How to Use Sublimation Transfer Paper

Sublimation printing transfers images onto various materials, from t-shirts to ceramic mugs. It allows you to create personalized items from photos, graphic designs, and more. Sublimation is exceptionally well suited for printing on clothing, as the sublimation ink is assimilated into the fabric's fibers. Heat transfer is the process that uses high temperature and pressure to embed the design from the sublimation paper onto the fabric. Unlike screen printing, which sits on top of the fabric, sublimation printing embeds the design into the material for a softer and more durable finish.

Dye sublimation is a popular printing method because it produces vibrant, durable images that are absorbed directly into the material rather than sitting on top. To try sublimation printing, you’ll need a specific type of transfer paper, a sublimation printer, sublimation ink, sublimation paper, and a heat press machine. The image is printed onto the sublimation paper and then transferred to the garment with a heat press. To master sublimation printing, you must use the transfer paper properly. Here’s how it's done. 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Using Sublimation Paper 

Using high-quality sublimation paper ensures that the image releases cleanly and evenly during this pressing stage, giving you vibrant and sharp results. Be sure to use special sublimation ink, as regular printer ink will not bond properly during the heat transfer.

Here’s the process for sublimation printing broken down step by step: 

1. Prepare the printer. The first step is to prepare the printer for sublimation printing. Load the sublimation ink and be sure the printhead is clean and ready. 
2. Load the paper. Load the sublimation paper into the printer according to the instructions on the package, ensuring you're using the correct type for your printer and ink. The bright white side of the paper should be receiving the image.
3. Flip the image. The image on your computer must be flipped or reversed (like a mirror image) to transfer properly onto the garment.
4. Print. Initiate printing through your computer and ensure that the printer activates. Check the image after printing to ensure it is correct before transferring it onto the garment. Ensure your sublimation transfer is completely dry before positioning it on the garment to avoid smudging or blurry prints.
5. Prepare the garment. For optimal results with dye sublimation, the garment must have a high polyester content to ensure the ink bonds correctly. Proper garment preparation enhances how well the image from the sublimation paper bonds with the fabric. Pretreating the garment is not necessary for dye sublimation printing.
6. Position the image. Before applying heat transfer, always position your design carefully to ensure it lands precisely where you want it on the garment. Then place either a sheet of Teflon or parchment paper. Teflon sheets often come with your sublimation printer and are designed to be reusable after cleaning.
7. Press. The heat press is critical in ensuring the sublimation ink bonds properly. A reliable heat press removes wrinkles and evenly distributes heat across the surface. Press the garment in the heat press for a few seconds before applying the image. Using the heat press, press the image down onto the garment and hold it for the specified time based on the type of garment you are printing.
8. Pressing Time:  For most fabrics, the pressing time is about 30 seconds. For firm items, it may be more like 60-90 seconds. This preheating step is equally important when working with hard sublimation blanks like mugs, keychains, or coasters, as it helps eliminate any moisture that could affect print quality and heat transfer.
9. Remove. Remove the sublimation paper from the garment, then remove the garment from the heat press. Lay it flat to cool.

Tips for Success with Sublimation Paper

Sublimation paper is designed for one-time use only. Don’t confuse sublimation paper with inkjet heat transfer paper, which is intended for standard inkjet printers and works differently from sublimation methods. Here are some additional tips to help you print successfully with sublimation paper sheets: 

• Remove backing. If your sublimation paper has a protective backing, remove it carefully to avoid damaging the coating and ensure a clean transfer. Some types of sublimation paper sheets include a transparent layer that needs to be removed before printing the image onto the paper. Using consistent pressure during heat transfer prevents uneven images and helps maintain vibrant colors.
• Secure your image. When transferring the image from the sublimation printer to your garment, secure the paper with heat-resistant tape or adhesive spray. Before pressing, double-check that your heat press is set to the correct temperature and pressure. This process will prevent it from shifting as the heat press is applied and ensure that the image transfers properly onto the garment during sublimation printing.
• Trim the paper. Quality dye sublimation ink and paper help prevent color fading and guarantee sharp, long-lasting designs. After you print the image onto the sublimation paper sheet and it has thoroughly dried, trim around your image before pressing to prevent a square shape from being visible on your garment.

Get Your Sublimation Printing Supplies from Allprintheads.com 

Allprintheads.com carries an extensive inventory of sublimation printers, heat press machines, dye sublimation ink, sublimation paper, sublimation blanks, and other sublimation supplies. We also have various Epson and inkjet printers and supplies to help you achieve professional results.

Visit Allprintheads.com today or browse our online catalog. We offer free shipping!