Here’s my straightforward answer. It’s possible to do it, but it’s not recommended.
When using regular ink to print on sublimation paper, you won’t notice any issues during the printing phase. However, during the transfer process, you’ll find that the required temperature and time for transfer are different.
Generally, sublimation ink has fixed pressure time and temperature settings. But if you use regular ink, you’ll need to retest to determine the correct settings.
Actually, regular ink isn’t the only thing you can use on sublimation paper. Some ordinary paintbrushes can be used on sublimation paper and then transferred with an iron, with results like the picture below.
Why Not Recommended You Use Regular Ink on Sublimation Papers
At a glance, it might seem harmless — after all, it’s just paper and ink, right? But sublimation paper has a very specific purpose, and regular ink isn’t built to fulfill it. If you insist on doing so, then you might encounter these situations:
Print Quality Suffers
Sublimation paper is designed to hold sublimation ink on the surface until it’s heat-transferred. Regular dye or pigment ink, however, tends to bleed or sink into the paper’s coating unevenly. The result? Dull, washed-out images that don’t look anything like your design.
It Won’t Transfer Properly
Here’s the biggest issue: regular ink doesn’t sublimate. When you apply heat and pressure, sublimation ink turns into gas and bonds with the substrate surface. Regular ink just stays where it is — or worse, smears into a faded mess.
Smudging And Running
Because regular ink doesn’t dry well on sublimation paper, even the slightest touch can cause blotches and smudges. It also increases the chances of ruining your press or leaving ink stains on your blanks.
Wasted Supplies
Once you realize the print won’t transfer, it’s already too late. You’ve wasted a sheet of sublimation paper, possibly a blank T-shirt or mug, and a few dollars in ink — not to mention time and effort.
Why Sublimation Papers Needs Sublimation Ink — And Nothing Else
Sublimation paper isn’t just fancy printing paper — it’s engineered with a special coating that holds ink on the surface until heat turns that ink into gas. That’s the whole point of sublimation: the ink needs to vaporize and bond with the substrate.
Regular ink, whether it’s dye-based or pigment-based, isn’t built for that. It doesn’t vaporize, it doesn’t bond — and it doesn’t stay put on sublimation paper the way it’s supposed to.
Here’s what happens when you try using the wrong ink on sublimation paper:
- The coating rejects regular ink: Instead of sitting neatly on top, regular ink either smears across the surface or gets partially absorbed, leading to blotchy or blurry prints right from the start.
- No sublimation reaction = no transfer: When you press the paper onto your substrate, regular ink just… stays there. It doesn’t transfer. That special gas-to-solid transformation you’re expecting? It never happens.
- Ink and paper both go to waste: I’ve been there — thinking I was saving money by using what I had on hand. But in the end, all I did was waste sublimation papers and blank substrate trying to make it work.
That’s why sublimation paper and sublimation ink are a package deal. One without the other just won’t get the job done.
We likewise do not recommend using heat sublimation inks on plain paper. Please see: Can You Use Regular Paper With Sublimation Ink?
How To Use Sublimation Papers The Right Way
If you want crisp, durable, and professional prints, here’s what actually works — and what I now stick to every time:
Always Use Sublimation Ink
To do sublimation printing, only consider using sublimation ink. Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than regular ink, but it’s worth every penny. Fixed ink and fixed paper work better together for heat transfer.
Store Paper In A Dry, Flat Environment
Proper storage also helps with paper use. Remember: Humidity ruins the coating on sublimation papers. I keep mine in a sealed plastic container or zipper bag, stored flat to prevent curling.
Make Sure You Print On The Correct Side
Some brands mark the back, some don’t. A quick scratch test or looking for the smoother texture usually helps identify the printable side.
Match Your Substrates
Sublimation paper is just one part of the system. Pair it with sublimation ink and polyester-coated substrates for vibrant, long-lasting results.
Final Thoughts: Use The Right Tools For The Job
Using regular ink on sublimation papers might feel like a shortcut, but in reality, it sets you back.
The prints look bad, the transfers don’t work, and the frustration isn’t worth it.
If you’re investing in sublimation printing, do it right — use proper sublimation ink with sublimation paper.
The quality, color, and durability of your results will speak for themselves.