Best Sublimation Printer for Beginners ~January 2023

If you want to print your artwork on paper, create customized accessories, or transfer dye onto fabric or glassware, you need a specific printer capable of performing these tasks. Sublimation printers use advanced technology to produce radiant, true-to-life designs. These are sturdy and fast printing machines providing the best quality fade-proof prints. All you have to know is about the best sublimation printers for beginners, the Best Epson Sublimation Printer & Best sublimation printers for t-shirts prior to the commencement of your project.

You can use sublimation printers to print images and designs on several materials, such as clothing, phone cases, and more. Whether you are a hobbyist or sell customized t-shirts, mugs, etc., you will need a good-quality sublimation printer for the smooth completion of your projects.

There are many different, high-quality printers to choose from, which can make it difficult for you to decide which one is the best. To make your search less complicated, we compiled a list of the best sublimation printers available for purchase in the market and tested their performance for many hours. The article also contains a thorough guide that will help you select a product that fits your needs and budget.

EPSON WORKFORCE WF-7710–Best Epson Sublimation Printer

The Epson Workforce WF-7710 is a multi-purpose printer that prints, copies, faxes, and scans. It is an economical option for those looking forward to upgrading to a more sophisticated sublimation printer.

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• PrecisionCore technology enables users to print 13” x 19” borderless prints.
• It is an easy-to-use printer with a 4.3” touchscreen display.
• It is a high-speed, wide-format printer that produces professional-looking prints.
• The WF-7710 consumes up to eighty percent less power than other printers.
• Its feed tray has a capacity of 250 sheets, ten envelopes, and twenty photo paper sheets.
• It has multiple wireless connectivity features. You can print from your smart devices through WIFI Direst, NFC, or Ethernet.
• The printer supports auto, two-sided printing and comes with a 35-page Auto Document Feeder. It can scan up to 11 x 17 inches.
• It has a fast printing speed of 8.7ppm in black and 6ppm in color printing.
• With Epson Workforce WF-7710, you can print onto various fabric types.
• It is an affordable printer with modern features and functionality. It comes with a one-year warranty.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER?

• It is a typical inkjet printer. You have to convert it into a sublimation printer by replacing the inks.
• The print head may get clogged once in a while.
• It uses a lot of ink.

NOTE: Converting an inkjet printer into a sublimation printer voids the warranty. You can not switch back to inkjet ink once you install sublimation ink.

BOTTOM LINE

The Workforce WF-7710 is one of the best inkjet color printers suitable for sublimation. It is available at an economical price. It is a reliable printer with a year-long warranty. It has several advanced features such as wireless connectivity, duplex printing, PrecisionCore technology, and many more. Converting it into a sublimation printer is simple. Clean the print head nozzle, inject sublimation ink into the cartridge, and you’re good to go. We totally recommend WF-7710 as an affordable and viable sublimation printer for expanding your craft or sublimation printing business.

SAWGRASS VIRTUOSO SG-500–Best Sublimation Printer for Heat Transfer

Sawgrass virtuoso SG-500 produces the most bright and vivid sublimation transfers and image quality for any application. It has several upgraded components and features that make it one of the best dye-sublimation printers.

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• The printer comes with accessories like a complete set of SubliJet UHD inks and sublimation paper exclusive for sawgrass printers.
• It has a high print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi.
• The product comes with a two-year warranty and lifetime customer support from the manufacturer.
• Sawgrass offers an intuitive, dedicated design software with a stock design library for free.
• The printer is easy to set up and use with an intuitive interface.
• It features WIFI, USB, and ethernet connectivity.
• SG- 500 is a reliable dye sublimation printing machine with a sturdy build.
• It is the perfect sublimation printer for heat transfer.
• It has a print range of up to 8.5 x 14 inches. It is perfect for printing smaller designs on t-shirts, jewelry, mugs, etc. But, you can separately purchase a bypass paper tray that increases the print width and length significantly.
• SG-500 delivers long-lasting, fade-proof prints and transfers.
• The printer is compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems.
• It delivers high-quality prints at a super-fast speed.
• It is exclusive for sublimation printing, so it requires minimal maintenance. It offers good value for money concerning print quality, performance, and operational costs.
• Sawgrass SG-500 comes in sturdy packaging that protects it from damage during transit.
• The printer has a single roll feeder that makes sublimation printing more convenient than other printers.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER?

