Best printer to convert to sublimation: What printers can be ...

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Did you know that you don&#;t need a dedicated printer for sublimation, you can, in fact, convert one. The printer in question must be capable of handling sublimation ink, a specific kind of ink designed to transform into gas when heated and then back to solid while pressed onto substrates. What printers can be used for sublimation you ask?

The best printers to convert to sublimation are inkjet printers whose ink can be replaced with dye-sublimation ink. Typically, Epson printers that can be converted are regarded as some of the best sublimation printers on the market.

The Epson Ecotank ET-, ET- ET-, ET-, and ET- are regarded as some of the best inkjet printers that can be used for sublimation printing. These are also known as ink tank printers, which as you can probably guess use tanks instead of traditional cartridges. This means they can be easily filled with sublimation ink using auto-fill ink bottles made by various brands.

Our Recommendation

Epson ET- and Hiipoo 4 set sublimation ink is a good choice of printer and sublimation ink combination for bright, vivid transfers on blanks. I have sublimated many different materials from prints using this printer and ink &#; Metal and glass tumblers, t-shirts, banners, and earrings, all turning out very vivid.

Best printers you can convert for sublimation

Not all printers can be converted for sublimation but luckily there is a wide range of models that are ideal for the task. I&#;ll be suggesting printers that are more accessible, with easy-to-follow conversion steps.

So, first things first, to accomplish the conversion into sublimation, you require printers with a piezo print head that operate flawlessly against those that have a thermal print head. Acknowledging this, let&#;s help you choose your printer. 

1. Epson Ecotank ET-

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Epson Ecotank ET- printer has a refillable tank and Ecofit ink bottles, which minimizes the expense of replacing disposable ones while also being ecologically friendly. Moreover, it uses Piezo technology to apply prints, making it the perfect conversion solution for sublimation printers.

Features

• Large ink tank system with low cost per print
• Compatible with sublimation ink for conversion to sublimation printing
• High-quality printing with a resolution of x optimized dpi
• Convenient refilling with easy-to-use ink tanks
• Wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet
• Automatic duplex printing for double-sided printing
• ENERGY STAR certified for energy efficiency.

Being 14.8 x 22.8 x 10 inches, you&#;ll feel at ease while producing moderate-sized prints. It supports printing paper sizes up to 8.5&#; x 11&#;. Moreover, it&#;s lightweight and has USB connectivity. It may be slow and doesn&#;t have a paper tray.

You can check out the Epson ET- right here on Amazon.

2. Epson Ecotank ET-

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Epson Ecotank ET- printer helps with high-quality prints while being eco-friendly. It uses piezo technology for printing and comes with a high-capacity ink tank, a scanner, and a photocopier. Having dimensions of (19.6 x 15.9 x 9.2 inches), USB ports, Inkjet printing tech, and a Flatbed scanner, it&#;ll help you achieve attractive prints for your blanks. It supports printing paper sizes up to 8.5&#; x 11&#;.

You can check out the Epson ET- right here on Amazon.

3. Epson ET &#; &#; Best for printing large size(13&#;x19&#;)

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The Ecotank is regarded as one of the best Epson printers for sublimation. With some extra features over the entry models of Ecotanks and its 13&#;x19&#; print capacity, this printer is an excellent choice for larger designs and printing needs. So if that is something you are looking for, the Ecotank is the printer for you.

You can check out the Epson ET- right here on Amazon.

4. Epson ET- &#; Budget & compact sublimation printer

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The Epson EcoTank ET- printer showcases yet another price point and offers a convenient and eco-friendly solution for everyday sublimation printing. This all-in-one supertank printer comes in a sleek design, can be easily converted, and produces high-quality prints.

5. Epson ET- &#; Alternative for wide format sublimation prints

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While we highly favor the ET- as one of the best wide-format printers for sublimation, the ET- is a great alternative. This is a versatile, high-end Epson model with many other amazing qualities outside of sublimation.

How to convert printers for sublimation

Before we get into the process of conversion for sublimation, I&#;ll help you with the list of essential things you require for conversion.

Check out our detailed guide on converting Epson Ecotank printers for sublimation.

