Sublimation Paper Showdown! Which Sublimation Paper Is Best?!?

Hey everybody, and welcome! Today we’re gonna compare different types of sublimation paper and see which one works best! I’m using Cosmos Ink, and Epson WorForce 7710 and a Heat Press Nation Signature Series Mug Press with the tumbler attachment. My press temperature is 365 degrees, and my times are 50 seconds, rotate 180 degrees, 50 more seconds, rotate 90 degrees, 25 seconds, and rotate 180 degrees for a final 25 seconds.
The papers we’re testing are ASub 105, ASub 120, ASub 125, TexPrint DTXP Light, Crafting Besties, HTVRONT, Koala, and good ole bright white typing paper!
If you’re looking for some unique designs, be sure to check out my digital design website. www.industrialfringedesigns.com/
Here are links to the sublimation paper I used. Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning I may get a small commission, but you pay no additional costs. It’s a great (and easy) way to help support this channel:
HTVRont:
amzn.to/3psAPbG
Koala:
amzn.to/3wb4tWE
Asub 125:
amzn.to/3JZOz7d
Asub 120:
amzn.to/3AqtmQC
Asub 105:
amzn.to/3K1I5og
TexPrint:
shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=113707...
And here are the links to the products I used to make this video, as well as products I use for sublimation:
Peel N’ Stick Ruler Tape: amzn.to/36HZxOV
20mm x 33m, 108 feet (larger) heat tape: amzn.to/33CHvvZ
13mm x 33m, 108 feet heat tape: amzn.to/3eh4LBU
10mm x 33m, 108 feet (narrower) heat tape: amzn.to/3edULJC
Desktop tape dispenser: amzn.to/3qfs2tG
24” metal ruler: amzn.to/3G9371v
Folding utility knife: amzn.to/3fjkUr8
Olaf 12” x 18” self-healing cutting mat: amzn.to/3JbZ0n4
Oven thermometer ($5.99): amzn.to/3BkTuv7
Cosmos Ink: shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=136325...
Heat Press Nation Signature Series Mug Press w/Tumbler attachment: shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=113707...
Hamilton Beach Convection Oven: amzn.to/3mhfSid
And please check out our Facebook group, groups/55947.... If you enjoy sublimation, just answer a couple of quick questions and join. You do need to answer the questions, and you must agree to the group rules, but I promise, they’re not difficult! We’d love to have you!
I hope you enjoy, and if this video helped you, please give it a thumbs up! And also, be sure to subscribe for more upcoming fun and informative videos!

[@myadaily-haddix2851]

And PSS....I LIVE for the outtakes.

[@industrialfringe953]

OMG, I just can’t help it! And my clumsy ass probably isn’t gonna run out of them anytime soon!

[@gailharris1869]

I love the comparison! Now I'd love to see one for sublimation inks! Since your top 4 papers were similar in results, I clicked the links you've provided for each one, comparing prices. As of 8/20/22 the Koala, 8.5x11=$.10/sheet, 11x17=$.08/sheet. HTVront, 8.5x11=$.11/sheet, 11x17=$.08/sheet. Asub 125, 8.5x11=$.18/sheet, 11x17=$.15/sheet. Crafting Besties, 8.5x11=$.24/sheet, 11x17=$.17/sheet. The 11x17 sheets are calculated at 2 prints per sheet.

[@industrialfringe953]

Gail, thank you so much for the price comparisons! I was going to talk about that, but prices vary, and this video will be floating around for a while! I would love to do an ink comparison, but I don’t have the patience! Maybe one day! Thanks so much for watching!

[@TYJ419]

Thanks for the review Roy! It was great and helps in seeing that there's not much of a difference. Really helpful in seeing all the alternative backups if someone prefers one over another as their primary. Tracey

[@industrialfringe953]

Thanks Tracey! Yes, for the sake of the video, I wish there would have been a clear winner. BUT, for personally needing to buy paper, you’re absolutely right, it’s great to know I’ll be okay if my “go-to” paper is unavailable! As always, thanks for watching!

[@deearebee5150]

Perfect timing, Im just about in need of a re-order. I really appreciate you sharing your experience and knowledge in such a wonderfully fun and approachable way.

[@industrialfringe953]

Thanks so much, and thanks for watching!

[@happytosti7715]

By far your my favorite subbing mad scientist! Loved it!

[@industrialfringe953]

Great. Now in a future video I’m gonna have to style my hair like Doc Brown! As always, thanks for watching!

[@ayeeidkmusic]

Great video! Very informative. I felt the HTVront was the most vivid for me. But we'll see, I'll have to test it myself to know for sure. Thanks for putting in the work!

[@industrialfringe953]

I’m glad you enjoyed! As I continue to use the different paper, I’m leaning toward the TexPrint. I say that because I needed to order more and without thinking, I ordered TexPrint! Thanks for watching!

[@shawnakay7277]

Loved watching your comparisons!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!

[@industrialfringe953]

Thanks for watching, Shawna!

