Sticky Sublimation Paper Use Precautions

We generally classify dye-sublimation papers into three different types: Ordinary sublimation paper, Fast-dry or instant-dry sublimation paper, and Sticky or Tacky sublimation paper. But why use these particular types of sublimation paper instead of regular sublimation paper? Your choice of paper depends on your application. In this article, we will discuss some precautions for using sticky sublimation paper.

What is Sticky Sublimation Paper?

Sticky sublimation paper, also called tacky sublimation paper, is specially developed for sublimation transfer printing on elastic fabrics. Sticky sublimation paper is coated with a special sticky substance that is activated when heated at high temperatures. When we transfer the image through the heat pressure, the sticky paper can be bonded with the fabric, thus avoiding the printing defects such as "ghosting" that may occur when the paper and fabric are sliding and misaligned during the heat transfer printing.

When we use sticky sublimation paper, there may be insufficient sticky or over-sticky problem, that is, insufficient sticky paper and fabric can not be glued together after transferring; over-sticky when the paper and fabric after transferring peeling effort. So how can we use good sticky sublimation paper to avoid non-adhesion or over-adhesion?

Tips for using sticky sublimation paper

First of all, we need to understand the factors affecting the bonding strength of sticky paper and fabric, the bonding force between fabric and sticky paper is affected by the following aspects:
a. Adhesive grade of the tacky sublimation paper
b. Type of fabric
c. The humidity of the environment
d. Customer's pattern
e. Storage of the sublimation paper
 f. Pressing temperature and time

The following is a one-by-one analysis of each of the factors affecting adhesive strength:

a. Tacky sublimation paper adhesive grade: For customers with different fabrics and different environmental air humidity throughout the year, the bonding strength requirements for sticky paper are different. Ordinary sticky sublimation paper can cope with most of the use of the environment. But in some relatively dry areas or in the fall and winter seasons, you may need to replace the sublimation paper with higher adhesive strength.

b. Type of fabric: Fabric is a major factor affecting the adhesive strength, the smoother the fabric, the lower the adhesive strength between the sublimation paper and the fabric, the sticky paper is in a molten state in the coating of the adhesive during the heat transfer process, if the fabric is smooth, it will provide the adhesive with less adhesive strength. When encountering smooth elastic fabrics, it is recommended to choose high-tack paper.

c. Environmental humidity: The adhesive strength of the sticky sublimation paper is related to the moisture in the transfer process, with high moisture, adhesion will be strong. Some customers in the process of using sticky paper found that the spring and summer sticky paper strength is very good, to the fall and winter seasons, the sublimation paper is sometimes viscous insufficient, most of which is due to the transfer process of paper and fabric moisture is too low, encountered in this case you can try to put the fabric in a higher humidity environment first moisture absorption and then transfer, and in addition to the printing of sticky paper for the sticky paper to pay attention to the degree of control of the drying process, do not make the transfer of paper overly dry.

d. Sticky paper preservation: Unprinted sublimation paper should not be exposed to air for a long time, which will reduce the viscosity of the sticky paper, it needs to be sealed and preserved. If there is still half a roll of paper left after printing, it should be sealed and stored in the original plastic bag as soon as possible, and should not be placed in the air for a long time. Printed sticky sublimation paper should be transferred in time, if left for a few days, the stickiness will be weakened because the moisture will continue to evaporate and the stickiness of the transfer paper coating will decrease. We recommend that the printed sticky paper be transferred within 2-24 hours, or if it cannot be transferred in time, it needs to be stored in a sealed container.

e. Pressing temperature and time: Improper operation during the pressing process will also affect the viscosity of the sublimation paper. If the pressing temperature is too high, or the time is too long, it is easy to cause the viscosity of the sublimation paper to decrease. Usually, we recommend that the pressing temperature be set at 210°C, the time is 20~25s, and the pressure is about 4 kg.

Above our experience with the application of sticky sublimation paper explained, how to use good sticky paper specifically summarized in three sentences:

① Select the appropriate adhesive strength of the sublimation paper (based on fabrics, seasons, and patterns);
② Pay attention to the transfer process moisture (fabric moisture, paper moisture);
③ Pay attention to the preservation of sticky paper (unused sticky paper sealed and preserved, printed sticky paper in time for the transfer).