Key Questions to Ask When Ordering Small Format Dye Sublimation Printers

Learn how to choose the best dye sublimation printers for your business and how to use them to create high-quality, durable, and colorful prints on various materials.

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In this journey of discovery, Subli Genius Print serves as your compass, guiding you through the nuances of dye sublimation printing with unparalleled expertise.

But how do you choose the best one for your business? There are many factors to consider, such as the size, speed, quality, cost, and compatibility of the printer. 

In this article, we will help you find the best sublimation printer for your needs by explaining what sublimation printing is, how it works, and what to look for when buying it.

What Pros Care About (And You Should Too)

1. Print Quality: Look for + DPI resolution—anything less risks grainy designs.
2. Cost Sneak Attacks: A 500 MHz printer might seem sweet, but ink can cost 1.50/mL. ouch.
3. Speed vs. Patience: Home printers churn out ~5 pages/minute; pro models hit 15+.
4. Size Flexibility: Can it handle 24″ posters or just 8×10″ mugs?
5. Durability: Cheap printers often die after 6–12 months of heavy use.

Best Dye Sublimation Printers in

• Epson SureColor SC-F100: This is a great all-around for beginners and professionals alike. It is cheap, easy to use, and produces high-quality prints. 
• Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500: This printer is known for its excellent color accuracy and print quality. It is versatile and can print on various substrates, including fabric, ceramic, and metal. 
• Epson SureColor F570 Pro: This is a high-end printer that is perfect for professional businesses. It is fast and efficient, and it can produce large-format prints. 
• Epson EcoTank ET-: This is a great budget-friendly. It uses EcoTank ink bottles, which are very affordable. The ET- also produces high-quality prints. 

Top Contenders in

Here’s the scoop on crowd favorites, minus the marketing hype:

• Epson SureColor F170
  • Best for: Newbies & small biz
  • Price: $699
  • Perks: Built-in sublimation ink, handles fabrics and hard surfaces.
  • Watch out: Only 8.5″ width—no posters here.
• Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500
  • Best for: Crafters & detail junkies
  • Price: $1,299
  • Perks: SubliGel ink = no fading, even after 50 washes.
  • Watch out: Proprietary ink ($$$ refills).
• Ricoh SG DN
  • Best for: Volume sellers
  • Price: $2,450
  • Perks: 30 pages/minute, industrial-grade durability.
  • Watch out: Weighs 70 lbs—good luck moving it.

Quick Comparison: At a Glance

Don’t Skip These Pro Tips

• Ink Hacks: Third-party inks save 30% but may void warranties. Risk-reward game.
• Heat Press Harmony: Mismatched temps = cracked designs. Pair your printer with a 360°F-capable press.
• Software Secrets: Free RIP tools exist, but paid ones (like Caldera) boost color accuracy by 40%.

The Real Talk Finale

If you’re printing mugs for a weekend market, the Epson F170’s your ride-or-die. Cranking out 100 shirts daily? Ricoh’s your beast. And if “washable” is your mantra, Sawgrass won’t let you down.

Bottom line: Your printer should sweat the small stuff for you—so you can focus on turning ideas into income.

What is Sublimation Printing and How Does It Work?

Sublimation printing is a technique that uses heat to transfer digital images onto sublimation-friendly surfaces. 

The images are first printed on a special transfer paper using sublimation ink, which is a type of ink that can change from solid to gas without becoming liquid. 

The transfer paper is then placed on top of the surface to be printed, such as a t-shirt, a mug, or a metal plate, and pressed with a heat press or an iron. 

The heat causes the ink to sublimate, turn into gas, and penetrate the surface, creating a permanent bond. The result is a high-resolution, full-color, and edge-to-edge print resistant to fading, washing, and scratching.

