9 Best Paper for Sublimation Printing (October 2026)

The best sublimation paper for inkjet printing include the A-SUB Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch 110 Sheets for everyday letter-size projects, the TransOurDream Heat Transfer Paper for Dark T for dark cotton shirts, and the HTVRONT Sublimation Paper for T-Shirts & Mug for frequent letter-size printing.

On this page (7 sections)

1. How we chose the best paper for sublimation printing
2. What should you check before buying the best sublimation paper?
3. Which products suit different sublimation projects?
4. How do you set up and use sublimation paper?
5. Which paper works for shirts, mugs and tumblers?
6. What mistakes should you avoid with sublimation paper?
7. Which is the best paper for sublimation printing for you?

The best paper for sublimation printing for most letter-size projects is A-SUB Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch 110 Sheets. It fits common craft projects on light polyester and coated blanks; HTVRONT covers 11 x 17 in designs, and Lzerking offers a 400-sheet supply.

Sublimation paper for inkjet printing must match the printer, ink and blank. Use it with sublimation ink and a compatible printer, then transfer to light polyester or a suitable coated item.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for everyday letter-size projects

   A-SUB Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch 110 Sheets

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for dark cotton shirts

   TransOurDream Heat Transfer Paper for Dark T

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for frequent letter-size printing

   HTVRONT Sublimation Paper for T-Shirts & Mug

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Hiipoo Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch

   Best for a color-coded print side
   Check it
5. 5

   HTVRONT Sublimation Paper 11x17 Inch

   Best for wide-format printers
   Check it
6. 6

   A-SUB Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch

   Best for thinner letter-size sheets
   Check it
7. 7

   Koala Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch 100 Sheets

   Best for easy side identification
   Check it
8. 8

   Lzerking Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch 125gsm

   Best for high-volume home studios
   Check it
9. 9

   Hiipoo Sublimation Ink Set with 110 Sheet

   Best for Epson bundle starters
   Check it

How we chose the best paper for sublimation printing

The best paper for sublimation printing fits your printer, target material and work volume. We compared the listed sheet sizes, pack counts, stated weights, print-side cues and intended uses to identify where each option makes sense.

Brand statements about drying speed and transfer rate describe intended performance, not a guarantee for every printer, ink profile or blank. The decision points below focus on practical fit: what you print, what you press, and how often you need to restock.

Printer fit comes first. A paper can have the right coating and weight but still be too large for your tray, so check your printer's supported media sizes before ordering.

Next, match the paper to the blank. Sublimation is suited to light polyester fabric and coated hard goods; it does not replace transfer paper made for dark cotton.

For wood projects, see whether sublimation spray works on wood.

For help with the printer and ink distinction, see Sublimation vs Inkjet Printing: A Practical Guide. If you're comparing paper types, Transfer Paper vs Sublimation Paper: A Clear Overview explains where each fits.

What should you check before buying the best sublimation paper?

Choose sublimation paper by your printer's accepted sheet size, the blank's surface and your expected print volume. Weight and print-side markings can help with handling, but they do not replace compatibility checks.

Which sublimation paper size fits your printer?

Letter-size 8.5 x 11 in sheets are common among these picks, while the HTVRONT 11 x 17 in option needs a printer that accepts larger media. Compare your printer manual's paper sizes with your design dimensions before choosing.

For a larger print, start with our guide to what size is sublimation paper. We also cover 11 x 17 sublimation paper, A3 sublimation paper, 8.5 x 14 sublimation paper and 13 x 19 sublimation paper.

Do sublimation paper weight and pack size matter?

A heavier sheet may feel more substantial in handling, while a thinner option may suit a workflow that already runs smoothly with lighter media. Compare the stated weight and follow printer guidance rather than assuming a higher number always transfers better.

Pack size affects storage and how often you restock. For more on choosing by weight, read sublimation paper weights, or compare sublimation paper rolls if your work needs roll media.

Is sublimation paper the same as regular transfer paper?

No. Sublimation paper carries sublimation ink for light polyester or coated blanks, while some transfer papers use ordinary inkjet ink and are made for dark cotton fabric.

For that method, see dark-fabric transfer paper.

Cricut's pre-inked alternative is covered in our Cricut Infusible Ink transfer sheets guide.

TransOurDream's dark transfer paper is included to clarify the difference. It uses pigment or dye ink and an iron or heat press for dark cotton fabrics.

For garment-specific sublimation choices, see our guides to sublimation paper for T-shirts and sublimation paper for fabric.

Which products suit different sublimation projects?

A-SUB is the top letter-size choice, while the other products suit larger sheets, higher volume, easier side identification or a separate dark-fabric method. Match the product to your printer and target blank.

