What Can I Use Instead Of Butcher Paper For Sublimation?

You can use things like copy paper or blank newspaper print instead of butcher paper for sublimation. There are many common items that can work well.

Have you been using butcher paper for all of your sublimation crafts and school projects but want to save some money and reduce waste? You’re not alone. As an art teacher, I know how expensive it can be to keep buying large rolls of butcher paper to create one-of-a-kind t-shirts, mugs, and more with my students.

Sublimation is a really cool process that allows you to transfer colorful images and designs onto items like cloth and ceramics using special heat-resistant inks and a printer. The ink turns into a gas during the heating process and is absorbed into the material. What’s left is a bright, vibrant design fused directly into the item.

We’ve been relying on butcher paper as our main sublimation substrate for a long time. But it adds up quickly when making multiple items. Plus, all that paper ends up in the trash once our projects are done. I wanted to find more affordable and eco-friendly options that we could reuse.

That’s why I did some research and testing to find great alternatives to butcher paper. In this post, I’m going to share some of the best reusable substrates I’ve discovered that are much easier on the budget and better for the environment. My goal is to help fellow teachers and crafters expand their sublimation possibilities while saving money and reducing waste.

Sublimation Plastic Sheets: A Durable Reusable Option

Defining sublimation plastic sheets:

Sublimation plastic sheets are flat pieces of thick, durable plastic specially made for use with sublimation printing. The plastic is usually made from polycarbonate or polyester, which allows colorful sublimation ink images to be easily absorbed into the surface during the heating process.

How do sublimation sheets work?

Like butcher paper, sublimation plastic sheets are placed into a sublimation printer. But instead of single-use paper, the plastic material is heat resistant and can be reused numerous times. When heated, the dyes in the ink are infused deep into the non-porous plastic surface. This creates a lasting image that won’t fade or rub off.

Benefits over butcher paper:

Sublimation plastic sheets have several advantages over traditional butcher paper. They are much more durable and long-lasting, so the beautiful designs you create will not deteriorate over time. Multiple images can be added to the same sheet through reuse, making them more cost effective long term. And since the plastic doesn’t get thrown out, it helps reduce waste.

Where to buy them:

You can find sublimation plastic sheets for sale online through craft supply retailers and specialty sublimation shops. Look for trusted brands like Geo Knight or Precision Colors. Most offer affordable package deals of various standard sheet sizes to suit different project needs. Craft stores near me also carry small sample packs to try.

Read Also: Can You Sublimate Silicone Watch Bands

Pre-Printed Iron-On Transfer Paper/Film

What is pre-printed transfer paper?

Pre-printed transfer paper is special paper or thin plastic film that already has colorful designs printed on it using sublimation inks. Instead of printing your own images, you can choose from the many pre-made pattern and graphic options available.

Usage:

To apply the design, simply cut or trim the pre-printed sheet to the size you need. Then heat press it artwork-side down onto your chosen fabric item using an iron or heat press machine. The printed dyes are absorbed directly into the fabric, like a permanent tattoo.

Available range of pre-printed designs:

There is a huge variety of pre-printed transfer sheets to pick from with different themes and styles. Popular options include name designs, faces, holiday patterns, landscapes, and more. Children will love the cute animal and character prints. Adults can liven up basics with bold graphic motifs or inspirational quotes.

Where to purchase pre-printed transfers?

You can find pre-printed iron-on transfer paper and film sheets online through retailers like Stahls’, Siser, and ThermoFlex. Many large craft stores now carry small sample packs too. Best of all, no design printing is needed on your end!

100% Polyester Fabrics

Fabrics can you use for direct sublimation:

Any fabric made of 100% polyester is suitable for direct sublimation printing without needing transfer paper or plastic sheets. This includes items like polyester t-shirts, towels, and ball caps.

Why use polyester fabrics?

Compared to natural fabrics like cotton, polyester fibers better accept the dye molecules during the sublimation heating process. This allows vivid colors and sharp details to become part of the fabric itself very effectively.

Preparition of polyester for printing:

Before sublimating on polyester items, it’s important to clean and dry them completely. You also need to use an inkjet fabric coating spray which helps the ink properly absorb. This special coating is applied lightly prior to sending items through your printer and heat press.

Where can you find polyester fabrics?

Affordable polyester fabrics are widely available. Check your local fabric stores, craft shops, andonline retailers to browse color options in polyester tees, totes and other apparel. You can create custom wearables and décor pieces right at home!

Reusing Butcher Paper – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Hey guys, you know how we’ve been throwing out all that used butcher paper after our sublimation projects? Well, I’ve found some neat ways we can reuse the sheets multiple times to cut down on waste even more.

