If you are just starting to build up the materials needed for sublimation printing, I would advise you to prioritize getting the best sublimation paper. An essential part of the process is printing on adequate paper, as it will release your sublimation ink onto your chosen substrate. Every set we recommend in this guide works wonders across different substrates, the choice should just come down to your overall preference on thickness and budget.
For beginners, you are better off buying something affordable that comes from a recommended brand rather than worrying about the nuances – testing things out and making adjustments is all part of the sublimation journey.
The A-SUB 125 GSM is the ideal paper to use in an Epson EcoTank or Dye-Sub printer. It absorbs the colors very well and has a high transfer rate onto a wide variety of blanks like t-shirts, mugs, tumblers, wood, etc.
Even though everyone likes a good mystery, it is better to be upfront while listing sublimation papers. Therefore, we shall start with a quick list and what each paper type is best for:
- A-SUB sublimation paper: Great for Epson printers and Best Overall
- HTVRONT sublimation paper: Superior in terms of printer compatibility
- Hiipoo Sublimation paper: Ideal for fabric
- Printers Jack sublimation paper: Ideal for a wide range of substrates
Best Sublimation Paper: A-SUB
- No fracturing, Fast dry
- Transfer rate≥98%
- Apply for white or light colored high quality polyester, material with cotton content≤30%, premium ceramic&tile, phone case&metal plate, tumblers, mugs(must be coated)
- Sheet Size: 8.5″ X 11″, 110 sheets/pack, suitable for DIY your holiday gift
- Only work with sublimation ink, regular ink doesn’t work. Only compatible with sublimation printer
Starting from a competitive price point for the smallish 4” x 9.5” sheets, A-SUB’s line of sheets is highly competitive and – in my mind – the best sublimation paper set on the market today. With compatibility ranging from top-of-the-line sublimation printers through to Epson’s range of convertible printers, this paper is ideal for any situation.
As for the substrate, this paper works really well with blended fabrics, polyester, and polyamide. While the company urges you to try the same on hard substrate, I would recommend sticking to the fabrics for now, especially if you are a newbie. The ink-based compatibility is also extensive, with SawGrass Sublijet UHD, Hiipoo, and Cosmos ink variants working seamlessly with the same.
You can choose from an extensive array of sizes such as 8.5” x 11”, 8.5” x 14”, and 13” x 19”. Plus, there is an option to opt for the number of sheets you want to get for each size, with the stacks ranging between 110 to even 150 sheets per the preferred size. This makes your life easier in case you always follow highly specified printing instructions with a focus on size.
You can pick anything between 75 GSM to 140 GSM, depending on the substrate you are looking at. However, these paper sheets have a standard drying time of 60 to 120 seconds, which you must keep in mind for perfect design infusion.
Do note that 75 GSM paper is the lightest and precisely meant for fabrics and faded images. You can use 90-100 GSM sheets for glass, metal, and even ceramic substrates.
All this makes for a fantastic set of sublimation paper options. And whilst your choices to get more expensive at the higher end, A-SUB remains the best sublimation paper manufacturer on the market
Best Sublimation Paper for Vivid Colors: HTVRONT
- Higher Transfer Rate : HTVRONT sublimation paper 8.5×11 offers an over 98% transfer rate efficiency. And you don’t need to worry about your sublimation ink smearing or smudging. The thicker coating of sublimation paper keeps inks from bleeding through, and more ink will make its way to your substrate
- Quick Drying : Your printed image is almost dry by the time it prints, saving time and allowing you to go right to sublimation transfer. What’s more, HTVRONT sublimation transfer paper can save your ink costs compared to other papers. With less ink used, you’ll be finishing more projects
- No Paper Jam : Our sublimation paper is thicker and sturdier, which makes it easier to use during sublimation printing as it prevents creasing and also withstands stress. Meanwhile each sheet is packaged well without edge curl, never causing any jamming in your printer. As an added feature, this sublimation sheet comes with a logo pattern on the back, making it a snap to determine the printing side
- Wide Compatibility : Our 8.5×11 sublimation paper is compatible with inkjet printer such as Epson, HP, Canon, Ricoh, Sawgrass, etc. With HTVRONT sublimation ink and inkjet sublimation paper, you can easily do sublimation on light colored polyester fabrics(T-shirt, pillow, bag etc), coated items(coaster, mug, phone case, puzzle, metal plate, key chain) and material with cotton content≤30%
- Professional Quality : We specialize in craft materials and tools and have confidence with our products. Our sublimation paper will ensure that your design can withstand multiple washes without fading. Please store the sublimation paper in a cool, dry area to avoid direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. The remaining must be put back into the box
For highly detailed and vivid colors that transfer directly to your choice of t-shirt or other substrate, consider HTVRONT’s range of sublimation paper. Also known for their ink ranges, this brand delivers great quality with tremendous value for money.
