Choosing the wrong paper for your sublimation projects could be the difference between success and failure. Similarly, you want to make sure you are purchasing from the right place to avoid issues with quality and ensuring you are not taken advantage of. Making the right decision in regards to sublimation paper is vital – and that is where I jump in to help. I have crafted for you a list of my best picks for sublimation paper, highlighting the specialties and features of each pick.
Sneak Peek into the Best Sublimation Products of 2024
Which is the best sublimation paper for dark fabric, you ask? My best pick is the is Stratford Brands – Sublimation Paper 8.5 x 14 inches, which you can view here. Read on to find out why!
The world of sublimation papers is rich and diverse, with each product offering unique features catering to different needs. I begin with a summary in the table above to highlight my top picks, before taking a deep dive into the features of each.
If you would like more details on each category, and our selection for the best individual product from each category, make sure to read on!
HTVRONT Heat Transfer Paper – Champion for Beginners
The item I recommend here is the HTVRONT Heat Transfer Paper for T-shirts. You can view the item here.
Let us start with some of the main features. The sheet size is 8.5×11 inches, it is compatible with inkjet printers and the sheets per pack range from 6-100.
Pros:
- Process is simplified as there is no need for mirror printing
- Ideal for beginners
- Colors remain vibrant, even after multiple washes
- High quality and results in vibrant colors
Cons:
- There could be issues with stickiness and it lacks peel-away backing
For a novice in sublimation printing, the HTVRONT Heat Transfer Paper could be the perfect companion for you. This product is commendable for its easy of use, and works well with Inkjet printers and Cricut EasyPress. Your fabrics have a pretty good chance of looking in excellent condition after several washings.
However, as with any product it is not without its shortcomings. The paper can be excessively sticky and lacks a peel-away backing.
Notwithstanding these challenges, the HTVRONT Heat Transfer Paper worked well with tools such as Cricut EasyPress and Inkjet printers. For its ease of use and compatibility with above discussed equipment, I would recommend HTVRONT Heat Transfer Paper for beginners stepping into the world of sublimation printing.
Above I have created my own quantitative rankings based on a number of decision making factors:
- Price: 4/5
- Ease of Use: 4.5/5
- Quality of print: 4.5/5
- Compatibility: 4.5/5
Stratford Brands Sublimation Paper – Top Pick for Professional Prints
My recommended item is Stratford Brands – Sublimation Paper 8.5 x 14 inches. You can view the item here.
The sheet size available is 8.5×14 inches and 11 x 17 inches, it weighs 105 grams and there are 110 sheets per pack.
Pros:
- Compatible with inkjet printers including Epson, Ricoh and Sawgrass
- Excellent value for money
- Ease of use
- Colors are crisp, and it transfers well onto the product
Cons:
- Printed colors may initially appear dull
- Paper is thin
When taking a step back for an overall recommendation, the high-quality print output of Stratford Brands Sublimation Paper quickly impressed me. Its compatibility with a wide range of Inkjet printers provides high flexibility for users as it eliminates the need to worry about compatibility issues. Additionally, when you factor in the reasonable price with its high quality output and simplicity of use, this product is definitely a great choice.
I did feel it is important to touch on some of the downsides. It is important to note that some users might be initially disappointed with dull colors, they become vibrant once the sublimation process is properly completed.
This versatile parchment paper is not just limited to fabric but can be used on a diverse array of items such as:
- tumblers
- mugs
If you’re after professional-quality prints, this is the product for you.
Here are my ratings based on some important decision making factors:
- Price: 4.5/5
- Quality of output: 4.5/5
- Compatibility: 5/5
TexPrint R Sublimation Paper – Best for Fast Drying Time
My recommendation is the TexPrint R Sublimation Paper 8.5 x 11 for Richoh Printers. You can view the item here.
For this brand, the sheet size is 8.5×11 inches, weight is 30 ounces and there are 110 sheets per pack.
