here is a big difference between Thermal transfer paper and sublimation paper. Many people confuse them. This is completely wrong. There are many differences between transfer paper and sublimation paper in terms of use, cost, and effect. If you want to use transfer paper and sublimation paper to develop your business, it is important to understand their differences. Today I will take you to understand the difference between transfer paper and sublimation paper.
The difference between transfer paper and sublimation paper
Dye sublimation paper is also called coated paper, suitable for printing light-colored non-pure cotton fabrics, the pattern has no touch, bright and breathable
Transfer paper is also called T-shirt paper, divided into dark and light colors. Dark T-shirt paper is suitable for printing dark cotton T-shirts, such as black, and light-colored T-shirt paper is suitable for printing light-colored cotton T-shirts, such as white. , Beige, light blue, etc. The pattern printed on the T-shirt paper has a rubbery feel and is airtight.
Both of them use thermal transfer ink. The difference is that sublimation paper is a coated paper, which sublimates the ink to the object through high temperature. Transfer paper uses ink to penetrate the adhesive layer through high temperature, and the adhesive layer penetrates through high temperature. Into the fabric.
Therefore, the difference between transfer paper and sublimation paper is that sublimation paper has no hand feeling and has good air permeability; transfer paper has a hard hand feel and is airtight.
The process difference between transfer paper and sublimation paper
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Sublimation process
Dye sublimation process, using Sublimation paper, mainly ink (Dye dye), it must contain pump phenol fiber Polyester. Dye sublimation transfer is to use an inkjet printer equipped with dye sublimation transfer ink to print pictures and texts on inkjet paper for dye sublimation transfer in a mirror image, and then heat it to about 200 ℃ through a thermal transfer device to make the heat The thermal transfer ink on the sublimation paper is sublimated into the substrate, so that the color image on the paper is transferred to the porcelain cup, porcelain plate, porcelain plate, metal and other materials.
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Thermal transfer process
Heat transfer paper, it is hot melt glue, as long as water-based ink is used. Transfer paper is suitable for all high temperature resistant textiles, clothes of various colors, bags, mouse pads and other decorations. Colorful and washable.
The difference between transfer paper and sublimation paper in printing process
The difference between transfer paper and sublimation paper is the same printing process, but thermal transfer printing has a convex feel, while thermal sublimation gives people a very smooth feeling; thermal transfer is a pattern and transfer pattern, which is heat. Transfer printing is a printing process that uses thermal pressure to directly transfer the patterns and patterns on the thermal transfer film to the substrate, while sublimation is to penetrate the patterns or patterns. This is the use of the principle of sublimation to sublimate the paper The pattern or pattern directly penetrates into the processing and printing of the printed object. These are two different qualitative differences.
Application difference between transfer paper and sublimation paper
Next, I will introduce the difference between the application of transfer paper and sublimation paper. Thermal transfer is mainly used in stationery, clothing, leather, etc. The sublimation is mainly used in webbing, handbags, cloth pads, luggage, advertising posters, packaging supplies, etc.
The characteristics between them are actually different. Dye sublimation is the direct penetration of the pattern into the surface of the printed object. The original texture of the surface of the printed object is not changed, the color is very bright, will not fade, and the adhesion is excellent.
Compared with sublimation, thermal transfer is a kind of high production efficiency, which can print many complex colors at one time, saturated, beautiful, realistic patterns, and has high gloss, durable wear, and good pattern adhesion. .
The difference between transfer paper and sublimation paper inuse process
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Transfer paper transfer process
Thermal transfer is a process of printing on a special transfer paper and using a heat press or a household iron to transfer it to the shirt. Thermal transfer is a process similar to direct-to-clothing or screen printing, but without the same high cost or messy setup. Just like the old irons you can buy at craft stores or Walmart, these transfers are a bit like stickers, meaning that the image will be on top of the shirt and will have a different texture from the surrounding materials. Unlike those old irons, these are transfers of professional quality. The color, feel and durability far exceed the old logo on old shirts. According to the type of transfer you choose, you can customize the softness, vividness, gloss and thickness of the background. Although heat transfer does not require a heat press, it is strongly recommended to use a heat press.
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Sublimation process of sublimation paper
Sublimation is relatively complicated. Sublimation ink becomes a kind of gas when heated, and actually embeds itself in anything with a polyester coating. This creates a cleaner and more professional look. There is no difference in the feel between the image and the shirt. The disadvantage of sublimation is that it must be used with 100% polyester garments. This may restrict you from making T-shirts, but it opens up a whole new world of sublimation—from coasters to jewelry, cups, puzzles, and so on. Please keep in mind that sublimation of sublimation paper requires a heat press.
The cost difference between transfer paper and sublimation paper
The start-up cost of thermal transfer is often lower because it only requires a simple inkjet or laser printer and transfer paper. The use of dye sublimation paper requires a special printer, professional dye sublimation ink, and dye sublimation compatible blanks.
How to choose sublimation or thermal transfer
- The general production process and manufacturing process have reached the product manufacturing standard, which is not achieved by the average small workshop factory.
- Check whether the raw materials, auxiliary materials, and equipment of the manufacturer meet industry standards. For example, use domestic first-line brands of equipment, high-quality raw materials, and high-strength accessories from brand manufacturers.
- The production scale and processing capacity of high-quality sublimation transfer paper. If the company has a large production workshop, it can process and produce high-quality sublimation paper. The rigorous production process proves that the company has high market recognition, mature production technology and stable product quality.
- Process concept. If you want to know the quality, you must first understand the processing technology of the sublimation paper, whether each link is complete, whether the finished product is full, whether the product is smooth, and there is no defect, etc.
- Check whether there is a certificate of conformity, and whether the information such as the factory number of each product is complete and clear. This is a measure of whether a manufacturer has confidence in its products, and it is also a prerequisite for customers to obtain formal and reasonable after-sales after purchase.
The above is the difference between transfer paper and sublimation paper we introduced for you. I hope it helps you.
Where can I buy transfer paper and sublimation paper in bulk?
Wellye is a top manufacturer of thermal thermal transfer paper and sublimation paper in China, providing high level sublimation paper, thermal transfer paper, protective paper and Dye sublimation ink to customers all over the world for decades, aiming to provide the best sublimation transfer experience worldwide. Feel free to contact us and visit our sublimation transfer paper website.
