Can You Sublimate on Cardstock? 

Sublimation printing is an amazing process that uses heat and pressure to transfer color or design to different materials. Graphic designers and custom design businesses often use this technique to create stunning products. The beautiful, vibrant images and intricate designs make art and craft enthusiasts wonder: can you sublimate on cardstock? If you are contemplating the same thing, keep reading to find the answer! 

Can You Sublimate on Cardstock? 

Yes, you can sublimate on cardstock; however, ensure the paper is suitable for sublimation or has a polyester coating. 

Typically, sublimation printing is an image or design transfer technique. It involves using sublimation paper, ink, heat, and some pressure to produce a long-lasting print. 

Using this approach on cardstock helps you create unique birthday and wedding invitations as well as business cards. 

Sublimation on Cardstock: Step-by-Step Guide 

Now that you know the answer to Can you sublimate on cardstock is yes, you must be eager to experiment with it. If yes, here are the steps that you should follow: 

Step 1: Collect All Necessary Equipment 

Start by collecting all necessary equipment, including dye-based ink, heat press, and sublimation or heat transfer paper. You should also get a cardstock that matches the specifications of your printer. 

Step 2: Create Your Design

Next, you should focus on creating a unique design or images that you want to print on cardstock. You may use tools like Adobe Illustrator or Canva to bring your creative visions to life. If not, hire a professional designer to get a variety of art and animations. 

Step 3: Use a Transfer Paper 

Carefully cut off all the edges of your design or drawing. Place it on top of the transfer paper and make sure the angle is right. This is a critical step in the cardstock printing process. 

Step 4: Utilize Heat Press

You’ve your cardstock in place and heat transfer paper ready; what’s next? Get your heat press ready! You can get a heat press device from popular companies like Espon. 

After that, set the right temperature on the heat press. Ideally, it’s suggested to preheat it at around 380°F and 400°F and close the press once it’s fully heated. Pick the press and put it on the heat transfer paper by applying a 40 PSI of pressure for about 45 seconds. 

However, be careful not to leave the cardstock in the press for too long. Otherwise, issues like discoloration and distortion will ruin the final design. 

Step 5: Let the Cardstock Cool Down 

Don’t move to the next step right away; remove the cardstock from the press and let it cool down. You can either place it on the kitchen counter or some other table until it reaches room temperature. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sublimating Cardstock 

Here are some common mistakes that you should avoid when sublimating cardstock: 

• Not all types of cardstock are suitable for sublimation, which may lead to poor ink transfer. That’s why it’s suggested to opt for white or off-white cardstock, which paves the way for quick ink or dye absorption. When using other types of cardstock, refer to the manufacturer’s specifications to determine whether the paper is compatible with the sublimation process. 
• Sometimes, the sublimation or heat transfer paper can be of low quality, which results in ghosting and bleed-through. Therefore, investing in top-notch sublimation papers specifically designed for the type of substrate you’re printing on is suggested. It can be anything from polyester fabrics to ceramic mugs. 

Conclusion 

Can you sublimate on cardstock? Well, yes, you definitely can! However, make sure the cardstock is durable enough to withstand heat treatment and can absorb ink perfectly. Wondering where you can get such high-quality cardstock? Contact PaperPapers today!