Inkjet vs. White Toner vs. Sublimation Paper | What's the Difference?

Inkjet vs. White Toner vs. Sublimation Paper | What's the Difference?

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In the world of customization, there are plenty of ways to make personalized goods. There are processes like dye sublimation, direct-to-garment, screen printing, white toner printing, and much more.

And then, depending on which method you choose, there are different supplies you need for each. The whole thing can be a little confusing. Which method should you choose if you’re just starting up or expanding?

In this article, we’re going to focus on three processes and the differences between the types of paper used for them that most newcomers in the customization business might get mixed up.

Because these processes can be similar, it can be difficult to figure out why each paper needs to be different for each process.

So, let’s get started by first talking a bit about Inkjet Printing.

Inkjet printing is one of the most popular types of printing around. This is especially due to how long it’s been around.

You’ve most likely seen one of these desktop printers more than you think. They are typically used in home or office settings because of their low upfront cost.

What inkjet printers do is spray droplets of ink on paper to form the text or images you send to it through your computer. This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get into the customization business.

How Does Heat Transfer Paper Function?
As mentioned before, decorating t-shirts and other substrates with heat transfer paper is incredibly easy and inexpensive.

Basically, you print an image on your printer, in this case an inkjet printer, on heat transfer paper. Then you place it on the substrate and press it with a heat press.

What is White Toner Printing?
Unlike inkjet printers, white toner printers require no ink to create full-color transfers. This is because most white toner printers use CMYW toners.

White toner printers that have CMYW toners, don’t have black toners. This means all the other colors form a composite black.

Because of the white toner found in these printers, there is no need for white opaque backgrounds for dark garments like some inkjet heat transfer papers need.

White toner printing has taken the customization business by storm. It’s easy to learn and extremely versatile.

How Does White Toner Transfer Paper Work?
White toner transfer paper, like our EZ Peel Transfer Paper is specifically designed for white toner printers only.

This printing process is like inkjet printing in the sense that it will be heat applied using almost the same steps. However, they differ because white toner transfers are self-weeding, which means there is no weeding, cutting, or trimming involved.

With that being said, you can get more detailed and intricate with your artwork and designs because you won’t have to worry about cutting or trimming artwork where it’s not feasible.

What is Sublimation?

Sublimation is probably a process you’ve heard of before. It’s one of the easiest ways to decorate t-shirts and other items.

Just like both other processes discussed in this article, sublimation requires a specialty printer and paper to get started. It’s also achieved by heat application as well.

However, it differs greatly in the actual process. With sublimation printing, dye-based inks turn from a solid to gas when heat is involved.

Once turned into a gas, it will dye the fabric. But because the ink dyes the fabric, sublimation transfers can’t be applied to dark colored fabrics or any material besides polyester.

How Does Sublimation Paper Work?
Just like you can’t go out and buy any blanks for your sublimation printer, the same goes for sublimation paper. We offer high-quality sublimation paper like Beaver TexPrint.

This paper is made for sublimation and ONLY sublimation.

Since sublimation takes place when a fabric is being dyed by gas, there is no weeding required. This is what makes it different from inkjet transfers but like white toner transfers.

Unlike the way inkjet paper leaves a feel and weight to a t-shirt, sublimation doesn’t. It leaves an extremely soft hand because the design is technically in the fibers of the shirt rather than on top.

Which is Right for your Business?
This is a question only you can answer. Depending on what your customization business needs and goals are, we have the machines, tools, paper, and blanks to help get you started.

Plus, we offer outstanding support from professionals who have been in the business for years.

Regardless of the method you choose, this guide is here to help clear up any questions you may have or point you in the right direction.

If you’re ready to start making money with any of these processes you learned about today, call us at 800-891-1094 or live chat with one of our pros!