5 Fantastic Canon Printers for Sublimation Ink Printing

Looking for the best Canon Printers for Sublimation Ink Printing? This guide covers the top 5 Canon models 2025 like the PIXMA Pro-100, Pro-10, imagePROGRAF PRO-4000, and PRO-6000.

A Quick Overview

Sublimation printing involves the conversion of heat-sensitive inks into gas and bonding them with polyester-coated substrates (like fabrics, mugs, or phone cases) to produce vibrant, long-lasting designs.

Sublimation is different from traditional inkjet printing in that it requires specialized inks and heat transfer equipment. Canon printers may not have been designed for sublimation, but they can still be modified to provide exceptional color accuracy for creative projects.

You can learn how to set up Canon printers for sublimation printing using speciality inks for complete colour transfers.

Get details on print areas, ink systems, ICC profiles and more for Canon printers optimal for sublimation projects.

When it comes to printing with sublimation ink, choosing the right printer can make a world of difference in the quality and durability of your prints. Canon has been a trusted name in the printing industry, known for its advanced technology and reliable products. 

These five fantastic Canon printers you can use for sublimation ink printing, each offering unique features to cater to your needs.

Five Best Canon Printers for Sublimation Ink Printing

1. Canon PIXMA Pro-100

The Canon PIXMA Pro-100 is a heavyweight contender in sublimation ink printing. This professional-grade printer boasts an eight-colour dye ink system, enabling a wide colour gamut and exceptional colour accuracy.

With its high resolution of 4800 x 2400 dpi, your sublimation prints will be sharp and vibrant, capturing every intricate detail. The Pro-100’s compatibility with various sublimation paper types further enhances its versatility, allowing you to experiment and find the perfect combination for your projects.

Features:

• Print stunning photos up to 13″ x 26″ with high-quality dye-based inks
• Connect wirelessly to your devices with AirPrint and Mobile Device Printing
• Enjoy professional performance and easy operation with a push button controller
• Choose from a variety of glossy photo paper options for your prints
• Enhance your office or home with a sleek and compact design

2. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000

Introducing the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 Professional Photographic Inkjet Printer, a powerful tool for photographers and graphic artists seeking exceptional print quality and performance. This inkjet printer is designed to meet the highest standards in the industry and offers a range of features to make your printing experience outstanding.

Key Features:

1. Anti-Clogging Technology: The Fine print head with a tubular ink delivery system ensures faster print speeds while minimizing the risk of clogs, keeping your prints pristine.
2. Air Feeding System: Prevents page skewing for precise ink placement, regardless of the paper type, ensuring accurate and consistent results.
3. Lucia Pro Ink System: Featuring 11 colors plus Chroma Optimizer, this ink system delivers a broad color gamut for exceptional glossiness and anti-bronzing, meeting the demands of critical photographers and graphic artists.
4. Wide Color Gamut: The 11-color ink system enhances color reproduction, image clarity, and dark areas, faithfully reproducing crucial details in your artwork.
5. Black Density and Dark Shadow Areas: Achieve deep, crisp blacks and precise gradations across all media types, ensuring your prints maintain their quality.

With its lightweight and sleek black design, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is a top-of-the-line choice for professionals who require stunning, accurate, and reliable prints up to 17″ x 22″ in size. Whether you’re creating works of art, photographs, or graphic designs, this printer is your go-to solution for exceptional output.

3. Canon PIXMA TS9520

The Canon PIXMA TS9520 All-In-One Wireless Printer is a great addition to your home or office. This inkjet printer has many features to meet your printing, scanning, and copying needs.

Key Features:

1. Exceptional Color Quality: The TS9520 boasts 8 dye-based inks, including 3 dedicated grayscale inks, ensuring amazing gradients and beautiful black & white prints.
2. Optimum Image Generating System: This intelligent system selects the ideal ink combination and placement to faithfully reproduce colors as you intended.
3. Multiple Media Support: Print on various media types up to 13 inches x 19 inches, allowing you to create professional-quality photos and documents. It has an auto sheet feeder with a capacity of 150 sheets of plain paper, 20 sheets of 4×6 photo paper, 10 sheets of letter/8×10, and 1 sheet of A3. There’s also a manual feeder for different photo paper sizes.
4. Individual Ink Tanks: Compatible with individual CLI 42 ink tanks, so you can replace only the inks that run out, saving you money in the long run.
5. High Resolution: With a maximum resolution of 4800 x 2400 dots per inch using fine technology, this printer offers incredible detail and clarity.
6. Connectivity Options: The printer supports USB cable, Wi-Fi, and mobile memory, making it easy to print from various devices. It’s also compatible with mobile printing services like AirPrint and Google Cloud Print and works with Alexa for voice-activated printing.
7. Special Features: Enjoy email printing, network-ready capabilities, CD printing, and borderless printing for versatile and convenient printing options.

