Choosing the wrong paper for your sublimation projects could be the difference between success and failure. Similarly, you want to make sure you are purchasing from the right place to avoid issues with quality and ensuring you are not taken advantage of. Making the right decision in regards to sublimation paper is vital – and that is where I jump in to help. Although sublimation is not best suited for dark fabrics, I have highlighted for you my top pick for sublimation paper on dark fabrics.
Before we move ahead, it is important to note: sublimating on dark shirts directly can be challenging because sublimation ink doesn’t show up well on dark fabrics. However, there are workarounds that involve using specific types of sublimation paper and techniques to get great results:
- Sublimation on Glitter HTV: One of the best ways to sublimate on dark shirts is by using white glitter heat transfer vinyl (HTV) as a base. You first cut and press the white glitter HTV onto the dark shirt, then sublimate your design onto the glitter HTV. This method ensures vibrant colors that stand out on dark fabrics.
- Sublimation Coating Sprays: Some sprays allow you to coat dark fabrics, making them suitable for sublimation. While these sprays can be useful, results can vary, and it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely for the best outcome.
- Siser EasySubli: This is a special HTV designed specifically for sublimation onto cotton and dark fabrics. You print your design on Siser EasySubli vinyl using your sublimation printer, then cut and press it onto your dark shirt. This method provides high-quality and durable prints.
TexPrint R Sublimation Paper – Best for Fast Drying Time
My recommendation is the TexPrint R Sublimation Paper 8.5 x 11 for Richoh Printers. You can view the item here.
For this brand, the sheet size is 8.5×11 inches, weight is 30 ounces and there are 110 sheets per pack.
Pros:
- Fast drying properties
- Colors are vibrant and sharp
- Ink absorption is high which can lead to greater cost savings
Cons:
- Slight risk of dull and pale images
In my pursuit of the ideal sublimation paper for dark shirts, I discovered the TexPrint R Sublimation Paper. I commend it for its fast drying properties. Drying time is an important factor to consider when choosing sublimation paper for dark shirts. Another factor to keep in mind is color transfer, and this brand offers a higher color transfer, making it suitable for sublimation on dark fabric.
While this is no doubt a great printer for dark colors, for transparency it is important to discuss potential downsides. I have seen complaints of issues with image transfer, including dull and pale images. However, these poor experiences are few compared to the great experiences I have seen, and you are not very likely to come across such issues, which is why I included this in my top picks.
Overall, when choosing a sublimation paper for dark shirts, TextPrint R Sublimation paper emerges as a great choice given its swift drying time and greater level of color transfer it offers.
Mastering the Art of Choosing Sublimation Paper for Dark Fabric
Choosing the right sublimation paper requires consideration of several factors. The quality of the coating, the weight and thickness of the paper, and the drying time and transfer rate are all essential elements that affect the final result. Understanding these factors can help you select the best sublimation paper for dark fabric.
Let’s examine these factors further. We will delve into the significance of weight and thickness, the function of coating, and the vital role drying time and transfer rate play in efficiency.
Understanding Weight and Thickness
The weight and thickness of a sublimation paper can significantly influence the print quality on dark fabric. A thicker, heavier paper can absorb more ink, resulting in deeper blacks and more vibrant images. The recommended weight range for sublimation paper to achieve bold, vibrant colors on dark fabric is between 105-130gsm.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that user preferences may vary. Some might find that thinner sublimation papers don’t deliver the results they’re after. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the coating of the paper, as these characteristics significantly impact the final print quality.
The Role of Coating
The coating on a sublimation paper plays a crucial role in the transfer process. A good coating ensures that designs transfer onto dark fabric clearly without smudging or blurring.
A sub-standard coating can lead to poor color vibrancy and blurred images. Therefore, when selecting sublimation paper for dark garments like dark shirts, it’s crucial to assess not only the weight and thickness but also the quality of the coating.
Drying Time and Transfer Rate – Key to Efficiency
The drying time and transfer rate of a sublimation paper significantly influence the efficiency and accuracy of the dye transfer. Quick-drying sublimation paper allows for seamless design transfer and professional quality results in record time.
A high transfer rate is equally important for sublimation on dark fabrics to create more vivid and durable designs. Balancing these factors while maintaining transfer temperatures between 205°C to 210°C is crucial for achieving the best final quality of the sublimated product.
Making the Most Out of Your Sublimation Printer
To optimize your sublimation printing, it’s crucial to make the most out of your sublimation printer. This involves adjusting the printer settings, using high-quality ink and paper, and following specific post-printing care tips.
We’ll delve further into these aspects by exploring optimization of printer settings and discussing crucial post-printing care tips.
Optimizing Printer Settings
To achieve optimal results on dark shirts, it’s vital to adjust your printer settings to the highest resolution and color intensity available. This involves manually adjusting:
- brightness
- contrast
- saturation
- density
to improve the overall quality of prints. Remember that different sublimation papers may require adjustments in print quality and paper type settings to improve the output quality.
After fine-tuning your settings, create printer presets to ensure reliable and consistent results without the need for recalibration before each print job. Experimenting with printer settings, ICC profiles, and transfer time and temperature can also help optimize print quality and color vibrancy.
Post-Printing Care Tips
Maintaining the quality of your prints over time requires proper post-printing care. This includes:
- Allowing prints to cool before peeling off the transfer paper
- Pre-washing fabric before applying the transfer to minimize shrinkage-related cracking after subsequent washes
- Waiting a minimum of 24 hours before washing the garment post-sublimation to allow the ink to set.
Other tips for washing sublimated items include:
- Washing in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent
- Avoiding bleach to prevent fading
- Turning the shirt inside out before machine washing to protect the design
- Preferring air-drying in a cool, shaded area to maintain color vibrancy.
Summary
Selecting the right sublimation paper for dark fabrics involves careful consideration of various factors, including the paper’s weight, thickness, coating, drying time, and transfer rate. By understanding these factors and making the most out of your sublimation printer, you can achieve high-quality, vibrant, and long-lasting prints on dark fabrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use sublimation paper on dark fabric?
Yes, you can use sublimation paper on dark fabric by adhering the transfer paper with the design using a clothes iron at 392 degrees Fahrenheit and moderate to heavy pressure for 10 seconds to 4 minutes. The heat press time depends on the type of material.
How to do sublimation on black shirt?
To do sublimation on a black shirt, first apply heat transfer vinyl to the shirt, then place the sublimation paper on top and press it. This creates a base layer for your design to appear vivid and colored.
How do you heat press on dark fabric?
To heat press on dark fabric, preheat the heat press to 325° Fahrenheit, remove moisture from the fabric, place the transfer face up, and press with light to medium pressure for 30 seconds. This will ensure proper adhesion of the image to the fabric.
Does light transfer paper on dark fabric?
Yes, for dark fabrics, you should use dark transfer paper to ensure the image appears with the same colors as on the paper. This ensures the image appears in the same colors on the garment as it does on the paper.
What factors should I consider when choosing sublimation paper for dark fabrics?
When choosing sublimation paper for dark fabrics, consider the paper’s weight, thickness, coating, drying time, and transfer rate to ensure optimal results.
