Which side of sublimation paper do you print on?
The two sides of the sublimation paper are coated with different materials.
One side is coated with a polymer and the other side is coated with a heat-activated material.
This blog post will explain the difference between the two sides and tell you which one to print on for the best results.
Sublimation Paper and its Uses
Sublimation paper is a special type of paper coated with a heat-activated dye.
It’s used in sublimation printing, which uses heat to transfer dye onto a substrate (such as fabric, metal, or glass).
As noted above, one side is coated with a polymer that helps the ink transfer onto the paper.
This side is typically referred to as the “ink” side since it has contact with the ink as you print your design.
The other side is coated with a heat-activated material that helps transfer the design onto your substrate.
Sublimation Printing
The substrate is first placed on the sublimation paper in sublimation printing.
Then, the design is printed onto paper using a sublimation printer for t-shirts and sublimation ink.
After that, the entire piece is placed in a heat press.
The heat causes the dye on the paper to turn into a gas, which transfers onto the substrate.
When the substrate cools down, the design is permanently infused into it.
This process can print on various sublimation materials, including fabric, metal, glass, and ceramic.
The video below gives a beginner’s outlook on sublimation printing, which is helpful before diving into which side of the paper to print on:
Types of Sublimation Paper
There are two main types of sublimation papers:
- Coated
- Uncoated
Coated (shiny) sublimation paper is typically recommended for printing on textiles, as it produces brighter colors and more vibrant images than uncoated sublimation paper.
On the other hand, if you plan to use sublimation paper to print on hard surfaces, such as sublimation on cups or plates, then uncoated (dull) sublimation paper is a better choice.
This side is recommended for printing on hard or rigid surfaces, as it produces colors that are more true to life and less prone to fading.
So, which side of the sublimation paper should you print on?
Use the coated (shiny) side if you are printing on a textile.
If printing on a hard surface, use the uncoated (dull) side.
Tips for Sublimation Printing
Now that you know which side of the sublimation paper to print on, here are a few tips to help you get the best results:
- Use a high-quality sublimation paper to avoid any issues.
- Make sure your design is a mirror image before printing.
- Use the proper ink and heat settings for your printer and substrate material.
- Allow plenty of time for your design to transfer before fully removing it from the substrate.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to get the best possible results when printing on sublimation paper.
If you’re a home crafter, you may be interested in this article: Can You Do Sublimation With Cricut?
Final Words
Now that you know all about which side of sublimation paper you print on, it’s time to choose the right kind for your project.
Be sure to consider which side of the paper will be printed on and what type of inkjet printer you are using before making your purchase.
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