So, you're entering the wonderful world of T-shirt making and personalized garments - that's exciting! You may be asking yourself which garment decoration method is better: heat transfer paper or sublimation printing? The answer is that both are great! However, the method you go with depends on your needs and what you're looking to do. Plus, each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's dig into the details to help you decide which is the right fit for you and your business.
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So, what is heat transfer paper exactly? Heat transfer paper is a specialty paper that transfers printed designs to shirts and other garments when heat is applied. The process involves printing a design onto a sheet of heat transfer paper using an inkjet or laser printer. Then, you place the printed sheet on your T-shirt and press it using a heat press (in certain cases, a home iron will work, but heat presses provide the best results). After you've pressed it, you peel away the paper, and your image adheres nicely onto the fabric. Great - you now have a custom T-shirt! That was easy, right?
Garment decoration via heat transfer paper is super easy and carries one of, if not the lowest, start-up costs in the industry. In fact, many decorators get their start using nothing more than the printer they already have at home! A few other important notes about heat transfer paper is that most papers work on both cotton and polyester fabrics - while you'll learn that sublimation only works on polyesters. In addition, heat transfer papers are designed to work for either dark or light-colored garments while sublimation is exclusively for white or light-colored garments.
The sublimation process is quite similar to that of heat transfer paper. Like heat transfer paper, the process involves printing a design onto a sheet of specialty paper - sublimation paper in this case - and pressing it to a garment with a heat press. The difference lies in the science behind sublimation. Ready to get science-y?
Sublimation ink, when heated, turns from a solid to a gas that embeds itself into the polyester fabric. When it cools, it goes back to a solid and becomes a permanent part of the fabric. This means that your transferred design adds no additional layer on top, so there's no difference in feeling between the printed image and the rest of the fabric. This also means that the transfer is incredibly durable, and under normal conditions, the images you produce will last as long as the product itself.
Bonus! Sublimation not only works on polyester fabrics - it also works on a wide variety of hard surfaces with a poly-coating. This opens up an entirely new world of items you can customize - coasters, jewelry, mugs, puzzles and much more.
By now, we hope you have the gist of heat transfer paper and sublimation, so let's get down to the nitty gritty and compare these two garment decoration methods in a few important areas.
Garment decoration via heat transfer paper is one of the least expensive methods for starting out. To get started, you will need an inkjet or laser printer (which you may already have), a heat press, heat transfer paper, and the shirts or garments you'd like to decorate. That's it! A hobbyist heat press will typically run you around $300, and that will be your biggest initial investment. If you don't already have a printer, we would recommend an inkjet printer with pigment based ink for starting out - such as the Epson EC-4020
Sublimation carries a higher start-up cost than heat transfer paper, but that cost has greatly come down in recent years. Sublimation starter packages such as the Sawgrass SG500 contain everything you need to start sublimating - minus the heat press - at a very affordable price. This includes the sublimation printer, sublimation paper, essential software and a sample pack of products you can sublimate. Outside of this, all you need is a heat press, and a hobbyist heat press starts around $300.
For additional information and help picking out your first sublimation printer, check out our other blog, "Which Sawgrass Sublimation System is Right For You?"
Sublimation uses a process where the ink becomes part of the fabric rather than adding a layer on top. This results in a transfer that is unmatched in both durability and feel. On the other hand, heat transfer paper adds a layer on top of the garment. This additional layer can be physically felt and is less durable than sublimation and can become faded and cracked over time with numerous wash cycles.
It is important to note that heat transfer papers are not created equally, and you will find some that offer a softer feel and greater durability than other transfer papers. For folks just starting out with an inkjet printer, we recommend JET-PRO Soft Stretch for its soft texture and great durability.
With sublimation, you're more limited in the types of fabrics you can decorate compared to heat transfer paper. First, sublimation only works with polyester fabrics. No 100% cotton! This is because sublimation ink only binds to polyester material. You can get away with sublimating on some poly-cotton blends, but the transfer will not be as bright and vibrant as when you use 100% polyester. Because sublimation adds no extra layer on top of the fabric, the material also needs to be white or very light-colored for your transfer to show.