Sublimation printing has many advantages over other printing methods, such as screen printing, inkjet printing, or laser printing. Some of the benefits are:

• It produces vibrant and realistic colors that can cover the entire surface of the material, unlike screen printing, which can only print on flat and limited areas.
• It does not require any additional materials, such as screens, plates, or toners, unlike screen printing or laser printing, which can be costly and time-consuming to set up and maintain.
• It does not alter the texture or feel of the material, unlike inkjet printing or laser printing, which can leave a layer of ink or toner on the surface, making it stiff or glossy.
• It works well with various materials, such as polyester, nylon, spandex, ceramic, metal, glass, and wood, unlike inkjet printing or laser printing, which can only print on certain paper or plastic.

What to Look for When Buying a Dye Sublimation Printer

Depending on your budget, space, and printing needs, you will need to consider the following factors:

Size: 

The size of the printer determines the maximum size of the print you can make. If you want to print on large items, such as banners, flags, or curtains, you will need a large-format printer to handle wide rolls of paper and fabric.

If you want to print on small items, such as mugs, keychains, or cases, you will need a compact printer that can fit on your desk or table. The size of the printer also affects the portability and storage of the printer, so you will need to consider how much space you have and how often you will move the printer.

Speed: 

The printer’s speed determines how fast you can print your images. If you have a high-volume or time-sensitive business, such as a photo studio, a gift shop, or a promotional company, you will need a fast printer to print multiple images quickly.

If you have a low-volume or hobby-based business, such as a craft store, a home office, or a personal project, you will need a moderate printer that can print high-quality images at a reasonable speed.

The printer’s speed also depends on the resolution and complexity of the images, so you will need to balance the quality and quantity of your prints.

Quality: 

The quality of the printer determines how sharp, clear, and accurate your prints are. Suppose you want to print detailed, realistic, and professional-looking images, such as photos, logos, or artwork.

In that case, you will need a high-quality printer that can print at a high resolution and with a wide color gamut. Suppose you want to print simple, cartoonish, or casual-looking images, such as texts, shapes, or patterns.

In that case, you will need a standard-quality printer that can print at a medium resolution and with a basic color range. The quality of the printer also depends on the ink and paper you use, so you will need to choose the best sublimation ink and paper for your printer and your material.

Cost: 

The cost of the printer determines how much you will spend on buying and maintaining the printer. If you have a large budget and a long-term business plan, you will need a high-end printer that can offer you the best performance and durability and the highest initial and operating costs.

If you have a small budget and a short-term business goal, you will need a low-end printer with basic functionality and reliability and the lowest upfront and running costs.

The cost of the printer also depends on the ink and paper consumption, the warranty and support, and the availability and compatibility of the parts and accessories, so you will need to compare the total cost of ownership of different printers.

How to Use a Sublimation Printer

• Prepare your image. You must design or edit your image using graphic software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or CorelDraw. You will need to adjust the size, resolution, color, and orientation of your image according to your printer and material specifications. You will also need to flip or mirror your image horizontally, as it will be reversed when transferred to the surface.
• Print your image. You will need to load your printer with the sublimation paper and ink and select the appropriate print settings, such as the paper type, the print quality, and the color mode. You will need to print your image using the sublimation mode, optimizing the ink output and the color profile for sublimation printing. You will need to let the printed paper dry completely before using it.
• Transfer your image. You must place your printed paper on top of your sublimation surface, ensuring the image is facing down and aligned correctly. You must secure the paper and the surface with heat-resistant tape or a spray adhesive to prevent them from shifting or wrinkling during the transfer process.

For more reading about Subli Genius Print, or more about Buyers Guide.

Final Thoughts:

In the vast canvas of dye sublimation printing, Subli Genius Print is your artistic mentor, unravelling the secrets that transform imagination into tangible reality. 

As you navigate this vibrant landscape, remember to leverage the expertise of Subli Genius Print for a seamless and fulfilling journey. So, are you ready to breathe life into your designs and explore the boundless possibilities of dye sublimation printing?

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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.

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!

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.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from PO-TRY.

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?

• Sawgrass SG500 — easiest! (see setup video)
• Epson SureColor F170 — second easiest! (see setup video)
• Epson EcoTank  — third easiest (see setup video)
• Epson Workforce  — hardest by a long shot (see notes)

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.

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,

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Small Format Dye Sublimation Printers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.