You can own any inkjet printer, and this sublimation paper will work like a charm. I tested it with one of my all-time favorites — the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 — and everything, right from the print quality to the transfer rate, was impeccable. Do note that the HTVRONT sublimation paper works equally well with printers from HP, Canon, Epson, and more.
Naturally, you can expect the best results with the HTVRONT sublimation ink, especially if you plan on working with light-colored fabrics, including bags, t-shirts, and pillows. If you have any substrate where the cotton content is less than 30%, this paper type is the one to go with. Plus, the uniform 125 GSM basis weight makes the sheets act like heavy paper, making it highly useful for sublimation blanks other than fabric.
One issue I did encounter was that the heavier paper did cause jams more frequently, which was frustrating to encounter. They’re still rare, but it was noticeable. I still recommend the HTVRONT sublimation paper, for tremendously vivid colors at a great price per page!
Best Sublimation Paper for Polyester: Hiipoo
- INSTANT DRY & HIGH TRANSFER RATE: Hiipoo sublimation paper 8.5×14 comes out of the printer completely dry, you don’t have to wait for the paper to dry. Over 98% Ultra High transfer rate, maintaining true color and precision plus greater ink saving.
- NO GEAR PRINTS & SMOOTH PRINTING: 120G Hiipoo sublimation paper gives good elasticity. The thicker design ensures that the paper will not roll and maintain a good flatness, bringing you a pleasant printing experience.【Note: The white side is the printing side, the pink side is the back side】
- EASY TO USE: [1] Print the image using an inkjet printer with sublimation ink, and check the “Mirro Image” setting. [2] Adjust the recommended heat press setting, put the sublimation blanks on the heat press machine. [3] After heating is finished, peel the transfer paper. The transfer has been done! In just a few minutes you can realize an idea of your own.
- WIDE APPLICABILITY & UNIQUE GIFT: With Hiipoo sublimation paper you can transfer text, images onto light-colored fabrics with ≤ 30% cotton or polyester, mugs, tumblers, phone case, puzzle, mouse pad, ceramic plate, bag, cup, etc. Make unique DIY gifts to your friends or family on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Birthday, Thanksgiving, Easter, Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Wedding Day.
- PACKAGE CONTENTS & WARM TIPS: The package contains 110 sheets of Hiipoo 120g sublimation paper 8.5×14, with instructions for use on the back of the package. Use this paper with sublimation ink and sublimation blanks only. Works well with E, Sawgrass, Ricoh, and other sublimation printers, excellent for use with hiipoo sublimation ink.
I always recommend Hiipoo sublimation ink to people just starting out in sublimation, as I find it’s the best sublimation ink on the market. Whilst I don’t rate their range of sublimation paper quite so highly, it’s still ideal for common substrates such as polyester.
The variant that I choose comes with 110 sheets, each of 120GSM. Each sheet was 8.5” x 11”, making it useful for mugs and medium-sized t-shirts. As it is a 120 GSM paper type, the pressure and temperature requirement would be on the higher side. This would ensure that the ink transfer is optimal. The transfer efficiency of Hiipoo’s sublimation paper is close to 98%. This ensures that almost every bit of the ink gets infused with the substrate. The ink dries almost immediately after it gets out of the printer.
