Everyone is talking about sublimation and all the things you need for it these days, including the equipment! But just what IS a sublimation machine and how does it work? A sublimation machine can produce dyes that you then can transfer to materials such as plastic, card, paper, or fabric, using heat. With a desktop sublimation machine, also known as a dye sublimation printer, you can print full color designs and transfer them to surfaces without any weeding. The finished results are AMAZING and sublimation can open up so many doors for you—everything from colorful polyester T-shirts to vibrant coffee mugs. So to help you pick the best sublimation printer for your needs and budget, let’s take an up-close look at four different sublimation machines, including purpose-built sublimation printers and converted inkjet printers.
Want to save this? Enter your below and we’ll send the guide straight to your inbox.Watch my video to see all four sublimation machines head to head!
First, let’s talk about the sublimation process itself. Sublimation works by using heat and pressure to transfer dye onto polyester fabric or another polyester-coated surface. The dye is first printed onto a piece of transfer paper using a sublimation printer. Then, the transfer paper is placed on top of a surface, and both the dye and surface are pressed together with heat. Applying high temperatures and pressure causes the dye to vaporize and then change back into a solid form to “sublimate” onto the fabric like magic! And once the dye has been transferred into a sublimation-friendly surface, it is permanent and will not fade, peel, or crack over time.
This makes sublimation an ideal method for crafting projects that will be used frequently or exposed to wear and tear, such as T-shirts, aprons, towels, and doormats. You will get the best results from sublimation on polyester fabrics and polyester-coated surfaces.
Dye sublimation printers are the cornerstone of sublimation crafting, but I know that picking the right one can be stressful. I’ve tested the four most popular types and brands of sublimation printers to remove all of the guesswork out of picking the right sublimation machine for you.
I tested the Sawgrass SG-500, which is a purpose-built sublimation printer. Sawgrass has been making dye sublimation printers for over 25 years, and they are pioneers in their field. Sawgrass does make a couple of other fancier sublimation printers.
I also tested the Epson SureColor F170, which is also a purpose-built sublimation printer. Epson has been making commercial grade dye sublimation printers for high capacity applications for quite some time now, and they recently brought out this desktop version for those of us to use at home.
I also looked at inkjet printers that can be converted to sublimation printers, specifically the Epson EcoTank with its a large reservoir that makes it easy to use sublimation ink rather than inkjet ink, and the Epson Workforce also filled with sublimation ink. Workforce printers have cartridges, but you can get empty refillable cartridges and fill them up with sublimation ink instead. All four printers produced great quality prints that transferred with heat to polyester fabric and sublimation ready ceramics, plastics, glass, and wood in my testing, and all are viable sublimation machines.
Ready to pick out the best sublimation machines for your needs? This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.
View my Amazon shopping list with these exact sublimation machines and supplies!
Which sublimation printer worked the best? It depends a LOT on your needs, but my favorites are the Sawgrass and the Epson EcoTank — I preferred the Sawgrass for ease of use and maintenance, and the Epcon EcoTank for price.
Sublimation machines are printers with special dye sublimation ink in them. The printer can be purpose-built for sublimation, like the Sawgrass or the Epson F170, or they can be a desktop printer you converted to use sublimation ink, such as an Epson EcoTank or Epson Workforce. The sublimation ink is kept in reservoirs or cartridges by color (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) and fed through tubes into specialized nozzles that contain thousands of teeny tiny holes, called a print head. The tiny holes create sublimation ink droplets as small as four nanometers, which means you can create high quality and high resolution images in full color with your amazing little sublimation machine.
Note: Not all inkjet printers can become sublimation machines. Be cautious of trying to convert your own home inkjet printer into a sublimation printer. I mostly only recommend Epson printers be converted, and I think most people will find the Epson EcoTank Printer to be the best choice, as it is easiest printer to convert. Learn more about converting an Epson EcoTank in my guide.
