newbie questions [Archive] - DSF - The Dye Sublimation Forum
Newbie Questions in the Dye Sublimation Community
Explore the full version of newbie questions within the community.
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rickmar
I'm interested in starting a hobby in sublimation printing that can ideally pay for itself or even generate some profit. I have a passion for creating vinyl print t-shirts, custom mugs, plates, clocks, jigsaw puzzles, phone cases, glass photographs, coasters, and more. I desire high-quality results in everything I create. Here are a few questions I have:
1) Is it worth considering second-hand equipment?
2) I’m looking at the Cameo Silhouette cutter; are there better options at a similar price point, especially if I need A3 size for t-shirts?
3) Are the 5, 6, and 7 in 1 heat presses effective, or should I invest in individual presses for plates, mugs, and t-shirts?
4) What are good printers, papers, and inks for transfers on t-shirts, glass, and ceramics, ideally A3 size?
5) Are there any reliable UK companies for blanks?
James990
Most of your questions have already been discussed in depth within the forum, some of which have even been answered multiple times! I recommend grabbing a cup of tea or coffee and diving into the forum posts!
rickmar
I’m having difficulty reading on my current device, so I'm hoping that someone experienced can provide quick insights.
Here comes the eye strain!
Justin
I'll provide some quick answers to help save your eyes!
1. Yes, if you can find quality second-hand equipment that functions well. However, it’s typically not worth purchasing cheap second-hand equipment unless you are on a very tight budget. You might find a significantly better press, like an Adkins, second-hand, but it may take some searching.
2. The Silhouette is a fantastic cutter. Many users don’t realize how great it is until they try one. Its software is excellent and user-friendly. Just keep in mind the 12" width limitation. If that’s not an issue, this cutter is hard to beat at its price.
3. If you can afford high-quality individual presses, go for it. It's my personal opinion that I haven't rated the 5 in 1 presses highly, though many people swear by them. This decision may come down to potential compromises on quality.
4. All sublimation printers produce the necessary transfers for your projects. If you’re using dye sublimation for A3 items, you’ll need an A3 printer. Ricoh is a fantastic choice for beginners. A4 Ricoh printers are quite affordable, while A3 models are on the pricier side. Consider whether you will predominantly be working with vinyl or need A3 capabilities. Investing in a Ricoh can save you time and frustration. Beware of using unauthorized inks, as many users have faced long-term consistency issues.
5. There’s a useful sticky list in the general section—take a look! There are several trustworthy companies in the UK, so you don’t need to search far.
6. If there were a sixth point, it would be—what's the best single item one could invest in for their new venture? The answer would be a £10 annual subscription to this forum! I may be biased, but consider that if you purchase equipment from one of our supportive suppliers like Xpres or Listawood, you will receive a 10% discount, which could add up significantly.
So, when you have the chance, sit at a computer, grab a few cups of tea, and spend your day reading through the forum. You’ll find answers to all your questions and much more!
pisquee
Since you've mentioned only having a mobile device, note that you will need a computer (Windows or macOS) to print for your new business unless someone with a setup prints your transfers.
rickmar
I'm currently away, which is why I’m relying on my mobile.
My old laptop has CS6 on it but is running on Vista.
After posting, I found UK suppliers, so that question was a bit silly.
I haven’t seen many negative comments about the Cameo Silhouette, and its price fits my budget.
I still need to research whether to get an A3 or A4 printer and then consider presses.
pisquee
If you are aiming for t-shirts, hold up A4 and A3 sheets to a t-shirt and decide which size would deliver better prints.
rickmar
The Ricoh A4 seems reasonably priced. Is gel ink different from sublimation ink? Many people refer to gel ink, while others term it sublimation ink, although I believe purchasing new equipment and taking the £10 membership route will be more beneficial. If I acquire an A4 but later desire an A3, will I need to repurchase? Is there a downside to having an A3 if I typically only print A4 for mugs?
Scotty@BMS
The main downside to owning an A3 printer is the higher initial investment compared to an A4. Over time, the costs may balance out because of savings with high-capacity cartridges. Ultimately, it depends on what you intend to print on your t-shirts when deciding to invest in the A3 model.
I also support getting the Cameo cutter! The sheets can be pre-cut to dimensions of 300mm x 500mm, which I don’t find necessary to be larger. Again, that’s just my opinion!
rickmar
Scotty, can you clarify what you mean by “can be pre-cut to 300mm x 500mm”?
I find straight-edged A4 prints unattractive; once I'm back home, I plan to compare A3 and A4 sizes. I have a feeling A4 won’t be adequate, and I’d prefer to have a single print where everything aligns rather than two different prints that might misalign.
