How To Choose The Right Sublimation Paper, Fast Dry Or Tacky?

Quick-dry sublimation paper: The paper will be dry after printing. Then dry-heater power can be reduced greatly so that cost will be reduced and the picuture color will be clear. 100gsm is the famous on this kind, suit for Epson, Mimaki, Roland, Mutoh and Ricoh

If you're considering starting a consumer packaging of fruits and vegetables printing business or wondering what can and can't be sublimated, here's some helpful information to guide you in choosing the right products for sublimation.

 

Sublimation is relatively straightforward once you have the right materials. You'll need sublimation ink, sublimation paper, and a suitable blank item for sublimation. You'll also need a heat source that can reach 400°F, either a heat press designed for the size of your blank or a wrap that can secure the transfer in place while it's in an oven. Lastly, graphic software is necessary to create the designs you want to print. With all these tools, you're ready to start sublimating.

 

Sublimation printing has become increasingly popular in the fabric industry due to its flexibility as a digital printing technology. It allows you to transfer individual designs and patterns onto fabric. In the paper market, various weights of sublimation paper are available, including 60gsm, 70gsm, 80gsm, 100gsm, and 120gsm. As a manufacturer, many customers often ask which paper weight is best for them. Today, we'll share some tips to help you choose the ideal paper weight for your sublimation projects.

 

 

First, Printing Speed  

 

The printing speed plays a crucial role in determining the ideal paper weight. The higher the printing speed, the lighter the paper weight can be. Cockling, or paper wrinkling, typically becomes problematic when it occurs directly beneath the print heads. Papers designed for open substrates help slow down the water absorption within the paper structure. This allows higher printing speeds to keep the cockling away from the critical area beneath the print heads. As a result, paper weights under 80gsm are commonly used with the MS-JP4/7 machine.

 

Second, Ink Loading  

 

Ink loading is a critical factor because it directly affects the paper's ability to absorb moisture. Since sublimation paper is sensitive to moisture, a higher ink loading requires a heavier paper to effectively manage the moisture without causing printing issues. The heavier paper helps prevent problems by allowing it to absorb the ink's moisture more efficiently, ensuring smooth and high-quality prints.

 

Third, Humidity  

 

Humidity plays a significant role in the performance of sublimation paper. In low humidity conditions, the paper may shrink, causing the printing side to curve upward. If the humidity is below 45% RH, it's recommended to use paper weighing under 80gsm. On the other hand, when the humidity exceeds 70% RH, the paper will absorb moisture from the air, becoming softer and losing stiffness. In such conditions, paper weighing above 80gsm will be a better choice to maintain stability and print quality.

 

Sublimation paper is widely used in the market and is specifically designed for the general transfer process. It is compatible with all types of inkjet printers, offering a balance of high quality at an affordable price. Available in a range of weights from 60gsm to 120gsm, choosing the right paper depends on your needs. Generally, sublimation paper comes in three main types: quick-dry, tacky, and thin paper. Each type offers unique benefits, depending on the specific requirements of your sublimation process.

 

Quick-dry sublimation paper: The paper will be dry after printing. Then dry-heater power can be reduced greatly so that cost will be reduced and the picuture color will be clear. 100gsm is the famous on this kind, suit for Epson, Mimaki, Roland, Mutoh and Ricoh

 

Sticky Sublimation Paper: This type of paper is designed for use with shrinkage-prone fabrics. The sticky surface allows the paper to adhere to the fabric, greatly improving print quality. The 100gsm tacky paper is commonly used across various paper weights and is compatible with printers such as Epson, Mimaki, Roland, Mutoh, Ricoh, Bncad, and Custom Printers.

 

Thin Sublimation Paper: Thin sublimation paper is typically used in specialized sectors to reduce costs. Available in 60gsm, 70gsm, and 80gsm, it is well-suited for machines like the MS-JP and Reggiani. Many customers require jumbo rolls, such as 500m or 7000m per roll, for high-volume applications.

 

Sometimes, when you unroll sublimation paper, you may notice it curling during printing. This can affect the print quality, damage your printer head, and result in wasted ink and fabric. But what causes this curling of sublimation paper?

 

There are usually three reasons for this issue:

 

1. Quality of the Paper: If the paper curls and is difficult to use right out of the package, the issue may lie with the paper itself. You should reach out to your supplier to check if there was an error during production. If your supplier manufactures the paper in-house, they should be able to provide a solution, such as using a two-sided coating. If your supplier is a retailer, you may need to reconsider your options—either switching suppliers or continuing with them.

 

2. Improper Handling: Sometimes, the problem is due to improper handling of the paper. Here are some tips to avoid this:

   - When using Dry Sublimation paper, make sure to store it properly after opening, ideally keeping it in the original box.

   - Pay attention to the temperature and humidity of your storage area: ideally, the temperature should be between 24-25°C and humidity between 45-60%. If the air is too dry, the paper will lose moisture and become curled.

 

3. Printer Issues: Printer type can also contribute to paper curling. Epson printers, for instance, differ from others in that they lack a tablet, which can lead to paper curling. Printers from brands like Mimaki, Mutoh, and Roland are less likely to cause this problem. So, choosing the right printer for your needs is crucial.

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