The best sublimation printers help you bring your creative ideas to life, by using heat and pressure. Also known as a dye-sublimation printer, it transfers your personalised design onto specialised transfer paper using sublimation inks.
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Once you've done that, you can position the paper onto your chosen product, be it a mug, t-shirt, or other item, and use heat to transfer the image onto it. (See our roundup of the best heat press machines). Some sublimation printers can also print directly onto fabrics.
We have a thorough knowledge of both sublimation printing and how to create the best bespoke art here at Creative Bloq, with a wealth of reviews and testing experience. Below, we've brought together together the best sublimation printers on the market today, from well trusted brands such as Epson and Sawgrass. Once you're started, see our guide to how to sell on Etsy to earn money from your creations.
The quick list
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Best sublimation printer for beginners
(Image credit: Sawgrass)
The best sublimation printer for beginners
Our expert review:
Used for:
Mugs, coasters, phone cases, bags and more
Resolution:
4800 x 1200 dpi
Material size:
22 x 36 cm
Machine size:
39.9 x 40.7 x 21.3 cm
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Made for crafters
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Works with Silhouette and Cricut cutters
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Excellent app with pre-made templates
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Uses expensive inks
The Sawgrass SG500 is the entry-level sublimation printer from Sawgrass, the leading company for sublimation printers and offers a 'fully integrated' approach to this machines, meaning it makes the printers, inks, papers, and app. Everything is designed to work in unison and even has integrated support for Cricut Maker 3 and Silhouette Cameo 4, ensuring this sublimation printer has digital crafters in mind.
The Sawgrass SG500 is the cheaper and smaller of this brand's machines costing $624 / £520 as opposed to the bigger Sawgrass SG1000 that costs $1550 / £1400 and can print larger materials. The SG500 is the ideal machine for the home; it's the size of a standard inkjet printer, is easy to use and is compatible with SubliJet and EasySubli inks for perfect results.
I love that Sawgrass offers its own bespoke Creative Studio app for creating and importing designs. This works a lot like Cricut's Design Space, so you can even make use of pre-made templates for quick projects. If you just want to import and print from Photoshop you can do this too.
The Sawgrass SG500 is the best sublimation printer around for crafters and is capable of creating most projects, from t-shirt designs to mugs and even art on wood and plastic materials.
Best sublimation printer for cheap running
(Image credit: Epson)
The best cheap to run sublimation printer
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Used for:
T-shirts, mugs, tumblers, home decor and more
Resolution:
1200 x 600 dpi
Ink capacity:
140ml
Material size:
A4
Machine size:
14.8" x 19.8" x 7.4"
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Affordable ink refills
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Easy to set up and use
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Works with a variety of sublimation blanks
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Lower print resolution than Sawgrass
The Epson SureColor SC-F100 (F170), like my number one pick, is designed to be a sublimation printer out-of-the-box, unlike other printers that can be converted to sublimation (see below). This means the Epson is super-easy to set up and use, and delivers excellent results every time.
I love how easy it is to switch between printing onto hard and soft materials, as the Epson SureColor SC-F100 (F170) enables you to create sublimation prints for everything from t-shirts to mugs. In its favour is cost – this machine can use the cheapest inks on the market and uses large 140ml tanks (Sawgrass is designed to run on SubliJet 31ml inks and so is most costly).
It's worth noting that, as with the Sawgrass SG500, this is a small desktop sublimation printer, and while it can print designs for t-shirts you may need a larger printer if your designs become too grand. It doesn't support borderless printing either, meaning you'll need a 3mm border around all of your designs, reducing the size further.
With this in mind, the Epson SureColor SC-F100 (F170) is still a recommended sublimation printer and its use of cheaper inks ensures you can experiment and have fun without counting the cost (too much).
Best budget sublimation printer
(Image credit: Epson)
The best cheap sublimation printer
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Used for:
All types of small sublimation designs
Resolution:
5760 x 1440 dpi
Ink capacity:
65ml (per colour)
Material size:
A4
Machine size :
14.8" x 22.8" x 10.0"
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A cheap route to sublimation printing
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Wifi enabled and uses an app
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Affordable inks
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It will break, eventually
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Results can be patchy
The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is a great entry into sublimation printing as it's not really a sublimation printer. Confused? No need to be. The Epson EcoTank printers are designed to use no-cartridge ink refills to save money, which means you can actually fill these printers with sublimation ink and 'convert' this printer. It's important to buy one new and only ever use sublimation inks in it, don't fill it with the inks supplied.