Even though the tackiness was more than adequate for me, you might even want to try those heat-resistant tapes to keep the paper aligned with the substrate. I have had the paper go through some significant curling in the past. Still, for getting started in sublimation printing with reliable sublimation paper, you could do a lot worse – just be sure to have some tape on hand…
Best Budget Sublimation Paper: Printers Jack
- UPGRADED QUALITY: Printers Jack sublimation paper 8.5″ x 11″ -inch sheet size has been upgraded, can be stored for a long time without bending or jamming. Make sure you have the following things, sublimation ink (NO regular ink), inkjet printer, heat press machine ( NO iron ), colored or white polyester fabrics and polyester coated items ( material with cotton content≤30%).
- COMPATIBLE: Our sublimation printer paper compatible with all inkjet printer with sublimation ink,Epson, HP, Canon, Ricoh, Sawgrass, etc.
- HIGH QUALITY: Over 98% transfer rate, NO fracturing, NO fade, fast dry. The finished products are beautifully decorated with bright, vivid colors. Reduce production cost by less ink consumption, save you tons of money!
- EASY TO USE: The inkjet sublimation paper is easy to use, easy to apply any design from your computer to printer to fabric, please read instruction carefully before use.
- UNIQUE GIFT: Our sublimation transfer paper can be used for T-shirts, ceramic mugs, pillow cases, phone cases, canvas bag, mouse pads, you are able to create personalized and specialized to give as a gift designed and created on your own, it’s also a good way to increase your sublimation business.
With a 98% transfer rate and an affordable price point, the Printers Jack range of sublimation paper is the best budget range on the market. Each sheet costs around 15 cents, which is why I recommend it to those on a budget.
Despite its affordable price, this sublimation paper boasts excellent substrate compatibility. You’ll be able to use it on nearly every possible material, from plates to phone cases. You can choose between 8.3” x 11.7”, 8.5” x 11”, 13” x 19” paper sizes, among a few other variants depending on your preferences. Printers Jack allows you to get 105 GSM, 120 GSM, and 125 GSM versions of each. The maximum temperature for any use case is 374°F (at 120 GSM).
Any higher than that, however, is where the issues arise. Bleeding is a likelihood at higher temperature ranges, which can be unfortunate for more specialist materials. For most standard applications, however, Printers Jack’s range is ideal for sublimation on a budget!
What is sublimation paper?
In simple words, the sublimation paper is the link between your creative designs and them being placed on your choice of surface.
Let’s imagine diving back into the wonderful realm of sublimation. To create beautiful designs on various sublimation blanks, you would first need a sublimation printer, which in turn would require sublimation paper. The paper isn’t any other paper you would see.
Sublimation paper is coated with a chemical. A special concoction that does many things like absorbing the sublimation ink, helping the ink turn into a gaseous substance in contact with heat, and eventually facilitating the transfer of the now-gas ink inside the choice of sublimation surface or blanks. Sigh, that’s a lot of heavy lifting for a paper.
- The paper works when you simply print the design onto it using the printer (not a lot different than your usual printing job).
- Once done, you just need to place it on your choice of surface (t-shirt, mug, etc.), transfer the right amount of heat (no, blowing won’t work), and, eureka, the design will show up on the surface.
But that’s an overly simplistic version of how the sublimation paper works. To know more, check out our detailed post on “How to use Sublimation Paper.” Let us focus on knowing more about what a sublimation paper (the creative canvas) is.
However, it doesn’t work with cotton fabric and other natural fabrics.
Even if you print the design on cotton, it will appear less vibrant. After a single wash, the colors will fade even more because of the ink’s inability to bind with nat
Apart from these factors, you also need to consider the transfer rate (higher the better), drying time (lower the better), heat resistance, brand reputation, and even the price before purchasing.
FAQs
Basis weight is the weight of the paper type, based on “grams per square meter”.
Anything from 120 to 150 GSM is considered “heavy” paper, which is generally thicker. For thicker materials such as hoodies or bags, a heavier GSM paper is more suitable.
Final Word
Across the range of different options, the best sublimation paper for one may not be the best for all. I hope my breakdown of my recommendations were insightful, and that you now have the right materials for your next sublimation project. Ultimately you just need to choose from one of our favoured brands above and start testing out which paper thickness works best on your projects.