1

A-SUB Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch 110 Sheets: Best for everyday letter-size projects

9.7/10Our score

• 8.5 x 11 in sheets
• 110 sheets
• 125 g weight stated in title
• For sublimation ink and compatible sublimation printers

A practical letter-size option for common sublimation blanks, including light polyester and coated ceramics. A-SUB says it dries fast and has a transfer rate of at least 98%.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Common 8.5 x 11 in size
• 110 sheets per pack
• Suitable for several coated blanks

Cons

• Requires sublimation ink
• Not intended for dark cotton fabric

A-SUB's 8.5 x 11 in, 110-sheet paper is a straightforward fit for home projects. A-SUB describes it as fast drying and gives a transfer rate of at least 98%; intended uses include light polyester, fabric with up to 30% cotton, and coated ceramic, tile, tumblers and mugs.

For ceramic preparation, read how to apply sublimation coating to ceramic.

The title states a 125 g weight, while the specs give a paper weight of 120. If paper weight is a deciding factor for your setup, confirm the version and weight before buying.

Choose this paper for familiar letter-size work across several light fabric and coated blanks. Skip it if you need dark-cotton transfers or ordinary ink compatibility.

2

TransOurDream Heat Transfer Paper for Dark T: Best for dark cotton shirts

9.6/10Our score

• 20 dark transfer sheets
• For inkjet printers with pigment or dye ink
• For dark 70% to 100% cotton fabrics
• Iron or heat press application

This is a separate kind of heat transfer paper for dark cotton garments, not sublimation paper. It suits projects that need dark-fabric transfer with ordinary inkjet ink.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Made for dark cotton fabrics
• Works with pigment or dye ink
• Includes reusable Teflon sheets

Cons

• Not for sublimation printing
• Transfer process includes cutting and peeling

TransOurDream is dark-fabric transfer paper, not sublimation paper. It is designed for inkjet printers using pigment or dye ink and dark cotton fabrics stated as 70% to 100% cotton.

The pack contains 20 transfer sheets and 2 reusable Teflon sheets. The process involves printing, cutting, placing the image face up, covering it with Teflon paper and applying heat with an iron or heat press.

Choose it when dark cotton is the goal and you want to use regular inkjet ink. Skip it for sublimation transfers on polyester or coated blanks.

3

HTVRONT Sublimation Paper for T-Shirts & Mug: Best for frequent letter-size printing

9.5/10Our score

• 8.5 x 11 in sheets
• 150 sheets
• 120 g weight
• For sublimation ink and light polyester or coated items

The 150-sheet pack gives frequent letter-size users more sheets in one purchase. HTVRONT says the paper dries quickly and is intended for sublimation ink.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 150 sheets per pack
• Common letter-size format
• Suitable for light polyester and coated blanks

Cons

• Requires sublimation ink
• Not intended for dark or high-cotton fabric

HTVRONT's 8.5 x 11 in paper comes in a 150-sheet pack, making it a sensible pick for frequent letter-size projects. The brand states a 120 gsm weight and says the paper dries quickly.

Its intended uses include light polyester fabric and polyester-coated items such as mugs, phone cases and metal plates. HTVRONT specifies fabric with no more than 30% cotton, so it is not a general choice for dark cotton garments.

Choose this pack if you use letter-size sheets regularly and want more on hand than a 110-sheet pack. Store unused sheets in a cool, dry place and return them to the box.

4

Hiipoo Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch: Best for a color-coded print side

9.4/10Our score

• 8.5 x 11 in sheets
• 110 sheets
• 120 g weight
• White printing side and pink back

Hiipoo marks the back pink, which helps distinguish the white printing side when loading the paper. It is intended for sublimation ink and light-colored fabrics or coated blanks.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Back color helps identify the print side
• 110 sheets per pack
• Names several compatible printer types

Cons

• Requires sublimation ink
• Check printer settings and blank compatibility

Hiipoo's 8.5 x 11 in paper has 110 sheets at 120 g, with a pink back that helps identify the white printing side. The color cue is useful when loading sheets or switching between paper types.

Hiipoo names light-colored fabric with up to 30% cotton and coated blanks such as mugs, tumblers and phone cases. It also identifies Epson, Sawgrass and Ricoh printers among compatible types; check your exact model and ink setup.

Choose it if a clear print-side marker will prevent loading errors. Skip it if you need a different sheet size or a dark-cotton transfer method.