• It lacks an LCD display.
• You can not use the inks for transfers on cotton.

BOTTOM LINE

Sawgrass SG-500 offers the best print quality and color accuracy. It comes with everything you need for sublimation printing, from sublimation paper to ink set. It is an industrial-grade machine with a robust set of features. It can fulfill industrial sublimation printing needs seamlessly. The price may seem a little higher on the surface, but, considering the low running and maintenance costs, it is an economical printer in the long run.

EPSON ECO TANK ET-15000–Best Sublimation Printer For T-Shirts

ET-15000 is a wide-format, 13 x 19 sublimation printer. If you are tired of replacing ink cartridges frequently, Eco Tank 15000 is the solution to your problem. It delivers high-quality prints like other high-end printers while using ninety percent less ink

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• It has a high print resolution of 4800 x 2400 dpi.
• A fast printing speed of seventeen black ppm and nine color ppm. Auto, two-sided print speed is seven black ppm and five color ppm.
• It is an environmentally friendly printer.
• Eco Tank 15000 eliminates the need for replacement ink cartridges with its super tank that lasts for up to two years.
• With reasonably-priced replacement ink bottles, the operational cost of this printer is significantly low.
• It produces sharp, lifelike, color-accurate images.
• It is a multi-functional printer. You can copy, fax, and scan with it.
• Et-15000 uses PrecisionCore technology for improved performance.
• Changing from regular inks to sublimation inks is easy.
• One set of replacement ink is equivalent to eighty ink cartridges.
• It features WIFI direct, Bluetooth, USB, and Ethernet connectivity. It is also compatible with Alexa.
• ET-15000 generates borderless prints up to 11 x 17 inches.
• A 2.7 inches color touch screen for smooth navigation and operation.
• The product comes with a one-year limited warranty.
• It has an input paper capacity of up to 250 sheets.
• Duplex printing.
• 35-sheet Auto document feeder up to 8.5” x 14”

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER?

• Beginners may find it slightly complicated to use this printer.
• It is an expensive printer.

BOTTOM LINE

The Epson Eco Tank EP-15000 is one of the best sublimation printers. It has a higher price. But in the long term, you can save a lot of money you would spend on ink refills for other printers. Its exceptional print quality on top of low running costs makes it a popular choice among users for sublimation transfers.

EPSON ECO TANK ET-2720–Best Sublimation Printer for Beginners

Eco Tank ET-2720 is a cost-effective inkjet printer with replacement bottles that you can use for up to two years. It helps save about ninety percent of the ink refill cost. It is a cheaper alternative to ET-15000 and comes with the same super-sized ink tank. ET-2720 delivers decent quality prints and crisp and bright images.

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• PrecisonCore technology for enhanced performance. Use genuine Epson inks for best results.
• Low operational costs. One replacement ink bottle set can print up to 4,500 pages.
• Print directly from your iPad, tablet, or Android phone through WIFI direct connectivity. It also supports working with Alexa.
• The product comes with a two-year limited warranty.
• The transition from inks to sublimation inks is easy.
• The exclusive Ecofit design makes it easy to fill and replace colors.
• An affordable sublimation printer, offering advanced features like high-end printers.
• It is lighter than other sublimation printers. It is easy to move the machine from one place to another.
• Et-2720 is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.
• Micro Piezo heat-free technology for generating sharp prints.
• Environment-friendly printer with zero cartridge waste.
• Quick setup and easy operation.
• Perfect for printing smaller designs of 8.5 x 14 inches.
• It prints up to ten monochrome pages and five color pages per minute.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER?

• It is not versatile with print media.
• Print resolution is not as high as other sublimation printers.

BOTTOM LINE

It is the best Epson printer on a budget with wireless connectivity and other innovative attributes. The two-year warranty by the company ensures the reliability, quality, and utility of the machine. The all-in-one printer with a 3.7 cm LCD user interface is ideal for people looking to reduce their printing costs without compromising on quality.

EPSON ECO TANK ET-4760–Best Epson Sublimation Printer for Beginners

ET-4760 is a fast and intuitive printing machine by Epson. It has exceptional productivity features like cartridge-free printing and a built-in scanner and copier. It is a trustworthy machine that guarantees smooth sublimation printing for home studios and businesses.