On the other hand, with heat transfer paper, you can decorate on light and dark-colored cotton, polyester and cotton-poly blends.
While heat transfer paper may be the clear winner on the types of fabrics (material and color) that you can decorate, remember that sublimation can also be used on a wide range of hard and soft surface substrates. For the most part, heat transfer paper cannot.
Colors You Can Produce
Sublimation allows you to print full colors, which is especially great if you are wanting to print photos or have customers that need a very specific color (such as for a company logo). Depending on what type of heat transfer paper you use - inkjet or laser - you may not be able to achieve the same full-color, photo-quality transfers as with sublimation.
For photo-quality prints with heat transfer paper, your best bet will generally be inkjet heat transfer paper for light-colored garments or laser heat transfer paper printed with an OKI white toner laser printer. For more information on this topic, check out our other blog, "3 Things You Must Know Before Buying Heat Transfer Paper."
Weeding
Sublimation is also naturally self-weeding as only the ink is transferred to the fabric. The process is easy as printing, pressing, peeling!
Most heat transfer papers are not self-weeding with the exception of "two-step" laser transfer papers such as FOREVER Laser Dark. With heat transfer paper, a transfer layer carries the print to the garment, and unless you want a noticeable background the shape of the paper on your T-shirt, you will have to trim around the image with scissors or a cutting plotter.
On transfer papers for light-colored garments, the transfer layer is clear and mostly invisible, and trimming is optional. However, if you don't trim it, you will be able physically feel the transfer layer even where the image is not present. On "one-step" transfer papers for darks, unprinted areas will show a white background, so trimming is essential.
Both heat transfer paper and sublimation are wonderful ways to decorate apparel, and which method you choose ultimately depends on your needs. Hopefully this blog has helped you further your path to T-shirt and garment decoration! If you still have questions, do not hesitate to reach out to our Customer Success Team who are more than happy to help you find the best solution. Call us at (800) 562-7760 or email us at [email protected].
When transferring images onto various surfaces, sublimation and heat transfer paper are the two most popular methods. Both methods have advantages and limitations, and your best choice will largely depend on your specific needs and the materials you are working with.
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Sublimation printing involves converting ink from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid stage. It is best suited for synthetic materials like polyester.
On the other hand, heat transfer paper involves printing an image onto a particular type of heat transfer paper and then transferring it onto the desired surface using heat. This method is more versatile and can be used on various materials, including cotton.
In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the details of both sublimation and heat transfer paper, discuss their pros and cons, and help you determine which method fits your project best. So, let’s understand the difference between heat transfer vs. sublimation.
Sublimation is a unique printing process that allows images to be transferred onto various surfaces, including fabric, ceramics, and metal. The process involves converting sublimation ink from a solid to a gas without it ever becoming a liquid. This is achieved by using heat and pressure to vaporize the ink and infuse it into the material's surface.
So, let's understand how to use sublimation paper.
To begin with, an image is printed onto a particular type of sublimation paper using a printer filled with sublimation ink. So, what is a sublimation paper? This paper is placed onto the material's surface, and heat and pressure are applied using a heat press or sublimation printers. The heat causes the ink to vaporize and permeate the material's surface. As the material cools, the ink solidifies and becomes a permanent part of the material.
This process results in a high-resolution, full-color image that is incredibly durable and will not crack, fade, or peel. It is important to note that sublimation printing only works on surfaces with high polyester content or coated with a special polymer coating. This is because the polyester fibers or polymer coating opens up when heated and then closes as they cool, trapping the ink inside. Natural fibers like cotton do not have this property and, therefore, are unsuitable for sublimation.
Heat transfer paper is a type of paper coated with a transfer material that can be used to transfer images onto various surfaces, including fabric, ceramics, and wood. This method is incredibly versatile and can be used with a standard inkjet printer or laser printer, making it a popular choice for DIY projects and small businesses.
To use laser heat transfer paper, an image is first printed onto the paper using a regular inkjet or laser printer. The printed inkjet heat transfer paper is then placed onto the material's surface, and heat and pressure are applied using a heat press machine. The heat causes the transfer material to adhere to the material's surface, transferring the image in the process.
