Find the Design Magic of the Sublimation Printer for Shirts
With T-shirt sublimation printing, you’re ready to display your creative abilities and make money, but you realize you can’t do anything without a high-quality printer. There’s nothing more frustrating than crossing the main hurdle between you and your goals. It has happened to me before; I have been in a similar situation.
It was my mistake to think that a standard printer would be acceptable for T-shirt sublimation. After discussing the matter with my friend, he advised me that you should use the best sublimation printer for t-shirts. Are you in a hurry? Our top pick, the Sawgrass SG500, is equipped with highly defined cartridges that will allow you to sublimate versatile materials.
Are you looking for a cartridge-free printer that is affordable? Take advantage of the affordable running costs of the Epson ET-3760. When it comes to printing all sizes of t-shirts, there is no better choice than Epson ET-15000 if you are looking for full convenience.
As a matter of fact, I did not find the right sublimation printer for shirts for my needs for some time. In spite of this, failure always leads to success, and it was the same for me. To choose a good sublimation printer for t-shirts, my friend and I tested printers, checked user reviews on countless platforms, and compared printer features and prices.
Top Quality Sublimation Printers For Shirts
When it comes to creating unique and vibrant designs on your shirts, a sublimation printer might just be the perfect tool for you. Sublimation printing is becoming increasingly popular for the printing of t-shirts due to its ability to transfer high-quality designs onto both polyester fabric and polymer-coated materials.
We will cover everything you need to know about sublimation printers for shirts in this article, from the technology behind the printing process to the different types of dye sublimation printers that are available.
As the result of thorough research and review, I have prepared a comprehensive buyer’s guide that you cannot afford to miss. So after reading all our product reviews from this list, make sure to CHECK OUT our guide for even more valuable information.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2750
This Epson ET-2750 all-in-one printer provides a cost-effective solution for sublimation printing thanks to its compact design and lightweight construction. It is made of durable plastic and has a simple and convenient design that allows easy access to produce quality prints.
The display screen (1.44 inches) has a decent viewing angle, and it can be tilted for comfortable viewing. As there is no touchscreen functionality, I navigated through the menu using physical buttons.
Featuring a remarkable super tank system, the ET-2750 consists of four high-capacity ink tanks. It does not require you to replace the removable cartridges as you would with a typical printer. A major advantage of large ink tanks is that they are easily refillable at home.
By using this cartridge-free system, you will be able to print a large number of copies before refilling the tanks. In order to fill the super tank with third-party sublimation ink, I used it carefully because it could damage the print head.
While scanning features are adequate, there is no automatic document feeder, so multi-page documents must be handled manually. Despite its duplex printing capability, the device is not suitable for sublimation printing due to its inconsistency in printing large volumes of documents.
It has a maximum input sheet capacity of 100 sheets, which is quite low in comparison with modern printers. As a result of the outstanding low cost per print, we were able to save a considerable amount of money. We were able to print documents in black & white at a speed of 10 pages per minute (ppm) and in color at a speed of 8 pages per minute (ppm).
While the printer has decent printing quality, color accuracy was not something we expected from a company like Epson, which is one of the leading printer brands. In terms of connectivity, the device features Wi-Fi, AirPrint for iOS devices, and Mopria for Android devices.
The device does not support Bluetooth, but it allows you to print directly from your memory card. It is always a good idea to use Epson iPrint for direct printing, scanning, and performing various maintenance activities.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2720
The ET-2720 printer is another EcoTank Epson printer that offers excellent low cost per print, thanks to the remarkable cartridge-free super tank system. As a starting point, this t-shirt printer has a mediocre build quality. It has an ordinary display, easy-to-access ink tanks, and a paper-loading port.
The printer is compact and lightweight and has a small color display measuring 1.44 inches. The screen can be tilted up to provide a better viewing angle. The small screen does not have a touchscreen option, and you must use the push buttons to interact with it.
Its fabulous cartridge-free super tank system is what makes the ET-2720 an outstanding sublimation printer. This printer has four high-capacity ink tanks that are capable of printing many black and color pages without needing to be refilled. Ink levels are displayed in a pop-up message on the LCD screen, which is a convenient way to keep track of the ink tanks.
