Can You Use Regular Ink On Sublimation Paper?

Regular ink is not designed to be compatible with sublimation paper and will typically smear off the page if used for printing. Sublimation paper is mainly used for clothing prints, and it is formulated to work with inks that bond to the material during the sublimation process.

We  know you’ve been doing some super cool projects using sublimation printing lately. Raising funds for your school by designing t-shirts and mugs, what a great idea!

Sublimation is a really neat process where you use special ink and paper that allows you to transfer your designs to lots of different surfaces with just a bit of heat. The inks are made special so that they can turn into a gas when warm, which lets them sink deep into the fabric or material.

Now We understand you had an interesting question come up – can regular ink work on sublimation paper too? It’s a smart thought to try and customize things with your own drawings. But sublimation needs those special inks designed for the high heat involved.

In this post, We are  going to explain all about how sublimation works, the different ink types, and share the results of testing regular markers and pens. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of why normal ink won’t transfer like the sublimation kind. But fear not, there are still cool ways you can add your designs! Ready to learn? Then let’s dive in!

What is Sublimation Printing

Now before we get into testing regular ink, let’s first discuss what sublimation printing is all about. Understanding the basics will help explain why only certain inks can be used.

The Sublimation Process:

When doing sublimation, special dyes in the ink are heated to a very high temperature inside the printer or heating device. This heat causes the tiny dye particles to turn directly from a solid into a gas, without even becoming a liquid first. Pretty cool huh?

Sublimation Paper:

This magical process can only happen because of the special transfer paper used. The paper is coated to allow the dye gas to easily pass through it and sink deep into the final material without getting stuck in the paper.

Applying to Fabric and More:

Once the dyes become a gas, they then settle into the fibers of the item being printed on, like a t-shirt or mug. As it cools, the dyes become a solid part of the fabric or surface. This allows bright images to be placed on almost any material.

Ink Types for Sublimation

Alright, so now we know how that incredible sublimation process works. But what exactly are the special ink requirements to make it happen? Let’s investigate the different options used.

Sublimation Ink:

As I mentioned before, sublimation ink contains specially formulated dyes that can change into a gas when heated to high temperatures. The specific dye compositions allow them to smoothly transition phases without leaving behind a mess.

Inkjet Sublimation Ink:

One of the most common types is inkjet sublimation ink. Like your home printer, these inks are loaded into cartridges to be deposited onto the transfer paper using an inkjet printer head. They come in vibrant colors too!

Sublimation Toner:

The other popular choice is toner based inks, which are used with laser printers. Similar to how your photocopier works, the toner melts and bonds to the coated substrate at high heat. Great for larger bulk orders!

Differences from Regular Ink:

Key thing to note is regular pens, markers and home printer inks are formulated differently without the special dye compositions. So they won’t undergo that lifesaving gas transition needed for a true sublimation transfer.

Read Also: What Can I Use Instead Of Butcher Paper For Sublimation?

Testing Regular Ink Compatibility

Alright class, it’s time to put on our lab coats and safety goggles! In this section, we’re going to experimentally test if regular ink can truly work with sublimation. Carefully follow instructions and record your observations.

Gathering Materials:

To start, gather some sublimation transfer paper, various pens and markers, a blank item to print on like a white t-shirt, and our heat press machine.

Drawing Test Designs:

Using the pens and markers, carefully draw or write simple images, words or patterns directly onto the sublimation paper. Be sure not to smudge as you work.

Heating and Pressing:

When finished, place the inked paper image side down onto the white fabric. Secure it in the heat press and activate for the standard time and temperature for that surface.

Analyzing Results:

Once cool, gently peel back the paper. Take a close look at the fabric. Did the drawings fully transfer or did they remain on the paper? Note all observations.

Alternatives for Customizing with Regular Ink

So in our experiments, we discovered regular ink just won’t cut it for true sublimation transfers. But fear not! There are still fun ways to add your hand-drawn designs.

Drawing Directly on Paper:

You can absolutely use markers and pens to draw cool pictures, letters or doodles directly onto regular paper. No heating needed!

Scanning and Vectorizing:

Take your paper drawings and scan them into the computer. Then use software to “trace” shapes and convert into digital line art files. This file can be printed with sublimation ink.

photocopy Method:

Photocopy your scanned line drawings onto sublimation paper for a lower quality indirect transfer onto items using heat.

Outsourcing to Stores:

See if any local craft or print shops offer sublimation printing services. You could send them your digital design files to have professionally printed onto products for you.

Keep Practicing Art Skills:

Keep improving your drawing and doodling technique. Who knows, maybe someday there will be special “drawing inks” compatible with sublimation!

Business Uses for Sublimation

Alright class, now that we understand how sublimation works and the ink requirements, let’s discuss some ways small businesses can utilize this nifty process!

Customized Apparel and Gear:

Many shops offer custom designed t-shirts, hats or bags printed on demand using uploadable designs. Great for event promotions or team uniforms.

Personalized Gifts and Merch:

Small businesses decorate all sorts of items like water bottles, phone cases, mugs and more with photos or logos. Unique gifts customers will love.

On-site Printing Services:

Some craft stores have expanded to include a sublimation printing section. Customers can upload their own artwork to have printed instantly on fabrics or mugs while they wait.

Large format Printing:

For banners, signs and display graphics, wide-format sublimation printing produces vibrant long-lasting images on durable materials at an affordable cost.

Benefits over Embroidery/Screen Printing:

Sublimation offers more vibrant colors than embroidery and doesn’t require prep or cleanup like screen-printing. Ideal for on-demand short runs.

FAQs

Can you use regular ink on DTF transfer paper?

No, regular ink won’t work because it’s not made for the heat process. DTF paper needs heat transfer ink with special dyes that can withstand high temperatures without smearing.

Can you print anything on heat transfer paper?

Not exactly, it depends on the type of paper. Regular printouts may not transfer cleanly. Heat transfer paper is made for special inks only. Always check the paper instructions for compatibility.

Can you use a regular printer for tattoo transfer paper?

No, tattoo paper uses special inks too. It needs inks made for skin-safe transfers onto people. Regular printer inks are not formulated for direct skin contact. Always use inks meant for temporary tattoos.

What is the best sublimation ink? 

There is no single best ink, it depends on your printer type. For inkjet, look for dye-based sublimation ink. For laser printers, use heat-resistant toner ink formulated for sublimation processes. Both can produce bright, vibrant transfers.

Do you need certain ink for transfer paper?

Yes, transfer paper has coating that requires specific inks. You need heat transfer dye inks or toner inks that were made to stick to the coated paper during heating. Regular inks won’t bond properly and may smear or not transfer cleanly.

Can I use dye ink on transfer paper?:

It depends on the type of transfer paper. Dye inks are suitable for sublimation, DTF and some other heat transfer papers meant for dye inks. But not for all types of transfer paper, so always check ink and paper compatibility first.

Conclusion

Alright class, we’ve come to the end of our sublimation lesson. Before you head out, let’s quickly review what we’ve learned!

Recap of Sublimation Process:

We discussed how using special sublimation inks and transfer paper, high heat allows dye colors to turn to a gas and bond deeply into fabrics and other surfaces.

Confirming Ink Compatibility:

Through hands-on testing, we saw that regular markers and pens are not suitable since their dye formulas won’t undergo the necessary state change. Only those designed for sublimation will work.

Alternative Customization Methods:

But never fear, there are still ways like drawing digitizing and printing services that allow adding personal artwork to sublimated projects.

Business Uses Are Endless:

Learning this process expands opportunities for small shops to offer customized apparel, gifts and even services like wide format digital printing.