Sublimation Paper Transfer: FAQ and Solutions

Sublimation transfer printing is an efficient, modern and advanced printing technology. It uses heat and pressure to convert specialized sublimation inks into a gaseous state, which is then transferred to your desired substrate through sublimation paper.

The process looks complicated, but it happens fairly quickly. Usually, there are two main problems: poor printing and curling of the sublimation paper. Of course, with any approach, there are certain problems and solutions. It is very important to understand them and avoid them in time or deal with them reasonably.

We'll also give helpful tips as we discuss related issues. Hope it helps you.

Poor print quality

1. Insufficient color saturation

   Fuzzy and light saturation, faded lines, and unclear transfers are standard problems faced by many new-print specialists. First, make sure you are using the correct sublimation paper for your printing system. It is usually bright white and smooth.

   Next, you need to ensure the quality of the sublimation ink. Using conventional ink cartridges and chips that are not suitable for dye-sublimation printing may degrade the quality of the product and damage its aesthetics.

   Read: Sublimation Ink: What You Need to Know.

2. Image ghosting

   Ink and sublimation transfer paper are two important elements of the sublimation printing process. Their quality and quantity play a crucial role in determining the final result. Not understanding the importance of using proper sublimation printing supplies can lead to ghosting.

   This is a common subprinting problem that results in blurry images because the paper is not firmly attached to the substrate. Many print professionals who must print lower output quantities use taps to hold the paper, but this is not an effective troubleshooting technique.

   You must use wide-format sublimation transfer paper with a high-quality adhesive to ensure a perfect, beautiful transfer.

   Read: What paper is suitable for sublimation transfer?

3. The substrate does not accept ink

   When dye-sublimation printing, it is important to note that not every fabric can be printed with a dye-sublimation printer. For dyes, the fabric you are printing on must be a multi-blend fabric or have a polyester coating for optimal transfer.

   Pure fabrics, such as cotton and woven variants, undergo partial image transfer during subprinting and produce a less vibrant, stretched appearance. Therefore, choosing fabrics with high polygon content for faster, faster, and error-free transfer is critical.

   Recommended reading: Sublimation Paper: What You Need to Know

Sublimation paper curl

The top three causes of paper curl during dye-sublimation printing are:

1. Poor quality

   Choosing the right sublimation paper is one of the most critical steps. Several factors such as paper quality, smoothness, weight, stiffness, resistivity and thermal resistivity, and curl moisture play a critical role in determining the seamless delivery of ink to the substrate.

   Make sure you buy sublimation paper and sublimation transfer paper from a trusted supplier to produce high quality, fast prints.

   Recommended reading: Factors affecting the quality of sublimation paper

2. Improper storage

   Many sub-printing businesses overlook the importance of proper storage. Leaving sublimation paper in a damp, warm environment can compromise its integrity, leaving room for curls. It allows the paper to absorb moisture from the environment, making it stick to the printing tape and preventing it from transferring dyes without curling.

   Recommended reading: How to store sublimation paper

3. Faulty Fuser

   If your sublimation printer is old and has had problems recently, there is a higher chance of paper curling. Paper curl can be caused by interference with heat and temperature control. Maintaining less heat is essential, as lower temperatures reduce moisture and eliminate the risk of frizz.

More Tips to Ensure Smooth Sublimation Printing

1. The sublimation experts at Wellye paper share several excellent care tips for a smooth and efficient sublimation process:

2. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using sublimation printers, paper and ink.

3. Don't overlook the importance of annual maintenance and inspection of heat presses and digital printers.

4. Make sure you are printing on the right side of the sublimation transfer paper.

5. Always use eco-solvent, high-quality and curl-resistant premium dye sublimation transfer paper.

6. Do not use plain paper products in place of sublimation paper. This affects the efficiency of your sub printer and damages its hardware quality.

7. Make sure to purchase products from sublimation paper manufacturers with stable quality to ensure stable and efficient output.

Interested in buying a high quality multipurpose roller heat press and the best heat transfer paper?

Wellye is a leading sublimation paper manufacturer and supplier in China. We offer first-class consumables in the sublimation printing process, such as sublimation paper, sublimation ink and other accessories.

If you are interested in ordering our products or have any questions about dye sublimation printing, please contact us today!