Sublimation paper is a specially coated transfer paper that holds dye sublimation ink on its surface and releases it under heat and pressure to permanently bond designs onto polyester fabrics and polymer-coated blanks. At temperatures between 350 and 400 degrees F, the ink converts to gas and infuses into the material, creating a print that does not crack, peel, or fade. It requires a sublimation printer with sublimation ink and a heat press.
Sublimation paper is the carrier sheet that makes sublimation printing possible. Without the right paper, the ink does not transfer correctly, the colours are off, or the print fades after a few washes. This guide covers what sublimation paper is, how it works, what GSM to choose, what temperature and time to use, the different types available, what projects to make, and how to choose the right paper for your next project.
[IMAGE: TeckWrap Craft sublimation paper showing white print side and light pink non-print side] Alt text: "sublimation paper showing white coated print side and light pink non-print side with TeckWrap Craft branding"
Sublimation paper is a coated transfer paper designed to hold dye sublimation ink on its surface without absorbing it too deeply. When you place a printed sheet of sublimation paper onto a compatible substrate and apply heat and pressure using a heat press, the ink on the paper converts from a solid into a gas. The gas passes into the fibers or polymer coating of the substrate and bonds permanently with the material. When the heat is removed and the substrate cools, the ink becomes solid again as part of the material itself.
The result is a print that sits inside the fabric or surface rather than on top of it. It will not crack, peel, or lift the way iron-on transfers or screen printing can. This is why sublimation prints last the full life of the garment or blank on 100% polyester.
TeckWrap Craft sublimation paper comes in 100-sheet packs in 100g and 120g weight and is sized 8.3 x 11.7 inches. The printable side is white. The non-printable side is light pink, which helps you identify the correct printing orientation.
How Does the Sublimation Process Work?
The sublimation process uses heat to convert solid dye into gas. Here is what happens step by step during a standard sublimation press on a polyester shirt.
The design is printed. A design is printed onto sublimation paper using a sublimation printer loaded with sublimation ink. The image prints onto the white coated side. The ink sits on the coating and dries quickly.
The paper is placed on the substrate. The printed sublimation paper is positioned face-down on the polyester garment or sublimation blank. The printed side faces the material. Sublimation tape secures the paper in place to prevent movement during pressing.
Heat and pressure are applied. A heat press closes over the substrate. At temperatures between 350 and 400 degrees F, the sublimation ink converts from solid to gas. At the same time, the polyester fibers in the fabric open up under heat and allow the gas to enter.
The ink bonds with the material. The gaseous dye infuses into the polyester fibers or polymer coating and bonds at a molecular level. Once the heat press is removed and the substrate cools, the fibers close and the ink solidifies as part of the material.
The paper is peeled. After cooling, the sublimation paper is peeled away. The design is now a permanent part of the fabric or surface. On TeckWrap Craft sublimation paper, peeling can be done warm or cool.
Important: Fabric and Colour Requirements
Sublimation only works on white or light-coloured polyester fabric and polymer-coated sublimation blanks. The sublimation dye is transparent. On dark fabrics or cotton, the dye cannot bond correctly. For dark or cotton items, use white heat transfer vinyl as a base layer first, then sublimate over the HTV.
Mirror the Image Before Printing
Always mirror the image before printing. Sublimation paper is placed face-down on the substrate during pressing. If the image is not mirrored before printing, the design will transfer backwards. Mirror the image in your design software or printer settings before every print.
How Do You Print on Sublimation Paper?
Printing on sublimation paper requires a printer loaded with sublimation ink. Standard inkjet ink and standard printer paper cannot be substituted for each other in sublimation. Sublimation ink will not work on regular paper and regular ink will not produce a sublimation transfer even on the correct sublimation paper.
To print on sublimation paper: load the paper into the printer with the white coated side facing in the direction the printer feeds ink. Set the printer to the highest quality print setting available. Mirror the image before sending to print. Once printed, let the ink dry for 2 to 3 minutes before handling the sheet to prevent smudging.
Common inkjet printers used for sublimation include Epson EcoTank and Sawgrass models. Brother printers are also commonly used. A dedicated sublimation printer is recommended over converting an inkjet printer as the results are more consistent.
What GSM Sublimation Paper Do You Need?
