Sublimation printing has become one of the fastest-growing digital printing technologies in Pakistan, especially within the sportswear, fashionwear, promotional merchandise, and home textile industries. Cities such as Sialkot, Karachi, Faisalabad, and Lahore now rely heavily on sublimation paper and sublimation ink to produce high-quality prints for export markets including the USA, UK, Germany, and the Middle East.
As demand rises, customers often struggle with selecting the right sublimation paper, understanding GSM differences, comparing sublimation paper prices in Pakistan, choosing the best sublimation ink, and fixing quality issues such as dull colors, ghosting, ink bleeding, and moisture problems.
This 2026 Buyer’s Guide provides a complete, technical, and professional overview of sublimation paper, sublimation ink, heat press settings, and printer compatibility for both beginners and advanced users.
Sublimation paper is a special transfer medium coated with a polymer layer designed to hold sublimation ink until it is transferred onto a polyester surface. During heat press application:
Ink turns into gas
Gas bonds with polyester molecules
Design becomes permanent
Colors appear vibrant, durable, and wash-resistant
The paper’s performance depends on:
GSM (70, 80, 90, 100, 120gsm)
Coating quality
Drying speed (Fast Dry vs. Standard Dry)
Ink absorption and release rate
Heat press pressure and temperature
Higher-quality papers produce sharp edges, accurate color reproduction, and minimal ink bleeding.
Prices vary depending on GSM, size, roll width, brand, and coating technology. The following ranges are commonly seen in Pakistan:
Prices vary depending on supplier, brand, and exchange rate fluctuations (CNY, USD, TRY).
| Roll | GSM | Price Range (PKR) | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 inch | 70/80gsm | 18,000–28,000 | Sportswear panels |
| 36 inch | 70/80gsm | 24,000–34,000 | Large fabric printing |
| 44 inch | 70/80gsm | 36,000–55,000 | Industrial production |
| 63 inch | 70gsm | 60,000–95,000 | Bulk exports |
| Size | GSM | Price Range (PKR) | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5×11 | 70–100gsm | 450–850 | Mugs, keychains |
| A3 | 70–100gsm | 1,100–1,700 | T-shirts, panels |
| 11×17 | 70–100gsm | 950–1,500 | Jerseys, sleeves |
| 13×19 | 100gsm | 1,500–2,200 | Sportswear panels |
Suitable for Epson L-series printers
Used for mugs, t-shirts, mobile covers
More affordable but slightly slower drying
Instant absorption
Ideal for high-speed production
Best choice for sportswear factories
Releases 95%+ ink
Produces deeper blacks and vibrant reds
Recommended for jerseys, leggings, hoodies, flags
Used for jersey printing (to prevent shifting)
Prevents ghosting
Commonly used in Sialkot sportswear industry
Industrial printing using Epson I3200 or 4720 heads
Used for bulk sportswear and bedsheets
Pakistani printers commonly use the following international sublimation ink brands:
Known for color accuracy and stability
Best for Epson printers
Widely used in Sialkot factories
Price range: PKR 6,500–8,500 per liter
High-density color output
Smooth flow, reduced nozzle clogging
Excellent for neon shades and deep blacks
Price range: PKR 6,000–7,500 per liter
Very stable at high-speed printing
Ideal for I3200 printheads
Price range: PKR 6,500–7,800 per liter
Affordable alternative
Good for beginners / home businesses
Strong color intensity
Often used in mid-size setups
Lowest cost
Best for low-volume printing
Best for sportswear
Fast drying
Low ink usage
High-speed printing compatibility
Stronger and smoother
Suitable for flags, leggings, hoodies
Thick and stable
Best for mugs, plates, keychains, MDF
Specialty use, heavy coating
| Component | Cost Estimate (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Paper (A3 sheet) | 25–40 |
| Ink usage | 35–60 |
| Heat press electricity | 5–10 |
| Labor | 20–40 |
| Total Cost per Shirt | 85–150 PKR |
Export-quality sportswear may cost more due to:
Tacky paper requirement
High-density inks
Pre-press treatment
Multiple panel printing
For sportswear manufacturers (especially Sialkot exporters), the following specifications are crucial:
Use 70gsm fast-dry tacky paper
Use I3200/4720 printers for accurate color
Maintain room humidity 45–60%
Use professional ICC profiles
Use Luster Innova HD or Sublinova Smart inks for neon and deep shades
This ensures stable blacks, accurate team colors, and consistent results during bulk orders.
Higher production efficiency
Less paper waste
Recommended for factories
Best for small businesses
Easy handling
Low initial cost
Humidity directly impacts drying time and print sharpness.
Ink dries too fast
Leads to grainy prints
Paper becomes wavy
Ink bleeding and ghosting occur
Maintain climate control for consistent production quality.
Increase temperature
Use high-release paper
Check ICC profile
Switch to tacky paper
Increase pressure
Reduce ink load
Switch to thicker GSM
Clean nozzles
Lower print speed
Incorrect press time
Substandard ink
Best for small businesses
Standard or fast-dry paper
Best for industrial printing
70gsm tacky paper recommended
Use:
70gsm Tacky Fast-Dry Paper
Luster Innova HD or Sublinova Smart
Use:
100gsm standard sheet paper
Chinese or Sublinova ink
Use:
100gsm premium sheet paper
High-density ink
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