7 Best Sublimation Ink for Any Printer

Looking for the best sublimation ink for your printer? Check out our list of the 7 inks for any printer and find the perfect one for your projects.

If you are into sublimation printing, you know how important it is to use the correct ink for your projects. Sublimation ink is a particular type that can transfer images and designs onto various substrates, such as fabrics, ceramics, metals, and plastics, using heat and pressure. 

It differs from regular ink because it changes from a solid to a gas state without going through a liquid phase. This means the ink penetrates the substrate and becomes part of it, resulting in vibrant, durable, and fade-resistant prints.

Not all inks are created equal. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best one for your printer, such as compatibility, quality, color accuracy, cost, and performance. 

Top 7 Sublimation Inks for 2025

The Hiipoo Sublimation Ink stands out for its vibrant colors, easy refilling, and comprehensive kit, making it ideal for Epson EcoTank users.

• For Workforce printer owners, INKXPRO offers reliable performance, while Printers Jack excels for beginners tackling diverse substrates.
• Koala and A-SUB are great for DIY enthusiasts, and Seogol suits those needing advanced filtering and Mac compatibility.

1. Hiipoo Sublimation Ink for EcoTank Supertank Printers

Best for: Epson EcoTank users seeking vibrant colors and easy refilling.Hiipoo offers a comprehensive sublimation ink kit designed for Epson EcoTank Supertank printers like the ET-3760, ET-15000, and ET-2720. Available in 4, 8, or 18 packs, it includes black, cyan, yellow, and magenta inks, along with accessories like sublimation paper and shrink-wrap films.

• Key Features:
  • Exceptional color reproduction for vivid prints.
  • Compatible with multiple EcoTank models (e.g., ET-2800, ET-3760).
  • Easy, mess-free refilling process.
  • Includes free ICC profiles for accurate colors.
  • Kit includes sublimation papers, lids, straws, and brushes.
• Pros:
  • Consistent quality and vibrant colors.
  • Easy to refill without syringes.
  • Ideal for mugs, T-shirts, and other substrates.
• Cons:
  • Some reports of ink leakage during shipping.
  • Shipping practices could be improved.
• Best Use Case: Perfect for beginners and professionals printing on mugs, T-shirts, and other coated items.
• Where to Buy: Hiipoo Sublimation Ink on Amazon

2. Printers Jack Sublimation Ink

Best for: Versatile printing on multiple substrates.Printers Jack’s 440ml ink pack is tailored for EcoTank Supertank printers like the ET-3760 and ET-2720. It’s eco-friendly, vegan, and ideal for mugs, T-shirts, ceramics, and more, with a user-friendly design.

• Key Features:
  • Compatible with EcoTank models (e.g., ET-4800, ET-15000).
  • Includes 140ml black ink and 100ml each of cyan, magenta, and yellow.
  • Auto-fill, spill-proof bottle design.
  • ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and MSDS certified.
  • No need for additional color profiles.
• Pros:
  • Bright, vibrant colors on heat-activated prints.
  • Mess-free cartridge refilling.
  • Great for beginners and diverse substrates like mugs and textiles.
• Cons:
  • Not true anti-UV ink as advertised in some cases.
  • Incomplete transfer on textiles, leaving opaque images.
  • Customer service may be unresponsive.
• Best Use Case: Ideal for crafting personalized gifts like mugs, caps, and pillowcases.
• Where to Buy: Printers Jack Sublimation Ink on Amazon

3. INKXPRO Sublimation Refillable Cartridge Kit

Best for: Workforce printer users needing reliable sublimation ink.Designed for Workforce printers like WF-7210 and WF-7710, this 4x100ml cartridge kit with auto-reset chips ensures seamless sublimation printing for apparel, mugs, and more.

• Key Features:
  • Compatible with WF-7210, WF-7710, WF-3620, and more.
  • Auto-reset chips for uninterrupted printing.
  • Tailored for sublimation on coated substrates.
  • Easy setup for new printers (requires initial use of original cartridges).
• Pros:
  • Vivid colors and high-quality prints.
  • No printhead clogging, even after long periods.
  • Excellent results on polyester shirts.
• Cons:
  • Black ink may appear blue-black.
  • Some cartridges may leak.
  • Installation instructions could be clearer.
• Best Use Case: Great for Workforce printer owners creating apparel and coated items.
• Where to Buy: INKXPRO Sublimation Ink on Amazon

4. Koala Sublimation Ink Refill Bottle (First Entry)

Best for: DIY enthusiasts seeking versatile, UV-resistant ink.Koala’s sublimation ink is compatible with printers like ET-2720, WF-7710, and C88+. It delivers commercial-grade results without ICC profiles, ideal for mugs, T-shirts, and mouse pads.

