When Stretch Fabric Moves in the Press: Pinetown Supplier on Tacky Paper

PINETOWN: Sublimation on stretch fabric can go wrong in the press. Numbers double up on a cycling top, or a knitted panel springs back when the press opens. Sublimation Consumables, a sublimation paper supplier in Pinetown, has set out when its tacky paper for stretch fabric is the right fix and when it is not.

What the tack actually does

The paper carries a light tack that holds knitted polyester in place while heat and pressure do the transfer. It is not glue. The point is to keep registration steady through the press cycle so fine outlines, numbers and edge detail do not double up. It is sold by the roll for wide-format, roll-fed printing, and is aimed at teamwear panels, running vests, compression wear, swim-related polyester items and fashion cut pieces.

Where standard paper is the better buy

Stable woven polyester, flags and items that already sit flat on the press usually do fine on a standard fast-dry paper, which is simpler and cheaper. Tacky paper also will not cover for poor temperature control, damp stock, heavy inking or dirty press blankets.

“People phone and ask for sticky paper because something is ghosting, but often the fabric isn’t the problem,” said the Sublimation Consumables sales coordinator. “Tell us the fabric, the printer width and what you are running now. If it’s the press cycle, a new roll won’t sort it and we’ll say so.”

The rest of the paper range

fast-dry 100 gsm and heavyweight 120 gsm rolls
A4 and A3 sublimation sheets for smaller format work
protective tissue rolls and silicone release sheets for the press

The company supplies paper only. It does not sell printers or print for the public. Rolls are packed to protect edges and cores, sheets go flat in cartons, and orders travel by courier from Pinetown to Durban, Gauteng, the Western Cape and every other province.

Paper guides and ordering details are on the Sublimation Consumables website. Sublimation printers, heat presses and print equipment are available through am.co.za.