How to find the right Dye Sublimation Paper AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Dye Sublimation Paper
- Which kind you need
- Dye-sub photo printers need a paper-and-ribbon kit made for that exact printer model. Sublimation transfer paper is a different product, used with sublimation ink and a heat press. The two products share a name but cannot be swapped for each other.
- Photo printer kits
- Buy a kit listed for your exact printer model, such as the cassette-based kits for compact photo printers. The ribbon and paper are matched as a pair, and the print count is set by the ribbon.
- Transfer paper and substrate
- Use transfer paper only on polyester fabric, or on polymer-coated blanks such as mugs, tiles and metal. Sublimation dye bonds to polymer, so it washes out of cotton.
- Transfer paper coating
- Choose quick-dry, high-release coated paper sized to your printer, such as letter or 13 x 19 inches. A good coating releases more ink, giving richer color transfers with less ghosting.
- Mirroring and ink
- Load sublimation ink only, and print designs mirrored. Standard inkjet ink will not sublimate.
Brands that matter
- Canon: Paper-and-ink kits for its compact dye-sub photo printers.
- Kodak: Paper-and-ribbon cartridges for its dye-sub photo printers.
- A-SUB: A popular sublimation transfer paper among hobbyists.
- Hiipoo: A common hobbyist sublimation transfer paper.
What to avoid
- Third-party ribbon kits that don't list your exact printer model.
- Sublimation paper used with regular inkjet ink.
- Sublimation transfers on 100 percent cotton.
Questions
Is sublimation paper the same as dye-sub printer paper?
No. Dye-sub printer paper is the photo media for a dedicated printer. Sublimation paper carries ink for heat-press transfer onto polyester or coated blanks.