The Canon PIXMA TS9520 is designed to deliver top-notch print quality, whether you’re creating colorful graphics, high-resolution photos, or black and white masterpieces. The practical choice for both home and office use is made possible by its combination of features, which includes individual ink tanks and connectivity options.

4. Canon PIXMA Pro-200

The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Desktop Inkjet Printer is a printing solution that is both professional and convenient for your creative needs.

Key Features:

1. Enhanced 8-Color Dye-Based Ink System: Experience rich, vibrant, and professional-quality prints with the printer’s advanced 8-color dye-based ink system.
2. Compact Design: Save space in your home or studio with the printer’s compact and stylish design.
3. Speed and Efficiency: This printer is fast and efficient, delivering high-quality bordered A3 plus prints in approximately 90 seconds.
4. Versatile Media Support: Print on a wide range of media and sizes, including borderless prints up to 13″ x 19″ or custom sizes up to 13″ x 39″.
5. Built-In LCD Display: The 3-inch LCD display allows you to easily check ink levels and perform printer maintenance, ensuring excellent results with ease.
6. Canon Professional Print & Layout (PPL)2 Software: Use Canon’s PPL2 software to simplify the printing process. Its intuitive interface takes the hassle out of finding the correct print settings, so you can focus more on your art and less on configuring settings.
7. Wireless Printing: Print through a Wi-Fi or networked connection for added convenience.
8. Alexa Integration: Never run out of ink with Alexa integration. Receive notifications when you’re running low on ink or toner, and Alexa can even place a smart reorder from Amazon on your behalf. No subscription is needed, ensuring you always have the right amount of supplies.

Professional-quality prints from the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 are a top choice for photographers and artists who want to bring their creative visions to life. This printer has an advanced ink system, compact design, and user-friendly features, making it a valuable addition to any creative workspace.

5. Canon SELPHY CP1300

Introducing the Canon SELPHY CP1300 Compact Photo Printer, a convenient and portable solution for printing your cherished memories on the go.

Key Features:

1. Instantly Dry Photos: Your photos will be instantly dry, ensuring that they are ready to enjoy as soon as they are printed. Additionally, these photos are designed to last for up to 100 years and are water-resistant, preserving your memories for the long term.
2. Wireless Connectivity: Easily connect your smartphone and tablet to the printer through the Canon Print App, making it simple to print your favorite pictures. You can also print directly from a USB drive or your camera’s memory card for added flexibility.
3. Portable Design: The sleek and compact design of the SELPHY CP1300 allows you to take it with you wherever you go. With the optional battery pack, you can print and share your memories even when you’re away from a power source.
4. Dye Sublimation Printing Technology: This printer uses dye sublimation technology to produce vibrant and high-quality color prints, ensuring that your photos look great every time.
5. Memory Card Slot: The printer is equipped with a memory card slot for direct printing from your camera’s memory card, making the process convenient and efficient.

The Canon SELPHY CP1300 Compact Photo Printer is the perfect companion for those who love to capture and share their memories. Its portability, wireless connectivity, and long-lasting prints make it a valuable tool for keeping your photos alive and accessible.

How to Choosing Best Printer for Sublimation Ink 

When choosing a printer for sublimation ink printing, there are a few key factors to consider:

Type of printer: 

There are two main types of sublimation printers: 

1. Purpose-built 
2. Converted

Purpose-built sublimation printers are designed specifically for sublimation printing and offer the best quality and performance. Converted sublimation printers are regular inkjet printers modified to use sublimation ink. They are less expensive than purpose-built printers, but they may offer different quality or performance.

Print head technology: Not all printer heads are compatible with sublimation ink. Look for a printer with a piezoelectric print head. These print heads are more durable and can handle the high temperatures needed for sublimation printing.