Scotty@BMS
I meant that cotton flex and flock materials can be cut to size and then passed through the Cameo. You cut the media and then heat press it onto the garment, enabling you to apply one- or two-color designs to dark cotton garments that sublimation cannot achieve unless you’re using SubliDark or SubliFlock papers.
rickmar
Okay, I assumed everything came in standard A3 or A4 sizes and was simply fed through and then cut. Are there various papers tailored for different materials and colors, etc.? One last question: is using vinyl on t-shirts not classified as sublimation?
rickmar
I’m assuming cotton flex and flock refer to "vinyls".
Scotty@BMS
Vinyl is a misnomer; you typically cut vinyl for cars or window signs. There’s a range of specialized papers for t-shirt printing suited for laser printers. And, cutting and applying flex to a garment does not count as sublimation.
rickmar
Thanks, I appreciate your help. Is there a guide or list available for the types of paper needed for specific garment materials or colors? Up to now, I thought there was only one type of paper available (different brands, of course) that could be printed on and then pressed onto any blank t-shirt, mug, case, etc. I understand the process of cutting fabrics with the Cameo and that some stretch while others don’t, so suitability is crucial. I originally thought you meant the fabric had to be pre-cut before feeding it into the Cameo.
Scotty@BMS
For sublimation printing, one type of paper covers all your needs—sublimation paper specifically. Flex and flock materials are designed for garment printing, so as long as you choose a reputable brand, they should endure well against wear and washing over time.
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Best Sublimation Paper: Perfect for Clothing, Mugs, and More
If you're beginning to gather materials for sublimation printing, it’s important to prioritize obtaining the best sublimation paper. Using high-quality paper is essential, as it allows your sublimation ink to effectively transfer onto your chosen substrate. Each set we recommend here performs excellently across various substrates; your selection should be based on personal preferences regarding thickness and budget.
As a newcomer, opting for something affordable from a recognized brand is a better strategy than getting caught up in the details. Testing and adjusting are all part of the sublimation experience!
What sublimation paper delivers the best results?
The A-SUB 125 GSM paper is ideal for use in an Epson EcoTank or Dye-Sub printer. It effectively absorbs colors and shows a high transfer rate onto an array of blanks, including t-shirts, mugs, tumblers, wood, and more.
Sublimation papers comparison
While everyone enjoys some mystery, it's better to be straightforward when discussing sublimation papers. Here’s a quick list of the types of sublimation paper and their respective strengths:
- A-SUB sublimation paper: Ideal for Epson printers and rated as Best Overall
- HTVRONT sublimation paper: Excellent printer compatibility
- Hiipoo Sublimation paper: Best for fabric
- Printers Jack sublimation paper: Suitable for many substrates
Best Sublimation Paper: A-SUB
Sale
A-SUB Sublimation Paper 8.5×11 Inch 110 Sheets ONLY Compatible with Sublimation Printer and Sublimation Ink 125g
- No fracturing, Fast drying
- Transfer rate: 98%
- Works well with white or light-colored high-quality polyester materials with a cotton content of 30%, premium ceramic and tile, cases and metal plates, tumblers, and mugs (must be coated)
- Sheet Size: 8.5' x 11', 110 sheets/pack, perfect for DIY holiday gifts
- Only functional with sublimation ink; regular ink is unsuitable. Only compatible with sublimation printers
Pros
Cons
Starting from a competitive entry price for the smaller 4' x 9.5' sheets, A-SUB products are optimal, particularly known as the best sublimation paper available. It works perfectly with high-end sublimation printers and can also accommodate Epson’s series of versatile printers.
Interested in finding out more about a4 sublimation paper supplier? Don’t hesitate to reach out!
As for substrates, this paper works exceptionally well on blended fabrics, polyester, and polyamide materials. Although the company encourages experimentation with hard substrates, I recommend sticking to fabric while you are still learning. The ink-based compatibility is extensive, with various inks like SawGrass Sublijet UHD, Hiipoo, and Cosmos working seamlessly.
Available sizes include 8.5' x 11', 8.5' x 14', and 13' x 19'. You can also select how many sheets to purchase for each size, with stacks between 110 and 150 sheets available, facilitating adherence to specific printing requirements.
You can choose between thicknesses ranging from 75 GSM to 140 GSM, depending on your target substrate. However, keep in mind that the drying time for these sheets averages 60 to 120 seconds for optimal design integration.
Sublimation papers rated at 75 GSM are the lightest and are typically meant for fabrics with softer prints. For glass, metal, and ceramics, look into using 90-100 GSM sheets.
This range of sublimation paper options provides an excellent foundation for your printing needs. Although expenses may increase with higher-end options, A-SUB remains a top manufacturer within the sublimation paper market.