• Sublimation inks: You should choose one brand and avoid varied ink formulations in your transferred designs. I use the popular Hiipoo EcoFill Sublimation Ink with EcoFill bottles which work with the printer and help me avoid the process of syringe and bottle refilling.
• Sublimation Paper: You require a special paper for sublimation inks that helps in a smooth transfer of designs.
• Sublimation blanks: You will need a substrate that has a layer of polyester for the ink to get settled in and produce the result.
• HeatPress: You have to choose a heat press that offers a minimum of 400 degrees F.
• Sublimation mat, protective paper, and heat-resistant tape: It&#;s good to have these to help you prevent any mishaps during the process of transfer.

1. Let&#;s fill the Ink Tank:

Remove the printer from the box and discard the inks that came with it as we&#;ll be using sublimation inks for the Ink Tank. Next, locate the ink tanks on the side of the printer, open the lid, and you&#;ll find the colors labeled.

Then, you have to open the lid of each tank to add the inks. You can use a syringe or directly add the ink from the bottle to the tank carefully. Lastly, notice if your tank is full. You can do this by giving the printer a small bump and letting the ink settle down. If needed fill more, but don&#;t go beyond the top line.

2. Setting up the printer:

Before you set up your printer, ensure that each ink tank is full. Next, plug the printer in and follow the instructions notified on the printer. Note that you need not follow the entire process again for printing.

Then, follow the sheet to know which buttons to push to initiate the priming of the ink in the printer. You might need to refill the ink a bit after the priming process. After that, your printer will start the alignment process wherein you&#;ll follow the instructions displayed on the screen.

3. Connect the computer:

Now, you are required to set up default settings for your regular printing process. So, hook your printer to the computer. Next, use the disc that may have arrived with the printer or use the website to download your necessities.

Make the default paper type premium presentation paper matte and select the box of &#;mirrored printing&#; for the most satisfactory quality.

Printer compatibility for sublimation: key factors

When searching for a compatible printer to convert, the main feature to look at is the print head type. Printers with a Piezo Print Head are considered the most suitable for conversion to sublimation. Piezo uses piezoelectric crystals to create droplets, giving greater control over the ink ejection. This means accuracy in the world of sublimation, plus this print head is more forgiving when using other inks such as sublimation ink.

The second cruical factor is ink compatibility. Sublimation ink differs greatly from your average ink, forumalted to turn into a gas when heated, bnonding with the substrate and creating your long lasting design. We have listed all compatible conversion printers which you can swap out the ink for sublimation ink when required.

Converted printer vs dedicated sublimation printer

As discussed, you have the option to choose from dedicated sublimation printers and models that can be converted but why convert them in the first place?

Printers that can be converted for sublimation are often considered a cost-effective way to get into sublimation printing. You can easily turn an Epson EcoTank into a sublimation printer, saving some money on the more expensive, purpose-built sublimation models.

Some EcoTank printers will simply allow you to swap out the ink and hey presto! Plus you can always swap out the ink back for regular printing tasks, giving you more versatility than a dedicated sublimation printer.

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So, why do people bother with dedicated sublimation printers? Well, they are specialized models, purpose-built for this very task. They offer precise control over specific settings to effortlessly get great results. They are, of course, already set up for sublimation, making them a lot easier to use for beginners. This type of sublimation printer tends to come with higher costs and there are few we would reccomend over a converted inkjet printer. Lastly, manufacturers may not provide a warranty for converted printers or offer tech support if future issues arise.

Inkjet printers that can be converted for sublimation

A lot of inkjet printers can be converted, however, Epson&#;s EcoTank series is often favored. As long as you have the right conversion kit and ink, the below models are some of the most common for conversion.

Epson EcoTank Series:

• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-
• Epson EcoTank ET-

Epson WorkForce Series:

• Epson WorkForce WF-
• Epson WorkForce WF-
• Epson WorkForce WF-
• Epson WorkForce WF-

Epson Expression Series:

• Epson Expression Photo XP-
• Epson Expression Photo XP-
• Epson Expression Photo XP- (for larger formats)

Canon PIXMA Series:

• Canon PIXMA Pro-100
• Canon PIXMA Pro-10

Can Canon PIXMA printers be converted into sublimation printers?

Technically, yes. However, the process is much harder with a Canon PIXMA over say an Epson EcoTank. The reason is that Canon printers tend to use bubble jet technology, which is far harder to convert. EcoTank printers on the other hand use Piezo print heads, which tend to work seamlessly with sublimation ink.

Final word

It&#;s vital to note that, not every printer can be converted to a sublimation printer, while some printer types can be more appropriate for sublimation printing than others. We have highlighted what printers can be used for sublimation and the best ones to covert.