Yes! Sublimation ink can dry out much faster than typical inkjet ink, resulting in clogged print heads. Ink is more likely to dry out faster if you live in a warm, dry climate, or like to keep your heat turned up in the winter. The easiest way to keep your sublimation printer in top condition is to simply print a page in your sublimation printer regularly, at least once a week or every few days. This keeps the ink flowing through the nozzle heads and less likely to dry and clog. If you forget to do this, you may get clogged print heads, which requires printhead cleaning. You can clean your print head in your printer settings or preferences — check your printer manual for the specific details.
Tip: The Sawgrass sublimation printer will automatically perform a printhead check to keep your ink flowing nicely, BUT you have to keep your Sawgrass turned on for this check to be done!
In addition to the sublimation printer, you need a heat source that reaches temperatures of 350° to 400°F, such as a heat press. So sublimation machines might also include heat presses like the Cricut Autopress or other traditional clamshell or swing-away heat presses. There are also specialized heat presses, like the Cricut Mug Press and tumbler presses.
Sublimation is a printing technique that uses heat to transfer dye onto polyester fabrics and other polyester-coatedsurfaces. The great thing about dye-sublimation printing is that it produces a high-quality image that won’t fade over time. The biggest downside of sublimation is that it can only be done on certain types of materials. Another downside is that you need specialized equipment in order to do it—namely, a sublimation machine and a high heat source, such as a heat press or convection oven.
Heat pressing, on the other hand, is a term for transferring heat transfer vinyl (HTV), also known as iron-on vinyl. Heat pressing can be done on a wide variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and spandex — even wood! Heat pressing is a popular choice for crafters because it’s relatively simple to do and doesn’t require any special equipment other than the heat press itself. You can often even do it with a household iron. The biggest downside of heat pressing is that it isn’t as durable as sublimation. This means that your design is more likely to fade over time or crack and peel if it’s not properly cared for. However, heat pressing is still a popular choice for crafters who are looking for an easy and inexpensive way to add designs to their fabric projects.
Sublimation transfers the dye INTO the fabric of a fabric, while screen printing lies a thin layer of ink on top of the fabric. Sublimation is more durable than screen printing. On the other hand, screen printing can be done on cotton shirts, which is not easy to do with sublimation. Sublimation printing is a great way to create easy, full-color designs on fabric and I feel it is easier for beginners, too.
You want to use what is known as sublimation blanks, which can be as simple as 100% polyester fabric (like T-shirts) or something like a piece of glass, ceramic, wood, or slate that has been coated with a polyester. It’s important that the surface be able to absorb the ink, but even a super thin coating of polyester on an otherwise non-polyester surface will do the trick. If you prefer natural materials like cotton over polyester, there are ways to sublimate onto those, too! There are MANY sublimation blanks available these days and you can now sublimate onto almost anything with a little creativity. Here are some of my favorite sublimation blanks at Amazon.
Q: What is a sublimation printer good for?
Sublimation printers are good for creating images that can be permanently transferred with high heat to polyester-coated surfaces, creating beautiful, full-color items that don’t fade, crack, or peel.
Q: What is the difference between a sublimation printer and a regular printer?
Dye-sublimation printers create images made with sublimation ink that can transfer to a substrate with high heat. Regular printers create images with ink that cannot transfer with high heat. The print from a sublimation printer will appear faded when it is first prints on the transfer paper, but becomes vibrant with heat and pressure. The print from a regular printer appears vibrant on the paper from the start, but cannot be transferred. The dye sublimation printing process requires sublimation ink and polyester surface for a vibrant print.
Q: What is the difference between a heat press and sublimation?
A heat press applies heat and pressure to transfer heat transfer vinyl or sublimation to a surface. Sublimation is the actual process of changing a special ink to a gaseous state with high heat and pressure. You can use a heat press for sublimation, but a heat press can also be used for things beyond sublimation, too. So the main difference is that a heat press is machine and a sublimation is a process. Typically, you’ll want a heat press machine of some sort when you do sublimation.
Q: Is Cricut a sublimation printer?
