Can You Sublimate with Heat Transfer Paper?

Sublimation and heat transfer paper are distinct processes with different paper types designed for each method. While it's not common to use heat transfer paper for sublimation, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

Sublimation involves using Sublimation Ink to create a gas-state transfer of the image onto a substrate, typically polyester-based fabrics or specially coated materials. Sublimation Paper is designed to hold the sublimation ink and facilitate this process by allowing the ink to vaporize and bond with the substrate.

Heat transfer paper, on the other hand, is specifically designed for different types of heat transfer methods, such as inkjet or laser transfer. It works by transferring the image from the paper to the substrate using heat and pressure. Heat transfer paper is often used for fabrics and other surfaces that are compatible with this type of transfer.

Using heat transfer paper for sublimation is generally not recommended because the paper and the inks are not optimized for each other. Sublimation ink requires a specific type of coating on the paper to facilitate the vaporization and bonding process, which is not present in regular heat transfer paper. Attempting to use heat transfer paper for sublimation could lead to poor image quality, incomplete transfer, or the inability to achieve the desired vibrant and permanent results associated with sublimation.

If you're interested in Sublimation Printing, it's best to use dedicated sublimation paper and sublimation inks to ensure the highest quality and durability of the printed images.