GSM stands for grams per square metre and refers to the weight and thickness of the paper. Heavier paper holds more ink and gives more saturated results. Lighter paper releases ink faster and works better on hard substrates.
GSM Range
Best For
Notes
50 to 90 gsm
Hard substrates: ceramics, tiles, phone cases, mugs
Lighter paper releases ink faster, which suits hard non-porous surfaces that absorb dye differently than fabric.
The standard range for fabric sublimation. TeckWrap Craft sublimation paper is available in 100g and 120g in this range.
120 to 150 gsm
All-purpose use, complex photographic designs
Heavier paper holds more ink and gives richer colour saturation. Good for detailed photographic prints.
TeckWrap Craft sublimation paper has a transfer rate of 98% or more, fast drying speed, and ink-saving performance. It does not fade, smudge, or crack during or after the transfer.
Sublimation Temperature & Time by Substrate
Using the correct temperature, time, and pressure for each substrate is essential. Too low and the ink does not transfer fully. Too high and the substrate can scorch or the colours can become washed out.
Substrate
Temperature
Time
Notes
Polyester t-shirts
385 to 400°F (195 to 205°C)
35 to 45 sec
Firm pressure. Pre-press for 5 to 10 seconds first.
Mugs and ceramic
160 to 170°C (320 to 338°F)
150 to 210 sec
Use a mug press or wrap press for even coverage.
Hard substrates (tiles, plates)
190 to 200°C (374 to 392°F)
60 to 90 sec
Firm pressure. Use a flat heat press.
Poly-coated tumblers
190°C (374°F)
80 to 90 sec
Use a tumbler heat press or wrap with silicone.
Always pre-press polyester fabric for 5 to 10 seconds before sublimation to remove moisture and creases. Moisture in the fabric causes ghosting and patchy ink transfer. Pre-pressing is one of the most commonly skipped steps and one of the biggest causes of poor results.
Types of Sublimation Paper
Sublimation paper comes in several types, each suited to different applications. Choosing the right type affects transfer quality and ease of use.
Standard sublimation paper. The most commonly used type for fabric and general sublimation blanks. Available in 100g to 120g weights. Works well on polyester shirts, sportswear, and most sublimation-coated products. TeckWrap Craft sublimation paper falls in this category.
Fast-dry sublimation paper. Designed for high-speed printing environments. The coating dries the ink very quickly to prevent smearing during multi-sheet printing runs. Useful for commercial or high-volume production.
Tacky sublimation paper. Has a slightly adhesive surface that sticks lightly to the substrate during pressing without sublimation tape. Reduces ghosting on stretchy or textured fabrics where the paper might shift during pressing.
Heavyweight sublimation paper (125g and above). Holds the most ink per sheet and gives the richest colour saturation. Best for complex photographic designs or detailed artwork where maximum colour depth is required.
What Projects Can You Make with Sublimation Paper?
Sublimation paper can be used on any polyester or polymer-coated sublimation blank.
Polyester garments. T-shirts, hoodies, sportswear, jerseys, yoga pants, and any garment made of polyester or with a polyester content of 65% or more. Sublimation on 100% polyester gives the most durable and colour-accurate result.
Drinkware. Sublimation mugs, tumblers, water bottles, and sippy cups with a polymer coating. Standard mugs from a craft store will not sublimate correctly as they do not have the required coating.
Hard substrates. Ceramic tiles, photo panels, phone cases, keychains, ornaments, mousepads, and cutting boards with a sublimation-compatible polymer coating.
Soft home decor. Cushion covers, blankets, tea towels, and other soft items made of polyester. Sublimation gives crisp photographic quality on these items.
Printable fabric panels. Sublimation fabric sheets or panels that can be sewn into finished products such as bags, pillows, and apparel.
For dark or cotton items: direct sublimation will not work on 100% cotton or dark-coloured shirts. Apply white heat transfer vinyl or sublimation HTV as a base layer first, then sublimate over the vinyl. The dye bonds with the polyester coating on the HTV.
What Do You Need for Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printer. A printer loaded with sublimation ink from the start. Epson EcoTank and Sawgrass models are the most commonly used. Sublimation ink must be in the printer from the first use since residual standard ink contaminates sublimation ink.