No, a Cricut is a cutting machine which can cut things like iron-on vinyl, Infusible Ink transfer sheets, and paper. Most people use a Cricut to cut heat transfer vinyl, which you can heat press onto fabric and wood. You can use a Cricut to do a type of sublimation called Cricut Infusible Ink, which is a pre-printed sheet of sublimation-dyed transfer paper that can be cut with a Cricut. You can also put Infusible Ink pens and markers into a Cricut and have it draw on laser copy paper, then transfer that to an appropriate surface. So while a Cricut is not a sublimation printer, it can be a sublimation machine if you cut a Infusible Ink transfer sheet or draw with an Infusible Ink pen.
Q: What do you think is the best sublimation machine?
Of the four sublimation printers I tested, I preferred the Sawgrass and the Epson EcoTank. Between those two, it gets a little harder to choose. The Epson EcoTank will have no support whatsoever, other than what we can find from others who are using it online, because it is a converted home inkjet printer. Whereas the Sawgrass is well supported in many different ways. But generally I don’t ever really need support on any of my equipment. It will be less expensive to keep the Epson EcoTank with the Hiipoo ink on tap, as I can order it from Amazon, and have it the next day. I can also get Sawgrass ink cartridges quickly, but they are more expensive. They’re also smaller at 31 milliliters versus the 140 bottles that I can get with the Hiipoo ink. So not only is it easier to just get more sublimation ink bottles, but they’re going to last longer before I have to refill them than with the ink cartridge as well. So in terms of price, I think the best sublimation printer is the Epson EcoTank, because the overall cost is lower, quality is just as good as the others, and the ink is going to last longer before a refill.
That said sublimation printer maintenance is a really, really big factor for me. I am not going to use my sublimation printer daily, and that means I may get clogged print heads. I’m going to find it tedious to feel like I have to print something every few days, just to keep the ink from drying out on the print heads. And when it does get dried out, you need to clean the print heads, which takes both time and ink, two things I’d really rather not spend. So for this reason, and the fact that this one is really slow compared to this one, the Sawgrass is my go-to printer, despite the cost and the need to buy more expensive ink cartridges more often, because a printer that works when I need it to, even when it’s more expensive, is way better than a printer that is finicky and needs a lot more maintenance.
Q: What do I need to get started with sublimation?
Check out my Sublimation for Beginners Ultimate Guide for more details!
(If you do not see the signup form above, click here.)
I’d love to what other questions you have about sublimation machines! Let me know in our Facebook group, it to me at [ protected], or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker.
Love,
So you are looking for the best sublimation printer for shirts that doesn’t compromise on quality or break the bank? Our concise reviews dive into top performers in the field, guiding you to a smart choice whether you print in a closet-sized studio or a bustling shop. Discover the printers that excel in ease, efficiency, and consistency in delivering vibrant shirt designs, all while keeping an eye on your bottom line.
In a world full of sublimation printers, let’s take a quick glance at the crème de la crème. I began by providing a summary of my best picks in the table above. In my opinion, the best sublimation printer for shirts is the Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer, which can be found here. Read on for more details! Its now time to take a deep dive into each of the top picks!
But first things first. You might wonder – why should you trust my review? Well, I run a website with over 150 blog posts all about sublimation printing. I only recommend products that have been thoroughly researched, and I share detailed reviews based on testing performed to guarantee top-notch quality and satisfaction.
No discussion on best sublimation printers for shirts can be complete without the Sawgrass SG500. You can view the item here.
With the purchase, you get an entire bundle of items, including ink, paper and other relevant supplies.
Let’s start our discussion of the printer by detailing a test that was conducted on a shirt. Upon unboxing the printer, it included a safety manual that I strongly recommend reading. The package also comes with ink—note that not every ink is compatible with the Sawgrass printer, so ensure you have the correct one. Additionally, you’ll find an installation guide, power cord, and USB port in the box. Sawgrass offers installation support, which you can access at sawgrassink.com/install.
Once the printer was set up, with ink installed and paper loaded, the design was printed onto sublimation paper. The colors on the paper were vibrant and impressive, and the printing speed was quite fast.
The next step in the testing involved pressing the design onto a polyester substrate (rag) at 400 degrees for 60 seconds, resulting in excellent quality. The second test was pressing the design onto a polyester shirt (using butcher paper) at 365 degrees for 65 seconds. The results were outstanding, with no bleed-through, and the colors on the shirt were vibrant and stunning.
