Expert Sublimation Printer Reviews:

Looking for the right sublimation printer? We understand that finding one that matches your requirements can be a challenge. We have tested the best models so that you don’t have to, whether you’re creating business or just for fun. With our expert reviews, you can select the perfect printer with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

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Find the Perfect Printer for Your Needs!

Welcome to our product reviews page, where you’ll find expert evaluations and recommendations for sublimation printers. We understand the importance of finding the perfect printer to bring your creative designs to life.

Our team of experts has extensively researched and tested a wide range of sublimation printers to provide you with accurate and insightful reviews. Whether you’re a professional artist, a small business owner, or a hobbyist, we’re here to help you make an informed decision and find the ideal sublimation printer that meets your specific needs.

Top Sublimation Printers Reviewed

Each sublimation printer has its own strengths, and the right choice for you is determined by your specific needs. If you’re starting out small and require a simple, budget-friendly printer, the Brother SP-1 is the perfect solution.

The Epson SureColor F170 combines affordability and quality, making it a great choice for both hobbyists and small business owners. The Sawgrass SG500 is a great choice if you’re looking for results that are professional and top-notch support, but it has a higher price tag.

Consider what features matter most to you, whether it’s print size, ease of use, or long-term durability, and choose the printer that fits your goals.

1. Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer

  • Key Features:
    • Compact and portable design
    • Simple setup and easy-to-use controls
    • Includes high-quality dye-sublimation ink for vibrant prints
    • Ideal for small-scale projects and personal use
  • Pros:
    • Affordable, especially for beginners
    • Quick printing speed for small jobs
    • High-quality prints on smaller items like T-shirts and mugs
  • Cons:
    • Limited to smaller print sizes (up to 8.5 x 11 inches)
    • No wireless connectivity
  • Ideal for: Hobbyists and small-scale personal projects
  • Price Range: Budget-friendly, making it a great entry-level printer for those just starting with sublimation printing.

2. Epson SureColor F170

  • Key Features:
    • PrecisionCore technology for high-quality prints
    • Compact and efficient, designed specifically for sublimation
    • Easy-to-use interface with included software
    • Print size up to 8.5 x 14 inches
  • Pros:
    • Excellent color accuracy and detail
    • Reliable, low-maintenance operation
    • Great for small businesses or hobbyists looking to create professional-quality prints
  • Cons:
    • Limited to smaller formats (no large format prints)
    • Ink cartridges can be pricey, especially with frequent use
  • Ideal for: Beginners to intermediate users who want consistent results and great print quality without breaking the bank.
  • Price Range: Mid-range, offering a solid balance of affordability and performance.

3. Sawgrass SG500

  • Key Features:
    • Specially designed for sublimation printing with high-resolution output
    • Comes with Sawgrass’s CreativeStudio™ design software
    • Can print up to 8.5 x 14 inches, perfect for most standard sublimation projects
    • Built-in wireless connectivity and mobile app compatibility
  • Pros:
    • Outstanding print quality with vibrant, long-lasting colors
    • Excellent support from Sawgrass, with plenty of educational resources
    • Great for businesses and professionals
  • Cons:
    • Higher initial investment compared to entry-level printers
    • Smaller print area compared to larger format printers
  • Ideal for: Small business owners or those serious about sublimation printing looking for high-quality results and reliable performance.
  • Price Range: Higher-end, ideal for those willing to invest in a more professional, long-term solution.

Printer Model

Price Range

Print Size

Key Features

Ideal For

Brother SP-1

$250 – $300

Up to 8.5 x 11 inches

Compact, easy-to-use, dye-sublimation ink

Hobbyists, small-scale projects, beginners

Epson SureColor F170

$400 – $450

Up to 8.5 x 14 inches

PrecisionCore tech, efficient, included software

Hobbyists, small businesses, beginners

Sawgrass SG500

$600 – $700

Up to 8.5 x 14 inches

Wireless connectivity, high-resolution output

Small businesses, professionals, long-term use

Which One Should You Choose?

  • If you’re just starting or need a budget option: Go for the Brother SP-1. It’s affordable and good for personal projects, but if you plan to expand your business or print larger items, you may need to upgrade later.
  • If you’re serious about print quality and reliability: The Epson SureColor F170 offers the perfect balance of performance and price. It’s great for small businesses or hobbyists looking for consistent results with a bit more print size flexibility.
  • If you’re investing in your business or need high-end results: The Sawgrass SG500 is the best option for those who want professional-grade prints and the backing of a company that specializes in sublimation printing.

Solve Your Sublimation Printing Challenges

We acknowledge challenges, especially with so many options, techniques, and tools available. To make your journey easier, we have addressed common issues and questions faced by sublimation enthusiasts.

