Sublimation paper inkjet printing is a powerful technique for creating vibrant, long-lasting designs on various products, from apparel to home décor and promotional items. However, the quality of your prints depends significantly on using the right sublimation paper. Choosing the right paper ensures better ink absorption, sharper details, and stronger color vibrancy, making your products stand out.
In this guide, we’ll explore what sublimation paper is, the types of products you can create with it, and what to look for when shopping for the best sublimation paper.
What is Sublimation Paper?
Sublimation paper is a special type of paper designed to transfer sublimation ink onto compatible surfaces using heat and pressure. Unlike regular printing paper, sublimation paper is coated to hold sublimation ink temporarily until it is transferred onto a substrate. The heat from a heat press converts the ink into gas, embedding it into the material for a vivid, permanent design.
Products You Can Make with Sublimation Paper
Sublimation paper allows you to create a wide variety of customized products, making it ideal for businesses, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs. Below are some of the most popular items you can produce with sublimation printing.
1. Apparel and Textiles
- T-shirts and Hoodies – Perfect for custom clothing with all-over designs.
- Sportswear and Jerseys – Ideal for vibrant, breathable prints on polyester fabrics.
- Leggings and Activewear – Use sticky sublimation paper to ensure precise printing on stretchy materials.
- Socks and Hats – Easily customized for branding, teams, or fashion purposes.
2. Drinkware
- Mugs and Tumblers – Requires mug-specific sublimation paper to handle curved surfaces.
- Water Bottles – Works best with specialized heat-resistant sublimation paper.
- Coasters – Printed using heavyweight sublimation paper for vibrant colors.
3. Home Décor and Accessories
- Pillowcases and Blankets – Best with high-release sublimation paper for deep color saturation.
- Canvas Prints and Wall Art – Requires high-quality paper for sharp details and long-lasting prints.
- Mouse Pads – Works well with soft polyester fabric for smooth designs.
4. Hard Surfaces and Promotional Items
- Phone Cases – Printed using low-release sublimation paper to retain fine details.
- Metal and Aluminum Panels – Requires heavyweight paper to handle high temperatures.
- Keychains and Badges – Perfect for small business branding and giveaways.
- Wood and Slate – Needs specialized sublimation paper designed for rigid materials.
What to Look for When Shopping for Sublimation Paper
Choosing the right sublimation paper depends on your printing needs, the products you’re making, and your printer type. Below are key factors to consider when selecting the best sublimation paper.
1. Paper Weight (GSM)
Sublimation paper is measured in GSM (grams per square meter), which indicates thickness and ink-holding capacity.
- 100-120 GSM – Lightweight, best for fabric printing and everyday use.
- 120-150 GSM – Medium weight, great for a mix of fabric and hard surfaces.
- 150+ GSM – Heavyweight, best for high-resolution prints on hard surfaces like ceramic, metal, and wood.
If you’re printing on fabrics, lightweight paper is ideal to prevent wrinkling. For rigid items, opt for a thicker sublimation paper to hold more ink and prevent fading.
2. Ink Release Efficiency
High-release sublimation paper transfers a higher percentage of ink onto the material, making it ideal for bright, full-color fabric prints. Low-release paper retains more ink, making it better for crisp details on hard surfaces.
3. Drying Time
Fast-dry sublimation paper speeds up production and reduces smudging, ideal for high-volume printing businesses. Normal-dry paper takes longer but absorbs more ink, resulting in deeper color saturation.
4. Compatibility with Your Printer and Ink
Ensure that the sublimation paper you choose is compatible with your printer brand and ink type. Popular brands like Sawgrass, Epson, and Ricoh work best with specific paper formulations.
5. Coating Quality
A good sublimation paper should have an even, high-quality coating that allows for smooth ink absorption and transfer. Low-quality coatings can cause uneven prints, ink bleeding, or dull colors.
6. Tacky vs. Non-Tacky Paper
- Tacky sublimation paper – Best for printing on stretchable fabrics like leggings and sportswear, as it prevents movement during heat pressing.
- Non-tacky sublimation paper – Works well for hard surfaces and regular textiles, but requires careful handling to avoid shifting during transfer.
7. Brand Reputation and Reviews
Invest in reputable brands known for consistent quality and reliability. Popular sublimation paper brands include:
- A-SUB – A versatile choice for both fabric and hard surfaces.
- TexPrint R – Ideal for professional-quality prints on a variety of substrates.
- TruePix – Designed for Sawgrass printers, offering excellent color transfer.
- Printers Jack – A budget-friendly option with good performance.
Reading customer reviews and testing sample packs can help determine which brand works best for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right sublimation paper is crucial for achieving high-quality prints, ensuring durability, and enhancing color vibrancy. Whether you’re printing custom apparel, mugs, home décor, or promotional products, selecting the best paper for your specific needs will improve your final results.
When shopping for sublimation paper, consider GSM weight, ink release efficiency, drying time, printer compatibility, and coating quality to make the best choice.