Maximum print size: Sublimation prints can be transferred to various substrates, including fabric, ceramic, and metal. Consider the maximum print size you need when choosing a printer.

Print speed: If you need to produce many sublimation prints quickly, choose a printer with a high print speed.

Ink costs: Sublimation ink can be expensive, so it is important to factor in the cost of ink refills when choosing a printer.

Maintenance requirements: Sublimation printers require more maintenance than regular inkjet printers. This is because sublimation ink can clog the print head. Look for a printer with easy-to-clean print heads and a low maintenance requirement.

Technical support: If you are new to sublimation printing, it is important to choose a printer from a manufacturer that offers good technical support.

Tips for choosing a sublimation printer:

• Read reviews: Before you buy a printer, read reviews from other sublimation users. This can help you to identify any potential problems with the printer.
• Compare prices: It’s always a good idea to compare prices from different retailers before purchasing a printer. 
• Consider your needs: Consider the type of sublimation printing you will be doing and select a printer that meets your needs.

Canon Printers for Sublimation Ink Printing: Price Comparison

Learn about sublimation printing and explore a comprehensive guide on printers.

Converting Canon Printer for Sublimation

Step-by-Step Guide to Converting a Canon Printer for Sublimation Ink

1. Select a Compatible Canon Printer
Choose models with thermal inkjet technology, such as the PIXMA Pro-100 or TS9520. Avoid printers with built-in firmware that blocks third-party inks.

2. Gather Essential Supplies

• Sublimation ink (e.g., Hiipoo or Cosmos Ink)
• Empty cartridges or a Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS)
• Sublimation paper (e.g., A-Sub or Koala)
• Ink syringe and cleaning solution

3. Flush Existing Ink

• Remove factory ink by running cleaning cycles with a flushing solution.
• Use a syringe to clear residual ink from cartridges and printheads.

4. Install Sublimation Ink

• Refill cartridges or install a CISS with sublimation ink.
• Prime the system to ensure ink flows smoothly.

5. Install Software & ICC Profiles

• Download printer-specific ICC profiles for accurate color matching.
• Use design software like Adobe Photoshop or Sublimation RIP for optimal results.

6. Test & Calibrate

• Print test patterns to check for clogs or misalignment.
• Adjust color settings using ICC profiles to match your substrate.

⚠️ Note: Converting your printer may void its warranty. Proceed with caution and research model-specific tutorials.

Maintenance Tips for Sublimation Printers

• Prevent Clogs: Print at least once a week. Perform nozzle checks and deep cleanings if colors fade.
• Use Quality Inks/Paper: Low-quality sublimation inks can damage printheads. Stick to reputable brands.
• Store Inks Properly: Keep inks in a cool, dark place to prevent degradation.
• Clean Printheads Gently: Use lint-free swabs and manufacturer-recommended cleaning solutions.

Essential Accessories for Sublimation Printing

1. Heat Press: For transferring designs onto substrates (e.g., 12” x 15” clamshell press for apparel).
2. Protective Paper: Teflon sheets or parchment paper to shield designs during heat pressing.
3. Sublimation Blanks: Polyester-coated items like mugs, puzzles, or tote bags.
4. Color Calibration Tools: Spectrophotometers for precise ICC profile creation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Faded Colors: Ensure substrate has adequate polyester coating. Adjust heat press temperature (typically 380°F–400°F).
• Ink Smudging: Use faster-drying sublimation paper. Let prints dry 10–15 minutes before pressing.
• Band Lines: Clean printheads or replace clogged nozzles. Check for paper feed issues.

Why Choose Canon Over Other Brands?

• Color Accuracy: Canon’s dye-based inks excel in producing vibrant gradients and skin tones.
• User-Friendly Software: Built-in Wi-Fi and Canon Print App streamline mobile printing.
• Compact Options: Models like the SELPHY CP1300 offer portability for small-scale projects.

Closing Arguments:

Canon offers a range of impressive printers compatible with sublimation ink, catering to professionals and hobbyists alike. The choice ultimately depends on your needs and preferences, whether you prioritize colour accuracy, versatility, or portability.

With any of these five Canon printers, you can confidently embark on your sublimation printing journey, knowing that your prints will be of the highest quality. Happy printing!

While these Canon printers are compatible with sublimation ink, using third-party inks or modifying the printer may void its warranty. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for the best results.