You can actually convert any of the Epson EcoTank range of printers, I've chosen the ET-2400 (ET-2810 in the UK) as it's well-priced but also makes use of Epson's mobile printer app and WiFi for ease of use. New Epson printers such as the EcoTank-18100 are just as good, if more expensive, and so you may as well get a Sawgrass or SureColor.
Be careful, however, as not all 'tank' based printers can be converted to sublimation; for example HP's Smart Tank printers use thermal printing and so are best avoided.
When converting an Epson EcoTank there are big pluses and big minuses. The obvious one being this is cheaper than a purposely designed sublimation printer and you can use any brand of sublimation ink (making it overall cheaper than a Sawgrass). But those sublimation inks will corrode the printer header, and so this won't last nearly as long as a Sawgrass or Epson SureColor.
Finally, you may need to experiment as inks differ and results can diverge; the Sawgrass for example has been tested and designed for perfect results every time you use it. But, a converted Epson EcoTank is an affordable way into sublimation printing and if and when it breaks, upgrade to a Sawgrass or SureColor.
Best sublimation printer for business
(Image credit: HP)
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The best sublimation printer for large-scale printing
Our expert review:
Used for:
Textiles, soft signage, apparel, apparel, merchandise, décor
Resolution:
1,200 x 1,200 dpi
Material size:
up to 1.62 m roll width
Machine size:
2560 x 710 x 1420 mm
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Print transfer paper or fabric
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Fast speeds
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Good for high volumes
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Overkill for home use
Want to use a sublimation printer for your business? This large format dye-sublimation printer is an excellent performer and suitable for use in medium to large scale printing shops. It prints onto both transfer paper and directly onto fabric using the same water-based dye-sub ink.
It's fast, printing around 110 m² of material per hour. It will automatically clean and maintain the print heads – and even replace missing nozzles for you automatically. And its compact dimensions and front media loading means it won't take up much space in your workplace.
FAQs
Yes, the best sublimation printers do offer value for money if your intending to make products, such as t-shirts, art and more, to sell. They can save on money in the long run as these are cheaper than using expensive heat press vinyl. They deliver outstanding results, especially for designs with fine lines and intricate detail. If you're a small studio, Etsy seller or crafter then you will find value for money in a bespoke sublimation printer.
You can send files for printing directly to a sublimation printer just like a normal printer, and make use of your printer's WiFi and app. But, if you want to get creative you can use the best digital art software, such as Photoshop or CorelDRAW to create new designs. You can even use craft apps such as Cricut Design Space to create projects and export to a printer. Our favourite sublimation printer, the Sawgrass SG500, has its own bespoke design app so you can create projects from scratch or use and adapt pre-installed templates.
Yes, you can sublimate onto any material, including fabrics, ceramics, plastic, wood, and more. Results will vary, and traditionally man-made materials are best, for example pure cotton fabrics can fail to take as the sublimation process works at a molecular level; a cotton/poly blend would be best.
Yes, you'll still need a heat press for sublimation printing. Where a sublimation printer saves time (and perhaps money) is you no longer need to print on expensive heat transferable vinyl and then cut and weed the design. Instead you print a design onto sublimation paper (100 sheets for $18 / £20) and then heat press onto a t-shirt or other material (read our shirt design advice from Corel for more).
Traditionally, products created using sublimation have come out paler than other forms of heat press, and dark surfaces can't be sublimated. There are newer inks around such as the Siser-made EasySubli Ink that perform better and last longer, but these are more expensive.
While it can be expensive, particularly for a dedicated sublimation printer, anything made using the printers and special inks will last a long time and the designs don't flake or fleck as the ink is heated into the material, not into the surface.
Generally, if you're looking for a cheap way into sublimation printing then the Epson Ecotank range (ET-2803, ET-2760, ET-4760, and ET-15000) are the best. These use manual refills so you can add sublimation inks rather than stand inks (never fill a printer with anything other than sublimation inks). Also, avoid thermal inkjet printers, these can't be converted (so avoid Canon, HP, Lexmark and Dell).
How to choose the best sublimation printer
Finding the right sublimation printer for your needs largely depends on your project scale. If you're working at a small scale, on things like mugs, phone cases or other small items, you'll want a desktop sublimation printer such as the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 or Epson EcoTank ET-2400. For shirts, banners, and larger projects, however, you'll be looking at a wide-format printer such as the HP Stitch S500.
