What’s the difference between Tacky vs Non-Tacky Transfer Papers?
Tacky Transfer Papers ensure better adherence to the fabric during transfer and eliminate potential problems which may occur. Its fast-drying feature and base paper thickness perfectly work even with products consuming a high amount of ink.
Non-tacky transfer papers are produced to be compatible with many digital printers. The most important advantages of the non-tacky transfer papers are their fast-drying feature, superior ink absorption, and compatibility with most polyester fabrics. Transfer papers with faster drying speed are also available. They are specifically designed to work with high-speed systems. However, some quality issues may arise because the paper cannot firmly adhere to elastic fabrics. Therefore, most suppliers prefer tacky transfer papers as an alternative solution.
Well, what’s the difference between Tacky vs Non-Tacky Transfer Papers? Who should use the tacky papers? What kind of advantages do tacky papers offer compared to non-tacky transfer papers?
Thanks to specially formulated coating, tacky transfer papers are not deformed even if you use heat press shortly after the printing process. High-quality tacky transfer papers will firmly stick to the fabric during the heat press process and prevent the paper from shifting. Thus, the optimized transfer of an image to a substrate can be achieved, yielding best results without any ghosting problem. If the transfer paper shifts during pressing, the fabric will absorb less ink and the ink will overflow, which will result in ghosting. Such papers are mostly used on stretch fabrics such as sportswear.
When tacky transfer papers are used, however, sublimation printing will be applied to the adhesive side of the paper. Therefore, when you want to transfer an image onto fabric, you need to stick the paper to the substrate or place it properly before pressing. There are two main types of tacky paper: you can feel the adhesive surface on one type and you don’t on the other since the latter type has a heat-activated adhesive coating. To choose the right tacky transfer paper, you should consider your product offerings and your printer’s settings.
Have you tried Shining Star Tacky Transfer Paper yet?
To solve current printing and press problems in the market, after extensive R&D efforts, Canapa Paper Technologies launched Shining Star Tacky Transfer Paper that offers many key advantages to the user.
Specifically designed for sportswear, the product maintains adherence on the fabric during the transfer process and eliminates potential problems which may occur during the transfer. The base paper thickness and its fast-drying feature perfectly work even with products consuming a high amount of ink.
Curling is a common problem during the heat-press process and it seriously damages the quality of the print on fabrics. One of the greatest advantages of Shining Star Tacky paper is that it does not curl during the heat-press process and so it offers a perfect solution in this respect.
After the printing, there is a wait time for the paper to dry and lose the extra moisture due to the ink. Otherwise, the paper will curl during the press and you will have problems during pressing and exposure processes. Devoting more attention to the R&D operations to tackle these problems, Canapa Paper Technologies has recently launched Shining Star Tacky, which is a coated sublimation transfer paper, featuring two different coatings. Thanks to the specially formulated coating process, the paper is not deformed even if you use heat press shortly after the printing process. In addition, the product ensures exceptional print quality, color consistency, and ink savings.
Specifically designed for digital sublimation printing, Shining Star Tacky is compatible with polyester fabrics (at least 60% polyester) used in the production of flags, sportswear, fashion fabrics, and home decor. The Shining Star Tacky Series stands out amongst competitors with its high bonding to the fabric at the heat-press process, excellent dye transfer efficiency and fast ink absorption and drying conditions.