Both black and color documents can be printed at an astounding cost per page. There are only flatbed scanners with no option for double-sided scanning, so I was not impressed with the scanning features.
With high scanning resolution and color depth, this Epson sublimation printer for shirts and t-shirts is one of the best on the market. Using it, you will be able to capture minute details in your photos and reproduce high-quality prints from scanned documents.
There is an adjustable input feed that can accommodate up to 100 sheets. In terms of print speed, black pages are printed at 10 pages per minute (ppm) and color pages at 5 pages per minute (ppm).
Color accuracy was not satisfactory by our team, but printing quality was acceptable on the t-shirts. It is also noteworthy that the Epson ET-2720 is equipped with voice-activated printing capabilities. In addition, the printer is compatible with Apple’s iPrint app for direct printing and scanning from Apple smartphones.
You can use Apple AirPrint if you are using an iOS device, and Mopria Print is available if you are using an Android device. There are several connectivity options available, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB.
3. Sawgrass SG500
An excellent choice for both commercial and hobbyist printing tasks, Sawgrass SG500 is a high-quality sublimation printer with innovative features. It was specifically designed for sublimation projects as a compact desktop printer.
In addition to its durable plastic body, this best sublimation printer for t-shirts also features a unique automatic maintenance mechanism for trouble-free printing. In our testing, we found it to be extremely helpful because we did not need to clean the printhead because it was automatically cleaned. In addition, it also cleared the printhead of clogged sublimation ink.
Featuring a 2.4-inch LED-backlit display, this device offers excellent viewing angles and effortless navigation of its menu system. There is, however, no touchscreen available on the old-schooled LED and I had to navigate using buttons.
The Sawgrass printer uses Sublijet Ultra HD Inks to deliver high-resolution results at a high cost due to the high cost of the ink cartridges. It is also supplied with Sublijet Ultra HD ink cartridges that contain 20ml of Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, and black ink.
One of the most notable features of the Sawgrass sublimation printers is the print manager, which makes sublimation printing simple. All adjustments are made automatically by this printer manager to ensure that the quality is optimal. I was able to print on almost 13 types of substrates, including dark shirts using the substrate material Siser white glitter. It is possible to print the dark and cotton fabrics using Sawgrass Print Manager.
The program manages the flow of color information from digital artwork to the Sawgrass printer in the background. As a result of such a procedure, not only is ink waste reduced, but also variations in color are produced accurately.
There is a capacity of 100 pages in the input tray. There is no automatic printing or scanning functionality on the printer, which is disappointing. Print fields of 8.5 x 14 inches are available, but if you would like to use a large format of 13 x 19 inches, you should choose the SG 1000 which is equipped with a bypass tray.
Sawgrass SG500 can be used to decorate products made from polyester fabric or polymer-coated hard substrates, such as hardboard and wood plaques, aluminum panels and inserts, tiles, slates, acrylic, glass, and reinforced fiberglass plastics. Additionally, Sawgrass is offering starter ink cartridges with this t-shirt sublimation printer. After that, you will need to purchase the ink cartridges.
4. Epson EcoTank ET-3760
EcoTank ET-3760, an inkjet printer by Epson with a refillable tank system and an excellent print yield on both monochrome and color documents, is an excellent option for inkjet printing and sublimation printing. There is a visible indicator of an ink level on the plastic body, which feels durable.
It has a color display of 2.4 inches with physical buttons located on both sides. The menu is easily navigable and the screen can be tilted to improve visibility. Despite our expectations, the viewing angles were not as expected.
A great feature of this Epson sublimation printer is the super tank ink system. It features four high-capacity ink tanks that can be easily refilled at home. A major benefit of this cartridge-free system is that it is capable of printing a large number of prints before it needs to be refilled.
A third-party sublimation refillable cartridge is also compatible with the printer. The cost per print is amazingly low as a result of the innovative ink-free printing system. My favorite way to use it is to use the print-then-cut functionality with a Cricut vinyl cutter.
