How to Choose the Right Sublimation Paper for Your Project

Sublimation printing has taken the world of crafting and customization by storm. Whether you're printing on t-shirts, mugs, tumblers, or metal plates, sublimation paper plays a critical role in achieving vibrant, high-resolution results. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right sublimation paper for your needs?

Let’s break it down so you can make informed, confident decisions—whether you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade your current supplies.

Why Sublimation Paper Matters

Sublimation paper is more than just a carrier—it’s a precision tool designed to hold ink temporarily until it's heat-transferred onto your final product. Using the wrong type can result in:

• Faded or dull prints

• Ink bleeding or smudging

• Ghosting or shifting

• Wasted materials and time

Choosing the right paper helps you maximize ink release, reduce waste, and ensure every transfer looks crisp and professional.

Understanding Types of Sublimation Papers

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Different jobs call for different paper characteristics:

➤ Fast-Dry Sublimation Paper

• Dries quickly after printing

• Best for high-volume production

• Ideal for soft substrates like polyester t-shirts

• Great for environments with higher humidity

➤ Tacky Sublimation Paper

• Slightly adhesive when heated

• Prevents ghosting by minimizing design movement

• Perfect for stretchy or thin fabrics, like athletic wear

• Excellent for items with curves like tumblers

➤ Multipurpose (Hybrid) Papers

• Designed for compatibility across various substrates

• Best for hobbyists or small businesses handling a variety of items

• A convenient all-around option for shirts, mugs, and hard surfaces

Weight and Thickness: What is GSM?

Sublimation papers typically range from 100 GSM to 125 GSM:

• Lighter paper (100–105 GSM): feeds more easily in home printers

• Heavier paper (120–125 GSM): may hold more ink and produce deeper colors

• If your printer tends to jam or your paper curls, try switching to GSM

Match the Paper to Your Printer

✔ Epson EcoTank & Converted Printers

• Most standard sublimation papers work well

• Use the “Premium Presentation Paper” setting

• Make sure your ink saturation isn’t too high for thin paper types

✔ Sawgrass & Ricoh Printers

• May benefit from papers with higher coating quality

• Tacky or premium papers are preferred

• ICC profiles may improve color accuracy depending on the brand used

Match the Paper to Your Substrate

Here’s a quick reference guide:

How to Test Sublimation Paper

Before committing to a whole batch, test your paper using:

• Solid black prints for ink density checks

• Full-color images to compare vibrancy

• Paper backing after pressing—how much ink was left?

This hands-on testing helps evaluate ink release, dry time, and sharpness.

Storage and Handling Tips

To keep your sublimation paper performing at its best:

• Store in a sealed bag to avoid moisture

• Keep flat and away from heat

• Handle by the edges to avoid oil transfer

Recommended Brands to Explore

If you're starting or looking to experiment with different types of sublimation paper, here are two brands that are commonly used and well-reviewed in the printing community:

• Koala – Offers a variety of sublimation papers suitable for mugs, shirts, and hard surfaces.
  You might check out their 120gsm Sublimation Paper – 8.5" x 11", 110 Sheets as a versatile option.

• A-sub – Known for a broad selection of sublimation papers, including both standard and tacky types.
  Their 125gsm Sublimation Paper – 8.5" x 11", 110 Sheets is often used for both textiles and rigid surfaces.

These options are widely available and can serve as a helpful reference point when comparing paper performance.

Choosing the right sublimation paper is about more than just brand—it's about matching your printer type, substrate material, and workflow. Whether you're printing on polyester shirts, ceramic mugs, or metal panels, the paper’s coating, drying time, and GSM will affect the final result.

Testing a few different paper types and weights can help you find what works best for your specific setup. Once you’ve narrowed it down, sticking with a consistent paper will help improve reliability and output quality in your workflow.

If you’ve found a paper you love—or had a frustrating experience—drop a comment or share your go-to in the community. Your insights could help fellow creators avoid trial and error.