[@MakingwithMarilyn]

Great comparison video. I have come to love the HTV Ront paper!

[@industrialfringe953]

Thanks, Marilyn! I wish there was a more clear winner, but almost all of them rocked! Moving forward, I won’t have any issue using any of them!

[@wpayne17]

Awesome! I use the HTVRont and I love it!

[@industrialfringe953]

Yes! After I made the video, I kinda defaulted to TexPrint, but now I’m back to HTVRONT!

[@lynnebizlyne436]

Another great tutorial. I just saw an advert for the HTVRont and Koala sub papers and was wondering if either was better than the A-Sub or the same. Glad I saw your tutorial. It looks like the plus factor for the HTVRont is the non blowout feature. Very cool. Thank you 👍

[@industrialfringe953]

I like a few of them. That said, I just needed to reorder, and without thinking, I ordered TexPrint. Not sure if my subconscious was telling me I like it better or not, but I ordered it! Thanks for watching!

[@MileyonDisney]

Cool test. Good info to know. Basically, there's no difference or negligible enough to not worry about it.

[@industrialfringe953]

Surprisingly, that’s the conclusion I came to. I guess it is good to know that there are a lot of options out there if your paper of choice is out of stock at your supplier. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Shelly35able]

Wow! Thank you for showing this.. I have been using the 125 a sub which I see is still good. But I might try the 120

[@industrialfringe953]

Fantastic! (Since this video aired, I’ve gone through all my paper, and I found myself ordering TexPrint without thinking!) And thanks for watching!

[@susanbain7556]

How you got no ghosting and perfect seams with 1 piece of tape is amazing!!!!!!!!!!

[@industrialfringe953]

Thank you, but for tumblers I do use two pieces of tape on the top and two pieces on the bottom. The first is to attach the paper to the tumbler and the second to tighten it up! Thanks for watching!

[@Debbief2644]

Great video, nice work and good to know. I have trouble with the a sub 125 bleeding when I do shirts. I have to use double blowout paper. No issues with tumblers.

[@industrialfringe953]

That’s great to know! Thanks for sharing!

[@myadaily-haddix2851]

Great job Roy!!! PS, your doggie was saying "Dad, I need to go outside." :) xoxo

[@industrialfringe953]

You’re too funny! Why?! Because that’s EXACTLY what she was saying!

[@rachelpettit5438]

This was a great video, thank you so much! Since now that you already have 97 different brands of papers, can you maybe do more comparison videos using the same papers on different substrates (shirts, wood, tile glass, etc.) since different papers work differently on different materials?

[@industrialfringe953]

I do have a lot of brands! Thanks for the idea, and thanks for watching!

[@arlenefigueroa6027]

First time here. Love this comparison. If the image look almost the same, i think we should see prices of each one. I'm using HTVRONT because is more cheaper that ASUB and I get bright color

[@industrialfringe953]

You’re absolutely right! The reason I didn’t include prices in the video is that they often change and sometimes go on sale. When I started laying out the video, I was going to add the prices, and in researching, one of the brands was a certain price. When I was almost finished with the script and getting ready to record, I want back and looked, and that same brand had changed price! Because of that, I decided to pull that element. Thanks for watching!

[@suzyqcraft321]

Love your videos

[@industrialfringe953]

Thank you so much! And thank you for watching!

[@chichi541ish]

Thank you for the video. New sub here. I have to admit... my favorite part of the video was the bloopers! 😅

[@industrialfringe953]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@ashleygriggs8738]

Great video comparison and just in time for my next paper order. May I ask how you sub with just the one piece of paper ? I just ordered the punch perfect but I’m not sure I could ever get by with that and get that quality of a print and press

[@industrialfringe953]

Hey, Ashley! I’m not 100% sure I understand the question, but I’ll give it a shot! I use one piece of sub paper because I’m able to get my entire design onto one sheet (8-1/2” x 11” for 20oz & 11” x 17” for 30oz). I don’t use any blowout paper because I just started that way, but I do encourage everyone to use it! (If you need any more assistance or if I didn’t answer your question, feel free to join the Facebook group so we can get you all set!) Thanks for watching!

[@rosedarroch9239]

Thanks for the very helpful video, Roy. I have used ASub125 since I started mainly because it is the easiest to source here in Australia and a reasonable price so it was good to know that it was compare with the others. Could you possibly let me know what sublimation ink you use or think is best? 😊

[@industrialfringe953]

I love Australia! It’s top on my bucket places of places to see! I use Cosmos Ink, and I swear by it. That said, I’ve never used any other ink, but with the results I get with Cosmos, I really haven’t had a need to try anything else out! Thanks so much for watching!

[@jimmckinstry4788]

What is the process in transferring image from paper to tumbler?

[@abysss56]

TY TY

[@industrialfringe953]

YW YW!!!

