Thermal transfer paper and sublimation paper are very different and they have many differences in the way they are used, their cost, and their effectiveness. If you want to use thermal transfer paper and sublimation paper for your business, it is important to understand their differences. Today I will take you through the differences between thermal transfer paper and sublimation paper.
The difference between thermal transfer paper and sublimation paper
Heat sublimation paper is also called coated paper, suitable for printing light-colored non-cotton fabrics, the pattern is not handy, bright and breathable
Heat transfer paper is also called T-shirt paper, divided into dark and light, dark T-shirt paper is suitable for printing dark cotton T-shirts, such as black, light T-shirt paper is suitable for printing light cotton T-shirts, such as white, beige, light blue, etc. T-shirt paper printed out of the pattern has a sense of rubber, not breathable.
Both are both with heat transfer ink, the difference is that the heat sublimation paper belongs to the coating paper, is the ink through high temperature sublimation to the items above, heat transfer paper is the ink through high temperature permeation gel layer, gel layer through high temperature permeation to the fabric inside. So heat sublimation paper no feel, breathable; heat transfer paper has a hard feel of rubber, not breathable.
Heat sublimation and thermal transfer process differences
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Heat sublimation process
Heat sublimation process, the use of Sublimationpaper, mainly ink (Dye dye), it must contain pump phenol fiber Polyester. heat sublimation transfer is the use of inkjet printers equipped with heat sublimation transfer ink in the form of mirror printing on the inkjet paper for heat sublimation transfer, and then heated to about 200 ℃ by heat transfer equipment, so that the heat transfer on the heat sublimation paper Ink sublimation infiltration into the substrate, so that the color image on the paper transfer to the porcelain cup, porcelain plate, porcelain plate, metal and other materials of a new process.
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Heat transfer process
Heat transfer paper, which is hot branding adhesive, as long as the use of water-based ink. Heat transfer paper is suitable for all high temperature resistant textiles, various colors of clothes, bags, mouse pads and other decorative items. It is colorful and washable.
The difference between thermal transfer paper and sublimation paper
Heat transfer paper and sublimation paper there is actually a fundamental difference between the two of them, both are the same printing process, but heat transfer printing comes out with a raised feeling, while heat sublimation gives a very smooth feeling. Heat transfer is the transfer of patterns and patterns, that is, heat transfer is the use of heat pressure to transfer the patterns and patterns on the heat transfer film directly to the printed object printing process, while heat sublimation is the pattern or pattern penetration, that is, the use of the principle of thermal sublimation, the pattern or pattern on the heat sublimation paper directly penetrate the printed object processing printing. This is the difference between the two different qualities.
Heat transfer paper and sublimation paper application differences
Heat transfer paper and sublimation paper they are applied in different ways, heat transfer is mainly used in stationery, clothing, leather, etc.. And heat sublimation is mainly applied to webbing, handbags, cloth pads, bags, advertising posters, packaging supplies, etc.
The characteristics between them are actually different. Heat sublimation is the direct penetration of the pattern to the surface of the printed material. The original texture of the surface of the printed object is not changed, the color is very bright, it does not lose color, and the adhesion is extremely good.
Compared with heat sublimation, heat transfer is the kind of high production efficiency, can print many complex colors at once, high saturation, beautiful and realistic patterns, and has a high gloss, durable and wear-resistant, and good pattern adhesion.
The difference between thermal transfer and thermal sublimation
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The transfer process of thermal transfer paper
Heat transfer is the process of printing on special transfer paper and transferring it to the shirt using a heat press or a household iron. Heat transfer is a process similar to direct to garment or screen printing but does not come with the same high cost or messy setup. Just like the old irons you can buy at craft stores or Walmart, these transfers are kind of like stickers, which means the image will sit on top of the shirt and have a different texture than the surrounding material. Unlike those old irons, these are professional quality transfers. The color, feel and durability far surpass the old logo on the old shirt. Depending on the type of transfer you choose, you can customize the softness, vibrancy, gloss and thickness of the background. Although heat transfer does not require a heat press, the use of a heat press is highly recommended.
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Sublimation process for thermal sublimation paper
Sublimation is relatively complex. The sublimation ink turns into a gas when heated and actually embeds itself into anything with a polyester coating. This creates a cleaner, more professional look. There is no difference in feel between the image and the shirt. The downside to sublimation is that it must be used with 100% polyester garments. This may limit you to making t-shirts, but it opens up a whole new world of sublimation blanks - from coasters to jewelry, mugs, puzzles and more. Remember, heat sublimation paper requires a heat press for sublimation.
Cost differences between heat transfer and sublimation paper
Thermal transfer printing tends to have lower start-up costs because it requires only a simple inkjet or laser printer and thermal transfer paper. Using thermal sublimation paper requires a dedicated printer, professional thermal sublimation ink, and thermal sublimation compatible blanks.
How to choose between sublimation paper or thermal transfer paper
If you want to focus your business on T-shirts or apparel, I recommend you stick with heat transfer. If you want to work with other objects, such as tiles, mugs, clocks and prizes, sublimation would be your best bet. Both of these processes are great ways to transfer your images to products to sell, give as gifts or keep for yourself.
This is what we have to tell you about the difference between heat transfer paper and sublimation paper. We hope you find it helpful.
Where can I buy thermal thermal transfer paper and sublimation paper in bulk?
Wellye is a top manufacturer of thermal thermal transfer paper and sublimation paper in China, providing high level sublimation paper, thermal transfer paper, protective paper and Dye sublimation ink to customers all over the world for decades, aiming to provide the best sublimation transfer experience worldwide. Feel free to contact us and visit our sublimation transfer paper website.
