by Melissa Donovan
The transfer sublimation process is multi-faceted but that doesn’t mean it’s difficult or challenging by any means. Indeed, Ryan Filip, business development, AW Specialty Papers, LLC, believes transfer sublimation offers control, flexibility, and reliability—three highly sought after characteristics in any print process.
From high-end work such as décor to jobs where consistency and speed matter—medium runs of sport apparel—transfer sublimation is what Filip refers to as a “dependable and cost-effective choice in the long run.”
Above: Using premium-grade dyes, NUtec sublimation inks deliver rich, vibrant color across the full spectrum.
Long Live Transfer
Direct-to-fabric sublimation is admittedly popular due to removing the step of transfer paper, however transfer sublimation is preferred by many for several reasons. An established process, it offers precise, high-quality graphics in an efficient amount of time.
For one thing, Simon Daplyn, product and marketing manager, Sun Chemical, states that transfer sublimation “is a well understood and established process. The image quality is less challenging, as interactions between the ink and paper are well known and fixation workflow is optimized.”
Less challenging image quality equals precision. “Transfer paper allows for better color vibrancy and fidelity, and you do not need the coating that is required for direct transfer. Transfer papers allow for exceptional edge sharpness, which is especially important in high-end fashion, detailed graphics, and small fonts,” says a representative from Beaver Paper & Graphic Media, Inc.
Compared to direct printing, transfer sublimation offers “superior color vibrancy and image clarity, as the transfer process enables more precise ink deposition on treated paper before being thermally bonded to the fabric. This method allows for sharper detail and consistent image reproduction, especially critical in high-end textile applications like fashion, soft signage, and home décor,” agrees Darren Claassens, head of sales and marketing, NUtec Digital Ink.
“In terms of image quality, our clients that produce high-end retail and exhibit displays always choose transfer. Very sharp line work and fine text can be resolved on coated transfer papers and much of this quality is retained as inks are sublimated with paper and fabric sandwiched between the belt and drum of the transfer press,” admits Dave Mee, partner and textile products manager, American Print Consultants.
While direct sublimation is streamlined thanks to fewer steps, “for most of our applications, especially when dealing with complex designs or when printing on pre-cut fabric pieces, transfer sublimation is more efficient,” notes Rob Super, owner, American Print and Supply.
Another benefit of transfer sublimation is that “it allows printing on a wider range of fabric types, including stretch and coated synthetics, broadening its versatility,” suggests Claassens.
It is considered a cleaner process compared to direct sublimation. “Transfer sublimation keeps equipment cleaner by preventing ink bleed, minimizing downtime, and reducing ink and maintenance costs,” adds Filip.
Additionally, transfer printing does not require a trough for excess ink collection where increased ink needs to be properly disposed. “There is also no need for washing,” notes the team at Beaver Paper.
Transfer sublimation tends to yield less waste. “Stable transport of transfer paper and fabric is the very essence of calendar heat press design. Even stretch and knit fabrics are easily transported, a feat only possible on direct printers with very high-cost sticky belt transport systems. Also most calendars allow processing of small, cut pieces of paper and fabric for color strike offs or client sign offs. Think you’re doing this on a direct printer without feet after feet of waste, think again,” warns Mee.
“If you make a mistake printing it is much easier to catch in process and correct with a paper transfer, not to mention much less costly of an error versus direct printing/fixing inline where you only realize the mistake when it’s too late serving as an extra layer of quality control in your process,” continues Filip.
The Paper Part
Transfer or sublimation paper is a key ingredient in this discussion. Application-specific sublimation papers as well as multi-purpose papers are used in the wide format digital print process. Depending on the application, it might make sense to use one over the other.
“We feel that the paper choice plays a big role in quality and customer satisfaction,” notes Super.