Best Sublimation Paper for Vivid Colors: HTVRONT
Sale
HTVRONT Sublimation Paper 8.5 x 11 Inch - 120 Sheets, an Easy-to-Transfer Option for T-shirts, Tumblers, and Mugs (A4)
- Higher Transfer Rate: HTVRONT sublimation paper boasts over 98% transfer rate efficiency. You won’t have to worry about smudged sublimation ink. Its thicker coating helps prevent ink bleeding, allowing more ink to reach your substrate
- Quick Drying: The printed image dries almost as it prints, saving time and enabling immediate sublimation transfer. Moreover, HTVRONT paper can provide savings on ink costs versus other papers, resulting in increased project volume
- No Paper Jam: This paper's thicker design minimizes curling and stress, while each sheet is carefully packaged without edge curls that typically lead to printer jams. Additionally, the sheets feature logo patterns, making it easy to identify the printing side.
- Wide Compatibility: Our 8.5 x 11 sublimation paper is compatible with inkjet printers such as Epson, HP, Canon, Ricoh, Sawgrass, etc. Using HTVRONT ink and this sublimation paper, you can effortlessly transfer designs to light-colored polyester fabrics (T-shirts, bags, pillows, etc.), coated products (coasters, mugs, cases, jigsaw puzzles, metal plates, keychains), and materials containing 30% cotton.
- Professional Quality: Specializing in crafting materials and tools, we take pride in our products. Our sublimation paper will ensure your designs remain vibrant despite multiple washes. Store sublimation paper in a dry, cool place, avoiding direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Remember to repackage any remaining paper into the box as needed.
Pros
Cons
For exceptional detail and vivid colors that transfer directly to your chosen substrate, consider the HTVRONT sublimation paper, which is recognized for both its ink products and value for money.
This paper works beautifully with any inkjet printer, including favorites like the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500, providing impeccable print quality and transfer rates. HTVRONT sublimation paper also boasts compatibility with HP, Canon, and Epson printers.
Expect optimal results while using HTVRONT sublimation ink, especially when working with light-colored fabrics, including bags, t-shirts, and pillows. For substrates with less than 30% cotton content, this paper type is recommended. The uniform 125 GSM thickness of the sheets acts similar to heavier paper, making them useful for different sublimation products beyond just fabric.
One downside I noticed is that the heavier paper occasionally caused printer jams, which can be frustrating. Although these incidents were rare, they still occurred. Regardless, I still recommend HTVRONT paper, known for delivering vivid colors at a competitive price!
Best Sublimation Paper for Polyester: Hiipoo
Sale
Hiipoo Sublimation Paper 8.5×14 Inch for use with Sublimation Ink and E Sawgrass Inkjet Printers for Mugs, T-Shirts, Light Fabric, and Other Sublimation Blanks (110 Sheets, 120G)
- INSTANT DRY & HIGH TRANSFER RATE: Hiipoo sublimation paper 8.5×14 releases from the printer completely dry, meaning you won’t have to wait. With over a 98% ultra-high transfer rate, it maintains true color and precision while saving ink.
- NO GEAR PRINTS & SMOOTH PRINTING EXPERIENCE: The 120G GSM paper ensures elasticity, preventing rolling during printing and promoting flatness for an enjoyable printing process. Note: The white side is for printing, and the pink side is the back.
- EASY TO USE: [1] Use an inkjet printer with sublimation ink to print your image while ensuring to check the “Mirror Image” setting. [2] Adjust the heat press settings and place the sublimation blanks on the heat press machine. [3] Once heating is complete, simply peel the transfer paper. Your transfer is completed in minutes, bringing your ideas to life!
- WIDE APPLICABILITY & UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS: Use Hiipoo sublimation paper to transfer images and text onto light-colored fabrics with 30% cotton or polyester content; mugs, tumblers, cases, puzzles, mouse pads, ceramic plates, bags, and more. Create distinctive gifts for friends or family for any occasion: Mother’s Day, birthdays, Thanksgiving, and more!
- PACKAGE CONTENTS & WARM TIPS: Each package includes 110 sheets of Hiipoo 120g sublimation paper sized 8.5×14, complete with user instructions on the back. This paper requires sublimation ink and substrates only. It works excellently with E, Sawgrass, Ricoh, and other sublimation printers, especially when using Hiipoo sublimation ink.
Pros
Cons
I often recommend Hiipoo sublimation ink to beginners as it remains one of the best sublimation inks on the market. While I don't rate their sublimation paper as highly, it remains ideal for common substrates like polyester.
The variant I selected comes with 110 sheets, each 120GSM. Each sheet measures 8.5' x 11', which is useful for mugs and medium-sized t-shirts. Being a 120 GSM paper type, higher pressure and temperature settings are necessary to ensure optimal ink transfer. Hiipoo’s sublimation paper boasts a transfer efficiency nearing 98%, capturing virtually every bit of ink infused into the substrate. The ink dries nearly instantaneously as it leaves the printer.