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• An easy-to-use printer with a 2.3” color touchscreen and two physical buttons on the control panel.
• A premium-quality printer with an optimized print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi.
• ET-4760 has a sturdy build made with hard plastic. 
• It is portable with dimensions of 9.1″ x 14.8” x 13.7”.
• PrecisonCore print head produces vibrant, detailed, and attractive designs. 
• A multi-functional printer with excellent output quality and low running costs. 
• Smooth plug-and-play operation. Initial installation is quick and easy. 
• Ethernet, USB 2.0, WIFI connectivity.
• High print speed. It generates sixteen monochrome text documents and seven color pages per minute. It prints a high-quality photo in about ninety seconds.
• A decent quality printer with scanner, copy, and fax options.
• Continuous, uninterrupted printing because of the large ink tank. 
• The printer comes with a two-year warranty.
• It is compatible with a wide range of paper sizes.
• The product comes with a sufficient ink bottle supply.
• It supports Auto Duplex printing.
• Compatible with Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print technologies, and MAC and Windows OS.
• Zero cartridge waste.
• Input paper capacity of 250 sheets.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER?

• There is room for improvement regarding color accuracy.
• It has a heavyweight.

BOTTOM LINE

Epson Eco Tank- 4760 is a decent-quality sublimation printer. It comes with a built-in scanner and copier. Its ink capacity and yield are suitable for small offices and home businesses. The super-sized tank, multifunctionality, and wireless connectivity make it a hands-on machine. We do not recommend it for photo enthusiasts aiming to print tabloid-sized photos and achieve excellent color accuracy. 

EPSON STYLUS C88 + WIRELESS PRINTER Best Sublimation Printer for T-Shirts and Small Business

Epson Stylus C88 + makes an exceptional sublimation printer with its expeditious printing and vivid, detailed prints. It has a sleek and compact design that looks pleasant in any environment. It is portable with a 10.14 pounds weight and 18.1 x 9.5 x 7.6 dimensions.

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• The printer includes convenient, individual ink cartridges. You will not have to change particular ink cartridges frequently. 
• It prints at a high resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi.
• C88 + uses DURABrite photo inks to produce smudge-free prints on plain or glossy photo paper.
• It prints at an accelerated speed of twenty-three black and white and fourteen color pages per minute.
• The printer supports Windows and Mac operating systems. 
• It supports a wide range of print media, such as plain paper, card stock, glossy photo paper, envelopes, etc. 
• C88 + comes with a one-year warranty.
• It features a parallel port and USB 2.0 connectivity. 
•  Input media capacity of one hundred and twenty sheets.
• Perfect for sublimation jobs with a print size of 8.5 x 14”.
• It produces stunning borderless prints.
• Moderately-priced printer. 

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER?

• It lacks wireless connectivity.

BOTTOM LINE

Epson Stylus C88+ serves as the best sublimation printer with advanced features and excellent performance. It is suitable for beginners, home offices, and commercial usage alike. You will get a printer that connects to multiple devices simultaneously and delivers professional-looking prints quickly and efficiently.

EPSON EXPRESSION PHOTO HD XP-15000–Affordable Commercial-Grade Printer

The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is a versatile printer compatible with a wide range of print mediums and formats. It is a full-size photo printer with excellent color printing capabilities that could also serve well as a sublimation printer. XP-15000 delivers exceptional prints with vivid colors and gorgeous, lifelike photos.

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Suitable for large format printing with a maximum print size of 13 x 19 inches and maximum thickness of up to 23 mm.
• It is compatible with a wide range of fabric and paper.
• A reasonably-priced printer.
• An intuitive 2.4” color LCD makes it easy to navigate and operate the printer.
• It has a compact design, perfect for home studios and small offices.
• The printer comes with a limited one-year warranty.
• WIFI, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. It is
• Borderless prints up to 13 x 19 inches.
• Inkjet technology with the automatic duplex system.
• It is ideal for professional sublimation projects and graphics.
• It is compatible with Alexa. Setting up a Dash replenishment is quick and easy. It supports Mac and Windows operating systems.
• It has an input media capacity of two hundred sheets. It also has a fifty-sheet rear tray.
• It has a six-cartridge ink system for high-quality sublimation on fabric.
• 5760 X 1440 dpi resolution.
• It supports Cloud printing.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER?