According to Filip, “choosing the right sublimation transfer paper can impact image quality, ink efficiency, production speed, job profitability, and customer satisfaction. It’s also important to consider equipment and ink chemistry before selecting an application-specific paper. For example, printers operating in dryer environments often use high glycol content inks to prevent printhead clogging, but they also delay drying and require a specially coated paper tailored to its unique absorption and release characteristics. As a general rule—higher end output demands higher performance paper.”
Application Specific
For apparel applications like sportswear, Super suggests a tacky adhesive transfer paper. “This prevents fabric movement during transfer, essential for stretchable performance fabrics.”
“Tacky paper is a great choice when transferring to cut garment pieces on fabrics prone to shrinking under heat—typically those that are blended with elastine or lycra fibers. Shrinking of fabric during the transfer process causes ‘ghosting’ and blurring of images and tacky paper mitigates this,” explains Mee.
Filip points out that apparel is a diverse category, with performance sportswear and fashion textiles each having their own distinct requirements beyond tacky paper. Where sportswear as aforementioned benefits from tacky sublimation paper, fashion and lifestyle textiles require paper designed to minimize ink bleed and control wicking to ensure sharp lines, color precision, and a soft final product.
Features to look for in a transfer paper used for soft signage include dimensional stability during the transfer process for sharp edges and fine details, fast drying for high-production environments, and deep black saturation, lists a representative from Beaver Paper.
Also for soft signage, Super recommends a paper with high ink release to ensure vibrant colors and sharp images.
For certain types of soft signage, there are more specifics to get into. “For backlit and front lit displays on lightweight polyester fabrics, use a fast-drying sublimation paper in the 60 to 105 gsm range with a high-release coating. Backlit signage often requires heavier ink saturation to reduce light bleed, so a slightly heavier paper closer to 90 to 105 gsm can help maintain dimensional stability. The goal is to deliver deep, saturated colors while minimizing cockling/rivering and waviness from excess ink,” attests Filip.
Décor projects benefit from a paper with high ink release. “A high-resolution capability captures the intricate designs and patterns found in this type of application,” according to Super.
In this instance the paper should also offer “excellent transfer of fine lines and textures, good handling properties, and compatibility with thicker or textured fabrics,” explains the Beaver Paper representative.
For items in this category—like curtains and upholstery—Filip says mid to heavyweight papers in the 90 to 140 gsm range are preferred. “A smooth, consistent coating is essential for accurate ink transfer and detailed image reproduction. Since these products often involve repeating patterns or geometric designs, paper stability is crucial to avoid skewing or distortion. In high-speed environments, even slight paper movement can affect pattern alignment, so dimensional stability and consistent release are key.”
Multi Purpose
Alternatively, instead of using application-specific solutions, a multi-purpose transfer paper can meet all of the combined needs of the aforementioned applications.
A multi-purpose paper for Filip is something in a heavier gsm weight, he cites Coldenhove’s Jetcol 4000. A laminated 140 gsm, stable product, “it works well with very heavy ink loads as well as being suitable for hard surface transfers, making it a very versatile carrier sheet.”
Beaver Paper offers a multi-purpose 95 gsm paper. Its key selling factors are that it offers versatility, a balanced performance, consistent quality, and cost-effective inventory.
“It offers consistent transfer across soft signage, fashion, sportswear, and home décor fabrics. Multi-purpose paper offers fast drying, high dye release as well as excellent dimensional stability. Backed by a rigorous quality control process, repeatable results are ensured on every run. It reduces the need to stock multiple paper types,” notes the Beaver Paper representative.
A multi-purpose transfer paper can indeed hit all those points and more. At American Print Consultants, the papers sold in the 70 to 105 gsm range are considered multi purpose. “They combine the properties of having a high ink release while also being fast drying. These papers are designed to be stable under high ink loads,” explains Mee.
This makes them preferred by American Print Consultants’ team apparel and exhibit/retail graphics customers as well as those looking to transfer to hard surfaces like ChromaLuxe.
Choose One Vs. the Other
There is no wrong answer, but there are preferences between using specialized transfer papers over multi-purpose options.