In terms of scanning fragile Polaroids, the flatbed scanner is adequate. Documents can be processed quickly using the sheetfed scanner’s automatic document feeder. A disadvantage of the scanner is that it does not support duplex scanning, which means you will have to handle double-sided documents manually. Up to 30 sheets of paper can be stored in the automatic document feeder, while 150 sheets can be stored in the front input tray.
The ET-3760 is capable of printing monochrome documents at 15 pages per minute and color documents at up to 10 pages per minute. We were impressed with the quality of the photo printing, but we were not impressed with the color accuracy. There are many connectivity options available on the printer, including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet.
There is no option for using an SD card or Bluetooth. Mobile printing and hands-free maintenance are made possible by the Epson iPrint app for iOS, Apple AirPrint for Android, and Mopria for Android devices.
5. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500
It features Micro Piezo variable-sized droplet technology and six colors of Claria ET to produce outstanding black and white and color photographic prints. An ideal choice for home businesses, this color printer has a bulky white plastic body.
In addition to providing seamless navigation through the menu, the elegant 4.3-inch color touch panel display can be tilted according to the user’s preference. There is no fancy appearance to the design, and it is simple in general.
Due to its cartridge-free system, the printer offers exceptional low cost per print without sacrificing print quality. A large ink tank can be refilled easily and can produce a large number of color sublimation prints before needing to be refilled. Having a high-resolution flatbed scanner is a great feature for scanning double-sided documents automatically.
I did not have access to an automatic document feeder, so I printed the images manually one by one. However, the printing speed for color pages was decent, at 12 pages per minute, which allowed me to remain productive. Having a front-loading tray that can hold 150 sheets is ideal for handling large volumes.
The sublimation printer is well suited to sublimation printing due to its reasonable color accuracy and high-quality photo prints, which were absent in other printers. Moreover, the ability to print on both sides automatically saves both time and money.
As far as connectivity goes, Epson ET-8500 can be connected via USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi for wireless printing. Additionally, I used an SD card reader to print images from my smartphone and camera.
A final noteworthy feature is the Epson iPrint app that enables mobile printing and maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the printhead, on a mobile device.
6. Epson EcoTank ET-15000
Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a sublimation-ready printer with adjustable sliders for handling different paper sizes, front and rear input trays, and durable build quality. The plastic body of this device is durable and features extendable hinges that can accommodate thicker media and media of various sizes. I frequently use the Epson ET-15000 for printing wood, sublimation transfer paper, and other substrates other than T-shirts. Nevertheless, it is one of my favorite printers.
This product has a bulky design and requires a large amount of table space, not to mention its heavy weight. Sublimation printer for T-shirts with a 2.7-inch color touchscreen. The screen can be tilted vertically so you can sit or stand comfortably. Despite that, the viewing angles were a bit annoying.
There is an excellent super tank system included with the ET-15000 sublimation printer. It is equipped with four large ink tanks that provide a higher page yield than a typical cartridge system. The printer tanks can technically be refilled with any third-party ink, however, it may damage the print head and also void the warranty.
There is an exceptionally low cost per print, with a high yield of black pages. Epson ET-15000 is the ideal printer if you have a large volume of documents to print.
Its fast printing speed is one of the best features of this Epson sublimation printer for t-shirts. It provides a print speed of 17 pages per minute in black & white and up to 13 pages per minute in color. You must turn over large-sized documents manually even though the printer can print double-sided automatically.
The paper handling includes 250 sheets in the input tray, 35 pages in the automatic document feeder, and 20 sheets in the rear input tray.
Photo printing is of decent quality, but color accuracy is lacking. In addition to its sublimation-ready capabilities, the ET-15000 printer also has voice-activated printing capabilities that allow the printing of a variety of projects. Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity are available on this unit.
It is not possible to connect via USB, SD card, or Bluetooth. Using the Epson iPrint app, you can print, scan, and perform maintenance tasks using your smartphone, just as you can with other Epson printers.
7. Epson WorkForce WF-7720
Epson WorkForce WF-7720 is an excellent printer designed for families and small businesses. One of the first things that caught my attention was its remarkable design and high level of durability. There is no need to worry about paper jams, and the extendable lids make it easier to print thicker documents.
