As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sublimation printing is a process where choosing the appropriate kind of paper is essential to achieve top-quality outcome. Two types of paper that are commonly used in sublimation discussions are parchment and butcher. While they appear to be identical, they serve a different purpose in the process of sublimation. In this blog, we will examine the distinctions between parchment and butcher paper and benefit you by deciding which one is best accurate for your sublimation project.
Understanding Sublimation Printing
Before we get into the details of butcher and parchment papers Let’s look at the sublimation printing process. Sublimation is the process by which specific inks transform into liquid when it is heated up to high temperature and is then bonded to the polyester-coated surface. This technique is widely used to create lasting, vibrant prints on ceramics, fabrics and other metals.
Butcher Paper in Sublimation
Butcher paper is durable and FDA-approved for wrapping and storage of fish and meat. It’s also widely used for sublimation printing. Here’s why:
Heat Resistant: Butcher paper can endure the extremely high temperatures required for sublimation printing, which makes it a solid option.
moisture absorption This is a great product for taking in excess moisture and ink during sublimation as well as preventing unwanted ghosting and ink transfer.
Protect: Keep your equipment tidy; butcher paper could shield you from unintentional ink leakage that may occur when pressing.
It is crucial to keep in mind that not every butcher paper is coated in silicone, or with other non-stick ingredients which are essential to prevent sticking when sublimation is taking place.
Parchment Paper in Sublimation
Parchment paper is a different feature that is often employed in baking due to its non-stick characteristics. This is how it compares for sublimation.
Non-stick Surface: The surface of the parchment sheet is sprayed with silicon, which makes it non-stick. It is especially beneficial when applying designs to substrates because it avoids sticking and permits easy release after the design is complete.
Heat Resistant: Like butcher paper parchment paper is also able to withstand the extreme temperatures of sublimation printing.
Translucency Paper made of parchment is usually more transparent than butcher paper, which makes it easier to see your designs through the paper when aligning is important.
However parchment paper isn’t so absorbent as butcher paper and could cause problems with bleeding ink when not handled correctly. Furthermore, since parchment paper isn’t a stick, it won’t guard against heat and press the ink quite the same efficiently in the same way as Butcher Paper.
Which Should You Use for Sublimation?
The decision between butcher and parchment papers is contingent on your particular requirements and preferences. Butcher is the best option to go if looking for a material that will absorb ink excess and shield the heat press. However you may require a non-stick surface that will prevent the surface from sticking after pressuring, parchment may be the best opportunity.
Below are some guidelines that can benefit you make the right choice:
You should use butcher paper when designing with large ink coverage or are concerned about bleeding-through of ink.
Choose parchment paper if you must see through the paper for precise positioning or when you are working with materials which may stick to other kinds of papers.
FAQ
Sublimation with these papers is not advised as they may hold ink from previous projects which may transfer to the next project.
A protecting layer such as parchment or butcher paper is necessary to avoid the transfer of ink onto your press and assure the printing is clean.
Both sides are typically suitable for butcher paper as it’s generally not coated. If you’re with parchment, ensure that the silicone-coated side is facing the substrate in order to make use of its non-stick properties.
Conclusion
Both parchment and butcher papers play a role in the process of sublimation printing. When you understand their specific properties and their interactions with your designs and substrates You can choose which you prefer to use for best payoff. Make sure to test the paper you choose with the specific equipment and materials, since this will perfectly reveal what will work best for your particular circumstance. Have fun printing!
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.