How we test sublimation printers
At Creative Bloq, we're all about helping crafters and other creative professionals make beautiful things, and we know that printers are typically vital to these efforts. In that light, we test a wide range of printers, including label, sticker, and all-in-one models, to make sure they deliver high quality results, reliably, time and time again. For our round-up of sublimation printers, we reviewed a range of global options, narrowing it down to those who met the standards creative enthusiasts and professionals expect, across a range of price points. For more on our review process, read our article on How we Test.
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Sublimation is all the rage these days, and many crafters are taking the plunge into this fun and rewarding technique. Getting started requires a bit of an investment, though — with a sublimation printer being the key to amazing, full-color images. Printers are not all made equal, though, and you need the right one for the job — whether it be for personal use, gift making, or to promote your small business. Epson is a leading brand in the field, but which Epson sublimation printer is the best option? Use this helpful post to find the right balance of convenience, print size, and price for you and your sublimation needs.
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You can see several Epson EcoTank models in my video overview!
What is a Sublimation Printer?
Before we delve into the world of Epson sublimation printers, let’s answer the question: What is sublimation? Sublimation is a crafting process where heat and pressure are used to transfer special dye onto polyester fabric or a polymer-coated surface.
To begin, the dye image is printed onto a piece of sublimation transfer paper, using a sublimation printer and sublimation ink — not regular printer ink. Next, the transfer paper is placed on the polyester or polymer-coated surface, where heat and pressure are applied. The dye vaporizes, enters the polymer material, and then changes back into a solid form — leaving the image “sublimated” into the material. Once the sublimation dye has been transferred, it is permanent, with vivid, vibrant colors — and with proper care, it will withstand fading, cracking, and peeling over time.
Due to its durability and colorfastness, sublimation is the perfect method for projects that will be used frequently or exposed to potential wear and tear. Projects like T-shirts, tumblers, blankets, and doormats are popular, as are items like holiday ornaments, keychains, coasters, garden flags, and even home decor like real slate plaques! More and more “sublimation blanks” are hitting the market every day, and there are so many to choose from!
And speaking of vibrancy and color, once you decide on a printer and set it up, be sure to download my free “subliflower” design to see how your sublimation ink colors look! You’ll find in it my free resource library (it’s design #385). If you don’t yet have a password to my library, you can get it free at this link. I’ve even got a handy post with 25+ tips for making sure your sublimation colors look their best!
What an exciting way to craft, right? That said, a sublimation printer can be a significant investment, so it’s important to do your research and choose the one that checks the right boxes for you. So, what Epson printer for sublimation should you get? You can go two main ways when it comes to at-home sublimation printers — use a purpose-built sublimation printer (easy, but at a higher cost) or convert an inkjet printer (more work but at a lower cost).
Epson printers are a favorite among crafters, so it’s natural that we’d turn to them for our sublimation printing needs. With various factors to consider, how do you know what Epson printer for sublimation might be best for you? Let’s dig in and find out!
Ready to learn about what Epson printer for sublimation I recommend? 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.
What Sublimation Printers Does Epson Make?Epson makes sublimation printers, as well as inkjet printers that are not made for sublimation but can be converted to use sublimation ink. Let’s take a look at the sublimation printers available from Epson.
Some (not all) inkjet printers can be converted to print sublimation ink. The most commonly-used converted printers are Epson printers, specifically the budget-friendly Epson EcoTank series. I’ve also found it’s the easiest printer line to convert to sublimation.
Converting an EcoTank for sublimation is a simple process when you use auto-fill bottles, but it can only be done on new printers that have never had regular inkjet printer ink inside of them. Don’t try to convert a used printer!
Once you introduce sublimation ink into an Epson EcoTank, don’t try to revert back to using inkjet ink. Once there’s sublimation ink inside your EcoTank, your warranty is no longer valid, because EcoTanks are “technically” (according to Epson) only meant to be used as regular inkjet printers.
All Epson EcoTank printers can be converted for sublimation, but which one is best for you? For me, it comes down to print size and quality. The Epson EcoTank 2800 is a budget-friendly printer which prints up to 8.5″ x 14″ pages with optimal print quality at a super high max 5760 x 1440 dpi and a back feeding tray. Another popular EcoTank printer to convert is the Epson EcoTank 15000 due to its ability to print larger page sizes (13″ x 19″) with a high maximum 4800 x 1200 dpi. I also like that it has a space-saving design with its front loading paper tray.
