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Paper - Tips, Tricks & Information

Selecting the correct paper for your Sawgrass printer is essential for achieving the best possible transfer quality and ensuring compatibility with your chosen ink and substrate. Different applications require different paper types, and understanding when to use each option can help improve color vibrancy, transfer performance, and overall print results.

 

Different Paper Types

  • Sublimation paper:
    • Sublimation paper has a special coating that allows the transfer of ink to your substrate to complete using heat and pressure.
      • Example: A polyester shirt, polymer coated mug,  acrylic/metal sign, stainless steel tumbler, etc...
    • Can be used with Sublijet, VersiFlex and Siser EasySubli inks.
    • Listed below are a few sublimation paper types:
      • Truepix Classic - suggested for most transfer jobs
      • Texprint R or DT R Heavy (DT/H)
      • PrintLAT - Sublicotton
         
  • VersiFlex Paper:
    • Using VersiFlex ink and paper together enables application to materials such as cotton, canvas, wood, leather, and many other substrates that are not traditionally compatible with sublimation.
    • VersiFlex paper is designed specifically for use with VersiFlex inks.
    • The paper features a self-weeding transfer process, allowing the printed image to be transferred without excess background material.
    • Listed below are the supported VersiFlex paper types:
      • VersiFlex Light – Recommended for white and light-colored substrates
         
  • Chromablast paper:
    • Chromablast paper is ONLY compatible with Chromablast ink.
      • Using this ink and paper together allows you to press onto 100% cotton substrates.
    • Chromablast paper has a gray backing. (This will help you distinguish it from others)
       
  • Siser EasySubli HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl):
    • Siser EasySubli HTV can be used with both Siser EasySubli and Sublijet inks.
      • Although this paper can be used with Sublijet inks, you will see a slight difference in quality of your colours after pressing as it works best with EasySubli inks.

Tip
If you are using Chromablast or Siser EasySubli ink and paper, it is recommended to press directly after printing. With VersiFlex you will need press the print directly after printing when the ink is still wet on the page.

 

Supported Paper Sizes

Please note that our printers do not support borderless printing.

  • Main tray paper sizes:
    • SG400 and SG500
      • Letter  (8.5" x 11")
      • Legal (8.5" x 14") - NA models only
      • A4 (8.3" x 11.7")
      • Mug Standard (3.5" x 9.125")
      • Mug Large (4" x 9.5")

         
    • SG800 and SG1000
      • Letter (8.5" x 11")
      • Legal (8.5" x 14")
      • A3 (11.7" x 16.5")
      • A4 (8.3" x 11.7")
      • Tabloid (11" x 17")
      • Mug Standard (3.5" x 9.125")
      • Mug Large (4" x 9.5")

         
  • The following paper sizes are compatible with your bypass tray:
    •  
      • With your SG400/SG500, you can use up to 8.5 x 19"
      • With your SG800/SG1000, you can use up to 13 x 19"

Tip 
The main paper tray cannot fit any paper size under a width of 3.5"
Having the right size can help avoid misfeed errors or smudging of your images.

 

Print Direction from Main or Bypass Tray

  •  
    • Chromablast and sublimation paper
      • Both of these paper types should go into the paper tray with the bright white side facing down. If any watermarks are present on the paper, this will go into your paper tray with the watermark side facing up.

         
    • Siser EasySubli HTV
      • This vinyl is a little different than other papers. This paper goes into your paper tray with the shiny, bright white side facing up.
    • Always make sure the green paper tray guides are tight around the paper to ensure the paper feeds in a straight direction when printing.

Tips
When using a bypass tray, you want to insert your paper the opposite way than you normally would using your built in paper tray.
If you print on the wrong side, that is okay! We would recommend keeping that piece of paper so that you remember which side to print on for next time.
When you receive your Siser EasySubli HTV, do not print on the clear transfer paper or "mask".

 

And that's it! Nice and simple.

Remember, each project is a mix of several parts: the creative software, ink, paper, and press. Practice makes progress! If you find you don't like a certain paper, switch it up!

You won't know your favorite until that magic moment of the perfect press. 

 

If you are still experiencing issues or have further questions, please contact our Sawgrass Care Team for assistance by click the 'Support' button on the bottom right of the page, or click here.