Depending on the printer&#;s brand and model, as well as the software being used, the precise procedures to convert a printer to sublimation will differ.

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Learn all about sublimation printing and which sublimation printer is best for you and your crafting style!

Lately my craft group can&#;t stop talking about the latest craft trend &#; sublimation printing &#; and I can&#;t blame them! Sublimation printers can help us transfer beautiful and detailed full-color designs onto our projects. These machines use special inks and high temperatures to quickly and effectively print high resolution designs onto heat-resistant paper, which then solidify and become vibrant prints that you can transfer to T-shirts, coffee mugs, and more. Cricut Infusible Ink is effectively pre-printed sublimation paper, and it&#;s amazing, but the best sublimation printer lets you print your own high quality designs for truly unique projects.

Want to save this project? Enter your below and we&#;ll send the project straight to your inbox.

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Since so many of you have questions about choosing the best sublimation printer, I put together this easy-to-read guide and video that will answer all of your questions about choosing a dye-sublimation printer that is best for you!

Get my free sublimation test &#;Subliflower&#; with color hex codes!

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 does a sublimation printer do?

Sublimation is a print method that can duplicate a high quality and full color design with a special ink that can then be transferred to another object with a compatible coating. After the sublimation prints the design with special sublimation ink onto special sublimation paper, you use high heat and pressure to transfer the ink permanently to something else that has a coating that can absorb the ink, such as a polyester T-shirt or a coated ceramic mug.

After the dye sublimation printing process is cooled and complete, the design becomes embedded right in the object, and won&#;t crack, peel, or wash away. You can put gorgeous, full color designs onto shirts, bags, mugs, and more with a sublimation printer and a heat press.

The shirt below was decorated with a transferred sublimation ink design made on an Epson EcoTank printer:

Can I sublimate with any printer?

No, you will need a special sublimation printer or converted inkjet printer along with special ink and sublimation transfer paper. You cannot sublimate with regular inkjet printing ink or regular paper. You need special ink and special paper.

What sublimation printers do you recommend?

You can go two ways when it comes to desktop sublimation printers &#; use a purpose-built sublimation printer (more money and more quality) or convert an inkjet desktop printer (less money and less quality).

The most commonly-used purpose-built sublimation printers are Sawgrass printers. Specifically, the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 (this is the newer version of the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG400) and the Sawgrass SG (the upgraded version from the SG800 sublimation printer).

Another option is the Epson SureColor F170 Dye Sublimation Printer, which is a newcomer to the market and made for dye sublimation inks&#;unfortunately, availability currently seems limited on this printer, as I can&#;t find it for sale on Amazon at all.

The most commonly-used converted printers are Epson printers, specifically the Epson EcoTank printers. (Yes, the same color inkjet printer that&#;s sold all over the place.) The top EcoTank printer to convert is the Epson EcoTank due to its ability to print larger page sizes, rated second is the Epson EcoTank due to its low price point (any 28xx series printers does the job).

You can also convert the Epson EcoTank ET and the Epson EcoTank ET (that&#;s the one I converted).

The main difference between the Sawgrass printers and the Epson printers will be quality and support. The purpose-built Sawgrass sublimation printers have a high print resolution. And you can get customer support if you have issues from Sawgrass when you run into issues.

If you go the conversion route, you&#;re on your own because you&#;ve voided your warranty in the process of conversion.

IMPORTANT: Converting a printer 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.

Ok, but what is the BEST printer?

Honestly, finding the right printer for you depends on your budget and plans for use. Most of my fellow crafters and team members are using a converted Epson EcoTank printer because it is affordable, and that makes it a great way to personalize on a more casual basis.

But small business owners planning to incorporate sublimation projects into their offerings may be happier with the purpose-built Sawgrass printers. There are even wide format sublimation printers that can print really amazing prints in a large format, such as the Sawgrass SG or the Epson Artisan wide format printers.

That said, the best sublimation printer is the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500, if you can afford it.

How do sublimation printers compare for ease of setup?

Wow, sublimation printers are expensive! What is the cheapest sublimation printer?

Yes, I agree &#; Sawgrass sublimation printers are expensive. The most affordable way to enter the world of sublimation printing is with a new Epson EcoTank printer and sublimation ink &#; the Epson ET is the most affordable. Here is an Epson EcoTank ET- used by Vicki, a JenniferMaker team member:

When you get your Epson EcoTank printer (any model number), it will come with ink which is NOT sublimation ink. You can save or sell that ink, but whatever you do, don&#;t put it in your Epson EcoTank. Instead, put your special sublimation ink into your Epson printer. That&#;s really all there is to converting an Epson EcoTank printer into a low-cost sublimation printer.