Sublimation ink. Dye sublimation ink is the only ink type that produces a sublimation transfer. Standard inkjet ink, pigment ink, or laser toner will not work on sublimation paper even if the paper is correct.
Sublimation paper. TeckWrap Craft sublimation paper is available in 100g and 120g, 8.3 x 11.7 inches, in 100-sheet packs. Always print on the white coated side.
Heat press. A flat heat press is the most versatile starting point for fabric sublimation. A mug press, hat press, or tumbler press is needed for shaped blanks. A household iron does not generate enough consistent heat or pressure for reliable sublimation results.
Sublimation tape. Holds the printed sublimation paper in place during pressing. Any movement causes ghosting, where a shadow or double image appears around the design edges.
Butcher paper or parchment paper. Place above and below the substrate to protect the heat press plate and prevent ink from transferring outside the design area.
Teflon sheet or silicone pad. Protects the heat press platen and helps distribute heat evenly across the design during pressing.
How to Sublimate on Merchandise
The process is consistent whether pressing on fabric or a sublimation blank.
1 Print the Design
Open the design in your software, mirror the image, and print it on the white side of the sublimation paper at the highest quality setting. Let the ink dry for 2 to 3 minutes. Do not touch the printed surface as fingerprints leave marks that transfer onto the substrate.
Tip: Mirror the image before printing. The sublimation paper is placed face-down, so without mirroring the design will appear backwards on the finished product.
2 Pre-press the Substrate
Place the garment or blank on the heat press. Pre-press for 5 to 10 seconds to remove any moisture and creases from the surface. Moisture causes ghosting and uneven colour transfer. Let the substrate cool slightly before placing the design.
3 Position and Secure the Design
Place the printed sublimation paper face-down on the substrate with the printed side facing the material. Check that the design is positioned correctly. Secure all edges with sublimation tape to prevent movement. Place butcher paper above and below the substrate.
4 Press with Correct Settings
Close the heat press and press at the correct temperature and time for the substrate using the table above. Apply firm, even pressure. Do not open the press during the pressing time.
Tip: Use the correct heat press for the substrate shape. A flat press works for shirts and flat blanks. Mugs, tumblers, and hats each require a different press attachment for even contact across the whole surface.
5 Peel the Paper
Open the heat press, remove the butcher paper, and peel the sublimation paper away from the substrate. On TeckWrap Craft sublimation paper, peeling can be done warm or cool. Peel slowly from one corner. The design is now permanently bonded to the substrate.
Which Side Do You Print On Sublimation Paper?
Always print on the white side of the sublimation paper. The white side has the coating that holds the sublimation ink on the surface and releases it correctly during pressing. On TeckWrap Craft sublimation paper, the white side is the print side. The non-print side is light pink.
When pressing, the printed white side faces down against the substrate. This is why mirroring the image is necessary. If you accidentally print on the pink side, the ink will not hold correctly and the transfer will be incomplete.
Can You Use Regular Ink on Sublimation Paper?
No. Regular inkjet ink does not sublimate. When standard ink is heated, it does not convert to gas and bond with polyester fibers the way sublimation ink does. The design may partially transfer but will look faded and will not last through washing.
Standard ink is water-based or pigment-based. Sublimation ink is dye-based with a specific chemical composition that changes state under heat. The two are completely different products and cannot be swapped. Similarly, sublimation ink printed on regular printer paper will also fail because regular paper absorbs the ink too deeply for it to release cleanly under heat.
Does Sublimation Ink Transfer onto Dark-Coloured Shirts?
No, not directly. Sublimation dye is transparent. On a dark shirt, the dye is invisible against the dark fabric colour because there is nothing light for it to show on. Pressing sublimation paper directly onto a dark shirt will produce a very faint or invisible result.
The workaround is to apply white heat transfer vinyl or sublimation HTV to the dark shirt first as a base layer. The sublimation design is then pressed over the white HTV. The dye bonds with the polyester coating on the HTV and shows clearly on the white surface.
On TeckWrap Craft sublimation paper, white ink does not print in sublimation printing. White ink remains transparent in the final transfer.
What to Look for in a Sublimation Paper?
These four properties separate a high-quality sublimation paper from a poor one.
