How to Adjust Sublimation Paper Settings for Perfect Prints

Learn how to adjust sublimation paper settings for your printer and software and get the best results from your sublimation prints. Find out what paper, ink, and print settings to use and how to test print before pressing.

Hi, this is Ahmaddsk, your sublimation printer blogger. Today I will talk about paper settings for sublimation and how to get the best results from your prints.

Sublimation paper is a special type of paper that transfers the ink from your printer to your fabric or other substrate. It’s different from regular paper because it has a coating that prevents the ink from absorbing into the paper. Instead, the ink stays on the paper’s surface until you heat it with a heat press or an iron.

When you heat up the paper, the ink turns into a gas and penetrates the fibers of your fabric or other substrate. This creates a permanent, vibrant print that won’t fade, crack, or peel.

Sublimation Paper Settings

But to get the best, you need to adjust some settings on your printer and software. Here are some tips to help you out:

• Choose the right sublimation paper for your printer and substrate. There are different types of sublimation paper for different printers and substrates. For example, some papers are designed for inkjet printers, while others are for laser printers. Some papers are better for fabrics, while others are for hard surfaces like mugs or tiles. Ensure you use the right paper for your project and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use high-quality sublimation ink. Sublimation ink differs from regular ink because it has special pigments that can turn into gas when heated. You need to use high-quality sublimation ink compatible with your printer and paper. Cheap or low-quality ink may not transfer well or clog your printer head. You can also use refillable cartridges or a continuous ink system (CIS) to save money and reduce waste.
• Adjust your print settings. Depending on your printer model and software, you may need to adjust some print settings to optimize your sublimation prints. Here are some common settings to check:
  • Print mode: Choose the highest quality print mode available, such as photo or best quality. This will ensure that your printer uses more ink and produces more vibrant colors.
  • Paper type: Choose the correct paper type for your sublimation paper, such as plain paper, glossy paper, or matte paper. This will affect how much ink your printer uses and how fast it dries.
  • Color management: Choose the right color profile for your sublimation paper and substrate, such as RGB or CMYK. This will affect how your colors are rendered on your print and substrate. You can also use custom color profiles with a colorimeter or a spectrophotometer.
  • Mirror image: Choose the mirror image option if you are printing on fabric or other substrates that require you to flip the paper over before pressing. This will ensure that your image is not reversed on your substrate.
• Test print before pressing. Before you press your sublimation paper onto your substrate, test and print it on regular paper first. This will help you check if your image is clear, sharp, and aligned properly. You can also compare it with a substrate sample to see if the colors match. If you need to make any adjustments, do it before you waste any sublimation paper.

Software for Sublimation Paper Settings

There is no definitive answer to the best software for paper settings, as different software may have different features, advantages, and disadvantages. 

• Lightburn: A software made specifically for laser cutters, which can also be used for sublimation printing. It has a user-friendly interface and various design tools and supports various file formats. It costs $40 for a GCode license key1.
• Adobe Photoshop: A powerful photo editing software that can also be used for sublimation printing. It has various editing tools, filters, and effects and supports various file formats. It costs $20.99 per month for a single app subscription2.
• GIMP: A free and open-source photo editing software that can also be used for sublimation printing. It has many similar features to Photoshop, such as layers, brushes, and filters, and supports various file formats2.
• CorelDRAW: A vector graphics software that can also be used for sublimation printing. It has a comprehensive set of design tools, such as shapes, text, and gradients, and supports various file formats. It costs $249 per year for a subscription2.
• Canva: A free online design software that can also be used for sublimation printing. It has a simple and intuitive interface, a large library of templates, images, and fonts, and supports various file formats2.

These are just some of the software options available for sublimation paper settings. Try different software and see which suits your needs and preferences best.

Further reading:

If you want to learn more about sublimation printing, here are some links to check out:

• Sublimation with Cricut: Learn how to use a Cricut machine for sublimation printing and what materials and accessories you need.
• What shirts are best for sublimation printing?: Find out what types work best for sublimation printing and what factors to consider when choosing them.
• How to print sublimation on Cricut: Follow this step-by-step guide on how to print sublimation on Cricut using an inkjet printer and a heat press.
• Sublimation vs. screen printing: Compare the pros and cons of sublimation and screen printing, and see which suits your needs better.
• How to print large sublimation images on Cricut: Learn how to print large sublimation images on Cricut using the tiling feature and the slice tool.

Final words:

Sublimation printing is a fun and creative way to personalize your products and projects. You need to use the right software for your sublimation paper settings to get the best results. 

In this article, I have shared some of the best software options available and how they can help you with your sublimation printing needs. 

I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy sublimation printing!

Explore the world of sublimation and printers with our comprehensive guide, for more information or a step-by-step how-to guide.

FAQs:

Q. What is the best sublimation paper? The best sublimation paper depends on your printer and substrate. Some of the most popular brands of sublimation paper are A-SUB, Koala, Printers Jack, and TexPrint. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for the best results.

Q. What is the best temperature and time for sublimation printing? The best temperature and time for sublimation printing vary depending on your substrate and paper. Generally, the recommended temperature range is between 350°F and 400°F, and the recommended time range is between 30 seconds and 4 minutes. You should always do a test print before pressing to check the quality and adjust the settings accordingly.

Q. What materials can you sublimate on? You can sublimate on any material that can withstand high heat and has a high polyester content. This includes fabrics, ceramics, metals, plastics, and wood. You can also use special coatings or sprays to make other materials suitable for sublimation printing.

Q. Can you use a regular printer for sublimation printing? No, you cannot use a regular printer for sublimation printing. You need to use a printer compatible with sublimation ink, such as an inkjet or laser printer. You also need to use sublimation paper, which has a special coating that prevents the ink from absorbing into the paper.

Q. Can you use regular ink for sublimation printing? No, you cannot use regular ink for sublimation printing. You need to use sublimation ink with special pigments that can turn into gas when heated. Regular ink will not transfer well or bond with the substrate. You can buy sublimation ink cartridges or refillable cartridges for your printer.