So, is the Epson EcoTank a good choice? Let’s break down the pros and cons!
Epson EcoTank Pros:
Epson EcoTank Cons:
It’s important to note that conversion is an “at-your-own-risk” endeavor, and we at JenniferMaker cannot be responsible for voiding your warranty, disabling your printer’s ability to function, or anything else. If you decide to convert an Epson EcoTank printer, you assume all responsibility for that action.
The Epson SureColor series is a line of purpose-built, professional-quality sublimation printers that’s been around for a while, but recently they’ve released the first Epson sublimation printer meant for at-home or small business use.
At under $500, the Epson SureColor F170 Dye Sublimation Printer is by far the most “budget-friendly” of the Epson SureColor F-series printers — whereas the next step up (the SureColor F570, a wide-format printer meant for commercial sublimation printing) costs a pretty penny at around $2,500.
The F170 is considered a high-performance dye-sublimation printer, but it only has a maximum 1200 x 600 dpi, which is less than the cheaper EcoTank 2800. Availability can be limited on this printer, and it’s not currently available for purchase on Amazon.
Epson SureColor Pros:
Epson SureColor Cons:
Printers like the Epson Workforce can also be converted to sublimation printing. However, the Workforce series of printers are being phased out, and are harder to find new. I have an Epson WF-7710, though the WF-7310 is a better deal at the time of this blog post. They also require empty refillable cartridges, which are difficult to find. Throw in the fact that you have the messy job of adding sublimation ink with a syringe, and I’ll be bold and say the Epson Workforce is not an option I recommend.
Epson Workforce Pros:
Epson Workforce Cons:
Remember, conversion is an “at-your-own-risk” endeavor, and we at JenniferMaker cannot be responsible for voiding your warranty, disabling your printer,’s ability to function, or anything else. If you decide to convert an Epson Workforce printer, you assume all responsibility for that action.
What Sublimation Printer Does Jennifer Use?I have MANY sublimation printers, because I always try equipment before teaching you about them. My first was an Epson EcoTank-4760 printer that I converted into a sublimation printer. I chose it because it was on sale at my local Best Buy and it had a front regular paper tray, which I really like. Paper trays save time and material, and I’m a big fan of them! That’s not to say the lower EcoTank models aren’t still great — they just have the rear paper feed, which I don’t love. These days, I mostly use an Epson EcoTank 2800, which I love!
I also have an Epson SureColor F170, F570, and an Epson Workforce — along with a Sawgrass SG500, a Sawgrass SG1000, and Brother SP1. Lots of options! Still, my EcoTanks are the ones I use most often.
So, What Epson Printer for Sublimation Should I Buy?Finding the right printer for you depends on your budget, your personal preferences, and your plans for use. The best choice for me may not be the same for you, and that’s okay! I hope this post has been helpful in comparing the current options Epson offers, so you can make an informed and empowered decision for your sublimation crafting journey.
That said, most of my fellow crafters and team members use converted Epson EcoTank sublimation printers because of the affordability, both in the machine as well as the replacement ink.
If you’re new to sublimation, the most affordable way to enter the world of sublimation printing is with a new Epson EcoTank printer and sublimation ink.
View my Amazon shopping list with several Epson sublimation printers!
I Got an Epson Printer for Sublimation! Now What?Need a little extra help understanding how to get started with sublimation? Join Sublimation Startup for a logical, step-by-step guide to getting setup for success with sublimation! We work in logical steps to build your understanding and confidence with sublimation, and then provide support to keep helping you as you continue on your journey. You can ask questions and feel confident that you’ll get help! Join now!
And when you’re ready to tackle some serious sublimation projects, pick up my Sublimation Cookbook with one-page “recipes” for more than 150 sublimation projects, complete with all the times, temperatures, and pressures for ALL the sublimation projects you can think of. I update this resource regularly as new sublimation blanks hit the market, so it’s always up to date!
Answers to Your Questions About What Epson Printer for Sublimation I RecommendQ: Which Epson printer can be used for sublimation?
A: There are three main series of Epson printer suitable for sublimation: The Epson SureColor, EcoTank, and Workforce.
Q: Which Epson printers cannot be converted to sublimation?
A: You cannot convert the Epson Expression, Epson PictureMate, or Epson Stylus.
Q: Can I use regular Epson ink for sublimation?
