Best Sublimation Paper For Dark Shirts

 Posted By TeckWrap Craft On February 11, 2024

For any sublimation process to be successful in the long run, it is important to invest in premium products. With so many brands available on the market, selection can be quite tedious. We have made the task easier as far as the special sheets are concerned that are the backbone of the entire procedure. TeckWrap Craft offers the best sublimation paper for dark shirts. However, to make the most of this high-quality sublimation sheet on dark-colored garments, you will have to adjust the method to get excellent results. Let’s discuss everything about the first-rate sublimation paper and how to use it on dark shirts.

Types Of Sublimation Transfer Paper

There are many types of sublimation papers. Some manufacturers categorize them by size or weight or the type of sublimation paper. 

Inkjet Sublimation Paper

This is the most popular transfer paper for sublimation. The other name for this paper is A-Sub and it is compatible with an inkjet sublimation printer. Usually, Brother and Epson printers are the most popular brand for sublimation.

Quick-Drying Sublimation Paper

Most sublimation papers are quick drying but it’s best to choose the paper with the highest drying rate. A-Sub sublimation paper is known for its quick dry period.

Sublimation Paper By Weight

A sublimation paper ranges from 50gsm to 150gsm. Thicker paper yields better results because of its ability to hold more ink. More ink means more vibrant colors you can heat press onto your t-shirts.

The optimum gsm is around 120gsm. However, different fabrics or materials require the appropriate gsm. For example, a 50gsm works best on a hard surface such as ceramics. In some cases, lower gsm is required for high-speed, industrial printers.

How To Choose The Best Sublimation Papers For Dark Shirts

A sublimation print is one of the coolest ways to customize dark shirts. You need a compatible inkjet printer, sublimation dyes, and correct sublimation paper. There are some things to consider to buy the best sublimation paper for your next project.

Size

The common paper sizes are letter, legal, and A4. They are great for transferring designs onto t-shirts. Some come in rolls for larger designs.

For more challenging items such as mugs and plates, you will need special-sized papers, like 4x9 mug sheets. Unfortunately, not all brands have these sizes available.

Inks

Whether you're using an inkjet printer or a dedicated sublimation printer, each type uses specific inks to make the colors pop on your finished product.

Water-based inks are best suited to inkjet printers, while gel-based inks are compatible with sublimation printers. Additionally, there are specific papers that work better with either type of ink, giving users even more freedom and control over their projects.

Design

If you want great design, then weigh your paper choice against your artwork and graphics needs. The more color depth in your design, the sturdier paper you should select.

However, if there’s plenty of white space involved, sublimation papers can work fine. Ultimately, the right combination of paper and design will turn your project into admirable artwork.

Transfer Rate

The transfer rate is one of the most important numbers you’ll need to know when buying sublimation paper. It determines the efficiency and accuracy of transferring the dye onto your dark or light fabric.

A higher transfer rate is less likely to cause inconsistencies in color or imperfections in design. For optimal results, a transfer rate of 95% should be your default number.

Drying Time

Anyone who's ever done a little DIY knows the importance of quick-drying materials. After all, it’s quite frustrating when you have to stop your project and wait for it to try. Of course, you can use additional tools to hasten the drying time, but the added time might be counterproductive.

With “quick-drying” papers, you can transfer your design seamlessly onto the substrate and get professional quality results in record time. So don't let the slow drying time stifle your creativity. Opt for the genius invention known as quick-drying.

Weight

Finding the perfect weight can make a difference between an artistic statement and a faded impression. If you want to print bold, vibrant colors onto fabric, then heavier paper with a higher-weight gsm is the best. With this, your print has a thicker foundation that holds up to deep saturation better.

But if you value frugality over artistry and don't mind slightly less crisp prints, then go with the lighter paper. You can still save money without compromising too much on quality. When shopping for the perfect weight in sublimation paper, the best range is 105-130gsm.

Coating

Choosing the right type of coating for your project is like finding the perfect puzzle piece. Clay-coated paper may not be quite as flashy as its resin-coated counterpart. This more affordable option holds up fantastically when transferring inks onto hard substrates such as ceramic and porcelain.

