How to choose the right sublimation paper?

Why sublimation?

Sublimation is a printing technique that produces the most beautiful photorealistic prints, full color! The high printing quality offers vibrant colors and sharp details. Furthermore, sublimation has the advantage that the ink penetrates the fibers of the substrate, making the print durable and washable. 

Sublimation paper

To make sublimation prints, sublimation paper is an essential part of the process. It is the medium that transfers the image from the paper to the product you want to print on. But what types of sublimation paper exist and what is the difference? In this blog, we will answer these questions. 

There are different types of sublimation paper, each with its own characteristics. For example, there are sublimation papers with high or low ink absorption and papers with a white or transparent carrier. 

There are various sizes of sublimation paper available, depending on the printer you use and the application for which you want to use the sublimation process. We sell high-quality sublimation paper from the brands S-Race, Texprint, and TruePix in different sizes, such as A4, A3, A3+, and rolls of different widths, such as 13”, 17”, 24”, 44”, and even 64” for large format productions. 

S-Race sublimation paper - recommended by Technotape 

S-Race sublimation paper is known for its high color saturation and sharp prints. The paper is versatile and suitable for printing on both soft and hard substrates, such as textiles, mugs, puzzles, and mouse pads. It is available in various sizes and has excellent transfer quality. 

TexPrint 

TexPrint is a brand of sublimation paper that offers different types of sublimation paper suitable for various applications. Below are the sublimation papers that Technotape stocks: 

Texprint DTxp Light (TexprintXPHR) and Texprint DTr Heavy (TexprintR) 

The main difference between DTxp Light and DTr Heavy is the weight of the paper. DTxp Light has a lower weight (approx. 105 g/m²) compared to DTr Heavy (approx. 150 g/m²). This means that DTr Heavy has a denser structure and feels heavier than DTxp Light. 

These differences in weight and density have some effects on the paper's performance. For example, DTr Heavy has higher ink absorption and therefore better color transfer and color saturation than DTxp Light. This means that the end result on DTr Heavy is generally more vivid and brighter than on DTxp Light. 

However, due to the heavier weight of DTr Heavy, the paper may take slightly longer to dry after printing. DTxp Light generally dries faster. 

Choosing between DTxp Light or DTr Heavy depends on the specific application and user preference. DTr Heavy is more suitable for textile products, mugs, and metals that require a vibrant and colorful finish, while DTxp Light is more suitable for products where a faster drying time is important, such as large productions in combination with high-speed sublimation printers. 

Truepix at Sawgrass 

Truepix was developed by Sawgrass Technologies. The TruePix sublimation paper is specifically designed to be used with Sawgrass' Virtuoso sublimation printers and inks. This sublimation paper has a smooth surface that ensures even ink absorption and sharp image reproduction without fading. This makes it suitable for a wide range of substrates, such as ceramics, textiles, and metals. 

When choosing sublimation paper, it is important to consider the following characteristics: 

Weight and thickness: Choose sublimation paper with a weight and thickness that is suitable for your specific application. Lighter weight paper may be suitable for textiles, while heavier paper may work better for hard surfaces. 

Dimensions: Choose sublimation paper in the correct dimensions for your printer and the substrate you will be using. Most sublimation papers are available in rolls or sheets. For mug production, we recommend the special mug strips from S-Race or TruePix. 

Drying time: The drying time of the sublimation paper is important for avoiding smudging on the substrate. Choose sublimation paper with a short drying time to minimize the risk of smudging. 

It's important to know which sublimation paper is best suited for your specific application. Contact our customer service for more information on which sublimation paper is suitable for your printer and application. 

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