Though the tackiness of the paper was sufficient, users might consider using heat-resistant tape to keep the paper aligned on the substrate. Despite experiencing some curling issues in the past, for those starting in sublimation printing, this reliable sublimation paper proves effective so long as you have some tape handy.
Best Budget Sublimation Paper: Printers Jack
Printers Jack Sublimation Paper - 8.5 x 11 inches, 150 sheets of 120 GSM, suitable for any inkjet printer with sublimation ink, designed for heat transfer applications on t-shirts and mugs, as well as light fabrics.
- UPGRADED QUALITY: Printers Jack sublimation paper features a sheet size of 8.5 x 11 inches, tailored for long-term storage without bending or jamming. Ensure to have sublimation ink (NO regular ink), an inkjet printer, and a heat press machine (NO iron), along with colored or white polyester fabrics and coated materials with at least 30% cotton.
- COMPATIBLE: Our sublimation paper is compatible with all inkjet printers utilizing sublimation ink, including brands like Epson, HP, Canon, Ricoh, and Sawgrass.
- HIGH QUALITY: With over a 98% transfer rate, no fracturing, no fading, and rapid drying times, the resulting products come out beautifully decorated with vibrant colors. Reduced production costs result from lower ink usage, providing significant savings!
- EASY TO USE: This inkjet sublimation paper is simple to operate; apply any design from your computer to your printer and fabric. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before use.
- UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS: This sublimation transfer paper can be utilized for t-shirts, ceramic mugs, pillowcases, canvas bags, mousepads, allowing you to create personalized gifts designed and created on your own. It’s also a fantastic way to increase your sublimation business!
Pros
Cons
With a 98% transfer rate and budget-friendly prices, the Printers Jack sublimation paper is the best economical option available. Each sheet costs approximately 15 cents, making it an ideal recommendation for those on a stricter budget.
Despite its cost-effectiveness, this sublimation paper maintains excellent substrate compatibility. It can be applied across nearly every material from plates to cases. You can choose from sizes including 8.3 x 11.7, 8.5 x 11, and 13 x 19, among several options based on your preferences. Printers Jack offers choices for 105 GSM, 120 GSM, and 125 GSM paper.
The maximum temperature for use is 374°F (for 120 GSM).
However, issues may arise at higher temperatures, resulting in potential bleeding unfortunate for specialty materials. Overall, for standard applications, Printers Jack’s offerings are ideal for budget-conscious sublimation printing!
What is Sublimation Paper?
Sublimation paper is essentially the intermediary between your creative designs and their application onto the surfaces of your choosing.
Let’s dive back into the exciting world of sublimation. To create beautiful designs on various sublimation surfaces, you begin with a sublimation printer, which, in turn, necessitates the use of sublimation paper. It’s important to note that this isn’t just any paper.
Sublimation paper is specially coated with chemicals. This special concoction serves multiple purposes: it absorbs sublimation ink, enables the ink to transform into gas when exposed to heat, and ultimately facilitates the transfer of the gaseous ink onto your selected sublimation surfaces.
- The paper operates when you print your design onto it using the printer (which is not a lot different than your usual printing job).
- Once printed, you simply place it on your chosen surface (t-shirt, mug, etc.), apply the appropriate heat (blowing will not suffice), and voilà, your design seamlessly transfers onto the surface.
Though that’s an overly simplified version of how sublimation paper works, there are more nuances. You can learn more about it in our detailed guide: 'How to Use Sublimation Paper. But for now, let’s understand what sublimation paper (your creative canvas) is composed of.
However, keep in mind that sublimation paper is ineffective with cotton fabric or other natural fabrics.
Even printing designs onto cotton will yield less vibrant results. After just one wash, the colors tend to fade even more due to the ink’s difficulty binding with natural fibers.
Besides those aspects, it’s also essential to consider factors such as the transfer rate (higher is better), drying time (lower is better), heat resistance, brand reputation, and even pricing, before making a purchase.
FAQs
What is basis weight?Basis weight refers to the weight of a specific type of paper, measured in grams per square meter.
What is considered heavy paper?Any paper with a basis weight of 120 GSM and above is usually regarded as 'heavy' or thicker paper. Heavier GSM papers are better suited for thicker materials such as hoodies or bags.
Final Word
Among the various options available, the best sublimation paper can differ greatly according to individual needs. I hope my breakdown of the recommendations has proved insightful and that you feel equipped with the right materials for your next sublimation project. Ultimately, look for your favorite brand above and begin experimenting with which type of paper thickness yields the best results for your projects.
If you'd like to know more, don’t hesitate to visit our website a4 sublimation paper export.