Can you print using copier paper

[paul 44]

Just a quickie, I've seen online that copier paper being used for sublimation isn't to bad but whats the quality like and the ink release compared to sub paper, is it ok or is it a no no?

[Justin]

Some papers allow enough release, usually photo papers. I know some folk swear by them but personally I can't see the point when suibli paper can be sourced at a reasonable price.

[InkExpress]

As Justin said, photo matte paper can be used for sublimation as it has a china clay coating that keeps the ink on the surface of the paper allowing for a decent transfer. Plain copier paper will soak in quite a lot of ink due to no coating so the transfer will be poorer.

Specific sub paper is pretty cheap (the sub paper we sell is cheaper than the matte coated photo paper for example) so often not really worth it.

Alex

[UK Printed Mugs]

10/10 for paper that Ink Express sell. Top quality paper and great price. Recommend!

[socialgiraffe]

Depends what you are doing....

For example, I print hundreds of hi vis vests a week and for that I use Tesco branded copier paper. Its only black and works very well as long as you know what you are doing. If you don't you bugger up your heat press.

For a good standard "proper" dye sub paper then I would go for Ink Express. It has a decent release and is very reasonably priced.

Interestingly it is also the only paper that I have found that will print a curved surface with no bleed through as it is a decent weight.

[Mugshots]

Hi Alex. How much is your paper please?

[socialgiraffe]

Hi Alex. How much is your paper please?

I’m obviously not Alex, but the standard stuff is £8.00. Free delivery if you spend £25 and 10% discount for premium DSF members.




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[InkExpress]

Hi Alex. How much is your paper please?

As Simon said my standard sublimation paper (120gsm subli-sharp) is-

100 x A4 - £8.00 + £2.95 postage
300 x A4 - £25.00 free Parcel Force 24
500 x A4 £40.00 free Parcel Force 24
1000 x A4 £70.00 free Parcel Force 24

Send me a PM and I'll send some free samples for you to try.

Alex

[paul 44]

Well I've tested the copier paper and rattled up a few coasters using it (unisub coasters from BMS) not bad really considering its bog standard copier paper.
Thngs to AVOID....dark images..if its dark you will see where the ink hasn't sublimated all the way through to the coaster and you will see the specs of white through the darker areas of the image.

Artwork is ok if it's coloured ie not dark black or browns, opaques, light blues greens and reds etc are ok....in my experience so far

So, photography on coasters using copier paper is a no no, printing artwork is not bad with colour reproduction etc but can be done, I've actually done some coasters and sent to customers as I thought that it was actually a decent print...just not on dark photos... so no touchy if your using copier paper with dark photos...avoid!

All in all sublimation paper is the way to go but if you need a quick fix to print your coasters etc and its not a dark photograph you are sublimating then copier paper may help you as a stop gap until the good stuff arrives.