Common Problems & Solutions

1. Colors Not Vibrant Enough:
Problem: Prints appear dull or faded after pressing.
Solution: Ensure your printer is using high-quality sublimation ink and compatible transfer paper. Also, double-check your heat press settings (time, temperature, and pressure). For the best results, stick to polyester fabrics or surfaces coated for sublimation.

2. Ink Smudging or Ghosting:
Problem: Designs shift during pressing, leading to blurry or duplicated patterns.
Solution: Use heat-resistant tape to secure your sublimation paper firmly. Consider investing in a vacuum press for consistent pressure.

3. Printer Compatibility Issues:
Problem: Difficulty finding a printer that meets your budget and specific needs.
Solution: Explore our expert reviews for budget-friendly, professional, and versatile sublimation printers. Start with our detailed comparison of Sawgrass SG500 vs. Epson EcoTank models.

4. Fabric or Surface Limitations:
Problem: Sublimation works poorly on cotton or dark fabrics.
Solution: For non-polyester fabrics, consider using sublimation sprays or white polyester base layers. For dark fabrics, opt for white ink sublimation printers.

How to Choose the Right Sublimation Printer

When you’re in the market for a sublimation printer, it can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. But don’t worry—we’ve broken down the most important factors you need to consider to help you find the perfect printer for your needs.

A visual selection of How to Choose the Right Printer.

1. Print Size

  • What to Consider: Think about the size of the items you want to print on—T-shirts, mugs, hats, or even larger products like banners or blankets. Some sublimation printers are designed for small, personal projects, while others can handle larger commercial prints.
  • Tip: If you’re only printing on small items (like mugs), a printer that handles 8×10-inch or A4 paper may suffice. For bigger items (like large fabric prints), go for a printer with a wider format (11×17 inches or larger).

2. Print Quality

  • What to Consider: Print quality is crucial for vibrant, sharp images, especially if you’re using the printer for business. Check the printer’s resolution (measured in DPI, or dots per inch). A higher DPI usually means better detail and color accuracy.
  • Tip: Look for a printer with at least 1200 x 1200 DPI for crisp, clear prints. If you’re printing complex designs or detailed artwork, consider a higher-end model that specializes in photo quality.

3. Ease of Use

  • What to Consider: How easy is the printer to set up, use, and maintain? This is especially important if you’re new to sublimation printing or don’t want to spend too much time on setup or troubleshooting.
  • Tip: Look for user-friendly features like wireless connectivity, touchscreen interfaces, and straightforward software compatibility. Some printers come with easy-to-follow guides and online support, which is great for beginners.

4. Cost of Ink and Supplies

  • What to Consider: Sublimation printing can get costly over time, so it’s important to understand the ongoing costs. Check the price of ink refills and specialty sublimation paper for the printer you’re considering.
  • Tip: Printers that use ink cartridges can be more expensive to maintain compared to refillable ink tanks. If you plan to print a lot, a printer with an ink tank system could save you money in the long run. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of heat press machines and accessories.

5. Speed and Reliability

  • What to Consider: If you’re running a business or plan to print in large volumes, speed and reliability are key. You don’t want a printer that jams easily or takes forever to produce your designs.
  • Tip: Look for printers with fast print speeds (measured in pages per minute) and those known for their consistent performance. Read reviews to find out how well the printer holds up over time and whether it’s prone to common issues like ink clogging.

6. Identifying Your Specific Needs

  • Personal Use vs. Business Use:
    • For Personal Use: If you’re printing just for fun or as a hobby, you don’t need to go all out with a top-tier printer. Focus on affordability, ease of use, and smaller print sizes. A budget-friendly model with basic features will get the job done.
    • For Business Use: If you’re running a business, whether it’s a small side hustle or a full-fledged operation, you’ll need something that can handle higher volumes, larger prints, and offers long-term reliability. Pay attention to print speed, quality, and overall durability.
  • Tip: Don’t overspend on features you won’t use. If you’re just making custom T-shirts, for example, a basic printer with standard features might be all you need.

Latest Reviews

How Sublimation Printing Works

Ever wondered how vibrant, all-over prints end up on custom T-shirts or mugs without peeling or cracking? Sublimation printing is the magic behind it—but unlike actual magic, the science is straightforward once you break it down.

A visual selection of sublimation printing process expain.