Sawgrass is a respected name in the sublimation world, and their sawgrass sublimation printers, like the SG500, are a testament to their expertise. Now that I have highlighted two tests performed, I want to outline some of the benefits of the printer. First, the Sawgrass SG500 comes with its own built-in design software (Creative Studio), making it user-friendly right out of the box. Secondly, it produces stunning, near professional-grade results—I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the designs. Additionally, the SG500 is a dedicated sublimation printer, eliminating the need for conversion and avoiding the associated risks and problems. Finally, its impressive speed makes it ideal for high-volume projects, ensuring efficiency and productivity.
However, the SG500 is not without its drawbacks, and for an honest and complete review, it is pertinent to highlight them. Firstly, the price-tag is quite high for those on a budget. To add to this, you might be faced with potentially expensive ink replacements once the ink runs out, which you should keep in mind when accounting for the costs of your project. Nevertheless, for those with the budget, the Sawgrass SG500 is a fantastic sublimation printer for those with a budget.
How does the SG500 stack up against its competitors when considering the best sublimation printer for shirts? In my experience, the SG500 outpaces the Brother SP-1 and Epson EcoTank printers in terms of speed. The print quality is outstanding, often surpassing what you might achieve with a converted Epson printer for sublimation. Additionally, with the SG500 being a dedicated sublimation printer, you can avoid the risks and issues related to ink compatibility and quality that often arise with converted Epson models.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit PO-TRY.
An important note: The Sawgrass SG500 and SG both have three different types of inks available. The SubliJet UHD is the most versatile, and is designed to work on blanks with polymer coatings and soft substrates (such as fabrics with high polyester content). You can view the black cartridge here., the Cyan cartridge here, and the yellow cartridge here. Complete package can be found here.
The EasySubli Ink is for use on Siser EasySubli Vinyl, and can also be used on polymer coated blank if used along with sublimation paper. If used along with EasySubli Vinyl, you can achieve excellent results on cotton and dark colors. You can view the ink here.
The ChromaBlast ink on the other hand is formulated to be used with ChromaBlast paper for pressing on cotton fabric (lights, brights and whites).
So, you might wonder – is the SG500 the right choice for sublimation printer for shirts? If you’re just beginning with sublimation printing, don’t have high volume needs, and are on a tight budget, this high-end printer might not be the ideal option. However, if you’re a crafter with the budget, seeking speed and stunning, high-quality results, and wanting to avoid the hassle of conversion, the SG500 is definitely a fantastic choice. It’s one of the best genuine sublimation printers for shirts available.
Now its time for my quantitative analysis based on key factors:
Now let us talk about the Epson EcoTank Series. You can find the various models of the Series available below:
In terms of whether these models is a good pick for sublimation on t-shirts, let us begin by a test performed on one of this models (the ET ). In terms of which model is better from the above – I honestly cannot recommend one over the other, as each converted printer runs the risk of issues related to conversion.
It is advisable to begin your sublimation journey with a brand new printer. Although converting an existing printer is an option, the process of removing and installing new ink can be complex. For this test, Hiipoo sublimation ink was used with sublimation paper on 100% polyester shirts, and the results were impressive.
It is now time to explore the benefits of these models for printing on shirts. An Epson printer is a great option for those who are on a budget. The affordable price makes them a good option for those starting out, and the ink costs for these models is affordable.
When we consider the drawbacks, you will lose the manufacture warranty on conversion, which can complicate maintenance related issues. Results are not as vibrant as those from dedicated sublimation printers such as the SawGrass models.
How does the Epson EcoTank series compare against its competitors for printing on shirts? The primary advantage of the series compared to the Brother SP-1 and SG500 is its lower price point for both the printer and the ink. The EcoTank series, unlike the dedicated sublimation printers, does not have automatic maintenance features.
The Epson EcoTank Series is a recommended option for sublimation printers for shirts for those who are on a budget and willing to go through the conversion process. While you will likely not achieve the same results as with a high-end printer, you have a good chance of achieving great results you are looking for. But before we end, a word of caution: do make sure to print weekly at all costs to avoid the risk of clogs.
