As a craftsman or maybe you are into printing shirts, you probably have a series of questions to ask, interventions on how you can possibly carry out sublimation with relative safety. Sublimation, when it comes to crafts and printing, often carries several superstitions, myths, etc. with it. Several people also have the mentality that in order to achieve a successful and satisfying print, you will definitely have to be in possession of sophisticated equipment.
In this article, we will be discussing all the necessities you will need to know about the usage of parchment paper for sublimation printing as well as what to apply to achieve a successful sublimation print.
First, let’s talk about parchment paper. This is a paper covered in cellulose or wax that’s safe for food. This grease and moisture paper is often used for food purposes such as baking, cooking, etc. and is non-stick as well as heat resistant.
Butcher paper, on the other hand, is a particularly thick paper that is characterized by its usage for meat wrapping. The way butcher paper is made gives it the potential to protect fish and meat from airborne and flavor contaminants.
Is parchment paper the same as butcher paper?
It is evident that both parchment paper and butcher paper play key roles in the kitchen, especially as they aid in cooking processes. It will interest you to know that both are not the same paper.
Going further, let’s look at what both papers are. Parchment paper is a food-safe wax-coated paper, or simply put, cellulose-based paper used for cooking and baking while butcher paper is a thick paper perfect for wrapping raw food to protect against certain contaminants.
Other outstanding differences are thickness, non-stick ability, and moisture. Butcher paper is way thicker than parchment paper as it is made for heavy tasks involving uncooked meat and fish. Parchment paper has a silicone coating, making it non-stick, hence it can be used for cooking, unlike butcher paper. Parchment does allow moisture out of food, hence keeping it in, unlike butcher paper, which is somewhat breathable.
What is a “blow-out paper?”
The blow out paper is a very essential material needed for your sublimation crafts. It is important because once a sublimation ink is heated and activated, you do not want it to touch the surface of your heat press or any other surface except the intended one.
What the blowout paper does is that it prevents the excess ink from spilling. You may choose to use it on the surface of your print or in between your shirts to catch excess ink.
Can I use parchment paper for sublimation?
Over time, questions have arisen concerning the appropriate protective paper best for sublimation. Can I use parchment paper for sublimation? What is a blowout paper and why is it needed? We are going to be answering those questions in this blog.
First and foremost, sublimation craft basically enables you to transfer printing from a shirt or any surface whatsoever to another without the printing having to fade within a short while. Concerning parchment paper and sublimation, the short answer is no. Do not introduce parchment paper to your sublimation process. Of course, it is necessary for your heat transfer process, but know that parchment paper is made to hold in moisture because of its silicone coating.
For your protection sublimation process, it is advisable to make use of astesprix protective paper, which is particularly designed for your sublimation crafts. You may also opt for butcher’s paper, but do ensure that it is uncoated. In the absence of an asterprix or an uncoated butcher Paper, you may opt for a copy paper for your protective sublimation craft.
Which materials are best for sublimation?
Well, the best material to use for your sublimation craft is the sublimation ink paper, which is available at your office supply store. You can as well request assistance from the sales professionals in the store and do well to inform him or her on the type of printer and ink you are making use of.
Also, the material you wish to meditate on is of great essence. When it comes to the sublimation process, cotton is the best choice to sublime on because it does not react with the sublimation dye, especially when heat is applied.
Another great option is polyester. This is because polymers in this material easily open up once subjected to heat. Because of its gaseous form, open pores are easily accessible by the sublimation dye and remain firmly in place upon the cooling of the fabric after the printing process.
One outstanding characteristic of polyester is that even after being worn for a long period of time, the material does not wrinkle.
Is butcher paper good for sublimation?
If you do not have access to a sublimation ink paper, a butcher Paper is actually an advisable alternative but make sure your butcher Paper is uncoated so as to enable it to absorb and release moisture without holding on to it. Butcher Paper serves as a protective coat for both your press and future prints.
Anytime you are pressing, you should keep in mind that ink is definitely going to trickle through your paper, and if there isn’t any protective coat on your paper, the ink will drop on your heat press and further onto future presses, thus giving you untidy work. Hence, endeavor to use a new sheet of butcher paper after every press.
Apart from these, another reason for you to make use of butcher paper is that it is very affordable and easily affordable. They are available in big rolls on Amazon and Sam’s Club.
Can I use parchment for sublimation instead of butcher paper?
Maybe you are into sublimation crafts and you are probably out of paper to use or you just wish to add parchment paper to your printing work. When the topic of sublimation comes up, different people often tend to come up with several ideologies, views, etc., which in most cases are not exactly correct. Other times, people think there are certain particular materials you should add to your work for exceptional beauty.
Let’s take a look at some of the corrections concerning our thoughts on parchment paper and sublimation. People often ask designers, in the absence of butcher paper, is parchment an option? There is a straightforward yet respectful response, and that is, “No, do not introduce parchment paper to your sublimation crafts.”
The cellulose-based paper does have a spot in your HTV craft and stacking HTV, making it an essential part of any craft area. Nonetheless, irrespective of its coating and its protective nature, it is not a good option for sublimation.
Instead of butcher paper, what else can I use for sublimation?
Butcher Paper is not the only sublimation protective paper; there are a whole lot of other options, some of which are
- Asterprix protective paper. We can say that the Asterprix protective paper was made specifically for sublimation craft, making it a top choice. Many designers will also say that even after ink gets on it, it is still reusable. But if you do not want to reuse it with the ink on it, you can cut away the ink spot and use it another time.
- Copy paper. I’ll advise the copy paper, which I’ll say should be your last resort, in the absence of your Asterprix or butcher paper. The cheap copy paper tends to serve as a blow out paper and bear in mind that if you are opting for a copy paper, you might have to use several sheets of it to achieve clean results. Copy paper is not hard to find as almost everyone or anyone can be in possession of a piece of copy paper.
What should you not use for your sublimation protective paper?
Before we talk about those materials that should not be used as protective paper for our craft, let’s look at what all potential protective papers must have before they are certified as protective papers.
- All protective materials must be white.
- All potential protective papers must be able to release moisture and not hold it in.
- Protective papers must not be coated.
Some material you should not use as protective paper includes
- Teflon sheets. Teflon sheet may be a very good option for your regular heat transfer vinyl crafts, but it’s a no-go when it comes to sublimation vinyl crafts.
- Freezer paper The second material on our list that should not be recommended as a protective paper is freezer paper. A: Freezer paper should not be an option as it can neither withstand heat nor release moisture.
- Parchment paper. The disqualification your parchment paper has is its coating, which prevents it from releasing moisture. It is also a good option for your Heat Transfer Vinyls craft and Stack HTV, however, it should be used as a protective paper for sublimation craft.
