Issue
Cockling is when moisture causes transfer paper to become wavy.
Why Does Cockling Occur?
Too much ink is printed onto the transfer paper, which causes the paper to raise up and dry unevenly.
Humidity causes transfer paper to soak up moisture and distort.
Quick Fixes for Cockling and Boat Wake in Dye Sublimation
Run a heater/dryer to help heavily saturated paper dry faster and more evenly.
Note: Some printers have heaters/dryers built in while others require an additional heater/dryer to run next to the printer.
Ensure the proper color profile is being utilized.
Ensure that you are not over-saturating the paper.
If heavy saturation is necessary, try a heavier weight transfer paper. Some inks have a higher water content to colorant ratio.
Ensure your transfer paper is stored in a climate controlled environment with little to no humidity.
Tip: If you’re in a bind and only have paper that has begun cockling, try going a couple yards into the roll where the paper has likely not been as affected by the humidity.
MAKE SURE YOUR TRANSFER PAPER IS STORED IN A CLIMATE CONTROLLED
ENVIRONMENT WITH LITTLE TO NO HUMIDITY.
ENVIRONMENT WITH LITTLE TO NO HUMIDITY.