The company is the world’s best sublimation paper roll jumbo roll manufacturer supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Important: Do not try to convert a USED Epson EcoTank printer, so one that you&#;ve already used for inkjet printing, into a sublimation printer. The Epson EcoTank is a tank-based printer and you cannot simply add sublimation ink on top of the inkjet ink that is already in the tank and expect it to work. Start with a NEW Epson EcoTank for the best results.

Tip: When you buy sublimation ink, it comes with syringes, which is what you&#;ll use to fill your tanks. Be careful not to overfill your tanks &#; watch the ink level through the front of the machine and stop before it flows over.

Can I convert any printer to sublimate?

No, only certain printers can be converted to sublimation printing, such as the Epson EcoTank. Other lesser known printers you can use are the Brother MFC-J995DW, as well as the the Mitsubishi CP-K60DW (previous the CP-D70DW) which is a small format photo printer &#; while it prints high-quality photos, its small print size means I don&#;t recommend it. If a small size doesn&#;t bother you, however, the Canon Selphy CP wireless is quite affordable and can also be converted to sublimation ink.

Note: Printers like the Epson Workforce WF- can also be converted to sublimation printing, but these printers are phased out now and hard to find new. And they need empty refillable cartridges which are also hard to find. For these reasons, and the fact that you have to add sublimation ink with a syringe, I do not recommend Workforce printers be converted.

Important: Once you have converted your printer to sublimation ink, the printer warranty is void and you will not be able to use it as a normal inkjet printer again.

What kind of ink does a printer converted to sublimation printing need?

If you purchase an Epson EcoTank inkjet printer, you will need to purchase refillable ink cartridges compatible with your printer as well as sublimation ink compatible with your machine. Be SURE that what you are ordering and using is sublimation ink before your put it into your printer. Three brands we&#;ve tried are Hiipoo Sublimation Ink, Printer&#;s Jack, and Cosmos Sublimation Ink.

What brand of sublimation transfer paper do you prefer?

A-Sub is a very popular brand of sublimation paper that works great, producing high-quality images. Just like vinyl and other fun crafting materials, we recommend playing around with different paper until you find your favorite.

How do you get a sublimation print onto a craft project?

When you heat the sublimation transfer paper onto an item with a polyester coating, the ink changes from a solid to a gaseous state that embeds itself into the base material. When the ink cools, it returns to a solid and becomes a permanent part of the material.

Can I use any heat press or heat source to press my sublimation transfers?

Most sublimation projects require temperatures from 350-400 degrees F. A household iron is not compatible with sublimation projects. You can use a Cricut EasyPress, however! To learn more about the temperatures, times, and pressures, see my Sublimation Heat Press Settings guide.

What kinds of things can I make with a sublimation printer?

You can make full-color, high-resolution designs &#; including high quality photos &#; that can be transferred to polyester T-shirts, mugs, home décor, promotional items, and pretty much anything made with polyester fabrics. These ADORABLE polyester shirts were made with a design printed on a sublimation printer (the Epson EcoTank ) by team member Vicki:

Can I sublimate on any T-shirt?

Your T-shirt material needs to have at least a 60% polyester count or higher. The best results come with higher polyester counts &#; higher the count, the more vibrant an image will appear. 100% polyester count will provide the most vibrant image.

Here&#;s a video that compares different T-shirts and how well they sublimate!

Do I need to purchase sublimation blanks?

Sublimation blanks are specially coated and can withstand high pressing temperatures. One of the cool things about sublimation is that an item is poly coated or at least 50% polyester material and can withstand high pressing temperatures it can most likely be used for a sublimation project. Some popular non-blank items to sublimate are:

• 100% polyester rugs and umbrellas from Home Depot.
• 100% polyester makeup bags from the Dollar Tree
• 100% polyester blankets from Wal-mart

Check out my sublimation blanks guide here!

Why does my sublimation printer print my projects so lightly?

It is totally normal for your images to come out of the printer light. Once you press the project you the image will become vibrant and crisp.

Will my sublimation image fade after washing?

No. Sublimation colors remain vibrant just like the day you pressed them.

Can I only use white materials for my sublimation projects?

