Best Sublimation Paper & HTV For Epson & Inkjet Printers
When looking for the best sublimation paper, first you must consider which printer you are using and what exactly you are sublimating. Whether it’s fabric, acrylic, cardstock, or any other material – choosing the right sublimation paper depends on it.
Furthermore, it is necessary to acknowledge whether your fabric is white or light colored or dark or black. Whether it’s polyester, cotton, or a blend. There are many critical aspects to uphold when selecting the sublimation paper.
Sounds confusing? Don’t be – I’ve listed the best options below and also explained the factors that should be considered and the mistakes you should avoid.
So, let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- A transfer rate of more than or equal to 98% is destined to give excellent results. Anything lesser than this can compromise the vibrancy of colors.
- Always start sublimating with a standard sublimation paper weight (120g) and go above or beyond later, depending on your analysis.
- Use Sublimation paper for light-colored fabric and Heat Transfer Vinyl for dark or black fabric.
Bird’s Eye View
| Sublimation Paper Brand | Sublimation Paper Weight Available (gms) | Printer compatibility | Sizes of Sublimation Paper (Smallest (Min) – Largest (Max)) |
| A-SUB Sublimation Paper | 105, 120, 125 | Any Inkjet Sublimation Printer | Min – 8.5” X 11” Max – 13” X 19” |
| HTVRONT Sublimation Paper | 105, 120, 125 | Any Inkjet Sublimation Printer | Min – 8.5” X 11” Max – 13” X 19” |
| Printers Jack Sublimation Paper | 105, 120, 125 | Epson, Sawgrass, Ricoh | Min – 8.27 x 11.69 in (A4) Max – 13” X 19” |
| Koala Sublimation Paper | 105, 120, 123 | Any Inkjet Sublimation Printer | Min – 8.5” X 11″ Max – 13” X 19” |
| Hiipoo Sublimation Paper | 105, 120 | Any Inkjet Sublimation Printer | Min – 8.5” X 11″ Max – 13” X 19” |
| Siser EasySubli HTV | – | Any Inkjet Sublimation Printer | Min – 8.4” X 11″ Max – 11” X 16.5” |
| TransOurDream Glitter Sublimation Paper | – | Any Inkjet Sublimation Printer | Min – 8.5” X 11″ Max – 11” X 17” |
Most Popular Sublimation Papers For Light-Colored Fabrics
1. A-SUB Sublimation Paper
If you’re using an Epson printer for sublimation then A-SUB sublimation paper should be your top priority. I’ve used it with them and it always gives vibrant results.
Benefits
Why Is This One Of The Best For Heat Transfer?
A-Sub is available in different sizes, catering to all sorts of designs and items you want to sublimate on. It is guaranteed to provide a 98% transfer of colors to the fabric or the item you want to sublimate, giving you vibrant and eye-catching colors.
It is available in weights ranging from 105g to 125g. Choose the thickness of the paper according to the material you will be sublimating on.
It also comes with a watermark on the back side of the paper so you don’t have to guess which side to print on.
Can Be Used For
It can be used for all items. Just make sure you select the thickness according to your needs. The heavy paper gives better results as it holds the ink well because of a thicker coating. But keep in mind, with heavier paper, you may face ghosting and blurring issues sometimes when you are printing on hard surfaces. So choose accordingly.
Printer Compatibility
A-Sub sublimation paper is highly versatile and compatible with all inkjet printers with CISS (Continuous Ink Supply System) or refillable cartridges.
Epson, HP, Ricoh, Sawgrass, Canon, and other printers show high compatibility with A-Sub sublimation paper.
2. HTVRONT Sublimation Paper
The HTVRONT Sublimation Paper pack comes with 150 sheets in it and is available in multiple sizes. You can select the one depending on your needs. It’s made of a high-quality polyester film base coated with an acrylic thermal transfer layer. The paper base features a superior ink absorption ability, which is perfect for all sublimation work.
Benefits
Why Is This One Of The Best For Heat Transfer?
HTVRONT sublimation transfer paper is specifically designed and developed to meet the requirements of modern-day sublimation activities. It has an almost 98% transfer rate which is ultra-high and guarantees clear and bright colors; along with incredible printing details, this paper gives you vivid prints every single time. This also provides a longer life for heat presses.