Cover Up Old Designs:

If your paper only has a small design that’s finished, simply place a new piece of paper over the top. Use tape around the edges to keep them together. Now you’ve got a “blank canvas” to print a new image!

Laminate It For Durability:

I tried laminating leftover pieces of butcher paper using contact paper. It worked great for sealing in the previous prints so new ones don’t overlap. The plastic coating makes the sheets very sturdy too.

Cut To Fit Your Projects:

Instead of full size sheets, measure and cut the paper to only the size you need for each item. This helps minimize scraps. You can even piece together smaller sections to make custom shapes.

Making Your Own Sublimation Boards

Have you noticed how expensive pre-made sublimation boards can be? I decided to try making my own reusable hardboards so we wouldn’t have to keep using up paper. Here’s a super easy DIY method I came up with:

Gather Your Materials:

All you need is some plain wood boards or melamine coated boards from the hardware store. Also pick up polyurethane or polyacrylic sealant for protection.

Prep The Surface:

Give the boards a good cleaning to remove any dust or oils. Then lightly sand the surface so the ink will adhere better.

Test The Coating:

Apply a thin, even coat of sealant using a small paint roller or brush. Let it dry completely before printing your test image. Fingers crossed it works!

Show Off Your Prints:

Once you’ve got the hang of it, decorate the boards however you like! Try seasonal designs, name boards, or scenes from nature. The hard surfaces make them perfect for displaying proudly.

Even More Sublimation Project Ideas

Now that you’ve learned some alternative substrates to use, it’s time to get creative with new design possibilities! Here are a few other items I’ve had fun personalizing with sublimation.

Customize Canvases:

Plain canvas totes and frames are a blank canvas waiting for your artwork. Sublimation prints look so cool when “painted” on with inks.

Personalized Planners & Journals: 

Add your name or inspiring quotes to the covers of notebooks, planners and more. Watch them come to life with colorful prints.

Dress Up Drinkware:

From ceramic mugs to stainless steel water bottles, drinkware loves vibrant sublimation designs. Guess who gets compliments on their printed coffee cup every day?

Decorate Around the House: 

You can sublimate on so many surfaces for instant home décor like wood coasters, tile coasters, trivets and more. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs:

Do you need butcher paper for infusible ink? 

No, you don’t need butcher paper specifically for infusible ink projects. Circuit Infusible Ink works by fusing metallic or colorful designs onto heat-resistant materials like ceramic, wood or glass using a Circuit machine and heat source. Any light material like parchment paper or a silicone baking mat can be used as a non-stick surface underneath instead of butcher paper.

Can you use any paper for sublimation printing? 

Not any paper will work for regular inkjet sublimation printing. The paper needs to be something that won’t absorb the special sublimation inks, so the dye molecules can evaporate and be absorbed into the sublimation substrate like a t-shirt. Common papers used are polyester/polypropylene sheets, laminate sheets and specialty sublimation paper designed for that purpose. Regular printer paper won’t work.

What is a substitute for butcher paper in Cricut? 

Good substitutes for using with Cricut Infusible Ink transfers include: parchment paper (non-stick and heat resistant), silicone mats or Teflon sheets. These allow the transfer material and substrate to be pressed together without sticking to the bottom surface of the heat press. As long as it’s heat resistant to 220°F/105°C it should work fine in place of butcher paper.

Can you use parchment paper for sublimation printing? 

While parchment paper is a suitable non-stick surface option for Cricut Infusible Ink transfers, it cannot be used directly for inkjet sublimation printing. The paper is porous and would absorb the sublimation inks rather than allowing them to transfer. Professional sublimation papers like polyester are needed to facilitate the sublimation process.

In Closing

Well friends, we’ve covered a lot of great alternatives to butcher paper for sublimation projects! I hope you found some new substrate ideas you want to test out in your crafting. Being able to reuse materials over and over will definitely save money in the long run.

Recap of the Top Options:

If I had to pick my favorites, I really like using the durable sublimation plastic sheets and pre-printed transfer papers since they make the printing process quicker. The polyester fabrics are super for customized apparel too. And nothing beats the fun of designing your own boards!

Keep Experimenting! 

We’d love to see what cool things you all come up with using these alternative substrates. Be sure to share photos of your finished items on our classroom page. It’s always neat to get new inspiration from each other.

Reduce, reuse, recycle: 

Most importantly, I’m glad we can reduce waste by reusing supplies multiple times. Taking better care of the environment is so important. Thanks for joining me on this sustainability journey!