How to choose the correct sublimation paper weight?
There are four factors that you have to consider for choosing the right sublimation transfer paper.
1.INK LIMIT / CAPACITY
This is a very basic factor. The higher the ink limit (wet), the heavier gram the paper should be in order to accept the moisture from the ink without any problems like curling and warping of the paper.
2.HEAVY INK PATTERNS
This explains the printing of an artwork that has a very complex design that has a mixed heavy and light ink loading. You can face this in low gram papers, curling will occur and also shifting after pressing. To eliminate this the best solution is a 110gsm or more that accept heavy ink and also light inks.
3.ROLL TO ROLL OR ROLL TO SHEET
Calendar press loves low gsm papers. But on heavy ink, consider factor #1.
4.PRINT SPEED
This is the equation:
Fast printing = lightweight paper
Slow printing = thick paper
According to the humidity of the working environment
Low humidity: In the humidity under 45% , It’s better to choose 80gsm . Because when in a low humidity , the paper will shrink, and the print side is hunch-up. During the printing , the paper absorb ink , the “hunch-up” will be more obviously. 100g and 120g paper are harder than 80g , so the “hunch-up” will damage the print-head . 80gsm is more softer , it could relief the “hunch-up” and protect your print-head from damage .
High humidity: In the humidity above 70% . It’s better to choose 110-120 gsm . Because the paper is very easy to become damp in a high humidity , it will become softer and stiffness is weak at the same time . If you use low weight paper, it will be very hard to print smoothly because of the stiffness and hardness go down . At this time , 110-120 gsm is your best choice