Can Be Used For
It comes in 3 weights same as A-sub, Its use also has absolutely no limitations, from shirts, pillowcases, canvas bags, ceramic mugs, and phone cases to puzzles, metal plates, acrylic keychains, and so on.
Printer Compatibility
HTVRONT sublimation paper is known for being the best for Inkjet printers, specifically those with refillable cartridges and CISS.
Epson, Hp, Ricoh, Sawgrass, Canon, and other printers show high compatibility with HTVRONT sublimation paper.
3. Printers Jack Sublimation Paper
The Printers Jack sublimation paper pack comes with 100 sheets in it. It offers a wide selection of papers specifically designed for use with sublimation printers, so you can be sure you’re getting a product that will work well with your specific printer model.
Benefits
Why Is This One Of The Best For Heat Transfer?
It comes in different weights and sizes so even if you are doing wide-format printing, they’ve got you covered with sizes up to 13×19 inches. It is designed to work with all sublimation inkjet printers to create vibrant, lasting designs.
Can Be Used For
It can be used for sublimating on light-colored polyester fabric. If you’re sublimating on poly-cotton fabric, it should not contain more than 30% cotton to get the best results.
It works best with all other sublimation blanks such as cardstock, mugs, tumblers, phone cases, etc. The only requirement is a polymer coating on the surface of the material you want to sublimate.
Printer Compatibility
It is specifically designed to be compatible with Epson, Ricoh, and Sawgrass inkjet printers – hence it is one of the best for Sawgrass. But if you’re using an HP or Canon, please double-check that your printer has a piezoelectric printhead before making your purchase.
4.Koala Sublimation Paper
Koala Sublimation Paper makes transferring your artwork onto your clothing, accessories or other sublimation blanks a piece of cake. This innovative and revolutionary product is designed with a smooth, non-stick surface that allows you to quickly sublimate your artwork onto any substrate. It has a quick dry, instant transfer rate that guarantees you will be able to see the results of your creative and mind-blowing hard work almost instantly.
Benefits
Why Is This One Of The Best For Heat Transfer?
It is one of the most popular papers used in sublimation printing. It is known for its high quality and consistent results. It is available in various paper sizes and weights, making it perfect for any project. It is compatible with all significant sublimation printers and inks, making it an excellent choice for any business or individual.
Can Be Used For
It can be labeled as the best one for mugs because it is available in its exact size. Just grab a pack of Koala sublimation paper specifically sized for sublimating on mugs, and you never need to worry about alignments and resizing again.
It is also available in various sizes for your other sublimation projects like white and light-colored polyester T-shirts, phone cases, mouse pads, canvas bags, pillowcases, etc.
Printer Compatibility
It works best with any inkjet printer as long as it prints with sublimation ink. Epson, Sawgrass, Canon, Ricoh – and the list goes on. The paper is highly versatile with printers.
5. Hiipoo Sublimation Paper
Hiipoo Sublimation Paper is perfect for a wide variety of substrates. It is compatible with many inkjet printers; in fact, it is one of the best for Epson, producing vibrant and rich colors. Hiipoo Sublimation Paper is also quick and easy to use, making it an ideal choice for any project.
Benefits
Why Is This One Of The Best For Heat Transfer?
It is perfect for high-quality, dry, and fast printing. A transfer rate of over 98% ensures accurate colors and precision while saving you ink. The 120G paper also gives you good elasticity and flatness and prevents rolling – making for a smooth printing experience.
Can Be Used For
It is perfect for transferring text or images onto light-colored fabrics with ≤ 30% cotton or ⩾ 70% polyester content and mugs, tumblers, phone cases, puzzles, mouse pads, ceramic plates, bags, and cups. They are great for making DIY gifts for your loved ones and friends on various occasions.
Printer Compatibility
It works well with Sawgrass, Ricoh, and other sublimation printers. Even printers like Epson and Canon that can work with sublimation ink are on the list.
Top Sublimation Papers For Dark Fabrics & Cotton Fabric
To sublimate using heat transfer vinyl you have to follow a certain procedure before you take your fabric and design to the heat press.
