What is the difference between Sublimation Paper and Heat Transfer Paper?

We print on high speed sublimation paper together with the use of sublimation ink to print out the images using mirror image setting, then transfer the image onto the media by applying heat and pressure, which makes the sublimation ink turn into gaseous state and absorb by the media. Sublimation paper + ink can transfer the printed image onto polyester, mousepad, cardboard puzzles, polyester drifit tshirts, banners and hard surfaces, such as mugs, ceramic and aluminium plates etc.

Heat transfer paper is applicable to heat transfer, on which images can be printed using normal home printers by heating and pressuring in order to transfer the image onto media. Heat transfer paper can accept a wider range of ink types, such as with pigment ink, solvent ink such as home / office inkjet ink, laser ink etc. You will have no issue using your home, school or company’s printer. Heat transfer paper is usually transferred onto cotton. 

Unlike inkjet and laser transfer papers, the entire surface of super speed sublimation paper does not transfer, as there are no binding agents involved. The sublimation dye simply turns into a gas during the pressing phase of the process and transfers into the polymer fibers of the substrate. Also, since sublimation is sub-surface, it has no hand.

One new development with sublimation transfer products is “tacky paper” (currently only available in roll form). Tacky paper is manufactured with a light adhesive within the surface and is ideal for preventing ghosting that happens if the paper shifts when releasing the heat press. Those that lack the ability to print on rolled media can apply a very light coating of spray adhesive to the transfer for the same effect.

The variety of sticky sublimation paper may look similar, but different brands have different manufacturing recipes. It pays to explore the options on the market. Don’t focus on cost, but look for the product that consistently delivers the highest quality images.The need for good quality paper for jumbo roll sublimation paper has been reported previously as a principal requirement for the process. Pigmented coated papers have gained acceptance in the traditional paper printing industry, but, despite their importance, have inspired very few reports in literature about their application in heat transfer printing.In the current work, we studied the influence of both clay and ground calcium carbonate (GCC) pigments and the incorporation of plastic pigment on the surface structure and mechanical properties of the coated paper used for transfer printing. The results showed that paper coating significantly reduced the surface roughness of the paper. The mechanical properties of the prepared coated paper, including tensile strength, stretch, tensile energy absorption (TEA), and burst index, were improved when coated compared to those of uncoated paper. The addition of plastic pigment to the coating mixture helped improve the paper's properties.The optical density of the transfer-printed polyester fabric using the prepared coated paper was also compared with that of uncoated paper. It was shown that a slight increase in optical density was evident in the coated paper.The possibility of producing a second polyester print from the exhaust paper was also investigated. Coated paper incorporating plastic pigment, in particular, showed higher optical density than did uncoated paper.We found that coated paper based on clay, GCC, clay/plastic pigment, or GCC/plastic pigment consumed less dye paste than uncoated paper though producing printed fabric with higher optical density—especially in the second print.

The sublimation printing process

So how does sublimation work? Well, 35gsm fast dry sublimation paper uses heat to essentially bring ink and fabric together as one.