Difference between sublimation paper and heat transfer paper

There are differences between sublimation paper and heat transfer paper in terms of principle, material, image effect, scope of application, and cost, as follows:

Sublimation Paper: Using the principle of sublimation, the ink dye on the paper is sublimated into gas at high temperature and penetrates into the fiber of the object to be transferred. After cooling, the gaseous dye re-solidifies inside the fiber, thereby realizing pattern transfer. This transfer method makes the pattern and the surface of the object highly integrated and almost without hand feel.

Heat Transfer Paper: The pattern or text on the paper is transferred to the surface of the object to be transferred through high temperature and high pressure. During the transfer process, the pattern is transferred from the paper to the object as a whole. The pattern is usually attached to the surface of the object and has a certain thickness and hand feel.

Sublimation Paper: Usually treated with a special coating, the paper is relatively light and thin, with a smooth surface, good air permeability, and ink absorption, which allows the ink dye to sublimate smoothly when heated.

Heat Transfer Paper: The material is relatively diverse, with ordinary paper treated with coating, and some using materials such as plastic film. According to different transfer requirements, its thickness and hardness will vary. It is generally slightly thicker than sublimation paper and has a tougher surface to ensure that the pattern is completely transferred during the transfer process.

Sublimation Paper: The transferred pattern is bright in color, high in saturation, and has a natural transition, which can present a very delicate image effect. In addition, since the dye penetrates the fiber of the object, it has good wear resistance and water washing resistance, and is not easy to fade or fall off.

Heat Transfer Paper: The transferred pattern has high clarity, but the color brightness and saturation may be slightly inferior to sublimation paper, especially in some gradients and details. In addition, since the pattern is on the surface of the object, the edge may curl up or fall off after long-term use or multiple washings.

Sublimation Paper: It is mainly suitable for the transfer of light-colored chemical fiber fabrics, ceramics, metals, plastics, and other materials, and is often used for personalized customization of clothing, flags, mouse pads, mobile phone cases, and other items. However, the transfer effect on dark fabrics is relatively poor because the sublimated dye has difficulty covering the dark background.

Heat Transfer Paper: It has a wider range of applications and can be used not only for various fabrics, including dark fabrics, but also for surface transfer of various materials such as wood, leather, and glass. It is widely used in clothing printing, advertising logo production, gift customization, and other fields.

Sublimation Paper: The production process is relatively complex, and the quality and coating requirements of the paper are relatively high, so the cost is usually higher than that of thermal transfer paper. However, it is still widely used in some high-end customization and high-quality fields due to its excellent transfer effect.

Heat Transfer Paper: The cost is relatively low, especially for some ordinary thermal transfer paper, which is more affordable. This gives it a greater advantage in some cost-sensitive mass production and general consumer markets.

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