Once the design is printed on the HTV, you have to apply the mask sheet to the design. After pressing on it persistently the image gets transferred to the mask sheet. This mask sheet is what you place on your fabric under the heat press. Whether it’s a cotton T-shirt or a dark-colored one, HTV is guaranteed to give you the best sublimation results.
6. Siser EasySubli HTV – Printable Sublimation Heat Transfer Vinyl
Siser EasySubli HTV is a printable sublimation heat transfer vinyl that is perfect for creating custom designs on dark or cotton fabric. This vinyl is clear and gives numerous options with colors and creations. Moreover, they are available in a standard size that is perfect for T-shirts’ center alignment designs. Once you print onto the HTV, you have to mask the design on the masking sheet available with the pack. The image gets transferred to the masking sheet which is then used under the heat press. The transfer made with this HTV is durable and long-lasting and the colors remain vibrant even after multiple washes.
Benefits
Why Is This One Of The Best For Heat Transfer?
It is the perfect platform for anyone who wants to enhance their creativity! With its blank canvas feature, you can make your designs from simple to complex or as you want. Plus, printing out multi-color images is super easy with EasySubli paper! Unlike traditional sublimation, it can be applied at lower temperatures and that too for shorter periods of time. This makes it easier and faster to use without compromising on the quality.
Can Be Used For
It allows you to apply your designs to dark-colored polyester and/or cotton fabrics – not just white polyester like traditional sublimation methods. You can also easily sublimate on white or light-colored Cotton T-shirts using EasySubli vinyl. There are no limits to what you can design! It is the best for all those fabrics and colors where sublimation is not possible normally.
Printer Compatibility
Siser EasySubli HTV is compatible with all inkjet printers that can work with sublimation ink like Epson, Sawgrass, Ricoh, and other sublimation printers.
7. TransOurDream Glitter Sublimation Paper
TransOur Dream is a great, affordable glitter heat transfer vinyl for all kinds of crafts, DIY projects and more! It is a fine product that lets you get more crafty and glittery with the ability to transfer glittered images to dark-colored fabric, black T-shirts, and cotton fabric. The glitter heat transfer vinyl will last through 30 washes on the fabric, and the sparkle of the glitter does not fade easily. .
Benefits
Why Is This One Of The Best For Heat Transfer?
It makes transferring glittery images onto the fabric easier. You don’t need to print mirror or reverse images as the whole image gets sublimated onto the fabric in an upright position. It is easy to cut and does not require a special vinyl cutter. It is also compatible with Cricut, Silhouette, etc., for professional cutting and neat edges. It is highly affordable and there are 20 sheets in one single pack for multiple sublimating projects.
Can Be Used For
It can be used on dark t-shirts, cotton t-shirts, hats, aprons, hoodies, and basically all sorts of cotton fabric regardless of the color. It is easy to cut with just a pair of scissors so you can create designs of different sizes.
Tip: First wait for the ink to dry, then cut it.
Printer Compatibility
It is designed to work with your inkjet printers like Brother, HP, Canon, and all those that are compatible with dye sublimation ink.
Important Things To Keep In Mind While Choosing An Ideal Sublimation Paper
Choosing the right sublimation paper shouldn’t be overwhelming. Since the various sublimation paper brands listed above are the best in the market, yet I have simplified it further to help you decide better. The following is a checklist to assist you in hunting the best one for heat transfer:
- The material you are sublimating on – T-shirts, acrylics, tumblers, keychains, tiles, etc. may require different sizes and different weights.
- Weight of sublimation paper – Go with 120g or 125g paper as heavier paper gives better results as it holds the ink well because of the thicker coating. But if you are making seamless designs, then the thin paper is best suitable.
- The color of the fabric – Light and white colored fabric and requires regular sublimation paper. In contrast, dark-colored and black T-shirts require Heat Transfer Vinyl.
- The blend of the fabric – Standard sublimation paper will only work with ⩾70% Polyester material. For 100% Cotton or blends with a higher percentage of cotton, you need heat transfer vinyl or sublimation vinyl to accomplish the task.
