Are you having trouble getting your prints to transfer onto your sublimation paper? Whether it’s a design or a photo, you may be wondering why the image just isn’t sticking. There are a few things that could be causing this issue and we’re here to help troubleshoot them. Keep reading for some tips on how to get those prints transferred successfully!
What is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing is a digital printing technology that uses heat to transfer ink from a paper backing onto a substrate. It is commonly used for fabric, but can also be used on other materials such as glass, metal, ceramic, and stone. The advantage of sublimation printing is that it allows for full-color images with very high resolutions. The disadvantages include the need for special substrates and the high cost of equipment. Sublimation printing is often used for sports uniforms, flags, banners, and other items where durability and color vibrancy are important.
What is a sublimation Paper?
Sublimation paper is specially coated to transfer images onto fabric using sublimation inks. The ink is transferred directly into the fibers of the fabric, resulting in a long-lasting, vibrant image. Sublimation paper is available in a variety of sizes and grades, depending on the intended use. For example, lighter-weight papers are often used for transferring onto clothing, while heavier-weight papers are better suited for transferring onto hard surfaces. Additionally, lower-grade papers may be used for practice or prototyping before moving on to higher-quality papers for final products. No matter what the intended use, a sublimation paper is an essential part of the sublimation process.
Why is my Sublimation Paper Not Transferring? How to fix it?
There could be many reasons behind the issue of sublimation paper not transferring designs on the material. The major reasons include the use of an incorrect transfer method, using less pressure, less transfer time, using wrong sublimation paper, etc. Let’s see these issues in detail and how to fix them.
- Use of an Incorrect Transfer Method
One common reason for the sublimation paper not transferring the design on fabrics is the use of an incorrect transfer method. When using a heat press, it’s important to make sure that you’re using the correct settings for both the temperature and the time. Every type of sublimation paper has different recommendations, so be sure to use best sublimation ink and also consult your user manual before starting your project.
- Using the Right Amount of Pressure
It’s also important to use the right amount of pressure when pressing your design. If you’re not using enough pressure, the print may not adhere to the fabric correctly. On the other hand, if you’re using too much pressure, you run the risk of damaging your sublimation paper. Experiment with different amounts of pressure until you find a sweet spot that works for your project.
- Right Transfer Time
If you’re still having trouble getting your prints to transfer, your transfer time may be too short. Remember, sublimation requires both heat and time to work correctly. If you’re not giving your design enough time to set, it won’t adhere to the fabric properly. Consult your user manual for recommended transfer times and experiment until you find a setting that works for you. Furthermore buy the best sublimation printer for good transfer time because every sublimation printer has different time of transfer.
- Right Type of Sublimation Paper
Moreover, make sure you’re using the right type of sublimation paper. There are different types of sublimation papers on the market and each one is designed for specific projects. If you’re not using the right kind of paper, your design may not transfer correctly. Be sure to consult your user manual or research online to find the best type of paper for your project.
- Make Sure Using a Sublimation Printer
Also, make sure that you are using a sublimation printer; regular printers will not work with sublimation paper.
- Always use Sublimation Inks
Additionally, check that you have installed the correct type of ink in your printer; sublimation inks are different from regular inks and will not work with regular paper.
- Correct Settings of the Printer
Finally, make sure that you are using the correct settings on your printer; some printers have specific settings for sublimation printing.
Other Errors That can occur while Using Sublimation papers
There are a few different types of errors or bugs that can occur while using sublimation papers while printing.
- Banding
The most common is banding. Banding typically occurs when the inkjet print head fires too slowly or unevenly, causing streaks or bands of missing color.
- Ghosting
Another common problem is ghosting, which occurs when the ink doesn’t dry properly and leaves behind a faint shadow of the image.
- Mottling
Finally, mottling can occur if the paper is inserted into the printer incorrectly or if there is too much moisture in the air. This causes the colors to appear blotchy or uneven. Although these problems can be frustrating, they are usually easy to fix with a few simple adjustments.
Best Sublimation Papers to Buy in 2022 – Mini Buying Guide
Sublimation papers are available in a variety of sizes, weights, and grades, making it important to choose the right paper for your project. In general, lighter papers are best suited for smaller projects, while heavier papers can handle larger projects. Grade refers to the amount of time the paper can withstand exposure to high temperatures without breaking down.
For most purposes, an economy or standard grade paper will suffice. However, if you are working on a particularly large or delicate project, you may want to consider upgrading to a premium-grade paper. With so many sublimation papers on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best sublimation papers in 2022. Whether you’re looking for heavyweight paper that can handle large projects or light paper that won’t break the bank, we’ve got you covered.
Conclusion
So, what do you do if your sublimation paper isn’t transferring? The good news is that there are a few things you can try to get the ink to start flowing. In this article, we walked through some of the most common fixes for this issue. We have also mentioned other issues that can occur while printing with sublimation papers.
Finally, we have mentioned the best sublimation papers in 2022. Hopefully, by using these tips and tricks, you will be able to transfer your images to the fabrics and print beautiful designs!