There are two main types of heat transfer paper: one for light-colored materials and one for dark-colored materials. The heat transfer paper for light-colored fabrics is transparent and is applied face down onto the material. The heat transfer paper for dark-colored materials has a white background and is applied face-up onto the material.
It is important to note that while heat transfer paper is more versatile than sublimation and can be used on various surfaces, the resulting image may not be as durable or professional-looking as with sublimation.
Both sublimation and heat transfer paper have associated startup costs, but they differ in equipment and materials needed.
Sublimation requires a printer that is specifically designed for sublimation printing, sublimation ink, sublimation transfer paper, and a heat press. The printer and ink can be quite expensive, making the initial startup cost for sublimation relatively high. However, once you have the necessary equipment, the ongoing sublimation paper and ink costs are relatively low.
On the other hand, heat transfer paper can be used with a standard inkjet or laser printer, making the initial startup cost much lower. However, the ongoing costs for heat transfer paper can add up over time, as it is generally more expensive than sublimation paper. You can find related accessories and printers on the printers' online store as per your needs.
Fabric Type
The type of fabric you are working with will play a significant role in determining which method is best for your project.
Sublimation is best suited for fabrics with a high polyester content or surfaces coated with a special polymer coating. Natural fibers like cotton do not work well with sublimation, as they do not have the properties necessary to trap the ink inside the fabric.
On the other hand, heat transfer paper is more versatile and can be used on various fabrics, including cotton. However, it is essential to note that the resulting image may not be as durable on cotton and may crack, fade, or peel over time. For the best results, it is recommended to use heat transfer paper on fabrics with a tight weave and a smooth surface.
One of the significant differences between sublimation and heat transfer paper is the durability of the image.
With sublimation, the ink is converted into a gas. Then, it penetrates the fabric or surface, becoming a part of the material. This results in a permanent, high-quality image resistant to cracking, fading, or peeling. The image will last as long as the material it is printed on.
On the other hand, heat transfer paper involves transferring the image onto the material's surface. While the image may initially appear vibrant and clear, it is more susceptible to wear and tear. With repeated washing and use, the image may start to crack, fade, or peel. It is recommended to wash items printed with heat transfer paper inside out and in cold water to maximize the image's longevity.
Sublimation printing produces vibrant and accurate colors because it uses a full-color spectrum of dye sublimation ink. This method can create intricate and detailed images with smooth color gradations, making it suitable for photographic images or designs with many colors.
Heat transfer paper, on the other hand, relies on the colors available in your inkjet or laser printer. While modern printers can produce a wide range of colors, the resulting image may not be as vibrant or accurate as with sublimation. Additionally, heat transfer paper for dark-colored materials often requires a white layer to be printed underneath the image, which can sometimes affect the colors' accuracy and vibrancy.
Weeding is removing excess material from around a design before transferring it onto a fabric or surface. This step is crucial in heat transfer paper printing but unnecessary for sublimation.
For heat transfer paper, the design is printed on a special paper, and then the excess material around the design needs to be carefully weeded away before transferring. This process can be time-consuming, especially for designs with intricate details or small pieces. If not done carefully, there is a risk of damaging the design.
On the other hand, sublimation does not require weeding. The design is printed on sublimation paper with sublimation ink. When the design is transferred onto the fabric or surface using heat, only the ink is transferred, and there is no excess material to remove. This makes the process quicker and more accessible, especially for intricate designs.
Overall, sublimation is the more straightforward and less labor-intensive option when it comes to weeding, while heat transfer paper requires more care and attention to detail.
In conclusion, both sublimation and heat transfer paper have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best method for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements. Sublimation offers durable, vibrant, and detailed images without weeding, making it ideal for professional use or intricate designs. However, it requires special equipment and materials and is limited to polyester fabrics or specially coated surfaces.
On the other hand, heat transfer paper is more accessible and versatile, as it can be used with regular inkjet or laser printers and applied to a wide range of fabrics. However, it may result in less durable and vibrant images, and the weeding process can be time-consuming.
Ultimately, it's essential to consider factors such as startup costs, fabric type, image durability, colors, and weeding before deciding which method is suitable for you. Remember, what works best for one person or business may not be the best fit for another, so weigh each method's pros and cons carefully.
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