You can sublimate on whites, light grays, and pastel colors. Sublimation ink is transparent, so the color of your base material will be partially visible. And remember white is not a color your machine can print. If you have a project with an image you wish to remain white, you will need to use a white blank or white shirt.

I have heard you can sublimate on top of white glitter heat transfer vinyl, is this true?

It sure is! I tried it myself and it worked like a charm. You can also sublimate on white flocked HTV for a more matte look. Check out this tutorial to learn more about all the options for sublimating on cotton and dark shirts.

What are some examples of blanks you can purchase for sublimation projects?

Door signs, earrings, mousepads, luggage tags, passport holders, and bags, to name just a few.

Here is a white wood round with a sublimation coating made by team member Jen:

Can I sublimate a photo on a canvas?

You sure can! This is a great way to put your own prints onto a canvas. You will need to first coat the canvas with a polyester coating in order for the ink to have something to sublimate into. I also recommend you remove the canvas from the frame before pressing, as that will make a difference in how easy it presses and how good it looks. If you are unable to remove the canvas from the frame, you will need to add a pressing pad or towel to the back open area of the canvas.

Do I need to mirror my project image before sublimation printing?

Yes. Like iron-on and HTV designs, you must mirror your design before you press it.

Can I sublimate a tumbler?

Yes! You will need a sublimation tumbler and a tumbler press or convection oven to transfer a sublimation print onto a tumbler.

Why do I need butcher paper for my sublimation projects?

The butcher paper will prevent the ink from bleeding through a project onto your heat source. Also be aware that you&#;re not going to want to re-use any butcher paper, as it can cause ghosting. Consider butcher paper to be a one-time-use only thing! I recommend a big roll of butcher paper like I use. (And no, you cannot use freezer paper or wax paper instead!)

Why do I need heat-resistant tape for my sublimation projects?

This special tape will ensure your project stays in place while printing to prevent ghosting.

Will I need to weed my sublimation project after it is finished printing?

No, that is one of the beautiful features of sublimation prints. You just print, apply, and heat!

How is sublimation different from heat transfer vinyl (iron on vinyl)?

When you sublimate something, the ink is embedded into the material and cannot wash away or crack &#; it becomes a part of the object. When you use heat transfer vinyl (HTV), the vinyl simply lies on top of the item, and it can crack, fade, or come off entirely. This is true of screen printing as well &#; screen printing ink is a layer on top of the object, and is not embedded in the object like sublimation ink.

Are there any cons of sublimation printing?

Because sublimation ink is transparent, you really need to use a white or light-colored base material for the best results. Also, your white or light colored surface needs to either be made of polyester or have a polyester coating &#; so those that prefer natural materials like cotton will sublimation frustrating. If you want to sublimate onto dark or black things, you need to press white sublimation heat transfer vinyl onto the surface and sublimate onto that, and that kinda defeats the purpose of sublimation. And, of course, you need to buy or convert a sublimation printer. That&#;s about the only drawbacks!

Is it worth it to get a sublimation printer, or just use Infusible Ink sheets?

Great question! If you want to transfer your own designs or photos in full color and have it last a long time, a sublimation printer is the answer. Is it worth it? This depends on how much you think you&#;ll use your sublimation printer. If it&#;s a lot, go for it. If it&#;s not a lot, a better option may be to cut designs out of Cricut Infusible Ink, as you won&#;t need a printer at all. I think if you&#;re going to be doing this as a business or using it for commercial purposes, however, a sublimation printer is worth it. This shirt was made with Infusible Ink sheets:

What sublimation printer do you have, Jennifer?

I have MANY sublimation printers. I first converted an Epson EcoTank- printer into a sublimation printer. I chose the over the because I found it on sale at my local Best Buy and because it has a regular paper tray, unlike the which has just as a paper input area in the rear of the machine. Paper trays save time and material, and I&#;m a big fan of them! The also has a faster print speed, which I like.

I also have an Epson EcoTank , a Sawgrass SG500, a SG, an Epson SureColor F170, and an Epson Workforce.

How do these sublimation printers compare?

Check out my Sublimation Printers for Beginners Compared guide!

How do I learn more about sublimation?

Check out my Sublimation for Beginners Ultimate Guide for all the details!

I hope you enjoyed this guide to choosing the best sublimation printer! If you know me, you know I am all about any tool that can take our crafts, and our lives, to the next level!

Tip: Here&#;s my Amazon shopping list for sublimation printers and supplies!

Love,

For more information, please visit 90gsm Sublimation Paper Sheets.