5

HTVRONT Sublimation Paper 11x17 Inch: Best for wide-format printers

9.3/10Our score

• 11 x 17 in sheets
• 120 sheets
• For light polyester and coated items
• Back logo pattern helps identify print side

The larger sheet suits designs that won't fit comfortably on letter-size paper. Check that your printer accepts 11 x 17 in media before selecting it.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Large 11 x 17 in format
• 120 sheets per pack
• Back pattern identifies the print side

Cons

• Requires a printer that accepts 11 x 17 in sheets
• Requires sublimation ink

HTVRONT's 11 x 17 in paper suits designs that need more room than a letter-size sheet provides. The pack has 120 sheets, and a logo pattern on the back marks the printing side.

HTVRONT describes the paper for inkjet printers such as Epson, HP, Canon, Ricoh and Sawgrass, using sublimation ink on light polyester or coated items. Printer models vary in media support, so confirm that yours can feed this sheet size.

Choose it when the design needs a wide sheet and your printer supports it. Skip it if your printer is limited to letter-size media; see sublimation paper for Epson and paper for the Sawgrass SG500 for printer-focused guidance.

6

A-SUB Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch: Best for thinner letter-size sheets

9.2/10Our score

• 8.5 x 11 in sheets
• 150 sheets
• 105 gsm stated in title
• For light polyester and coated hard blanks

A-SUB's 105 gsm paper is the thinner option among these letter-size picks. The brand describes it as fast drying and intended for light-colored polyester or coated hard blanks.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 150 sheets per pack
• Thinner 105 gsm option
• Suitable for light polyester and coated blanks

Cons

• Requires sublimation ink
• Hard objects must be coated

A-SUB's 105 gsm paper offers a thinner alternative in the familiar 8.5 x 11 in format. Its 150-sheet pack is intended for light-colored or white polyester fabrics and coated hard objects.

Choose it if you prefer a thinner sheet and want a 150-sheet supply. Skip it if your workflow depends on a heavier sheet or your target objects are not coated.

When changing paper, avoid changing several printer settings at once. Use the paper and blank instructions, then adjust only after checking a sample transfer.

7

Koala Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch 100 Sheets: Best for easy side identification

9.1/10Our score

• 8.5 x 11 in sheets
• 100 sheets
• Back logo pattern identifies print side
• For compatible inkjet printers with sublimation ink

Koala's back logo helps identify which side to print on, and the pack includes transfer instructions. It is intended for compatible inkjet printers using sublimation ink.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Logo pattern helps identify print side
• Includes transfer instructions
• Works with compatible modified inkjet printers

Cons

• 100 sheets per pack
• Not for regular ink or dark cotton

Koala's 100-sheet pack is another 8.5 x 11 in option, with a logo pattern on the back to identify the printable side. Koala says it works with sublimation printers and compatible modified inkjet printers using sublimation ink.

Its stated applications include light polyester fabric and coated items such as tumblers, mugs, phone cases and metal plates. Koala specifies that regular ink does not work and fabric should contain no more than 30% cotton.

Choose it if a back-side marker and included transfer instructions are useful. Skip it if you need more sheets per pack or plan to print dark cotton with regular ink.

8

Lzerking Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch 125gsm: Best for high-volume home studios

9.0/10Our score

• 8.5 x 11 in sheets
• 400 sheets
• 125 gsm stated in title
• For light polyester and coated surfaces

The 400-sheet pack suits repeat projects that use letter-size sublimation paper. Lzerking describes it for light-colored polyester and coated surfaces, with sublimation ink.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 400 sheets per pack
• Common letter-size format
• White side is used for printing

Cons

• Large pack takes more storage space
• Requires sublimation ink

Lzerking's 400-sheet pack is the largest sheet count among these paper-only options. It uses the common 8.5 x 11 in format, and the title states a 125 gsm weight.

Lzerking describes use on light-colored polyester fabric and coated surfaces, including mugs, plates and metal items. The brand says the white side is for printing and recommends mirror printing.

Choose this pack if you print often and have room to store unused paper in a dry place. Skip it if you print only now and then or want to avoid keeping a large supply on hand.

9

Hiipoo Sublimation Ink Set with 110 Sheet: Best for Epson bundle starters

8.8/10Our score

• 110 sublimation paper sheets
• Ink set and heat tape included
• Paper is 8.5 x 11 in and 120 g
• Compatible with specified Epson EcoTank models

This bundle combines sublimation ink with 110 letter-size sheets and transfer accessories. Check your exact printer model against the compatibility list before choosing it.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Includes ink and 110 paper sheets
• Includes tape and Teflon sheets
• Names compatible Epson models

Cons

• Bundle is not paper-only
• Printer compatibility is model-specific

This Hiipoo set bundles sublimation ink with 110 sheets of 8.5 x 11 in, 120 g paper, plus heat tape, Teflon sheets and gloves. For help preparing tape strips, see heat tape dispensers for sublimation.

It can simplify a new setup when the included ink and supplies match your printer and project.

