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Amber Robertson

Amber Robertson is the founder of Quill and Fox. A creative writing studio that helps people find their voice and share their stories. Amber is also a published author, with her first book slated for release in 2020. She loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, writing, and traveling. When Amber was younger, she loved to write short stories and plays. But somewhere along the way, she lost touch with her creativity. It wasn’t until she became a mom that she realized how important it was to share her stories—both the good and the bad—with the people she loves most. That’s when Quill and Fox was born. Amber is passionate about helping others find their voice and share their stories. She believes that every person has a story worth telling, and it’s her mission to help them tell it in a way that is authentic and true to themselves

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The Importance of Butcher Paper for Sublimation
Amber Robertson
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Are you in search of the best protective paper for your sublimation projects? Do you want to know what blowout paper is and why it’s vital for your crafting endeavors? Today, I’ll answer these questions and more as we explore the world of butcher paper and other types of protective paper. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about which protective paper is right for your sublimation crafts. Plus, I’ll address whether parchment paper or Teflon sheets can be used. Let’s dive in and find out!

Sublimation Protective Paper: Choosing the Right One

So, which type of protective paper is suitable for sublimation? And which ones should you avoid? What qualities make a good blowout paper? Watch the video below to discover the answers to these questions!

Can’t watch the video or want a written summary? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

Supplies Used

Before we delve into the details, let’s take a look at the supplies used for sublimation protective paper:

  • Artesprix Protective Paper
  • Butcher Paper
  • Copy Paper

Understanding Blowout Paper

Blowout paper is placed on top of your sublimation print. When working with fabrics, it’s best to position the blowout paper beneath the shirt or between its layers. The purpose of blowout paper is to capture any excess ink. After sublimation ink is heated and activated, you don’t want any of it to come into contact with your heat press or any other surfaces. Blowout paper prevents this by trapping the ink.

When to Use Protective Paper

I highly recommend using blowout paper for all your sublimation crafts. Regardless of the specific project, make sure to place at least one sheet on top of your sublimation print. For fabric projects, it’s also a good idea to use a sheet underneath. This applies to sublimation on various materials, such as metal plates. By placing blowout paper both underneath and on top of the plate, any ink blowout from the sublimation print will be caught on the lower sheet. However, for items like tumblers, there is no need for additional paper because there isn’t an area beneath the surface.

Choosing the Right Sublimation Protective Paper

Now let’s discuss the options for sublimation protective paper that I recommend, as well as those I don’t. First, let’s go over the qualities that make a good protective paper:

  • It should be white.
  • It should be capable of releasing moisture and not retaining it.
  • Look for uncoated paper.

Here are a few options that meet all these criteria:

  1. Artesprix Protective Paper: My personal favorite, this paper is designed specifically for sublimation crafts. It’s the perfect choice for your projects and can even be reused if no ink gets on it. If there are any ink spots, you can easily trim them away.

  2. Butcher Paper: Ensure you choose uncoated butcher paper. I recommend purchasing a large roll from Amazon or other stores like Sam’s Club, as it offers excellent value for money. The uncoated version can effectively absorb and release moisture, which is exactly what we want.

  3. Copy Paper: In a pinch, regular cheap copy paper can serve as blowout paper. You may need to use multiple sheets to cover your entire project, which could become more expensive. However, it’s a readily available option that most people already have on hand.

What Not to Use

Now, let’s discuss what you should avoid using as sublimation protective paper:

  • Parchment paper: While parchment paper is useful for HTV crafts and layering, it is coated and retains moisture. I do not recommend using it for sublimation projects.
  • Teflon sheets: Teflon sheets are fantastic for HTV crafts and layering, but they are not suitable for sublimation projects.
  • Wax paper or freezer paper: These options either cannot withstand the heat or do not release moisture, making them unsuitable as protective paper.

Innovative Uses for Used Protective Paper

You might be concerned about the potential waste when using protective paper. However, there are ways to recycle and repurpose it. One option is to recycle the paper. Additionally, you can use old sheets of sublimation protective paper under kids’ crafts or as a protective layer for your painting projects. The ink will stay on the paper unless it’s heated again, so avoid using it in crafts that require reheating.

Make sure your craft room is well-stocked with one of the recommended options I mentioned. The last thing you want is to transfer sublimation ink onto the surface of your heat press, potentially affecting future designs. By using the appropriate blowout paper, you can prevent this from happening. I hope this guide helps you choose the right sublimation protective paper or blowout paper for your needs!

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