Using sublimation inks has always been an important part of the design and printing business. As we all know, the best partner in using sublimation ink is sublimation paper. So, what else can I use when I have sublimation paper? Can I do sublimation transfer on regular paper?
Read on to learn which type of paper is best for you to use with sublimation inks.
What is sublimation ink?
Sublimation ink is an ink that changes from a solid state to a gaseous state without going through a liquid phase. Liquids do not dry immediately, whereas sublimation inks dry on contact. This means that sublimation inks instantly turn to gas when transferred to textiles and other similar surfaces. The process allows the ink and entire design to transfer without any cracks or issues. And often sublimation paper is used to facilitate the transfer process.
Sublimation paper or transfer paper is basically designed to facilitate the transfer of sublimation ink onto the surface of the final product. What happens is that the paper should only be used as a temporary carrier because transfer is facilitated using a heat press that allows the ink to move from the paper to the final product.
Discuss with a professional which paper and ink quality is best for your project.
Basic sublimation paper
If you're just getting started with sublimation ink, it's best to use a basic sublimation ink type of paper. Go to your local office supply store to see what colors and brands of paper they have. Dye sublimation paper shouldn't be hard to find, and you can quickly get these basic sublimation papers through Amazon, Yibei, and more. If you need to buy sublimation paper in bulk, you can search related manufacturers and suppliers directly, or contact Wellye.
Can you use sublimation ink on plain paper?
Plain paper cannot be used when printing with sublimation ink. The reason is that sublimation inks have different chemical compositions and require paper that only serves as a temporary carrier until the ink is transferred to another surface. Using plain paper will only absorb sublimation ink.
Sublimation paper can be more expensive than regular paper. However, there are good reasons why you can't use plain paper when printing with sublimation inks. It's important to note that sublimation inks are very different from your usual inkjet inks. So make sure you don't use plain paper when using sublimation ink.
When you use sublimation ink, you cannot use plain paper instead of sublimation paper. The reason here is that the regular copy paper we use for our printers is not designed to handle sublimation inks like sublimation paper. In a way, what's happening here is that when you end up transferring the design to a shirt or any other material, plain paper can't do a qualified job.
When you print with sublimation ink, the paper should only be a temporary carrier until the design is transferred to the final product. This means that the paper should not absorb too much ink.
Also, ordinary copy paper will prevent the ink from sublimating to the final fabric, and the color will not fully express your design. It won't perform as well as you might think.
Larger project usage
Working on bigger projects means not only allocating more time and resources to the project, but also more money. If you are working on a relatively large project, it is important to obtain sublimation ink paper of the right size and quality. If your project requires a rougher, stiffer paper type, you may want to print on sturdy card stock.
Can I use basic copy paper with sublimation inks?
It's best not to use copy paper with sublimation inks, but that's not to say you can't either. However, unless the paper is specifically created to handle sublimation ink, the quality and duration of the ink will vary. If you plan to make your logo, event, or project color, make sure the paper you choose can handle the different color sublimation ink types. With regular copy paper, the colors may bleed and eventually damage your dye-sublimation printer.
Conclusion
Sublimation inks can be your best friend when working on large graphic design projects. You can use sublimation ink on regular copy paper and it will work, however, the result will not be what you want. The transfer will be dull and less vivid due to the ink.
If sublimation ink paper doesn't work for you, go to the store where you bought it and ask the staff or manager why the paper might not be working properly. When used properly, a combination of ink and paper can help your project achieve the best quality possible.
You can contact us today for the best sublimation paper and sublimation ink.
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