Pros:
- Fast drying properties
- Colors are vibrant and sharp
- Also reported to work well with Sawgrass and Epson printers
- Ink absorption is high which can lead to greater cost savings
Cons:
- Slight risk of dull and pale images
In my pursuit of the ideal sublimation paper for dark shirts, I discovered the TexPrint R Sublimation Paper. I commend it for its fast drying properties. This product can turn out to be a game changer for you.
While this is no doubt a great printer for dark colors, for transparency it is important to discuss potential downsides. I have seen complaints of issues with image transfer, including dull and pale images. However, these poor experiences are few compared to the great experiences I have seen, and you are not very likely to come across such issues, which is why I included this in my top picks.
Let’s take a look at some important decision making factors and make a quantitative assessment:
- Price: 3.5/5
- Drying Time: 4.5/5
- Versatility: 4.5/5
- Color vibrancy: 4.5/5
A-Sub Sublimation Paper
The product I recommend here is the A-SUB Inkjet Printable Iron on Heat Transfer Paper for Dark Fabrics. You can view the item here.
This brand offers a sheet size of 8.5×11 inches, there are 110 sheets per pack and the material here is vinyl paper.
Pros:
- Excellent for sublimation on cotton and other fabrics
- Washes well without fading
- Compatible with Inkjet printers
Cons:
- Not as great value for money
- Reported issues with color bleeding and color output quality lower than expected
We can conclude that the A-Sub brand does have a number of positive qualities, such as its ability to be used on cotton and other fabrics, and its success with dark colors. The brand distinguishes itself with its adaptability with popular sublimation printers when using sublimation ink. These features do enable the product to stand out and have resulted in success stories for a number of users, especially when paired with high-quality sublimation inks for a perfect sublimation print.
However, despite its positives, the A-Sub Sublimation Paper is not one I would strongly recommend for the following reasons:
- I have heard several complaints about color output and quality
- It might not give you the best value for money
Therefore, overall being a good product, it is not among my top recommendations.
Quantitative ratings and factors based on my observations:
- Price: 3.5/5
- Quality of print: 3.5/5
- Compatibility: 5/5
My Best Pick for the Ultimate Print
Now that we have gone through a number of brands of sublimation printer, you might be wondering – which of these products is the absolute best? While it depends on your needs and preferences, I personally like the Stratford Brands Sublimation Paper the best, given the value for money, ease of use and great number of success stories.
Brother Printers – Superior Choice for Sublimation Printing
Now before we move on, I would like to quickly mention one brand of sublimation printers that I really like. It is the Brother Sublimation Printer which you can view here. Let’s take a look at some of the features.
- Brand: Brother
- Model: Sp-1 Sublimation Printer
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Color: White
- Printing Technology: Dye Sublimation
Let us take a look at some of the pros of the printer
- Sold by a manufacture with high reliability and strong industry reputation
- Absolutely great value for money
- Beautiful print colors and quality
- Fast and sharp images
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- You will need Wi-Fi for your sublimation projects
As a connoisseur of high-quality prints, Brother Printers have emerged as one of the top options in the realm of sublimation printing sublimation printing. These printers are not only cost-effective but have been recognized for producing vibrant colors and consistent quality.
There are so many success stories associated with the printer. Its ease of setup and sharp images give it a great reputation in the industry. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned printer, Brother Printers offer an exceptional printing experience. Overall, if you are looking for a sublimation printer, this is indeed a great option.
My personal rating:
- Price: 5/5
- Print Quality: 4.7/5
- Ease of Use: 5/5
Mastering the Art of Choosing Sublimation Paper for Dark Fabric
Choosing the right sublimation paper requires consideration of several factors. The quality of the coating, the weight and thickness of the paper, and the drying time and transfer rate are all essential elements that affect the final result. Understanding these factors can help you select the best sublimation paper for dark fabric.
Let’s examine these factors further. We will delve into the significance of weight and thickness, the function of coating, and the vital role drying time and transfer rate play in efficiency.
