Hey there! As a supplier of 120gsm Sticky Sublimation Paper, I often get asked a bunch of questions about what materials our paper can work with. One question that's popped up a few times lately is, "Can 120gsm sticky sublimation paper be used for sublimation printing on cork?" Well, let's dig into this topic and find out!
First off, let's quickly go over what sublimation printing is. Sublimation printing is a process where special inks are heated up until they turn from a solid directly into a gas, skipping the liquid phase. This gas then bonds with the fibers of the material you're printing on, creating a permanent, high - quality image. It's super popular for things like custom T - shirts, mugs, and phone cases.
Now, about the 120gsm sticky sublimation paper. The "gsm" stands for grams per square meter, which is a measure of the paper's weight and thickness. A 120gsm paper is a bit thicker and sturdier compared to, say, an 80gsm Sticky Sublimation Paper. The "sticky" part means it has a special adhesive on one side, which helps it stick to the material during the printing process, reducing the chances of the paper shifting and messing up your print.
Cork, on the other hand, is a natural material harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. It's known for being lightweight, durable, and having a unique texture. You see cork used in all sorts of products, from bulletin boards to coasters and even fashion accessories.
So, can our 120gsm sticky sublimation paper work on cork? The short answer is, it might! But there are a few things to consider.
Compatibility of Cork with Sublimation Inks
Sublimation inks are designed to bond with synthetic fibers, like polyester. Cork is a natural material, so it doesn't have the same kind of fibers that the inks love to stick to. However, that doesn't mean it's impossible to get a good print. Some cork products may have a coating or treatment that makes them more receptive to sublimation inks. For example, if the cork has a thin layer of polyester or a similar synthetic material on the surface, the sublimation process could work quite well.
Heat Resistance of Cork
During sublimation printing, the paper and the material are subjected to high temperatures, usually around 350 - 400°F (177 - 204°C). Cork is a relatively heat - resistant material, but it can still be affected by excessive heat. If the temperature is too high or the exposure time is too long, the cork could start to char or change color. You'll need to do some test prints to find the right temperature and time settings that work for your specific cork product.
Adhesive and Sticking
The sticky part of our 120gsm paper is a big advantage. It helps keep the paper in place during the printing process. But cork has a porous and uneven surface. The adhesive on the paper needs to be able to bond well with the cork. Sometimes, the porous nature of cork can cause the adhesive to soak in, reducing its sticking power. You might need to press the paper firmly onto the cork to ensure a good bond.
Print Quality
Even if the sublimation process works on cork, the print quality might not be as sharp or vibrant as it would be on a traditional sublimation - friendly material like polyester. The texture of cork can scatter the light and make the colors look a bit duller. Also, the uneven surface can cause some parts of the image to be less clear.
Testing
Before you go all in and start printing a large batch of cork products, it's crucial to do some test prints. Cut a small piece of cork and use a sample of our 120gsm sticky sublimation paper. Try different temperature and time settings, and see how the print turns out. Look at the color, clarity, and how well the paper stuck to the cork. Based on the results of your test prints, you can adjust your settings for a better final result.
Other Sublimation Paper Options
If you find that the 120gsm paper isn't working as well as you'd like on cork, you might want to consider trying other options. For example, an 90gsm Sticky Sublimation Paper might be a better fit. It's a bit thinner than the 120gsm paper, which could potentially allow it to conform better to the cork's surface.
In conclusion, while using 120gsm sticky sublimation paper for sublimation printing on cork is a bit of a challenge, it's definitely worth exploring. With some testing and experimentation, you can achieve some really cool results. Whether you're looking to create custom cork coasters, wall art, or other unique items, our sublimation paper could be the key to making your ideas come to life.
If you're interested in trying out our 120gsm sticky sublimation paper or any of our other products, feel free to reach out. We're here to help you with any questions you might have and guide you through the sublimation printing process. Let's work together to create some amazing prints on cork and other materials!
References
- Sublimation Printing Basics: General knowledge from the sublimation printing industry.
- Cork Properties: Information gathered from research on cork as a natural material.