The bundle names specific Epson EcoTank and WorkForce models for compatibility. Check your exact model before choosing it, and remember that the blank still needs a suitable polyester or coated surface.

Choose the bundle if you need ink and transfer supplies along with paper. Skip it if you only need replacement sheets or your printer is not among the compatible models.

How do you set up and use sublimation paper?

Set up sublimation paper by confirming the printer, ink, sheet orientation and blank before printing. A short check of those four details prevents common errors such as using ordinary ink, printing on the wrong side or selecting a sheet your printer cannot feed.

First, confirm that the printer accepts sublimation ink and the paper size. These sheets are for compatible inkjet sublimation setups, not laser printers or ordinary ink.

Load the paper with the printable side facing the print head. Hiipoo uses a white print side and pink back, while Koala and HTVRONT use a logo pattern on the back; check the instructions for the exact paper you use.

Mirror the design when the transfer instructions call for it, especially when text must read correctly after pressing. Hiipoo and Lzerking both describe mirror printing in their instructions.

Match the blank to the paper's intended use. Choose light polyester fabric or a coated hard blank, and follow the blank maker's instructions for temperature, time and pressure.

Store extra sheets in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity. HTVRONT advises returning unused paper to its box.

Which paper works for shirts, mugs and tumblers?

For light polyester shirts and coated mugs or tumblers, choose a sublimation paper whose instructions match the blank and printer. The picks here specify these uses, but the blank needs a surface suitable for sublimation transfer.

A coated mug or tumbler differs from an uncoated one. Confirm the coating and follow the blank's transfer directions before printing.

For drinkware-specific comparisons, see sublimation paper for tumblers and sublimation paper for mugs. For a walkthrough using one named paper, read how to use A-SUB sublimation paper.

What mistakes should you avoid with sublimation paper?

The most common mistakes are using the wrong ink, choosing paper your printer cannot feed, loading the back side for printing and pressing onto an unsuitable blank. Check those basics before changing print settings or blaming the paper.

• Using ordinary ink: Sublimation paper needs sublimation ink and a compatible printer. TransOurDream's dark transfer paper is the exception in this guide, because it is designed for pigment or dye ink.
• Printing on the wrong side: Use the paper's color or logo cue and read its instructions before loading a stack.
• Skipping the size check: An 11 x 17 in sheet is useful only if your printer accepts that size.
• Pressing onto the wrong material: Light polyester and coated items suit sublimation; dark, high-cotton fabric needs another transfer method.
• Changing settings without a clear reason: Keep a working setup consistent when changing paper, and adjust one setting at a time after a sample transfer.
• Storing paper in damp conditions: Heat and humidity can affect paper handling, so keep unused sheets cool, dry and in their box.

Which is the best paper for sublimation printing for you?

Choose A-SUB 8.5 x 11 in paper for a versatile letter-size starting point, HTVRONT 11 x 17 in for larger designs your printer can feed, and Lzerking if you need a 400-sheet supply. Pick TransOurDream only for its separate dark-cotton transfer method.

For frequent letter-size work, HTVRONT offers 150 sheets; choose Hiipoo or Koala if a visible print-side cue matters. If you need paper and ink together, consider the Hiipoo bundle after checking your Epson model.

Keep the decision tied to printer size, sublimation ink and blank material. For Epson-specific guidance, start with sublimation paper for Epson; for large formats, compare 13 x 19 sublimation paper.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for everyday letter-size projects

   A-SUB Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 Inch 110 Sheets

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for dark cotton shirts

   TransOurDream Heat Transfer Paper for Dark T

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for frequent letter-size printing

   HTVRONT Sublimation Paper for T-Shirts & Mug

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Can you use sublimation paper in a regular inkjet printer?

Sublimation paper needs sublimation ink and a compatible inkjet printer. Regular ink does not work for sublimation transfers.

Before buying, confirm that your printer can use sublimation ink and that the sheet size fits its paper path.

What is the best paper for sublimation printing?

For many letter-size projects, choose paper that fits your printer, uses sublimation ink and suits the blank you plan to press. A-SUB's 8.5 x 11 in, 110-sheet option is a versatile starting point for light polyester and coated blanks.

Match sheet size and paper weight to your printer and workflow.

Can sublimation paper print on cotton?

Sublimation paper is generally intended for polyester or polyester-coated blanks. Several picks here specify fabric with no more than 30% cotton, so check the paper's intended material before pressing.

Dark, high-cotton garments call for a different transfer method.

Is heat transfer paper the same as sublimation paper?

No. Sublimation paper carries sublimation ink for transfer to suitable polyester or coated surfaces, while dark-fabric transfer paper can use ordinary inkjet ink and an iron or heat press.

For a dark cotton shirt, see our guide to DTF paper for sublimation for the method distinction.