What GSM paper is best for sublimation?

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Learn which sublimation works best for which projects … and how it compares to copy paper!

Sublimation paper is a specialized paper that is coated to capture and transfer dye sublimation ink effectively. Unlike standard paper, it features a distinct layer that holds the ink without absorbing it, ensuring the ink is available for transfer. This unique composition makes it durable enough to endure the heat press process while providing vivid and high-quality transfers.

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Learn all about sublimation paper in this helpful video:

It’s important to recognize that sublimation transfer paper is NOT the same as regular copy paper found in typical inkjet printers, despite their visual similarities. High-quality sublimation paper offers three essential benefits:

1. It maintains the integrity of sublimation ink, preventing ink dots from merging.
2. It withstands the demands of high heat press temperatures.
3. It enables efficient dye release to the target surface when heated.

Each of these elements is crucial for achieving the best sublimation results.

With many options for sublimation papers, choosing the right one can be daunting, especially when you aim to avoid subpar products for your heat transfer projects.

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In my studio, I’ve experimented with various sublimation papers including A-SUB 125G, A-SUB 120G, A-SUB 105G, A-SUB ECO, TruePix paper, DyeMaster-R, and Printers Jack. While these papers mostly handle general sublimation tasks well, each has unique attributes that might make them suitable for more specialized applications.

Let’s focus on a piece of A-SUB paper. The back side is marked with the word "A-SUB," indicating that printing should be done on the unmarked side. The correct side for printing is pure white.

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So, how do you choose the best sublimation paper? One essential factor is the paper weight, as seen in A-SUB's range from 125g, 120g, 105g, to ECO. The numbers represent the paper's weight in grams per square meter.

A-SUB 125 g refers to 125 grams per square meter, making it the heaviest sublimation paper. This weight holds more ink and provides vibrant colors, suitable for high-quality, full-color designs. It’s my preferred choice for most projects, working excellently with my Epson printer. Its high transfer rate ensures most of the ink moves from the paper to the surface. The 125g paper also exhibits superior durability under various heat presses.

Tip: 120 g sublimation paper offers similar quality to 125 g but is often more budget-friendly!

If heavy paper like 125 or 120 grams leaves wheel marks on your print, a lighter option like 105 gsm may be preferable. Heavier papers can struggle on rigid surfaces, causing ink blurring or ghosting. Switching to lighter paper can alleviate these issues.

A-SUB 105g, the lightest option, weighs 105 grams per square meter. While lighter paper may hold less ink, making it ideal for seamless designs on products like doormats or tumblers. It's also better suited for printers sensitive to wheel lines or ink pick-up, such as my Epson Workforce. However, lighter paper is more prone to curling under high temperatures and may not handle heavy ink saturation well, possibly resulting in dull or faded prints. Consider heavier paper for more ink absorption and livelier transfers.

What about A-SUB ECO paper? It's a budget-friendly option, suitable for large-volume printing, but the cost savings are minimal. I tested its performance against other paper types in a video.

While weight is a crucial factor in selecting sublimation paper, compatibility with your printer is also key. For example, TruePix paper is optimized for Sawgrass sublimation printers at 120 grams, working well across various surfaces.

DyeMaster-R sublimation paper, designed for Epson printers, weighs 105 grams. Its thinness may cater to the specifications of earlier printers like the Epson Workforce, commonly converted for sublimation.

Regular laser copy paper is another option known to withstand the heat press's intense temperatures, but its effectiveness for ink transfer may vary compared to specialized sublimation paper.

To illustrate the differences, I conducted a TEST using six different papers―three A-SUB types, TruePix paper, Laser Paper, and regular Copy Paper―on polyester fabric (garden flag sublimation blanks):

The top performers, in my opinion, were A-SUB 125G and A-SUB 105G. Testing different papers when starting with sublimation printing or trying new projects is always advisable.

More Questions About Sublimation Paper

Q: What is the best paper for sublimation?
A: While some use standard laser paper, specialized sublimation paper like A-SUB delivers the most vibrant results and superior ink transfer.

Q: Can I use photo paper for sublimation?
A: No, as it typically cannot endure the high temperatures of a heat press.

Q: How do I test my sublimation prints for vibrancy and color?
A: Use my free subliflower design to evaluate your colors! Find it as Design #385 in my resource library.

Q: What is the best sublimation printer?
A: It depends on your needs. Check out my article on the best sublimation printers!

Q: How do I learn sublimation for beginners?
A: Join Sublimation Startup for a structured, step-by-step guide. Benefit from Jennifer Maker’s clear and straightforward teaching style. The mini-course is a concise, distraction-free workshop designed to build your confidence and proficiency in sublimation, offering continued support. Register now!

Get my Subliflower Design for free!

Join our sublimation crafting community for advice and inspiration! Visit jennifermaker.com/sublimationgroup to connect with fellow enthusiasts, ask questions, and share ideas!

I hope this guide helps you choose the right sublimation paper for your next project. Look out for more tutorials and feel free to ask questions in our Facebook group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker.

Love,

Introduction

Whether you are pursuing sublimation printing as a business or as a hobby, opting for authentic sublimation paper is crucial.

Sublimation paper boasts specialized coatings that enhance the printing process, unlike regular paper. This feature often results in superior image quality and vibrant finishes.

However, merely using this specialized paper in sublimation printing isn't enough. Selecting the appropriate weight of sublimation paper is equally important.

What exactly does the weight of sublimation paper signify? And how can you determine the right weight for your specific project?

This guide aims to answer these questions. You will learn to identify the weight of any sublimation paper product and understand how to use the right paper according to your project's needs.

