Why does my sublimation ink keep smudging on sublimation paper?

2025,09,04

The main reason why sublimation ink gets dirty on Sublimation Paper is that the ink is not fully dried/fixed on the paper or the paper coating has poor compatibility. It can be divided into the following four categories:

1. Insufficient drying: This is the most common reason. After inkjet printing, the ink needs time to dry (physically or chemically) on the coating of the sublimation paper. If it is not completely dried before touching, stacking, or entering the transfer process, the ink will rub off with external force, forming stains.

2. Paper coating issue:

-Poor coating quality: The coating of inferior sublimation paper has insufficient ink absorption and fixation, which cannot stably lock the ink and can easily lead to ink diffusion and smudging.

-Coating type mismatch: Different ink types (such as water-based and oil-based sublimation inks) are suitable for different sublimation paper coatings. Incorrect use can cause ink to not adhere properly and result in dirt and stains.

3. Ink related issues:

-Poor ink quality: Poor quality ink has uneven particles, strong fluidity, or poor compatibility with paper coatings, which can lead to ink leakage and dirty edges after printing.

-Improper ink concentration/usage: If the ink volume set by the printer is too large or the ink concentration itself is too high, exceeding the upper limit of the paper coating's ink absorption, excess ink will accumulate and dirty the paper surface.

4. Operation and equipment issues:

-Printer nozzle malfunction: The nozzle is blocked or offset, causing uneven ink output and excessive ink in some areas, resulting in stains.

-Improper post-processing after printing: fold or stack paper immediately after printing, or touch and print directly with your hands.

Author:

Ms. Esther Lin

E-mail:

jiangyinwanbang@outlook.com

Phone/WhatsApp:

+86 13915278820