• Its print speed is slower than other high-end printers. It prints 9 pages per minute.
• Operational costs are higher.

BOTTOM LINE

XP-15000 is one of the best sublimation printers in performance, design, and technical specifications and features. It has a bigger input capacity than other printers and is more versatile concerning print media and format. If you are looking for an affordable sublimation printer with good print quality, XP-15000 can be a viable option for you.

BROTHER MFC-J995DW AIO SUBLIMATION PRINTER–Affordable Dye-Sublimation Printer

Brother MFC-J995DW is a good quality sublimation printer available at a reasonable price. It weighs 18.1 lbs. and has a compact design that complements any working space and desk. Brother’s high-yield INKvestment Tank feature allows printing more documents while minimizing the running costs.

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Sleek design. Small and lightweight printer.
• High page yield and low cost-per-print.
• It is an easy-to-use printer with a 2.6” touch screen display and physical buttons on the control panel. 
• 8.5 x 11 inches flatbed scanner with sheetfed functionality and a maximum resolution of 1200 dpi. 
• Automatic document feeder (ADF).
• The device comes with an easy-to-understand instruction manual. Setting up the device is easy and quick.
• It prints 12 monochrome pages and ten-color pages per minute.
• Excellent print and scan quality.
• The printer comes with a two-year warranty.
• Compatible with MAC and Windows operating systems.
• Ethernet, WIFI, WIFI Direct, NFC, and USB connectivity.
• It is compatible with AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Mopria, and a few more mobile connectivity options.
• Input capacity of one hundred and fifty sheets.
• The INKvestment cartridges could last for as long as a year. The INKvestment Tank model has four fixed ink reserves.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER?

• Print speed is a little slower.
• Noisy operation.

BOTTOM LINE

The Brother MFC-J995DW is a suitable sublimation printer for printing on t-shirts, mugs, etc. It is reasonably priced and has a sleek design with an aesthetically pleasing look and feel. It has low operational costs and offers good value for money. It has a decent print speed and offers detailed, radiant prints.

EPSON ARTISAN 1430–Commercial Purpose Sublimation Printer

Artisan 1430 is a top-quality printer that allows users to be as creative as they want with their sublimation projects. You can print any pattern or image of your choice up to 13 x 19 inches in high-definition. It is a commercial-level sublimation printer with modern features and top-notch print quality.

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Optimized print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi

• Print directly from your smartphones, tablets, and laptops via WIFI, Ethernet, and USB connectivity.

• It uses individual ink cartridges and eliminates the need for changing cartridges frequently.
• It has a large print size of up to 13 x 19”

• A multi-functional printer with scan and fax functions.

• Claria Hi-Definition ink cartridges produce long-lasting prints.

• It requires minimal cleaning.

• The printer has an easy-to-use control panel.

• Advanced light and color correction tool. It delivers unmatchable image details, composition, and color reproduction.

• It supports large-format papers.

• The printer can read SC cards.
• It produces borderless color printouts. The product comes with a one-year warranty.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER?

• Large footprint.

• Print speed is slower.

BOTTOM LINE

The Epson Artisan 1430 has several features that give it an edge over other printers. It generates vibrant, color-accurate, borderless 13 x 19 in prints. The print speed for a large, borderless design is three minutes, relatively slower than other printers. But, it can print smaller patterns in just 46 seconds. You can depend on it for smudge-free, scratch-proof, and water-resistant sublimation prints.

EPSON ECO TANK PHOTO ET-8550–Perfect for Hobbyists and a Decent choice for Professionals

With Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550, you can save up to 80% on your printing costs. It is perfect for hobbyists and a decent choice for professionals and small businesses on a budget. The printer comes with an ample ink supply that covers two-thirds of the cost of the printer itself.

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• An optimal print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi.
• It supports automatic duplex printing.
• Each replacement bottle lasts for as long as two years.
• It features a zero-cartridge waste design.
• The ET-8550 has an intuitive 4.3” touch display for easy navigation and operation. The Epson Smart panel app guides users through the initial setup process.
• It has a print speed (two-sided) of sixteen black and twelve color pages per minute. It produces 4” x 6” borderless prints in fifteen seconds.  
• The ET-8550 supports voice-activated printing.
• It can produce borderless 13 x 9” prints. 
• The printer generates crisp, vibrant, and detailed images.
• It comes with a built-in scanner.
• You can print high-definition photos in different sizes, from snapshots to tabloid-sized.
• It features Ethernet, USB, and WIFI connectivity.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER?

