Photo Print Media – FAQ’s
All Dye Sublimation Printers use a ribbon instead of an ink or toner cartridge.
Print Media is available in a variety of different sizes to suit the size of photo beinbg printed.
Dye Sublimation Print Media
All Dye Sub Photo Printers use a ribbon instead of an ink or toner cartridge. This ribbon contains three coloured panels(Cyan, Magenta and Yellow) and a clear part of the ribbon which is used as a final coating. This final coating protects the image and depending upon print settings gives a matt, semi matt or gloss finish to the photo.
It’s this final coating which protects the image and is touch dry the moment the print leaves the printer. You can actually take a photo that has just been printed and wash it under the tap!
Dye Sublimation Photo Printers use two consumables: A film ribbon and a roll of photo paper. These come supplied together and can usually be changed at the same time. The type of media is printer specific (otherwise known as Dye Sublimation Media). However there are some media that you will be able to use for more than one model of printer. The type of media will dictate the print sizes that can be printed.
The majority of Dye Sub Photo Printers use Roll Fed Media although some (older) models use sheet fed paper. This is designed to match so the ribbon and paper will produce a fixed number of prints per ribbon. Shown on the outside of the box and will always yield the number of images specified regardless of what is printed on the paper.
Please note that media for some of the printers are region specific, if the printer was purchased in Europe, the media will only work with that printer purchased in Europe
Dye Sub Print Media
We supply a large range of Dye Sublimation Photo Print Media and keep large stocksis available in variety of print sizes, it is easy to load into your Photo Printer and the cost per print… [Read More]
Dye Sublimation Print Media – Your Questions Answered
Do I need different Photo Media for Matt and Glossy Prints with a Dye Sub Photo Printer?
Dye Sub Printer Media is the same for both Matt and Glossy prints. It’s a printer setting that dictates the finish on the print and not the media. Very old Dye Sub printers did have different media but that was a long time ago and all current printers today have one type of media.
Why does a Dye Sublimation Printer ribbon break?
Very occasionally when your printer is moved from a very cold area into a very warm area condensation will appear on the paper roll within your printer. If you attempt to print when the paper roll is damp the ribbon will tear and the printer will stop printing. The problem is easily fixed by repairing the ribbon.
How do I repair a torn or broken printer ribbon?
The solution is usually very simple, join the ribbon with a small piece of sellotape and wind some of the ribbon onto the take up spool. The take up spool is where the used ribbon is stored. You may lose a print or two but when the printer has acclimatised to the normal ambient temperature your printer will continue to work. Drying the paper roll may accelerate this process which usually takes 30-60 minutes. The simple solution is not to leave the printer in a cold place before using it.
I have paper left over when the Dye Sub ribbon is empty.
This is completely normal. There is always slightly more paper provided than is needed. More paper is provided as the printer will discard a few prints when the paper roll is changed each time. Just discard the unused paper and roll. Media should always be changed completely with the paper and ribbon being changed at the same time.
Do I need special paper to printer panorama photos?
No, the media used to print panoramic prints is the same media. The printer however must have the ability to print Panoramic prints.
How long can Dye Sub Media be stored?
Dye Sub Media doesn’t usually have an expiry date and as long as it is stored correctly would last many years and maybe even decades. We have personally used media that was 10+ years old without quality issues.
Can I remove a Dye Sub Ribbon before it is empty to change print sizes?
Yes, Dye Sub Media can be changed part way through it use. We always recommend changing both the Ribbon and Paper (for printers where they are supplied in the same box) to ensure the media is used at the same rate.
How should I store my media if I have changed print sizes?
Media is changed easily throughout printing, but best to keep unused media in the original box. Always store away from dust. Some newer printer support rollback technology which allows multiple print sizes (usually 8×6″ and 6×4″) to be printed for 6×8″ media. All without wastage. Even printer without this technology can usually still print 6×4″ photos from 6×8″or 6×9″ print media.