Featuring a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, it provides ultra-clear visibility and audible feedback. If you would like to improve your visibility, you can tilt the screen upwards for additional convenience.
In addition to having a decent inkjet ink cartridge system, the Epson WF-7720 has three separate color cartridges, as well as the third-party ink cartridge chipset that may be reset, which is a positive feature.
Page yields are acceptable for the combined cartridges, but the performance of the black cartridges is poor. It is fortunate that high-capacity and extra-high-capacity versions of its black cartridge are available, which last longer than its original ink. Aside from the expensive inks, this printer offers excellent value for the money.
Scanning features are excellent with both flatbed and sheetfed scanners. As well as an automatic document feeder (35 sheets), the printer has a duplex scanning capability. It prints black-and-white documents at 18 pages per minute and color documents at 10 pages per minute. There are two paper trays that can accommodate 500 sheets of paper, which is another feature that I appreciated.
Although the color accuracy of the WF-7720 is disappointing, the quality of photo printing is good, with vibrant colors. As far as connectivity is concerned, Epson printers never disappoint. It is equipped with Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and a USB port.
It is possible to scan, print, perform maintenance tasks, and order new ink via the Epson iPrint app from home by using AirPrint (iOS) and Mopria (Android).
8. Epson EcoTank ET-4700
ET-4700 is ideal for new businesses and small offices due to its ultra-compact design and EcoTank system. An easy-to-access paper jam and ink tank design makes it easy to operate. In addition, it is possible to extend the scanner lid for larger items, such as magazines and books.
It provides lightweight portability and has a decent display panel (1.44 inches), providing good visibility for both seated and standing users. The screen can be tilted vertically for additional convenience.
As a result of its four large-capacity ink tanks, the Supertank cartridge-free system is excellent for printing both black and color pages in a short period of time. As expected, the cost per print was low. Among the unique benefits of the printer is that it is a cost-effective method of printing photos.
In addition, the flatbed scanner had a 30-page automatic document feeder for quick processing of paper documents.
Unfortunately, duplex scanning is not available, which is one of the major downsides of double-sided scanning. It is disappointing to find that the printing speed is only 10 pages per minute for black and white documents and 8 pages per minute for color documents. In terms of color accuracy and photo printing quality, the results are acceptable. Regarding paper handling, there is a 100-sheet input tray, but the printer does not have a rear tray.
An Ethernet connection and Wi-Fi connection are available for the Epson ET-4700. Those who have an Apple device may use AirPrint for mobile printing, and those who have an Android device may use Mopria Print for mobile printing. Download the Epson iPrint app to your tablet, smartphone, or laptop to print, copy, and scan photos directly from the app. You can easily perform different maintenance tasks with the help of this handy software.
9. Epson Workforce Pro WF-7840
With a large paper handling capacity, auto-duplex capabilities, and great scanning capabilities, Epson’s WF-7840 is an ideal printer for printing sublimation t-shirts. Its excellent build quality, bulkier design, and heavyweight set it apart from other printers in a number of ways. Touch-sensitive buttons and four shortcut buttons are provided on the large 4.3-inch touchscreen.
We were not satisfied with the viewing angles from both sides, despite excellent vertical visibility. As a matter of fact, the cartridge system of this Epson printer is just okay, since it does not print black ink pages and may need to be replaced quite frequently.
In addition, it can produce a larger number of color documents, and you are not required to replace the color cartridges as frequently. In order to make your life easier, you can purchase high-yield cartridges from the market. Unfortunately, those compatible cartridges are not capable of resetting the chip, which is very disappointing. As a result, I recommend getting a CISS ink system with it rather than replacing the cartridges on a regular basis.
If you do not wish to use the CISS system, simply replace the chips from the refillable cartridges with the original chips that arrived with the printer, apply them with strong glue, and you are ready to go. This trick can be applied to all WF printers without compatible refillable cartridge chipsets.
There is no question that the low cost per print is admirable, however, this cost may increase with color printing. The flatbed scanner is equipped with an automatic document feeder that can hold 50 sheets of paper. As I tried lifting the hinges for thicker items, I found them to be very convenient. In addition, the scanner’s lid automatically opens and closes. In addition to scanning, the scanner can also copy and fax.
With Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840, you can print in black and white at 25 pages per minute (ppm) and in color at 12 pages per minute (ppm). Aside from its capacity of 500 sheets (two trays for 250 sheets each), the paper handling system also caught our attention. Additionally, it is capable of printing double-sided documents in order to reduce the amount of manual handling required. Print quality and color accuracy are both acceptable.
Wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity options are available with this all-in-one inkjet printer. You can print, copy, and scan from your smartphone using Epson’s iPrint app.
10. Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830
Last but not least, the WorkForce Pro WF-4830 provides outstanding printing and scanning performance. If you are looking to digitize old family photos or print t-shirts, this best sublimation printer is a good choice.
The build quality is impressive, with convenient access to paper jams and ink cartridge replacement. Aside from the scanner lid staying open on its own, you can also lift the hinges to accommodate thicker items. It has a touchscreen display measuring 4.3 inches with a decent level of visibility. As a result of the viewing angles being unsatisfactory, we tilted the screen vertically for our convenience.
While the color cartridges produce a good number of color pages, the black cartridges have a low yield, which requires frequent replacement. When changing the empty cartridges, you do not need to replace all three color cartridges at once.
Positively, you can easily find cartridges with high capacities that last longer. It is an excellent printer with a low cost per print, but you may encounter an increase in cost if you print color documents frequently. Its outstanding scanning capabilities are one of the most appealing aspects of the printer.
Using the flatbed scanner for digitizing old photographs is a great idea. The 50-sheet automatic document feeder allows for the easy scanning of two-sided documents. The WF-4830 has the ability to copy and fax as well.
For handling large documents, two input trays are available that can hold 500 sheets (250 each). With a print speed of 25 pages per minute for black and 12 pages per minute for color, it is a very fast printer.
With vibrant colors and excellent color accuracy, Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4830 offers decent print quality. There are wireless connections as well as USB ports for external storage that can be used for printing. It is not possible to connect a Bluetooth device or insert an SD card.
Epson iPrint can be downloaded to your smartphone for quick and easy printing, copying, and scanning. Furthermore, the app allows users to clean printheads, align printheads, check ink levels, and purchase ink directly from the app.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sublimation Printer
There are several differences between sublimation printing and other forms of printing, and therefore it is important to have a thorough understanding and research before selecting a sublimation printer. Below are some of the most critical aspects of sublimation printers that can assist in making an informed decision.
1. Speed of Printing
It is possible for sublimation printers to print at a slower rate if you choose a large print size for t-shirts. Although some of the sublimation printers listed above can provide you with a decent speed in order to save time. A good printing speed is between 8 and 15 PPM, depending on what you need.
2. Quality of Print
To get vibrant personalized images sublimated on the t-shirts, print quality is key. The DPI should be set according to the size of the paper. Ensure that you fill the ink tanks or cartridges after some time to prevent them from running out of ink. You should also configure the media settings in accordance with the type of paper.
3. The Handling of Paper
Do you intend to refill the printer’s paper tray on a regular basis? As a matter of fact, you do not want to repeat the procedure after a few hours. In this regard, the capacity of the paper tray is important. Today, the best printer brands offer large paper trays that are capable of accommodating up to 500-700 sheets of paper.
The paper tray should be able to hold up to 200 sheets for frequent refilling, even if the printer is not being used for commercial purposes.
4. Connectivity
Are you more comfortable printing wirelessly, via mobile devices, or via a wired connection? There is no better sublimation printer for multipurpose use than one with versatile connectivity options. Modern printers are equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, and SD card slots for easy and convenient printing. In some printers, connectivity options are not available, but make sure it offers wireless connectivity for hassle-free printing.
5. Budget
Your budget determines which printer is the best printer for you, even if you have considered all of the essential features. There are several factors that determine the price of a printer. Purchasing a printer with smart features for commercial use, for instance, may cost you $3000. In contrast, home sublimation printers can be purchased for a reasonable and affordable price though, such as $300.
