Sublimation Ink vs Normal Ink : What’s the Difference?
When it comes to printing, there are many types of inks to choose from, including sublimation ink and normal ink. While both types of ink serve the same basic function of transferring images onto paper or other materials, there are some key differences to be aware of.
What is Sublimation Ink?
Sublimation ink is a type of ink that is used specifically for sublimation printing. Sublimation printing involves transferring an image from a specially coated transfer paper onto a substrate using heat and pressure. During the sublimation process, the ink is converted from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid phase, which allows it to bond with the fibers of the substrate.
Sublimation ink is typically dye-based and is available in a range of colors, including CMYK and special colors like fluorescent and metallic. Sublimation ink is designed to work with a variety of substrates, including fabrics, ceramics, metals, and plastics.
What is Normal Ink?
Normal ink, also known as pigment ink, is the type of ink that is commonly used in inkjet printers. Normal ink is typically made up of tiny particles of pigment suspended in a liquid carrier. When the ink is applied to paper or other materials, the liquid carrier evaporates, leaving behind the pigment particles on the surface.
Normal ink is available in a range of colors and is designed to work with a variety of media, including plain paper, glossy photo paper, and specialty papers.
Sublimation Ink vs. Normal Ink: Key Differences
- Substrates: While normal ink is designed to work primarily with paper and other similar materials, sublimation ink is designed to work with a wider range of substrates, including fabrics, ceramics, and metals.
- Transfer Process: Normal ink is typically applied directly to the surface of the substrate, while sublimation ink is first transferred to a special transfer paper and then onto the substrate using heat and pressure.
- Color Quality: Sublimation ink is capable of producing more vibrant and true-to-life colors than normal ink, thanks to its dye-based formulation and the sublimation process itself.
- Cost: Sublimation ink is typically more expensive than normal ink, due in part to the specialized materials and equipment required for sublimation printing.
When to Use Sublimation Ink vs. Normal Ink
If you’re primarily printing on paper and other traditional media, normal ink is likely the best choice for you. However, if you’re looking to create high-quality, long-lasting prints on a variety of substrates, sublimation ink is the way to go. Sublimation printing is ideal for creating custom t-shirts, mugs, and other personalized products, and can be a lucrative business opportunity for those willing to invest in the necessary equipment and materials.