• Key Features:
  • Works with refillable cartridges and CISS systems.
  • UV-resistant, waterproof, and anti-scratch prints.
  • High transfer rate for vivid colors.
  • Includes heat-resistant tape for easy application.
  • Suitable for ET and WF series printers.
• Pros:
  • Vibrant, professional-grade prints.
  • Easy refilling with upgraded rubber nozzle.
  • Long-lasting, durable colors.
• Cons:
  • Not suitable for cotton substrates.
  • Some users report dull colors.
• Best Use Case: Perfect for DIY gifts like mugs, phone cases, and ceramics.
• Where to Buy: Koala Sublimation Ink on Amazon (#) (Link not provided in original content; suggest checking Amazon for availability)

5. A-SUB Sublimation Ink

Best for: EcoTank users needing vibrant, no-mess ink.A-SUB ink is formulated for EcoTank printers like ET-2700 and ET-3760, offering vibrant colors and a larger black ink bottle for high-volume printing.

• Key Features:
  • Compatible with ET-3750, ET-4800, and more.
  • No-mess auto-filling nozzle.
  • Vibrant colors without ICC profiles.
  • Ideal for polyester items and coated mugs/tumblers.
  • Larger black ink bottle for extended use.
• Pros:
  • Works on 100% cotton (with limitations).
  • Easy to load into printers.
  • Produces vibrant, stunning colors.
• Cons:
  • Some bottles may leak.
  • Colors may appear dull without proper settings.
  • No ICC profile provided.
• Best Use Case: Great for crafting personalized T-shirts, tumblers, and pillowcases.
• Where to Buy: A-SUB Sublimation Ink on Amazon

6. Seogol Sublimation Ink

Best for: Epson printer users wanting advanced filtering technology.Seogol’s 400ml ink pack supports Epson printers like ET-2760 and WF-7720, featuring three-layer filtering for vivid, clog-free prints and free ICC profiles for Mac users.

• Key Features:
  • Compatible with ET and WF series printers.
  • Three-layer filtering for smooth, vibrant prints.
  • Free ICC profiles for Mac users.
  • ISO 9001 and MSDS certified.
  • Includes gloves and needles for easy use.
• Pros:
  • Super colorful, vibrant prints.
  • No printhead clogging.
  • Great value for the price.
• Cons:
  • Inconsistent blue, green, and black prints.
  • Some units show lines or imperfections.
  • Poor color accuracy in some cases.
• Best Use Case: Ideal for creating unique T-shirts, mugs, and quilts.
• Where to Buy: Seogol Sublimation Ink on Amazon

7. Koala Sublimation Ink (Second Entry)

Best for: Creative projects with commercial-grade results.This Koala ink pack mirrors the first entry, offering compatibility with ET-2720, WF-7710, and C88+ printers. It’s perfect for DIY gifts with vibrant, UV-resistant prints.

• Key Features:
  • Works with CISS systems and refillable cartridges.
  • Anti-UV, waterproof, and anti-scratch formulation.
  • High transfer rate without ICC profiles.
  • Includes heat-resistant tape.
  • Suitable for mugs, T-shirts, and ceramics.
• Pros:
  • Versatile for alcohol ink art and sublimation.
  • Beautiful, vibrant prints.
  • High-quality ink for creative projects.
• Cons:
  • Some prints appear dull.
  • Incomplete orders reported by reviewers.
  • Colors may not meet expectations.
• Best Use Case: Great for artistic projects and personalized gifts like mouse pads and flags.
• Where to Buy: Koala Sublimation Ink on Amazon (#) (Link not provided; suggest verifying availability)