Technology is another major factor that contributes to the cost of a printer. High-end printers with advanced features, such as Alexa, large touchscreens, and automatic document feeders, are available at a high price. Alternatively, sublimation printers with basic features are available at a reasonable price.
Therefore, which printer is most suitable for you, a basic or an advanced model? Your requirements will determine what you should do. You should, however, take some time to find a printer that has decent features, does not require a high price tag, and can fulfill your printing requirements.
6. Maintenance
When it comes to purchasing a printer, most people overlook its importance. For smooth operation, maintenance is essential regardless of whether you use the printer regularly or have not touched it for some time.
Your printer may encounter problems related to connectivity, cartridges, and other issues. Additionally, paper and ink costs are additional accessories that are unaddressed.
The perfect printer should be built with durable construction to ensure that it requires little maintenance. It is important to consider smooth printing capabilities, efficient ink usage, and connectivity in order to prevent frequent maintenance. You can also perform simple maintenance tasks such as printhead cleaning directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer using official apps such as Epson iPrint.
Tips For Best Use of A Sublimation Printer On Shirts
Here are a few tips that will help you get started with sublimation printing if you are new to it:
Choosing the Right Printer
Make sure your printer meets your needs, taking into account factors such as printing capability, cost, and ease of use.
Ink And Paper Of High Quality Should Be Used
It is recommended that you use high-quality transfer paper and ink to ensure that your prints are vibrant and professional-looking.
Choosing The Right Material
For best results, sublimation printing should be applied to polyester and polymer-coated fabrics, so make sure you use these materials for your shirts.
Use Proper Printing Techniques
In order to ensure that your prints come out looking great, you should follow proper printing techniques, including adjusting the settings on your heat press for the pressure and temperature.
How Does The Sublimation Printing Process Work On T-Shirts?
Adding a sublimation print to a shirt or t-shirt is not as difficult as it may seem. For successful printing, all you need to do is follow the correct instructions. For sublimation printing, you will need the following equipment.
- Sublimation printer
- Design software
- Sublimation paper
- Sublimation ink/dye
- T-shirts/fabrics (Polyester)
- Heat press
Here Is A Simple Procedure For Sublimation Printing
1. Prepare the Drawing
First, you must create a design for the t-shirt. In the market, there is a large number of software applications for designing t-shirts. Choose the appropriate one for your needs and create the t-shirt design you wish to print.
2. Print It Off
Prepare the right sublimation printer and heat transfer paper by printing the design. To achieve the best results, the best sublimation printer, the best sublimation paper, and the best ink are essential. It is also recommended that you use ICC profiles that are compatible with the materials.
3. Heat Press
A sublimation paper is exposed to high temperatures in order to transfer the printed design to the t-shirt and to the sublimation paper. When the sublimation process of printed design is conducted, the heat press is used to ensure that the printer ink sinks properly into the fabric.
4. You Can Check It Out Here
Once the heat press has been released, remove the paper from the t-shirt material. You should ensure that the paper is properly positioned on your t-shirt in order to avoid any inconvenience.
The Benefits of Sublimation Printing on Shirts
There are several benefits to printing shirts with a sublimation printer, including:
Producing High-Quality Prints
Prints produced by sublimation printing are high-quality, vibrant, and more durable than those produced by screen printing.
Versatility
The benefits of sublimation printing include the ability to print on a variety of materials, including polyester fabrics and polymer-coated materials, which makes it a versatile printing option for t-shirts.
Customizability
You can create fully customizable designs for your shirts using sublimation printing, including photo-realistic patterns and designs.
Durability
In terms of durability, sublimation prints are able to withstand repeated washings without fading or cracking, making them a popular choice for T-shirt printing.
Final Thoughts
For printing custom designs onto cotton shirts, sublimation printing is an excellent option. The benefits of sublimation printing include high-quality prints, versatility, customizability, and durability. Sublimation printers should be selected on the basis of factors such as printing capabilities, cost, ease of use, and maintenance requirements. In order to create vibrant and professional-looking sublimation prints on your shirts, you should follow proper printing techniques and use high-quality transfer paper and ink.