Understanding Weight and Thickness
The weight and thickness of a sublimation paper can significantly influence the print quality on dark fabric. A thicker, heavier paper can absorb more ink, resulting in deeper blacks and more vibrant images. The recommended weight range for sublimation paper to achieve bold, vibrant colors on dark fabric is between 105-130gsm.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that user preferences may vary. Some might find that thinner sublimation papers don’t deliver the results they’re after. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the coating of the paper, as these characteristics significantly impact the final print quality.
The Role of Coating
The coating on a sublimation paper plays a crucial role in the transfer process. A good coating ensures that designs transfer onto dark fabric clearly without smudging or blurring.
A sub-standard coating can lead to poor color vibrancy and blurred images. Therefore, when selecting sublimation paper for dark garments like dark shirts, it’s crucial to assess not only the weight and thickness but also the quality of the coating.
Drying Time and Transfer Rate – Key to Efficiency
The drying time and transfer rate of a sublimation paper significantly influence the efficiency and accuracy of the dye transfer. Quick-drying sublimation paper allows for seamless design transfer and professional quality results in record time.
A high transfer rate is equally important for sublimation on dark fabrics to create more vivid and durable designs. Balancing these factors while maintaining transfer temperatures between 205°C to 210°C is crucial for achieving the best final quality of the sublimated product.
Making the Most Out of Your Sublimation Printer
To optimize your sublimation printing, it’s crucial to make the most out of your sublimation printer. This involves adjusting the printer settings, using high-quality ink and paper, and following specific post-printing care tips.
We’ll delve further into these aspects by exploring optimization of printer settings and discussing crucial post-printing care tips.
Optimizing Printer Settings
To achieve optimal results on dark shirts, it’s vital to adjust your printer settings to the highest resolution and color intensity available. This involves manually adjusting:
- brightness
- contrast
- saturation
- density
to improve the overall quality of prints. Remember that different sublimation papers may require adjustments in print quality and paper type settings to improve the output quality.
After fine-tuning your settings, create printer presets to ensure reliable and consistent results without the need for recalibration before each print job. Experimenting with printer settings, ICC profiles, and transfer time and temperature can also help optimize print quality and color vibrancy.
Post-Printing Care Tips
Maintaining the quality of your prints over time requires proper post-printing care. This includes:
- Allowing prints to cool before peeling off the transfer paper
- Pre-washing fabric before applying the transfer to minimize shrinkage-related cracking after subsequent washes
- Waiting a minimum of 24 hours before washing the garment post-sublimation to allow the ink to set.
Other tips for washing sublimated items include:
- Washing in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent
- Avoiding bleach to prevent fading
- Turning the shirt inside out before machine washing to protect the design
- Preferring air-drying in a cool, shaded area to maintain color vibrancy.
Summary
Selecting the right sublimation paper for dark fabrics involves careful consideration of various factors, including the paper’s weight, thickness, coating, drying time, and transfer rate. By understanding these factors and making the most out of your sublimation printer, you can achieve high-quality, vibrant, and long-lasting prints on dark fabrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use sublimation paper on dark fabric?
Yes, you can use sublimation paper on dark fabric by adhering the transfer paper with the design using a clothes iron at 392 degrees Fahrenheit and moderate to heavy pressure for 10 seconds to 4 minutes. The heat press time depends on the type of material.
How to do sublimation on black shirt?
To do sublimation on a black shirt, first apply heat transfer vinyl to the shirt, then place the sublimation paper on top and press it. This creates a base layer for your design to appear vivid and colored.
How do you heat press on dark fabric?
To heat press on dark fabric, preheat the heat press to 325° Fahrenheit, remove moisture from the fabric, place the transfer face up, and press with light to medium pressure for 30 seconds. This will ensure proper adhesion of the image to the fabric.
Does light transfer paper on dark fabric?
Yes, for dark fabrics, you should use dark transfer paper to ensure the image appears with the same colors as on the paper. This ensures the image appears in the same colors on the garment as it does on the paper.
What factors should I consider when choosing sublimation paper for dark fabrics?
When choosing sublimation paper for dark fabrics, consider the paper’s weight, thickness, coating, drying time, and transfer rate to ensure optimal results.