Comparison Table: 7 Best Sublimation Inks

Ink Brand	Printer Compatibility	Volume	Key Feature	Pros	Cons
Hiipoo	Epson EcoTank (ET-3760, etc.)	580ml (varies)	Free ICC profiles, all-in-one kit	Vibrant colors, easy refill	Shipping leaks
Printers Jack	EcoTank (ET-2720, etc.)	440ml	Auto-fill bottles, eco-friendly	Bright colors, beginner-friendly	Not true anti-UV ink
INKXPRO	Workforce (WF-7210, etc.)	4x100ml	Auto-reset chips	Vivid colors, no clogging	Black ink issues
Koala (1st)	ET, WF, C88+	Not specified	UV-resistant, no ICC needed	Professional results, easy refill	Not for cotton
A-SUB	EcoTank (ET-2700, etc.)	Larger black bottle	No-mess filling	Works on cotton, vibrant colors	Leaky bottles, dull colors
Seogol	Epson (ET-2760, WF-7720)	400ml	Three-layer filtering, ICC for Mac	Colorful prints, great value	Inconsistent colors
Koala (2nd)	ET, WF, C88+	Not specified	Anti-UV, versatile applications	Creative uses, vibrant prints	Dull prints, incomplete orders

How to choose sublimation ink for shirts

When choosing it for shirts, it’s important to ensure it’s compatible with your printer. You should also check the ink’s color profile to make sure that it will produce the colors that you want.

• Use a high-quality sublimation printer.
• Use a sublimation ink that is compatible with your printer.
• Use a sublimation blank that is made of a polyester blend.
• Preheat your heat press to the correct temperature.
• Press your shirt for the correct amount of time.
• Peel the transfer paper off carefully while it’s still hot.

With a little practice, you can create beautiful sublimation shirts that will last for years.

Best Sublimation Ink for Shirts

The best ink for shirts depends on a few factors, including the type of printer you have, the type of fabric you’re sublimating onto, and your budget. Here are a few of the top-rated inks for shirts:

• Hiipoo Sublimation Ink: It is a popular choice for both beginners and experienced sublimation users. It produces vibrant colors and sharp images, and it’s compatible with a wide range of sublimation printers.
• A-Sub: It is another great option for shirts. It’s known for its durability and fade resistance, and it’s also very affordable.
• E-Z Ink: It is a good choice for beginners looking for an easy-to-use ink. It comes in a variety of bottle sizes, and it’s also very affordable.
• Splashjet: It is a high-quality ink known for its vibrant colors and sharp images. It’s a bit more expensive than other sublimation inks, but it’s worth the investment if you want the best possible results.
• Sawgrass: It is the most expensive sublimation ink on the market, but it’s also the highest quality. It’s used by professional sublimation printers and produces the best possible results.

Tips for Successful Sublimation Printing

Maximize your results with these practical tips:

• Use High-Quality Sublimation Paper: Ensures better ink transfer and sharper images.
• Calibrate Your Printer: Adjust settings or use ICC profiles for accurate colors.
• Test Prints First: Run small tests to avoid wasting materials.
• Maintain Your Printer: Clean printheads regularly to prevent clogs, especially with inks like INKXPRO or Seogol.
• Choose the Right Heat Press Settings: Follow substrate-specific temperature and pressure guidelines.
• Store Ink Properly: Keep bottles in a cool, dry place to maintain quality.

Common Sublimation Ink Problems and Solutions

Encounter issues? Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems:

• Clogged Printheads:
  • Solution: Run cleaning cycles or use inks with anti-clogging features (e.g., Seogol’s three-layer filtering).
• Dull Colors:
  • Solution: Adjust printer settings or request ICC profiles (available with Hiipoo or Seogol).
• Ink Leakage:
  • Solution: Opt for auto-fill bottles (e.g., Printers Jack, A-SUB) and check seals before use.
• Inaccurate Colors:
  • Solution: Use ICC profiles or test on small substrates to fine-tune settings.
• Poor Transfer on Textiles:
  • Solution: Ensure substrates are polyester or coated; avoid cotton unless specified (e.g., A-SUB).

Best Substrates for Sublimation Ink

Sublimation inks perform best on specific materials. Here’s a quick guide:

• Polyester Fabrics: T-shirts, pillowcases, and flags (all inks listed excel here).
• Coated Hard Surfaces: Mugs, tumblers, phone cases, and ceramics (Hiipoo, Koala).
• Specialty Items: Mouse pads, hats, and mats (Printers Jack, A-SUB).
• Avoid: 100% cotton (except A-SUB, with limitations).