“Print providers focused on a single, competitive vertical—like soft signage, home décor, performance apparel, or fashion typically benefit most from targeted solutions. Conversely, print-for-pay shops or those producing a range of promotional goods may prefer the flexibility of a high-quality, multi-purpose paper. Ultimately, your paper choice should align with your core business model and the expectations of your customers,” states Filip.
According to Beaver Paper, specialized transfer paper is chosen due to cost, like if someone is looking for a more tailored performance, to maximize results on specific fabrics or print profiles, or if a high-volume production line is being run where seconds and scrap matter.
“Specialized transfer paper is the better choice for professional results, especially when color accuracy, performance, and application-specific durability matter most. The optimization for the material is crucial because each paper is engineered to match the specific characteristics of the fabric or surface. This ensures better adhesion, less ghosting, and cleaner lines. Ultimately this enhances the end product quality,” admits Super.
The choice comes down to production priorities, says the Beaver Paper representative. “Specialized paper is best for optimization, while multi-purpose is best for flexibility. Multi-purpose paper offers convenience and flexibility for print shops managing diverse jobs and a one-size-fits-most solution.
“Multi-purpose sublimation papers are designed to perform reliably across a range of applications, though there are trade-offs in output quality. While they offer flexibility and reduce the need to switch papers, slight adjustments in color profiling may be needed to achieve optimal results for specific uses,” shares Filip.
Tidbits on Ink
Ink specially formulated for the transfer sublimation process is relevant to this discussion. Certain features are paramount to achieving the right adhesion level to the paper and incidentally the correct transfer to the fabric.
Claassens believes high transfer rates as well as vivid color gamut are two characteristics that must standout. With inks like NUtec’s engineered with optimized dye diffusion properties, this results in a high-efficiency transfer even at lower in volumes.
“This ensures bold, saturated colors with reduced wastage—saving on both ink and paper. In regards to vivid color gamut, using premium grade dyes, inks can deliver rich, vibrant color across the full spectrum,” continues Claassens.
Agreeing on the topics of high transfer rates and vivid color, Daplyn also lists the following features as important in terms of transfer sublimation ink sets—fast dry time, compliance, fastness, and reliability. The important balance between the ink drying fast but not too fast during the process is noteworthy.
“Inks are required to dry fast on the paper because the time from print to rewinding the paper is short, and wet ink will smear and offset onto the back side of the roll. However, it is important that the inks do not dry too quickly in the printhead as this can lead to dropped nozzles that will require maintenance, wasting both time and ink. As such, the ink formulation is a critical part of achieving the right balance in drying behavior,” explains Daplyn.
American Print Consultants collects data on transfer sublimation ink. Based on Mee’s experience with custom profiling for textiles, he has found key features for success include working with deep and neutral black ink, high chroma colors, and balanced primaries.
In regards to deep and neutral black, “having a high density of black allows us to mix less cyan, magenta, and yellow inks in the profile or spot color formulas, making for faster drying, more stable paper, and of course saving ink,” explains Mee.
For high chroma colors, when building profiles, the first thing to do is find the point where the maximum chroma or saturation can be achieved from each of the primary colors at the least amount of ink. “Not only does this ensure that customers achieve the most intense colors, it also ensures that paper will be stable and dry well. Lower performing inks require higher, wetter coverage, which can cause numerous issues. Intense blue colors are one of the hardest to achieve in sublimation printing, so for us, a blue with high chroma is the Holy Grail,” shares Mee.
Achieving balanced primaries is an indicator of a good ink set. “What signifies a good ink set is a balance in the chromas of cyan, magenta, and yellow. Having the brightest yellow possible is of little value if the other primaries can’t match it,” admits Mee.
Achieving Control
Transfer sublimation printing offers users control, flexibility, and vivid color—this is especially true when the correct materials, for our discussion transfer paper and ink, are used. View a webinar on this topic at digitaloutput.net and learn more about various parts of the sublimation transfer process.
Jul2025, Digital Output Magazine