Defining Paper Weight in Sublimation Printing

When purchasing sublimation paper, you'll encounter details about the brand, paper size, number of sheets, and critically, the paper weight.

Paper weight is a vital attribute in sublimation printing, and we’ll explain its importance as you read on.

Manufacturers typically denote the paper weight in grams per square meter (gsm). For example, 120 g, as shown in the image below.

So, what does this mean?

A 120 g or gsm value represents the weight of one square meter of the paper. This figure reflects the paper's heaviness before being cut to size and packaged.

Want more details? Check out transfer paper jumbo roll.

Standard paper sizes include 8.5 x 11 inches or 11 x 17 inches, typically packed in quantities of 50 or 100 sheets per package.

So, one square meter of 120-gram paper weighs 120 grams. This measurement applies consistently across various weights of sublimation paper.

Therefore, one square meter of 105-gram or 125-gram sublimation paper will weigh 105 grams or 125 grams, respectively.

How Do You Choose the Right Paper Weight?

Now that you understand what paper weight means...

Recognizing what a sublimation paper's weight represents is just the first step. The next crucial task is employing the printing paper appropriately for its intended use.

Popular Opinions and Assumptions

Most practitioners believe that heavier sublimation papers are ideal for high-color saturation projects, which require more ink that lighter papers might struggle to hold.

Conversely, experts recommend using lighter papers for simpler projects involving smaller designs or minimal ink usage.

Beyond these general rules, there’s a wealth of information available on the specific applications of different paper weights in sublimation printing.

So, how do we correctly use sublimation paper of various weights?

Application of Lightweight Sublimation Paper

Lightweight sublimation papers typically range between 105 and 113 grams.

These papers are best suited for printing on fabrics comprising at least 30% polyester, such as clothing, curtains, and other textile items.

These light papers aren't limited to fabric applications; they can also be used for items like ceramic mugs, keychains, and mouse pads.

When to Use Heavier Sublimation Paper

Heavier sublimation papers usually range from 120 to 125 grams.

They are generally used for high-definition projects, such as creating aluminum and MDF blanks.

Overall, the weight of sublimation paper can significantly impact the quality of your final product, particularly when dealing with high-color saturation jobs.

Still, specific contexts may benefit from lighter papers, like when clarity and vibrant colors are paramount.

Choosing the best sublimation paper also involves considering the brand. A-SUB is a reputable name for top-notch sublimation paper.

A-SUB Sublimation Paper: The Industry Standard

Whether you opt for light or heavy sublimation papers, A-SUB offers a range of products designed for different applications.

What differentiates A-SUB from other brands?

Microporous Multilayer Technology

Sublimation printing requires ink to transform from solid to gas, allowing the material to absorb the ink seamlessly. Unlike traditional heat transfer printing, sublimation doesn't create an additional layer, thereby maintaining the fabric's texture.

This is where coated inkjet papers come into play. They have a receptor layer designed to support ink absorption and rapid transfer, offering a higher color gamut, better image quality, and excellent brightness.

Two main types of sublimation papers exist, categorized based on their coating technology:

Swellable Paper

This type of paper features an organic polymer coating, such as gelatin, which swells to encapsulate the ink, thereby protecting it. While this results in excellent image quality, it’s sensitive to moisture and requires longer drying times.

However, the need for extensive drying and sensitivity to humid environments posed challenges, leading to the development of another paper type.

Microporous Paper

Microporous coatings, composed of inorganic particles like silica, offer rapid ink absorption and drying times. These papers are durable and resistant to moisture but expose some ink to air, making it prone to contamination.

Microporous Multilayer Paper

Combining the advantages of both swellable and microporous papers, A-SUB's multilayer sublimation paper offers vibrant, high-quality prints without the downsides of slower drying times or vulnerability to moisture.

A-SUB sublimation papers excel in durability, fast drying, and resistance to weather conditions. The key benefits include:

1. Fast drying for immediate use
2. Multilayer structure for extensive ink absorption
3. Anti-transparent printing
4. Excellent flatness on final prints
5. Durability against harsh weather and prolonged washing

Quality Product, Quality Brand

A-SUB sublimation papers enjoy high recognition from both experts and users for their exceptional quality.

Top Sublimation Brand on Google

A quick Google search for the 'best sublimation paper' reveals A-SUB's top position in expert reviews and recommendations.

This widespread recognition helps convert prospective buyers into loyal customers.

#1 Best Seller on Amazon

On Amazon, A-SUB’s products stand among the best-selling items in the dye-sublimation paper category, highlighting their popularity and reliability.

This ‘Best Seller’ tag signifies a high volume of sales and customer satisfaction, making A-SUB a leader in the global sublimation industry.

FAQs

1. Can A-SUB customize sublimation paper weights?

Standard weights include 105 grams, 113 grams, 120 grams, and 125 grams. However, customized orders like 123 grams or 130 grams are possible upon request.

• Can you sublimate on 100% cotton?

No, sublimation works best on fabrics with high polyester content. A-SUB paper can manage with materials containing at least 30% polyester.

• Why does my sublimation print fade after washing?

Low-quality transfer paper can cause the ink to melt and wash out at high temperatures, leading to fading prints.

Conclusion

Using the right sublimation paper weight tailored to your project needs is crucial for achieving exceptional print quality.

For premium sublimation paper, A-SUB offers industry-leading products with advanced technology and numerous benefits.

Expert reviews and enthusiastic customer feedback underscore A-SUB's reputation for delivering high-quality sublimation paper.

Why wait? Create stunning prints with A-SUB sublim