• Higher price.

Bottom Line

Creatives, enthusiasts, and professionals would all find ET-8550 a worthwhile investment. We highly recommend it as a consumer-grade, multi-functional printer. A six-color ink system helps produce rich, professional-looking images and graphics with enhanced detail. It is an affordable sublimation printer with innovative features like wireless connectivity, cartridge-free printing, and an easy-to-use touch display.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SUBLIMATION PRINTER?

There are many types of sublimation printers on the market, and they all cater to different customers. There are a number of factors that you need to consider before buying a sublimation printer. Here’s a list of those pivotal elements.

PRINTER COST

Pricing is a significant concern among buyers while purchasing a product. Some need a high-quality product at an affordable price. While, some consumers are willing to spend a few extra dollars for better, modern, and simple-to-use equipment. Our list contains sublimation printers in different price ranges. Such as cheap, average, and premium-priced printers. Depending on your budget, you can select any of these products. You will get the best print quality and results from all of these sublimation printers.

PRINT QUALITY

Good print quality is essential for sublimation printing. You need bright, clear, and clean sublimation transfers, especially if you need them for commercial purposes. You would also want your images to be rich, vibrant, and well-saturated. Look for a printer with a high print resolution capable of delivering high-quality color reproduction and precision. The printouts must have clear layouts that match well and should not look dull or bleed colors. A minimum resolution of 1440 dpi is requisite for sublimation printing. But, you can go as high as you want if you have the budget for it. A printer with multiple ink cartridges can serve well as a sublimation printer.

PRINTER BRAND

There are plenty of sublimation printers available in the market. But, choosing one from a reliable, established brand is critical. Buying a printing machine by a well-known company ensures that it will deliver the best results and last for a reasonable period. Our buying guide includes products from trusted printer brands that professionals have tested and approved.

CONNECTIVITY

Multiple connectivity features on a printer make it favorable for customers. Ideally, a printer should have both wired and wireless connectivity solutions. WIFI direct and Cloud printing are modern connectivity features that enhance user experience and convenience. All printers in our list allow users to connect their laptops to the device via USB. But, if you need to print designs from smart devices extensively, select a printer with wireless connectivity options. Most sublimation printers on our list offer advanced WIFI, Ethernet, Bluetooth wireless connectivity solutions.

PRINT SPEED

Print speed is a critical factor for professional sublimation printing. You can not afford a slow printer if you print several designs a day to sell. The minimum print speed on a sublimation printer should be seven pages per minute. If you are a hobbyist, print speed might not be a significant concern for you. But, you can consider buying a printer that offers high-speed printing with low running costs. Our list of best sublimation printers has plenty of those.

INPUT CAPACITY

A higher input capacity is crucial if you have a high volume of sublimation projects to accomplish. A large paper tray facilitates a smooth, speedy workflow. Look for a printer with an input capacity of a hundred sheets at a minimum. You can go as high as two hundred sheet input capacity if your budget allows you to.

EASY CONVERSION TO SUBLIMATION INKS

You can opt for an inkjet printer that you can use as a sublimation printer. Many high-quality, viable options serve well as a sublimation printer. However, make sure that the conversion process isn’t complicated and lengthy. You can easily convert the inkjet printers on our list into sublimation printers. Switching from regular ink to sublimation ink is quick and convenient. You can also seek help from online videos.

MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY

All printers are compatible with specific materials. It is better to verify that the printer supports the material you need to use before purchasing it.

INK CARTRIDGE                          

Ink cartridge usage is a critical aspect to consider before buying a printer. Analyze what type of cartridge the printer uses, its cost, and how many pages it can print. Choosing an eco-tank printer can help you save considerable ink refilling costs. If you need a printer with minimal running costs, go for an eco-tank printer if it meets your printing criteria concerning print resolution, speed, and other utilities.

PRINT SIZE

Always consider the print size of a printer before making a decision. A print size of 8.5 x 14” is sufficient for customizing small objects like mugs, key chains, letters, etc. For large transfer projects like sublimating hoodies, t-shirts, and other similar things, opt for a printer with a large print size of 13 x 19”.

