How to Use Sublimation Paper – Step-by-Step Guide

Want to create customized designs for your t-shirts, mugs, or any material? Then, sublimation is the right choice for this purpose. You can easily convert your dreams into reality using a sublimation printer. It would be best to have a sublimation paper, a creative design, and a printer to achieve this goal. First, you need to print your design on a sublimation paper, and then with the help of heat, you can transfer it to your desired material. 

But before moving forward, did you know how to use sublimation paper? If your answer is negative, then no worries, as we will share everything you need to know about sublimation. Just follow the steps we will share, and you’ll know how to use sublimation paper more effectively. 

How To Use Sublimation Paper

Sublimation paper is an essential element in the sublimation printing process. It allows for transferring vibrant, long-lasting images onto various materials such as mugs, t-shirts, etc. However, figuring out how to use sublimation paper can be intimidating for those new to sublimation printing. In this article, we will guide you through using a sublimation paper step-by-step.

Step 1: Choose the Right Substrate

Choosing a suitable substrate is a crucial step in the sublimation printing process. The substrate is the material onto which your design will be transferred. The most popular substrates for sublimation printing are polyester fabrics, ceramic mugs, and aluminum plates. When choosing your substrate, it is vital to consider the following:

Material type: The substrate must be able to withstand high temperatures without melting or warping during the sublimation process. Therefore, materials such as cotton and paper are unsuitable for sublimation printing.

Coating: Sublimation printing requires a substrate with a special coating that will allow the ink to bond with the surface. Some substrates come pre-coated, while others require a separate coating before printing. Choosing a substrate with a high-quality coating is essential to ensure the transfer of vibrant and long-lasting images.

Color: The color of the material can affect the final print color. Substrates with lighter colors will produce brighter and more vibrant prints, while darker substrates will produce more subdued colors.

Texture: The texture of the substrate can also affect the final print quality. Substrates with a smooth surface will produce a more detailed and sharper print, while substrates with a textured surface may produce a softer and more diffuse print.

Step 2: Create Your Design

Creating a design for sublimation printing requires some specific considerations to ensure the final print is high quality. Here are some steps to follow when creating your design for sublimation printing:

Choose your software: You can use any design software you’re comfortable with, such as Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, or Illustrator. Ensure that your software supports the CMYK color mode used in sublimation printing.

Set up your design: Set up your design to the correct size and resolution for your intended substrate. The resolution should be 300 DPI (dots per inch) or higher to ensure a high-quality print on your sublimation paper.

Use the correct color profile: To ensure that your design’s colors translate accurately onto the object, use the correct color profile. You can use the ICC color profile provided by your ink supplier or create a custom color profile specific to your printer and ink.

Consider the substrate color: As mentioned in the “Choose your substrate” section, the color of the substrate can affect the final print color. Therefore, consider the substrate color and how it may affect your design’s colors.

Test your design: Before printing your design on sublimation paper, it’s a good idea to print a test image on regular paper to ensure that the colors and design look correct. This step can save you time and money if you need to adjust your design.

Print in mirror image format: Once you’re done with your design, print it on the sublimation paper in mirror image format. Remember to print on the coated side of the paper to ensure the ink adheres correctly.

Step 3: Print Your Design

Printing your design on sublimation paper is essential in the sublimation printing process. Here are the steps to follow when printing your design:

Load the sublimation paper: Load the sublimation paper into your printer, ensuring you’re printing on the coated side of the paper. If you’re using a roll of sublimation paper, ensure that the paper is appropriately aligned with the printer’s print head.

Check printer settings: Ensure your settings are correctly set up for sublimation printing. You may need to adjust the paper type, print quality, and color settings to ensure the best possible print.

Print your desired design: Now print your desired design onto the sublimation paper. Double check everything is working fine.

Allow the ink to dry: After printing, allow the ink to dry completely before transferring the image onto the substrate. Drying times can vary depending on the ink, printer, and paper used, but typically, it takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Cut the sublimation paper: Cut the sublimation paper to the appropriate size for your substrate. Be careful not to damage the printed image while cutting.

Step 4: Transfer Your Design

Transferring your design from the sublimation paper onto your chosen substrate is the final step in the sublimation printing process. Follow these steps for a perfect design transfer from the sublimation paper to your desired material.

Prepare your heat press: Preheat your heat press to the appropriate temperature and pressure for the substrate you’re using. 

Position the substrate: Position the substrate on the heat press, ensuring that it’s centered and secured in place.

Position the sublimation paper: Position the paper with the printed design facing down onto the substrate. Ensure that it’s aligned correctly and that the edges of the paper are secured in place with heat-resistant tape or adhesive.

Apply pressure and heat: Close the heat press and apply the appropriate pressure and heat for the recommended time. The pressure and heat settings will vary depending on the substrate and the heat press used, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct settings.

Release the pressure and open the heat press: Once the recommended time has elapsed, release the pressure and open the heat press. Be careful not to burn yourself on the hot substrate or heat press.

Remove the sublimation paper: Carefully remove the sublimation paper from the substrate, not damaging the transferred image. The sublimation paper will be hot, so use caution when handling it.

Let the substrate cool: Allow the substrate to cool completely before handling it or applying any other finishing touches. It will help to ensure that the transferred image has fully adhered to the substrate.

Following these steps, you can successfully transfer your design from the sublimation paper onto your chosen substrate. Using the correct temperature, pressure, and time settings is essential for the best possible results. With practice and experience, you can refine your technique to achieve the best possible prints.

So, as you read all the steps carefully, you are now much more familiar with how to use a sublimation paper. The process is straightforward. It only requires patience, a little concentration, and your valuable time.