The superior stickiness of the resin-coated paper makes it an optimum choice for transferring dyes onto textiles. Having these two types of coating at your disposal gives you every opportunity to create something truly unique and spectacular.

To wrap up this section: sublimation heat transfer paper must have some special traits to be effective. First, it needs to hold the printed design without bleeding.

Second, the paper can handle extreme heat in the process of transferring designs. At the right amount of heat, these papers activate and release their contents accurately, leaving behind a flawless masterpiece.

How To Get The Best Results With Your Sublimated Dark Shirt?

Dark shirts are not ideal for sublimation printing. But with a few techniques or by using the best sublimation paper for dark shirts, you can make colors vibrant and dynamic. To get the best results possible when using dark shirts for sublimation printing, there are a few simple tips to follow:

• Pre-treat your fabric before you start printing. This ensures that the colors stay true throughout the printing process and prevents fading.
• Use a high-quality sublimation transfer paper. This will ensure that the colors are sharp and vibrant.
• Make sure your design is reversed before you print it onto the fabric. This ensures that the image will be printed correctly on the shirt.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting the temperatures when pressing your image onto the fabric. This will ensure that your printed image looks its best.
• Use an HTV as your white base. To add some creative flair, try using white glitter HTV for darker fabrics and create a vibrant contrast.
• Wait twenty-four hours or more to cure the sublimated shirt for a longer shelf life of the printed design.

How To Choose The Best Printer For Sublimation Paper?

When it comes to choosing the best printer for printing on sublimation paper, there are several factors to consider.

• Compatibility: First and foremost, you'll want to make sure the printer is compatible with your device. If you're using a PC or Mac, then you'll need to make sure the printer has drivers that will work with your operating system.
• Print Quality: Once you've confirmed that the printer is compatible with your device, you'll want to look at the print quality. Many printers nowadays come with high-quality printing capabilities.
  
  If you're looking for the best possible print quality, then you'll want to invest in a printer that uses sublimation inks. These inks are more resistant to fading and will produce richer, more vibrant colors.
• Price: Finally, you'll want to consider the price of the printer. While you can find some great deals on sublimation printers, you'll still want to make sure you're getting good value for your money.
  
  To do this, compare the features and costs of different models before you make your purchase. This way, you know you're getting the best printer for sublimation paper at a price that fits within your budget.
  
  With a little research and careful consideration, you can have the perfect printer for all your sublimation printing needs.

Heat Press vs Domestic Iron For Sublimation Printing

A home iron will not be effective for sublimation printing processes. A sublimation needs around 400 degrees Fahrenheit to transfer the ink completely to your choice of fabric.

Plus, you’ll need heavy pressure when doing such transfers, which an ordinary iron can’t achieve. You’ll also need a consistent temperature which you can’t achieve with an iron.

So, we recommend that you invest in a heat press for your sublimation projects. A mini heat press can handle simple sublimation projects since its highest setting can reach up to the minimum required.

So, which Is better: Dark Or Light Transfer Paper?

To answer this question, it is best to answer this question by knowing the difference between the two papers. Usually, iron on heat transfer paper has this classification. But in sublimation, you only have light transfer paper, which has a transparent background.

With the purpose of discussion, let’s differentiate between light and dark iron-on transfer paper. In white or light-colored t-shirts, you can use both dark and light transfer paper. But, with dark shirts, you can only use dark transfer paper because of the white backing.

Printing in light transfer paper requires reversing the image. On the other hand, dark transfer paper doesn’t need reversal during printing.

So, both are great but choose the right high quality paper based on the color of your fabrics or material.

Tips For Handling Sublimation Paper

Use the right protective paper intended for sublimation. Unfortunately, parchment paper is not suitable for this project. You either use blowout paper or butcher paper. If you don’t have any of these handy, you can use copy paper to protect your design during the process of printing.

Humidity can be your enemy. Excessive moisture in the air and on the paper can cause damage to your project. It can result in image bleeding, uneven transfers, and color shifting.

Also, you may find that the transfer doesn't lay flat. Worse, it curls and peels at the edges. To make sure your project turns out looking its best, take extra care to keep the humidity in check when working with heat transfer paper. It just might be the difference between a stunning creation and one that's better off forgotten!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to use sublimation paper on dark t-shirts?