What Kind of Printer is Needed for Sublimation: Start Right

Getting into sublimation printing? The first step is choosing the right printer and it’s not as simple as grabbing any inkjet. Regular printers won’t cut it. Sublimation needs a specific setup, and using the wrong one can waste time, money, and materials.

This guide breaks down what kind of printer works, why it matters, and how to pick the right model for your needs. If you’re starting a side hustle or scaling a shop, here’s what you’ll learn:

1. Ideal picks for beginners and small businesses
2. The difference between regular and sublimation-compatible printers
3. What to look for (brand compatibility, ink systems, heat transfer readiness)
4. Upfront and long-term costs

What Kind of Printer is Needed for Sublimation?

Sublimation printing requires a specialized printer that uses sublimation ink to transfer designs onto materials with heat. These printers are usually modified inkjet printers and cannot be used for standard printing afterward. The best sublimation printers in 2023-24 include:

1. Sawgrass SG1000: This is the most expensive and professional sublimation printer. It can print up to A3 size and has a high print of 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution. It also comes with software that helps you create and manage your designs.
2. Epson SureColor F170: This is a more affordable option that can print up to A4 size and has a print of 1200 x 600 dpi resolution. It has refillable ink tanks with four bottles of sublimation ink (C, M, Y, K). It is easy to use and environmentally friendly.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2720: This is another budget-friendly option that can print up to A4 size and has a print of 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution . It also has refillable ink tanks with two years of ink. It has great print quality and quick and easy connectivity from most devices.

Our top Pick Product selection 

If you are interested in buying a sublimation printer from Amazon, you can check out the following products:

1. Sawgrass UHD Virtuoso SG500 Sublimation Color Printer Starter Bundle: This includes the printer, inks, sublimation paper, tape, blanks, designs, and access to exclusive content. It costs $629.99 and has a 4.5-star rating from 191 reviews.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer: This printer has a cartridge-free design that saves you money on ink. It also has scan and copy functions and wireless connectivity. It costs $199.99 and has a 4.5-star rating from 3,511 reviews.
3. Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Wireless Wide-format Color Inkjet Printer: This printer can print up to 13″ x 19″ and has scan, copy fax, and ADF functions. It also has two paper trays, automatic duplex printing, and wireless connectivity. It costs $299.99 and has a 4-star rating from 2,506 reviews.

✅ Printer Conversion vs. Purpose-Built Sublimation Printers

Can You Convert a Regular Inkjet Printer for Sublimation?
Some Epson EcoTank models can be converted by filling them with sublimation ink instead of regular ink. However:

• Conversion voids the warranty
• You can’t switch back to regular ink
• Color accuracy may suffer without ICC profiles
• Risk of clogging if not used regularly

A purpose-built printer like the Sawgrass SG500 or SG1000 is factory-optimized and comes with support, software, and consistent color output.

✅ Printer Maintenance and Longevity Tips

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Printer Running Smoothly

• Print at least once a week to prevent ink clogs
• Store in a clean, dry space away from dust
• Use genuine or high-quality third-party sublimation ink
• Keep firmware and driver software updated

✅ Best Printers by Use Case or Budget

Best Sublimation Printers by Category

Use Case	Printer Model	Price Range	Key Features
Hobbyist	Epson EcoTank ET-2800	$199	Budget-friendly, easy to convert
Beginners	Epson SureColor F170	$399	Plug-and-play, consistent quality
Small Businesses	Sawgrass SG500	$599	Pro software, great support
Wide-Format Prints	Epson WorkForce WF-7720	$299	Prints up to 13″x19″, extra features

✅ Comparison Table: Sublimation vs Regular Inkjet Printers

Feature	Sublimation Printer	Regular Inkjet Printer
Ink Type	Sublimation Dye Ink	Dye or Pigment Ink
Compatibility	Only on polyester/coated	Almost any type of paper
Durability of Print	Permanent (no fading/peel)	Fades over time
Use Case	Apparel, mugs, products	Documents, photos
Cost per Page	Higher (at first)	Lower for standard printing

✅ ICC Profiles and Color Management Basics

Don’t Skip Color Profiles (ICC Files)
ICC profiles help your printer interpret colors correctly from screen to substrate. Without them, reds can look orange or blacks may turn brown. Sawgrass printers come with preloaded profiles. For converted printers, download the correct ICC file from the ink supplier.

✅ Troubleshooting Common Sublimation Printer Issues

Issue	Possible Fix
Faded or dull prints	Increase press time or temp, check pressure
Lines or banding in print	Run printhead cleaning
Ink not transferring properly	Use high-poly content blanks
Wrong colors after transfer	Install ICC profile, check mirror setting

How does sublimation printing work?

Sublimation printing is a chemical process that turns solid dye into gas using heat and pressure. This gas bonds with polyester or polymer-coated surfaces at the molecular level, creating a smooth, permanent finish with no cracking or peeling.

Here’s how the process works step by step:

1. Design creation: Start with a digital design in software like Photoshop or Canva. Mirror the image before printing.
2. Sublimation printing: Use a sublimation-ready inkjet printer filled with sublimation ink. Print the design on special transfer paper.
3. Heat transfer: Place the print on the blank surface (polyester fabric, coated mug, etc). Press it using a heat press (typically at 375°F to 400°F for 45 to 60 seconds).
4. Ink activation: The heat turns the ink into gas, which fuses into the surface coating. Once cooled, the image becomes part of the material.

What Makes Sublimation Unique?

Feature	Why It Matters
Dye-to-gas transition	No liquid phase avoids bleeding or smudging
Molecular bonding	Prints won’t flake, crack, or peel over time
Surface requirement	Only works on polyester or polymer-coated items

Quick Facts

• Best results come from items with at least 65% polyester content
• Average heat press settings range from 385°F to 400°F
• Sublimation ink doesn’t work on cotton, wood, or uncoated surfaces

You can check our training section for better understanding.

What other equipment is needed

1. Heat Press

In addition to a sublimation printer, you’ll also need a heat press. A heat press is a machine that uses heat and pressure to transfer the sublimation ink from the paper onto the substrate. Different heat presses include clamshell, swing-away, and multi-function presses.

2. Sublimation Paper

You’ll also need sublimation paper, which is a special kind of paper that’s designed to work with sublimation ink. The paper has a special coating that helps the ink transfer to the substrate more effectively.

3. Sublimation Ink

Finally, you’ll need sublimation ink. This is a special kind of ink designed to turn into a gas when heated, allowing it to bond with the substrate. It’s essential to use high-quality sublimation ink to get the best results.

Tips for choosing the right printer

• Look for a printer that’s designed specifically for sublimation printing.
• Consider the print quality and resolution.
• Think about the size of the printer and the types of materials you’ll be printing on.
• Look for a printer compatible with the sublimation ink and paper you plan to use.

How to set up

1. Install the printer drivers and software.
2. Install the sublimation ink cartridges.
3. Load the sublimation paper into the printer.
4. Adjust the printer settings as needed.
5. Print the design onto the sublimation paper.
6. Heat press the design onto the substrate.

While there is a learning curve, sublimation printing is not overly difficult to learn with practice and patience. Further Reading Sources: What is Sublimation Printing and How Does it Work?