[@ButtonBabbleCreations]

Thanks for this video. I’ve been using A-Sub 125. Although the quality is there, the paper continues to transfer onto the cups. Which is no big deal, but I’d prefer if it didn’t do that. I’m going to try Koala since it’s a cheaper option :)

[@industrialfringe953]

Yes, after trying them all, cheaper is good! (I’ve found myself ordering TextPrint since the video!) Thanks for watching!

[@wendysilva2294]

Hi great video, I’ve been learning a lot so I had to subscribe. Would you be so kind to share what software you print from? I use design space mad sometimes Word to print

[@industrialfringe953]

Hi, Wendy, great question! I create (or at least size) everything in Photoshop Elements and save as a png. Then I print everything from “Preview,” a Mac based image and pdf viewer. Thanks for watching!

[@debbiesmith6703]

Omg you made me jump and my tummy flipped when you yelled as you cut the paper..🤣🤣🤣🤣.you stinker lol lol thanks for sharing. Cheers✌️🇨🇦

[@industrialfringe953]

HA!!! Glad I could get that scare! Thanks for watching!

[@judybarrett2697]

Maybe try brighter colors like reds orange. I’d love to see how your cosmos ink works with cream colors and reds.

[@industrialfringe953]

Great idea! I get great results with all colors with Cosmos, including creams and reds! Thanks for watching!

[@mcrescoord]

Thank you! Needed this video. What settings do you use for the HTVRont? Thank you!!!

[@industrialfringe953]

I use the same settings for all paper. Basically I create and/or size in Photoshop Elements, save as a png, then print from Preview (on a Mac). I don’t use any color profiles. Hope that answers your question! Thanks for watching!

[@mcrescoord]

@@industrialfringe953 thank you!!!

[@Hidden375]

Now your orders will be," I want a fish tumbler on A-sub 105 paper"....🤣

[@industrialfringe953]

Right?! Thanks for watching!

[@kcDesigns4u]

My paper using A sub 125 always sticks, I have to peel it and wash the residue off, then I’m here watching you peel all of yours like perfection! How? I need advice if you have any 💟love your videos, you’re so easy to follow and thorough.

[@industrialfringe953]

Hey, Kimberly! I think the paper sticking/not sticking is a combination of a few things. The paper, the ink, possibly the amount of time the ink has had to dry on the paper, the pressure and peeling it hot or cold. I’ve had better luck peeling hot. Feel free to join the Facebook group for better troubleshooting! (Juts pleas answer the questions/agree to group rules!) Thanks so much for watching!

[@kcDesigns4u]

@@industrialfringe953 thank you, I asked to join your group today/ answered the questions so just waiting 🌟 I hope to soon be as good as you with sublimation 😃

[@industrialfringe953]

I haven’t seen the request come through. Try again and I’ll look out for it!

[@kcDesigns4u]

Sent again 😄

[@DBsNature]

@@industrialfringe953 how long is optimal to let the paper dry?

[@carolwilliams9353]

Honestly sprinkling paper is great too great release and shorter pressing times

[@industrialfringe953]

Thanks for letting me know! And thanks for watching!

[@loettawilliams3023]

How did you press them all?

[@industrialfringe953]

Well, Loetta, that’s certainly something I should have mentioned! I pressed them all in my Heat Press Nation tumbler press. Thanks for watching!

[@stephanieguss]

I'm having issues with my tape leaving yellow marks on my tumblers. What tape should I use? Please help

[@industrialfringe953]

Stephanie, I swear by this tape! I haven’t had any issues with tape residue,band I often tape directly to the tumbler! Thanks for watching!

[@stephanieguss]

@INDUSTRIAL fringe Thank you so much for replying. In the meantime, since 2 tumblers already had been ruined, I found painters tape WORKS! AND doesn't leave any residue or marks, and it's available anywhere! Also, I do 356 for 50 seconds.

[@sheilathomas8384]

So which is the best?😊

[@industrialfringe953]

Well, Sheila, I did keep a few on the table, didn’t I?! Several of them are really good. But I guess the best way to answer your question is to look at what I’m using now! I still use TexPrint. I’d be fine using the top 3nor so papers, but I just keep on buying TexPrint, so I guess at least from a habit standpoint, I like it best! Thanks for watching!

[@sublimationAI]

This test doesn't say it all. Your result will be different with another substrate, ink or ICC profile. If you want perfection, you need a custom profile, made for what kind of items you produce... My conclusion: if you are not producing high end items such as large format HD Metal panels, you can use any sublimation paper... What about the price of all those papers?

[@industrialfringe953]

You’re absolutely right! There are many variables. What I wanted to do was use as many of the same variables as possible (same substrate, same ink, same profile, etc.) to compare the results of different papers with those same constants. As you can see by the results, there were several that were extremely close, although there were some not as good as others. I didn’t include the price because when I first purchased them, I paid different prices from when I made the video. (I went back to confirm prices and they were different.) Additionally, the prices certainly wouldn’t be the same now that you’ve just seen it vs. when I made it. I decided to leave the price out due to those challenges. Thanks so much for watching!