Note: If you are looking for a wide format printer for larger prints, the Epson EcoTank ET- is a great option (although a more expensive one). It can be found here. Read a more detailed and in-depth review of the ET here.
Now its time for my quantitative assessment against key factors:
The next item here on my list for sublimation printers for shirts is the Brother SP-1 Sublimation printer, which you can find here.
The Brother Sublimation Printer is a sublimation printing model introduced by Brother with unique features. Below, I start by highlighting testing of the Brother printer model on a shirt.
The printer was unboxed, inspected for packaging and tape, and then the installation process was completed. One feature I really like about the Brother SP-1 is the Artspira app, which works well on mobile devices and tablets. However, for computers, it might not be compatible, so you will need other design software. The app allows you to edit and resize designs and upload your own creations. The printing test was conducted using both the app and a PNG file from a computer, and the results were comparable. The test was performed on a white polyester shirt, and after pressing, the colors were stunning and vibrant. In both cases, the results were excellent. However, on a PC or MAC, you might need to adjust the settings to achieve optimal results. The next two tests on polyester also yielded pretty amazing results. Learn more about the Artspira app here.
Now, let’s highlight some of the benefits of the Brother SP-1. It is an excellent dedicated sublimation printer for its price point, avoiding issues related to conversion while offering relatively affordable printer and ink costs. The printer is extremely easy to set up, and I really appreciate the beautiful results it produces on polyester shirts.
In terms of drawbacks, the printer is on the slower side and not ideal for high-volume projects. The app can be challenging to use and might not work on a PC or MAC.
It is essential to compare with other competitors for a more complete review. When compared to the EcoTank series, the SP-1 has automatic maintenance cycles, which avoids clogging issues. It doesn’t need to be converted to sublimation unlike EcoTank printers, which avoids complications such as color issues. It is slower than the SG500 and SG, however, comes at a much more affordable price, while producing stunning results at the same time. It has a smaller maximum print size than the SG.
So now I must answer the question – should you buy the Brother SP-1 for sublimation printing on shirts? If you are looking for a relatively affordable genuine sublimation printer, and do not have large format needs or high volume requirements (max print size is 8.5 x 14) and are looking for amazing results, I strongly recommend this model! However, if you are on a tighter budget and are willing to convert an Epson EcoTank or have high volume or wide format needs and require a premium printer, you might want to check out the other options in this article.
As always, I discuss my quantitative assessment based on essential factors:
As we move into , the Epson SureColor F170 emerges as a more readily available choice for sublimation printing enthusiasts. This model can be purchased here.
Designed specifically for sublimation printing, the Epson SureColor F170 eliminates the need for any modifications, which is an advantage over some of the other printers discussed in this article.
I recently witnessed a demonstration test of the F170, which includes the printer, a power cable, four bottles of sublimation ink, and a user manual in its package. It’s important not to open the ink bottles until you’re ready to use them and to ensure all packing materials are removed before setup. The printer supports direct printing from various applications and excels with its preset ICC profiles. During the test, using sublimation blanks that were polyester-coated, the outcomes on items like shirts, tumblers, mugs, and coasters were outstanding. Key preparation steps included cleaning these blanks, pre-pressing the fabric for 10–15 seconds, and applying heat-resistant tape and butcher paper. The color intensity post-press was significantly enhanced compared to before. Epson recommends using its proprietary inks and sublimation paper to achieve the best results and to maintain the warranty, although there is a less expensive alternative for the T49M sublimation ink available here, which users confirm is effective.
Let’s consider the benefits and drawbacks to determine if the F170 is the right printer for your needs. It offers a seamless setup experience since it doesn’t require conversion, making it an easy choice for sublimation tasks.
On the downside, the F170 might not be the best fit for budget-conscious buyers and has a lower resolution than some competitors like the Brother SP-1 and Sawgrass SG500. It is more expensive compared to many EcoTank small formal options and the Brother SP-1.
Comparing it to other specialized printers, the SureColor F170 is more expensive than the SP-1 but cheaper than the SG500. It has the lowest resolution among them but still produces high-quality prints. It also bypasses the complications associated with converting Epson EcoTank models discussed in this article.