- Transfer Rate – the higher, the better because it saves ink and the colors come out more vibrant. 98% or more is ideal.
- Drying Time – Mostly all the famous brands’ sublimation papers come with a quick drying feature but if you are trying any new ones, make sure to check this in that case.
- The size of your design or your sublimation blank – It is more economical to utilize the sublimation paper completely. You can print various small designs onto the same sublimation paper and use it accordingly. Similarly, the Koala Sublimation paper has a specific size for sublimating on mugs. Therefore using a bigger-sized one for this task might not be economical. But if your design requires more space, go for the most significant size available.
- Quality – the sublimation paper should be clean without any impurities on the coating, as this can highly influence the final result.
- Price of the sublimation paper – You should not compromise on the quality by going after cheap sublimation paper. But some brands offer high quality at affordable rates.
- Compatibility with the printer – The best paper is the versatile one. A sublimation paper compatible with multiple printer brands makes you worry less.
- Availability – Make sure it is easily available so you don’t have to change the brand every time. Consistency is the key, so the availability of your chosen paper is vital.
Mistakes You Should Avoid
1. Choosing The Wrong Weight Of Paper
A 125g is a standard dye sublimation heat transfer paper. However, some of your projects will work fine even with a lower weight. Sublimation printer and your substrates play a vital role in the selection of paper. Make sure whatever paper you’re buying works best with your printer.
Some printers create issues with thicker paper, mostly the Epson Workforce series. So, if you have that, prefer thinner paper. Similarly, some sublimation blanks need thicker paper to give satisfactory results. If you select the wrong thickness, you might face any of these issues: curling, jamming, bleeding, ghosting, etc. So, choose wisely.
2. Choosing The Wrong Size
If your sublimation platform includes several items like mugs, tumblers, T-shirts, acrylic keychains, etc., you should work with the corresponding sizes of sublimation paper. This way, you won’t worry about
- aligning the paper onto the material
- wasting useful sublimation paper and ink
3. Going For a Cheaper Brand To Save Money
Though you have to work strictly with your finances, especially if you are looking forward to sublimating commercially, any compromise on quality will cost you in various ways.
- You will not achieve good results
- You will lose client satisfaction
- You will end up wasting time, money, and energy.
4. Buying The Wrong Sublimation Paper
Remember that you will use clear HTV vinyl for sublimation on dark fabrics and cotton fabrics. For sublimating on light-colored Polyester fabric use the standard sublimation paper. For once HTV will work with light-colored and polyester fabrics but the standard sublimation paper will not work for dark-colored or cotton fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is sublimation paper the same as heat transfer paper?
No, the Sublimation paper is not similar to the heat transfer paper. Though both require heat to transfer an image onto the fabric or any material, sublimation is only possible via sublimation paper and sublimation ink.
2. What is the difference between 120 g and 125g sublimation paper?
The different weights in grams mentioned on the Sublimation paper are the measure of the weight of 1 square meter of that paper. So sublimation paper marked 120g when measured will have the exact 120g weight per square meter, and 125g will be according to the mentioned weight and so on.
3. What gram of sublimation paper is best?
Sublimation paper with more weight has a thicker coating, is more saturated, and can handle a more significant amount of ink more efficiently. In contrast, a thinner sublimation paper is ideal for light ink saturation needs. But overall, 120g to 125g of Sublimation paper quality is suitable for all types of sublimation projects.
4. What size paper do you use for sublimation?
The size of the paper you would use for sublimation depends on two things. The size of the item you want to sublimate on & the design or image you are sublimating.
5. What is the shelf life of sublimation paper?
Sublimation paper has a shelf life of about one year, depending on how you store it. It’s mainly ruined by moisture. Keep the papers in their original packaging with an inner poly bag at normal room temperature. Exposure to high humidity or extremely dry conditions can shorten its shelf life.
Conclusion
I’ve tried to explain everything in detail so you can head out like a pro to get the best one. What aspects matter and what specifications should be taken into account for your tasks when buying sublimation paper are well defined. Though all the sublimation papers mentioned are the best in the market, now you can decide for yourself which one fits your needs. You can go with that without any hesitation.
