Heat Transfer Paper vs. Sublimation Paper: Which One Do You Need?

When you are printing designs onto anything from T-shirts, mugs and other items, having the correct type of transfer paper is critical. The other conventional forms of paper include the heat transfer paper and the sublimation paper. Both can help you make good-looking products, but they operate in different ways. Shunho is here to help you understand the two types of paper so you can pick the best for your needs. 

Heat Transfer Paper vs Sublimation Paper – What’s the Difference? 

Heat transfer paper and sublimation paper can both be used to transfer images to different objects, but it is done differently. Heat transfer paper is a product that allows you to print designs from an ink jet printer or a laser printer and press them onto a garment of your choosing. Once printed, you use a heat press or iron to transfer the image onto the fabric. It is effective on most fabrics such as cotton and polyester blends. But its design may be a little bit raised on the surface, so it can crack or fade after a while. 

Sublimation paper on the other hand is primarily used with polyester and specially coated materials. In the case of sublimation, the ink becomes gas when heated and forms a bond directly with the material. This results in a smooth, concise image that won’t crack or peel. But it only sticks to the light-colored polyester or type of special surface, so there are limitations. The choice between the two types of paper really is all about what your printing out and the material. When you need a design that’s durable and has strong colors, sublimation paper is usually better. If you plan to print on cotton or other materials, heat transfer paper could be the right choice for you. 

Selecting the Best Paper for Your Printing Project 

It can feel a bit slippery, choosing the right types of paper for your projects. Begin by considering what it is you want to create. If you're printing T-shirts, what are they made of? For 100% cotton, use heat transfer paper. But if you are working with polyester, sublimation paper is the ideal choice because it makes brighter and more durable designs. Next, consider what colors and details you want in your design. It’s great for vibrant colors and intricate graphics. Sublimation paper It’s just better at recording shades, putting colors on that pop more (heat transfer may not have that kind of vibrancy). 

And also, consider how long you want it to last. Sublimation prints are more permanent, and won’t fade or peel. Heat transfer designs can look great, but they may not last as long over time and after several washes. Finally, think about the tools you have at your disposal. Do you own a heat press? If not, you can try transferring the design with heat transfer paper and a regular iron may be more accessible for you. Shunho has heat transfer papers and sublimation papers with any variety in both, you can pick up the most suitable one for all your printing projects. If you take the time to consider your materials, design and tools, however, you can make a wise decision that will enable you to bring some remarkable items to life. 

Issues Everyone Has With Heat Transfer Paper How to Solve Them

Heat transfer paper is excellent for making awesome designs on T-shirts, bags ironing them from transfer papers. But sometimes trouble arises when people use it. One of the most frequent problems is that the color might not appear or may wear off after washing. This can occur when the paper used is inappropriate or if the iron or press is not at the right heat setting. For instance, if the heat is too low, the ink may not stick well, if too high, you could burn your paper. It’s about the only problem you have with homemade press using the paper again isn’t all that easy. Now and then someone pulls too hard, or too quickly, and it’s all over for the design. It’s crucial to wait for the paper to cool down a bit before you peel it off in order to prevent this. 

Another issue you will come across is some fabrics and paper don't get along very well so they will not be suited for this method. For instance, if you attempt to apply it to 100% polyester, the design may not adhere as effectively. This might cause the colors to look faded, or the design could come off in the wash. It’s good to know what kind of fabric you’re using and the right paper to work with it. Transfer metallized paper can also jam in printers if it is not the proper size. It can be very frustrating and materials are ruined. Finally, if you don’t get good even pressure on the paper, some of your design may not transfer. That means you may wind up with a patchy or incomplete design. One way to avoid these problems is to make sure you read and follow the instructions diligently and also do some practice runs before embarking on that big project. At Shunho we aim to make your printing experience as easy as possible, so remember to check the manual! 

The Top Wholesale Place to Get Printing Papers at the Best Rates

If you need to purchase heat transfer paper or sublimation transfer paper, getting great deals can be a solution that will save your budget. The best place to find wholesale deals is online. Purchasing in Bulk Many websites have a discount for bulk items, so you can buy so much paper for half the price. This is great for businesses, or if you’re looking to complete a large project. You could also visit any local store that sells arts and crafts. At times, they have printing papers on special sales or discounts. If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a clearance corner and get some great deals. 

You can also participate in online crafting groups and printmaking forums whose members share tips. A lot of people comment on where to get the best deals for materials, and you can learn from their experiences. You also can keep tabs on any sales or special offers by following brands such as Shunho on social media. Every now and again, we get discounts for our faithful customers that you might be eyeing on! Plus, shopping from the manufacturer directly is always a better value than in retail stores. Many vendors also feature newsletter sign-ups that include unique discounts for subscribers. If you’ve got a particular type of paper in mind, it certainly pays to shop around and compare price before buying from somewhere that’s particularly expensive. That way, you’ll know if you’re getting the best deal. With some searching, you can find quality printing papers at prices that serve your budget. 

What are the Ways to Sort Out Heat Transfer and Sublimation Paper in Common? 

Guests: The occasional printing problems can occur when you use heat transfer or sublimation paper, but there are so many easy ways to prevent these things! First, if you’ll see that your colors are not vibrant or as soon as you wash them they fade check some settings on your printer. Be sure you are using the appropriate ink and that your printer is properly configured for the paper type. If colors are still not correct, consider adjusting the heat settings on your press or iron. Too much heat and it’s a fade for your colors; too little heat and the colors won’t stick. 

If you have difficulty peeling the paper away after pressing, we suggest waiting a little longer before pulling it off. Others may find it’s easier to do if they let it cool. If your design is looking spotty or uneven, be sure apply even pressure over the entire paper. To avoid uneven pressure, place a Teflon sheet or parchment paper on top of your design. If your paper is stuck in the printer, verify that there is a good fit of the size and type of paper you are using. Be sure to adhere to guidelines provided by brands such as Shunho and avoid any issues. 

Finally, if you are sewing with fabrics, it is important to find the correct paper for your fabric. (For example, sublimation paper is best used on polyester materials. You should be able to resolve most common issues with heat transfer paper or sublimation paper if you perform all of these tips and tricks. Practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work out the first time!