Sublimation paper is used in heat transfer printing. This is a professional way to personalize puzzles, t-shirts, coasters, mouse pads, and many other types of gear.
sublimation paper parts
The unit is made up of three parts: base paper, anti-curl liner, and ink absorbent liner. The ink absorbent liner is the functional layer. Its main function is to keep the sublimation dye in place so that the process is a success. The lining contains filler that can be silica, clay, or calcium carbonate. The coating also contains binders such as latex, polyvinyl alcohol, and acrylics. The quality of this layer significantly affects the ink absorption rate.
There are two types of base papers on the market that you can choose from: sublimation and offset base papers. The sublimation base unit is made of hardwood and softwood pulp that provides durability at high temperatures. The offset base sheet is made up of used paper pulp such as magazines and newspapers.
The anti-curl coating prevents the sublimation coating from wrinkling when it gets wet. Due to the additional cost of adding this coating, most manufacturers avoid this layer, resulting in poor quality sublimation paper. When buying the paper, you should take a good look at the different layers. For perfect results, buy a paper with all the coatings.
How to use sublimation paper
As mentioned above, the papers are used during the printing process. The process is divided into three steps: print your image, transfer your image, and wash. You must carefully follow the instructions and do everything right to achieve perfect results. When you print your image, print on the bright white side of the paper. Also, remember to flip your image before printing.
When transferring your image, remember to preheat the paper and place the image face down. To keep the paper in the right place, use a heat transfer tape. When washing, wash the paper with cold water. For best results, use a mild detergent. Avoid bleach or bleach alternatives, as they can damage the paper.
Conclusion
This is what you need to know about sublimation paper. As mentioned above, to get the best results from your work, use a high-quality paper. This requires you to purchase a paper with all three coatings. To increase your chances of buying high-quality sublimation paper, buy from a reputable store.