High transfer rate. A good sublimation paper transfers close to 100% of the ink from the sheet to the substrate. TeckWrap Craft sublimation paper has a transfer rate of 98% or more. A low transfer rate leaves ink residue on the paper and produces dull results.
Fast drying speed. The paper should dry quickly after printing to prevent ink from smearing before it reaches the heat press. Fast drying also reduces waiting time between printing and pressing.
Ink-saving performance. A well-coated sublimation paper uses less ink to achieve the same colour intensity. This lowers the cost per print over time and reduces ink waste.
At least 100 gsm for fabric projects. For polyester garment sublimation, use paper weighing at least 100 gsm. Lighter paper may not hold enough ink to achieve fully saturated results on fabric.
Which Printers Work with Sublimation Paper?
Only inkjet printers compatible with sublimation ink can be used. The most commonly used models are Epson EcoTank printers (ET-2720 and ET-2803), which have large refillable ink tanks that work well with third-party sublimation inks. Sawgrass printers (SG500 and SG1000) are dedicated sublimation printers used by many professionals.
Brother inkjet printers are also compatible with sublimation ink. Laser printers and thermal inkjet printers cannot be used because the heat damages the sublimation ink cartridges before they reach the substrate.
How to Care for Sublimated Garments
Sublimation prints are significantly more durable than iron-on transfers, but correct washing extends the life of the print and the garment.
Wash in cold water. Hot water weakens the polyester fibers over time and can affect the sublimation dye.
Turn the garment inside out. Reduces friction on the print surface during washing.
Use a mild detergent. Avoid bleach. Bleach breaks down polyester and can affect sublimation dye colours.
Use the gentle cycle. Reduces mechanical stress on the garment and the print.
Air dry or use low dryer heat. High heat in a dryer over many cycles can cause sublimation dye to migrate slightly. Air drying is the safest option for long-term print quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sublimation paper is a specially coated transfer paper that holds dye sublimation ink on its surface and releases it under heat and pressure to permanently bond designs onto polyester fabrics and polymer-coated blanks. The ink converts from solid to gas under heat and infuses into the material, creating a print that does not crack, peel, or fade.
No. Sublimation paper is a single-use product. Once the ink has been transferred to the substrate during pressing, the paper is spent. Attempting to reuse it will produce a faded ghost image rather than a full transfer.
Sublimation paper kept in a sealed package in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight can last 1 to 2 years. Once opened, keep it in a resealable bag or its original packaging. Moisture and UV exposure degrade the coating and reduce transfer quality.
No. Sublimation dye is transparent and does not show on dark fabric. For dark shirts, apply white heat transfer vinyl or sublimation HTV as a base layer first, then press the sublimation design over the white HTV surface. The dye bonds with the polyester coating on the HTV.
Sublimation paper uses dye-based sublimation ink that converts to gas under heat and bonds permanently with polyester fibers. Heat transfer paper uses a different coating that transfers a physical layer of printed material onto the fabric. Sublimation paper only works on polyester and polyester-coated substrates. Heat transfer paper can work on cotton and dark fabrics.
Yes. Sublimation printing requires an inkjet printer loaded with sublimation ink. Regular inkjet ink does not sublimate. Epson EcoTank, Sawgrass, and Brother inkjet printers are commonly used. Laser printers cannot be used for sublimation.
Always print on the white coated side. The white side holds the sublimation ink on its surface and releases it correctly during pressing. On TeckWrap Craft sublimation paper, the white side is the print side. The light pink side is the non-print side.
Not directly. Sublimation dye does not bond with cotton fibers. For cotton garments, you have two options: apply a sublimation coating spray to the cotton surface before pressing, or use white heat transfer vinyl as a base layer and sublimate over the HTV. Both are indirect methods and less durable than direct sublimation on polyester.
Wrapping Up
Sublimation paper is the key component in the sublimation printing process. Choose the right GSM for your substrate, print on the white side, mirror the image before printing, pre-press the substrate to remove moisture, and press at the correct temperature and time. TeckWrap Craft sublimation paper is available in 100g and 120g with a 98% transfer rate and fast drying for consistent, sharp results.
This is quite possibly the best vinyl I’ve ever used for my products, and I’ve tried several!
Super happy with the vinyl and I will always keep coming back for more!! Thank you Teckwrap
