The Difference Between Sublimation Transfer Printing and Heat Press Transfer Printing  

27 Mar.,2025

Sublimation transfer printing, also known as gas phase thermal transfer, involves using sublimation dye-based ink, which is printed onto paper in a mirror-image format through methods such as lithographic printing, screen printing, or gravure printing.

 

1. Sublimation Transfer Printing  

 

Sublimation transfer printing, also known as gas phase thermal transfer, involves using sublimation dye-based ink, which is printed onto paper in a mirror-image format through methods such as lithographic printing, screen printing, or gravure printing. The printed paper is then placed on the substrate, and by heating (usually around 220°C) and applying pressure, the ink on the sublimation transfer paper directly changes from a solid state to a gaseous state, transferring the image onto the substrate.

 

 

The Difference Between Sublimation Transfer Printing and Heat Press Transfer Printing  

 

 

2. Heat Press Transfer Printing  

 

Heat press transfer printing involves printing images and text onto transfer paper or plastic using screen printing (or gravure printing), and then transferring the images onto the substrate through heat and pressure. However, with the widespread use of laser printers and inkjet printers, many small workshops use laser printers to directly print computer-generated images onto transfer paper, or use inkjet printers to print images onto regular paper, which is then photocopied onto transfer paper using a photocopier. Finally, the images on the transfer paper are transferred onto the substrate through heat and pressure.

 

 

The Difference Between Sublimation Transfer Printing and Heat Press Transfer Printing  

 

3. the difference between the two methods:  

 

The sublimation transfer method is mainly used on polyester fabrics and hard materials coated with a thermal transfer layer, while the heat press transfer method is primarily used on pure cotton products. The texture produced by the two methods also differs. Sublimation transfer does not alter the original texture of the material, retaining the same feel and appearance. In contrast, heat press transfer forms a layer of adhesive on the surface of the substrate, which has a poorer hand feel and is less breathable. Each printing method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and unique characteristics in production.

 

 

 

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