high volume process production.

  Also, the resulting images are less durable or prone to cracking and image quality is not as good.

Can sublimation paper be transferred to dark fabrics?

Sublimation is best suited for white or light-colored fabric substrates. You can use it on darker shades, however, it will affect your colors. Sublimation printing does not use white ink. The white part of the design is not printed and shows the base color of the textile.

The advantage of sublimation over thermal transfer printing is a wider range of colors. This means you can print the background color onto the fabric instead of using a different color and the material feels exactly the same due to the advanced printing method.

What products are suitable for heat sublimation paper

Apparel: Lycra, cycling, polyamide, swim and surf wear, 100% polyester (stretch), running, hockey wear, sports and functional textiles.

Home use: curtains, blinds, cushions, table covers, towel cleaners, etc.

Advertising: flags, banners, felt, game tables, home textiles.

Sublimation paper is suitable for sublimation transfer, which can be printed on it by inkjet printing, lithography, screen printing, gravure printing, etc. to produce mirror reversed images.

The difference between thermal transfer paper and sublimation paper

First of all, there is no doubt that thermal transfer paper and thermal sublimation paper are not used in the same way; they are both specialized papers for use. You can use a standard inkjet or laser printer to print on this paper using regular ink. The paper is then placed on the garment and a heat press is used or, in some cases, you can use an iron to tear the paper off. You can use most heat transfer papers on a variety of fabrics, including most polyester textiles and natural cotton. You can print on both light and dark colored garments.

And sublimation paper is made with a paper substrate that is widely based on plain paper. A special coating is added to the paper to accommodate dye sublimation inks.

Where to buy thermal sublimation paper in bulk

If you need to buy thermal sublimation paper in large quantities, then we recommend you to choose a thermal sublimation paper manufacturer in China. China is a large industrial country and a large producer of thermal sublimation paper, with a huge market, great price advantages and quality advantages. Today we provide you with a list of the top 10 sublimation paper manufacturers in China, which we hope will be of help to you.

1. Wellye

2. Derflex

3. Million Ton

4. JD

5. Fantac

6. Guanhua Paper

7. Skyimage

8. Bestsub

9. CYTOPBON

10. King sub

How should I store the thermal sublimation paper?

Sublimation paper contains a lot of moisture and humid air is not suitable for it. Exposure to humid air will cause the sublimation paper to absorb it like a sponge. This can cause bleeding, uneven transfers and color shifts in the image. Therefore you need to ensure that the warehouse where you store your thermal sublimation paper is dry.

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Read more:

How to choose heat transfer paper

Fast-Drying Sublimation Paper: The Ultimate Guide