Keep the above aspects in mind, and you will be able to select an appropriate sublimation printer for you.

Sublimation Printing for Beginners

Sublimation printing is a unique way to print your designs. Sublimation is a process that uses heat to transfer dye onto a surface, and it can be used on a variety of materials, including fabric and paper. Continue reading the basics of sublimation printing and how you can get started!

One of the great things about sublimation printing is that it’s very versatile. You can use it to print on a variety of materials, including fabric, paper, and even metal.

A Beginner’s Guide to Sublimation Printing

If you’re new to the world of sublimation printing, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll give you a crash course on everything you need to know about sublimation printing, from the basics of the process to some tips on how to get started.

What is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation printing is a digital printing process that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials such as fabric, paper, or plastic. The name “sublimation” comes from the fact that the dye goes from a solid state directly to a gas state when it’s heated, without passing through the liquid state.

How does Sublimation Printing Work?

First, you need to create a design that you want to print on your chosen substrate. Once you have your design, you need to print it onto sublimation paper using a sublimation printer. After that, you’ll need to heat up the substrate with a heat press. When you place the sublimation paper on the substrate, the heat will cause the dye to turn into a gas and bond with the material.

What are Some Common Substrates for Sublimation Printing?

Some of the most common substrates for sublimation printing are t-shirts, mugs, and mousepads. However, you can sublimate onto almost any type of polyester fabric or polymer-coated substrate.

What are some Tips for Beginners Getting Started with Sublimation Printing?

If you’re thinking about starting a business in sublimation printing, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you’ll need to invest in a good quality sublimation printer and heat press. Second, it’s important to find a reliable supplier for your sublimation paper and other supplies. And last, but not least, practice makes perfect! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different substrates and designs to find what works best for you.

Sublimation Printing on T-Shirts

If you are looking to start a small business or add to an existing one, sublimation printing may be a great option for you! Sublimation printing is a type of digital printing that allows for full-color designs and photos to be transferred onto polyester fabrics and other materials. This printing method is not only great for creating unique and one-of-a-kind items, but also for small businesses as it is a relatively low-cost printing method.

So, what do you need to get started with sublimation printing? You need to know about sublimation printing, and the supplies you will need.

Supplies Needed for Sublimation Printing

To get started with sublimation printing, you will need a few key supplies. First, you will need a polyester fabric or other substrate that is specifically made for sublimation printing. Next, you will need a printer that is compatible with sublimation inks, as well as the inks themselves.

The next supply you need is sublimation ink. Sublimation ink is a unique link that is activated by heat. When the ink is heated, it turns into a gas and penetrates the fabric or substrate, bonding with the material on a molecular level.

You will also need a heat press. A heat press is a machine that applies heat and pressure to the fabric, which allows for the transfer of the design.

Finally, you will need some sort of template or stencil to help you create your design.

Now that you know what supplies you need, let’s take a closer look at each one.

Polyester Fabric

As we mentioned, in order to do sublimation printing, you will need a polyester fabric or other substrate that is made specifically for this type of printing. Polyester is the most common fabric used for sublimation printing as it is readily available and relatively inexpensive. Polyester blends are a great material to use for printing because it has the ability to be able under heat transfer paper.

The best results come from using at least 50% polyester in your blend, but you can also get good color coverage with just 30%. Prints on dark colors may not show up well or appear washed out due to their absorption properties; however, cotton shirts work much better when coated through sublimation processes so they’ll absorb more ink than lighter fabrics do – this allows us even brighter shades!

Sublimation Ink

The next supply required for sublimation printing is the ink itself. Sublimation inks are like regular inkjet in that they come with a special cartridge and can be used on most printers. The difference between sublimate and other types of printing dyes lies within how it’s applied to paper–in this case, through direct thermal application during printhead activation by heating the liquid suspension inside each capsule before you even start pressing out your design! You can use any type of printer for sublimation but remember if once used for sublimation it should be used for sublimation only.

Sublimation Paper

Sublimation paper is different from normal printing paper. It is a porous, space in fibers that absorbs sublimation ink. Paper is also heat resistant so that it can withstand the high temperatures of the heat press.