Overall, the Epson SureColor F170 is a prime choice for those seeking a printer tailored for sublimation printing, as long as you do not require large-format printing or higher resolution capabilities.
So I’m sure some of you are wondering – which is the best choice from the above printers and why? As always, you need to take into account a number of factors, such as your specific needs. If you need a large or wide format printer, go for the Epson EcoTank ET- or the more expensive Sawgrass SG. For those of you on a budget, you can consider one of the following models: Epson EcoTank ET-, Epson EcoTank ET-, Epson EcoTank ET- or Epson EcoTank ET-. If you have smaller format needs but are looking for a high-speed premium printer for shirts, I recommend the Sawgrass SG 500 found here, for those of you who have the budget. If you are looking for a dedicated printer for sublimation and are good with a lower resolution, the Epson SureColor F170 found here is a great option. Overall, in my opinion the Brother Sublimation Printer found here, which combines the best of both worlds – it boasts a lower printer and ink price, while producing stunning results without the hassles of conversion.
Choosing the right sublimation printer for your needs is not a one-size-fits-all process. Your choice will depend on a variety of factors. Firstly, you need to consider the type of printer. There are two main types of printers for sublimation: printers specifically made for sublimation and printers that need to be converted for sublimation use.
Another crucial factor is the print size capability. If your projects involve large-format printing, you’ll need a printer that can accommodate this. The physical dimensions of the printer are also worth considering, especially if you have limited workspace.
Maintenance is another key point of consideration. Printers with functions like auto-clean can help reduce the likelihood of clogged print heads, ensuring consistent quality and reducing the need for frequent manual maintenance.
Lastly, the total cost of ownership should be kept in mind. This includes long-term running costs such as the price of replacement ink cartridges and any additional equipment necessary for printing. If you want to learn more about the actual process of sublimation on sweatshirts, we got you covered!
High-quality sublimation inks and papers are crucial for achieving detailed and vibrant sublimation print on t-shirts. When using third party sublimation ink, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your printer for the best results.
Selecting the right sublimation transfer paper is just as important as choosing high-quality ink for printing. The paper affects the transfer quality and vibrancy of the final printed t-shirt. Brands like A-Sub are recognized for their quality. However, papers without clear indications of the front and back sides can lead to mistakes during the printing process.
When choosing a sublimation printer, certain specifications really matter. One of these is color accuracy. The accuracy of colors and dynamic range is crucial for producing professional-grade sublimated t-shirts, as color profiles and color management are essential for precise color reproduction. However, the color accuracy of some printers may not meet the standards required by professionals, particularly when printing colors like greens and blues.
Print resolution is another crucial specification, influencing the clarity and detail of printed images. While higher resolution results in greater sharpness and detail, resolutions beyond 300 DPI may not be discernible to the human eye and could be considered excessive for certain printing needs.
Other important specifications to consider when choosing the right sublimation printer include:
These factors greatly affect the print quality and functionality of the printer, and should be considered carefully.
To wrap up, choosing the right sublimation printer for tshirts involves considering a variety of factors, from printer type and print size capability to physical dimensions, maintenance, and total cost of ownership. The quality of sublimation inks and papers, as well as understanding printer specifications, are also crucial elements in the decision-making process.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all printer. The best sublimation printer for tshirts for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and workspace. Happy printing!
For the best sublimation printer for T-shirts, consider the Brother SP-1 as the best overall, the Sawgrass SG for large-scale prints, or the Epson EcoTank ET-, which also offers wide format printing.
The best machine for sublimation printing is the Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer, while the Epson SureColor F170 is also a great choice. . Consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision.
For sublimation, high polyester content shirts are best for sublimation. Brands such as Gildan and Jerzee offer such shirts suited for sublimation.
Color accuracy is important in a sublimation printer because it ensures professional-grade results, especially when printing t-shirts. Accurate colors and dynamic range are crucial for precise color reproduction.
Look for high-quality sublimation inks and papers, which are essential for achieving detailed and vibrant prints on t-shirts. The paper greatly influences the transfer quality and vibrancy of the final printed t-shirt.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of digital sublimation printing machine. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.