A: No! Sublimation can only be done with sublimation ink (also known as sublimation dye, or “dye sub”), not regular inkjet printer ink.
Q: Can all Epson printers be converted to sublimation?
A: Not all Epson printers can be converted to sublimation, but the EcoTank models can due to their fillable tank design. There are several EcoTank models to choose from with additional features, and you can decide which one is best for you based on your needs and preferences.
Q: Is it better to buy a sublimation printer or convert one?
A: It completely depends on what you mean by “better.” Everyone’s needs are different, so it’s important to do your research so you can make the best choice for you. There are pros and cons to buying dye sublimation printers as well as inkjet printers converted for sublimation. Only you can make the choice.
Q: What is the difference between Epson WorkForce and EcoTank for sublimation?
A: I compare both machines above, so be sure to read my thoughts as well as my lists of pros and cons for each. In my opinion, the Epson EcoTank is the best affordable sublimation printer for most crafters, but your opinion may differ — and that’s okay!
Q: How do you convert an Epson inkjet printer into a sublimation printer?
A: It’s easy to do, and I’ve got a full tutorial to convert your Epson EcoTank for sublimation in this blog post.
Q: Is a Cricut a sublimation printer?
A: Cricut doesn’t make sublimation printers currently, but you can use your Cricut cutting machine (together with your sublimation printer) in your sublimation crafts to Print-then-Cut sublimation transfer sheets for certain projects. Cricut also makes heat presses which are crucial to the sublimation process!
Q: Can you use the same printer for sublimation and regular printing?
A: While you cannot use a printer with regular inkjet ink for sublimation crafting, you can use sublimation ink to print a page or two on regular paper in a pinch. Sublimation ink is typically expensive, so you may want to invest in a separate regular inkjet printer, but it’s fine to print the occasional document from your sublimation printer if you need to.
Q: Can you go back and forth between sublimation ink and regular ink?
A: Absolutely not. Once inkjet printer ink has been in a new printer, it has to be dedicated to only inkjet printing. Same with sublimation — if a new printer is filled with sublimation ink, it is now only able to be used for sublimation ink. You cannot switch back and forth. If you need to use two different types of ink, you need to have two separate printers.
Q: How long can sublimation ink sit in printer?
A: Due to the nature of sublimation ink, you should print a test page at least once a week to ensure your ink is flowing through your machine correctly. This can be easily forgotten, but can really impact your projects — and not in a good way. So set an alarm on your phone and don’t forget! It only takes a few minutes, and is worth the time and effort to maintain your printer.
Q: What else do I need for sublimation?
A: Great question! You’ll need appropriate sublimation ink for your printer (I like Hiipoo sublimation ink), sublimation paper like A-Sub paper, white butcher paper, white cardstock, heat-resistant tape, heat-resistant gloves, and a heat source. For flat items, you’ll need a heat press (like a Cricut EasyPress or Autopress). For sublimating three-dimensional objects, you’ll need a craft-purposed convection oven or air fryer, because the excess ink will stay around inside and you can’t use it for cooking food afterward. There’s a Cricut Mug Press, a Cricut Hat Press, traditional heat presses or tumbler presses you can try, too.
You’ll also need sublimation blanks. Sublimation can only (typically) be done on white surfaces that are made of polyester or coated with a polymer able to accept sublimation ink. If the item is labeled as a “sublimation blank,” you’re good to go! For specific tools and materials for a certain project, be sure to check out each project’s materials list so you have everything you need before you begin.
But how will you know what heat, pressure, and time settings to use when sublimating? Pick up a copy of my Sublimation Cookbook with one-page “recipes” for more than 150 sublimation projects, complete with all the times, temperatures, and pressures for ALL the sublimation projects!
Q: Can I sublimate without a sublimation printer?
A: Yes! You can use infusible ink transfer sheets, infusible ink pens, or purchase pre-printed sublimation transfer sheets — all are an excellent choice, and there are many pre-printed sublimation designs available on websites like Etsy.
Get my free PNG Subliflower design to test your sublimation color settings!Download my free “subliflower” design to see how your sublimation ink colors look!
I’d love to see YOUR amazing sublimation projects when you learn what Epson printer for sublimation (or other sublimation printer) works for you! Please share a photo in our Sublimation Made Easy Facebook group or on social media and tag me with #jennifermaker.
Love,
If you want to learn more, please visit our website jumbo roll sublimation paper factory.