Sublimation paper is a vital tool for anyone looking to create high-quality printed designs. Unlike traditional inkjet paper, sublimation paper is specially coated to allow for the transfer of images onto non-traditional surfaces, like fabric. This coating allows for the precise reproduction of colors and patterns, making it an essential tool for anyone looking to create professional-grade designs.

In addition, sublimation paper is available in a variety of weights and sizes (legal, letter, 11″x17″ and rolls from 24″ to 100″), giving you the flexibility to create designs that are suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re looking to print a small logo onto a t-shirt or reproduce a detailed painting onto a piece of fabric, sublimation paper is the perfect solution.

Heat Press

A heat press is a machine that applies heat and pressure to the fabric, which allows for the transfer of the design.

There are two types of heat presses:

• Flatbed: A flatbed press has a heated platen that the fabric is laid on top of. The design is then placed on top of the fabric and both are inserted into the press.

• Rotary: A rotary press has a heated drum that the fabric is wrapped around. The design is then placed on the outside of the fabric and both are inserted into the press.

A heat press is a vital piece of equipment for anyone looking to do sublimation printing, as it is the only way to properly transfer the design onto the fabric.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a heat press:

• The size of the heat press will determine the size of the designs that you can create.

• The type of heat press (flatbed or rotary) will determine the types of fabrics that you can print on.

• The temperature and pressure settings are important to consider, as they will affect the quality of the print.

• The warranty is also an important factor to consider, as heat presses are a significant investment.

Now that you have all the supplies, you’re ready to start printing!

Sublimation printing is a great way to create high-quality, professional-looking designs. With the right supplies and a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful prints that are perfect for t-shirts, fabric, and more.

If you have any questions about sublimation printing, feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll be happy to help!

Happy printing!

FAQS BY BUYERS

Q: Can all printers do sublimation printing?

No, you will need an exclusive sublimation printer or a printer that supports sublimation paper.

Q: Can I use a laser printer for sublimation printing?

You may use a laser printer but, the print results won’t be up to the mark.

Q: Is sublimation ink fade-proof?

Yes. Once you sublimate a design on fabric, it stays there for good without fading, peeling, or cracking.

Q: How does a sublimation printer work?

A sublimation printer prints a design, image, or pattern onto a sublimation paper. You will then have to transfer that design onto a material or fabric of your choice by applying heat.

Q: Which ink should I use for sublimation printing?

There are exclusive sublimation inks that you should use for sublimation printing.

Q: Which inkjet printer is best for converting into a sublimation printer?

All Epson Eco Tank printers reviewed in this article are the best inkjet printers to convert to dye-sublimation. ET-15000, ET-2720, ET-8550, and ET-4760; all have print resolutions suitable for sublimation printing.

Q: What is the best professional sublimation printer?

Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 is the best printer for professional sublimation printing. You can get started with sublimation printing instantaneously as it is exclusive for sublimation printing, and you do not have to convert it.

Q: Which materials are suitable for sublimation printing?

Materials like PVC, aluminum, nylon, ceramic, polycotton textiles, etc., are suitable for sublimation printing.

Q: I am a beginner. What do I need for sublimation transfers on fabric?

You will need a good-quality sublimation printer, sublimation paper, and a heat press machine for transferring your designs onto fabric.

Q: Which is the best wide-format sublimation printer?

WF-7710, ET-1500, XP-15000, Artisan 1430, and ET-8550; all are good-quality wide-format printers with excellent print output.

Q: Is Sawgrass better than Epson for sublimation printing?

Epson sublimation printers are cheaper and versatile enough to help you carry out several sublimation projects. Sawgrass printer is quite expensive and might not fit into everyone’s budget but, it is exclusive for sublimation printing. If you have a sublimation printing business and you can afford it, it is the best sublimation printer on the market.

Q: What objects can I customize through sublimation printing?

You can customize several objects like mugs, hoodies, t-shirts, keychains, bags, ornaments, and many more through sublimation printing.

Q: What is the best affordable sublimation printer?

ET-2720 is the best affordable sublimation printer.

CONCLUSION

We hope this buying guide and reviews for what we tested as the best sublimation printers are helpful for you. Find the top three favorite products of our choice & experience at the top of this page.

Depending upon the type of project and budget you have, choose any of these printers comfortably. Happy shopping!