The Science of Sublimation (Without the Jargon)

Sublimation printing uses heat to turn solid ink into gas, bypassing the liquid phase entirely. Here’s how it works:

  1. Design to Paper: Your artwork is printed backwards onto specialty sublimation paper using dye-based inks.
  2. Heat Transfer: The paper is placed on a polyester fabric or polymer-coated surface (like a mug or phone case) and pressed at 350–400°F.
  3. Ink Transformation: Under heat and pressure, the ink converts to gas and bonds permanently with the material’s fibers or coating.
  4. Cool Down: As the material cools, the ink solidifies again—now embedded into the substrate, not just sitting on top.

Why polyester or coated surfaces?

  • Natural fabrics like cotton lack polymers to bond with the gasified ink. Polyester’s synthetic fibers open up under heat, locking the ink in.
  • For cotton or dark fabrics, you’d need workarounds (like sublimation sprays or hybrid techniques), but results won’t be as durable.

Sublimation vs. Other Printing Methods

MethodBest ForDurabilityCost (Avg. Startup)Limitations
SublimationPolyester apparel, mugsHigh300–300–1,000Requires white/light surfaces
DTGCotton, detailed designsModerate$10,000+Expensive for small runs
Screen PrintBulk orders, bold designsHigh1,000–1,000–5,000Not cost-effective for complex art

Key Advantages of Sublimation:

  • No fading or cracking: The ink becomes part of the material.
  • Seamless prints: Designs can cover edges (e.g., full-wrap mugs).
  • Low waste: Unlike screen printing, there’s no setup for each design.

One Catch: Startup costs include a printer, heat press, and sublimation blanks—but for small businesses, the ROI beats traditional methods. For example, a 20 sublimation mug can sell for 50+ with minimal material cost.

A Quick Tip Before You Start

Test your heat press settings rigorously. Even a 10°F difference can turn vibrant colors dull. Most pros swear by 400°F for 45–60 seconds, but always check your ink and paper specs.

Essential Sublimation Accessories:

Sublimation printing isn’t just about the printer—it’s a full ecosystem. Skip the trial-and-error phase and stock up on these must-have tools to get professional results from day one.

1. Sublimation Paper: Your Design’s Launchpad

Not all transfer papers are created equal. Look for:

  • Fast-drying coatings to prevent smudging (A-Sub and Hiipoo are crowd favorites).
  • Weight matters: 90–110 gsm offers the best balance of transfer efficiency and durability.
  • Size flexibility: Keep both A4 (for small projects) and 13×19″ sheets (for larger prints) on hand.

Pro Tip: Store paper in a dry, cool place. Humidity can warp sheets and ruin transfers.

2. Heat Press Machines: Where the Magic Happens

Your printer lays the groundwork, but the heat press seals the deal. Choose based on your projects:

TypeBest ForProsCons
ClamshellBeginners, small spacesCompact, heats up fastLimited pressure control
Swing-AwayProfessional-grade resultsEven pressure, better for thick itemsBulky, pricier
  • Size guide:
    • 9×12″: Ideal for mugs, phone cases, and small apparel.
    • 15×15″: Fits most T-shirts and medium-sized blanks.
    • 16×20″+: For large fabrics or multi-item pressing.

Budget Note: Investing in a 500+ model with digital controls pays off in consistency, despite the entry-level presses starting at 200.

3. Safety & Precision Tools

  • Heat-resistant gloves: Avoid burns when handling 400°F substrates (yes, it happens).
  • Teflon sheets: Prevent ink bleed and protect your press from sticky residues.
  • Heat-resistant tape: Scotch tape melts—use silicone-based tape to secure designs without residue.

4. Sublimation Blanks: What You’ll Print On

Not all blanks are sublimation-compatible. Stick to polyester fabrics (minimum 65% poly) and polymer-coated items. Reliable suppliers include:

  • Apparel: JiffyShirts (budget-friendly), Bella+Canvas (premium fit).
  • Hard goods: Conde Systems (mugs, puzzles), Coastal Business (phone cases).
  • DIY options: Coat untreated items with sublimation spray (like PolyMaker) for experimental projects.

Cost Breakdown:

  • Basic T-shirts: 3–3–6 each (buy in bulk for discounts).
  • 11-oz mugs: 1.50–1.50–4 (higher quality = better color vibrancy).

5. Extras That Save Headaches

  • Ink system: Refillable tanks (Epson F170) cut long-term costs vs. cartridges.
  • Color profiles: Free ICC profiles from ink manufacturers prevent color mismatches.
  • Lightbox: Check print alignment before pressing (a $20 LED panel works).

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FAQs

Our expert pick for beginners is the Sawgrass SG500, thanks to its user-friendly setup, dedicated support, and excellent color quality.

Yes, with proper sublimation coatings, you can sublimate on a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, and ceramics.

The standard is 380–400°F for 45–60 seconds, but always check the specific recommendations for your product.

Check Subli Genius Print Resources for more details guide.