14 ways to use them for beginners
Epson printers are quickly becoming the best printers for sublimation printing.
They have many features that make them ideal for this type of printing, including high-quality prints with vibrant colors and crisp details.
Lots of crafters use sublimation printers to make t-shirts, baseball caps, coffee mugs and baby blankets for their small businesses.
They are easy enough to use, even for beginners.
This post will cover what you need to know before buying an Epson printer for sublimation, what Epson printer can be used for sublimation, and whether or not you can convert any Epson printer to sublimation.
3 Tips to Know Before Buying a Sublimation Printer
If you want to get into sublimation printing you’ll need to look for the following things:
1. A printer that offers great quality prints with vivid colors and crisp details.
2. Works from anywhere. You’ll love the convenience of having an affordable printer that lets you print wherever you are.
3. Type of ink cartridges. Can you refill the ink bottles on the printer? Also, make sure color printing is an option. That seems obvious but, you never know.
7 Best Epson Printers for Sublimation
- Epson SureColor F170
- Epson Sure Color F570
- Epson WorkForce WF-7620
- Epson EcoTank ET-4760
- Epson ecotank ET-2720
- Epson Artisan 1430
- Epson Stylus C88 + Inkjet Printer
What is Sublimation Printing
Sublimation printing is a process used to transfer dye molecules directly onto fabrics without the need for heat.
This method produces vibrant colors and crisp details and allows you to print on any kind of fabric, even those made of synthetic fibers.
What can you make with it?
- personalized t-shirts
- mugs
- pillowcases
- shoes
- hats and caps
- ceramics
- birthday banners
- flip flops
- phone cases
- socks
- canvas
- puzzles
- hoodies
- water bottles and more
Best Epson Sublimation Printer for Home Office and Craft Rooms
Epson SureColor F170
The Epson SureColor F170 is designed specifically for sublimation printing, and it comes with a variety of convenient features that will help you save money while getting the job done quickly and easily.
It has high-capacity 140 mL ink bottles which means that you won’t have to replace the ink as often. It’s a good choice if you’re just getting started.
It also offers fast speeds and supports both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Here are some other features of this printer:
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray
- Built-in Ethernet, USB and Wi-Fi
- 8.5-inch desktop dye-sub printer
If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile, and affordable printer for sublimation, then the Epson SureColor F170 is the right choice for you.
Epson SureColorF570
The Epson SureColor F750 is a high-quality sublimation printer that will fit on your desktop. It offers fast printing speed and excellent print quality, making it ideal for creating vibrant images on fabric, coffee mugs, phone cases and so much more.
Here are some of the features that you’ll love about this one.
- Printer drivers for both Windows® and Mac®
- Epson Edge Print Pro RIP Software
- Built-in Ethernet, USB and Wi-Fi
- Specialized transfer paper for both rigid and soft media
- Included software for cost / profit calculations and job information
- High-capacity 140 mL ink bottles so you can replace ink less often
- 24-inch desktop dye-sub printer
The cost calculation feature is rare and will save you time if you need the printer for business use. It’s a no-brainer choice if you want to make and sell sublimation products.
Epson Ecotank Printers
Ecotank printers are a great option because they can save money over time. Now you’re thinking, wait, what? How can ecotank models save me money? Well, the best features of them are their supersized ink tanks that are refillable.
This reason alone makes them my top pick for dye-sublimation printers.
Is sublimation ink different than regular ink?
Absolutely! Sublimation ink is water resistant and won’t smear, unlike regular ink. It’s also water-based (which sounds weird since they are waterproof). It’s a special ink that will give you a high resolution quality when used with a good sublimation printer.
How to Convert an Epson Printer to Sublimation Printer
It’s possible to convert an Epson printer for your sublimation printing needs. There are plenty of youtube videos that show you how to transform your regular inkjet printer to use for heat transfers. It doesn’t take a long time. If this is your first time, you’ll need the following supplies to get it done.
- Epson printer
- refillable ink bottles
- easy press or iron
- sublimation paper
- blank shirt
- heat pad
- cardstock
- heat press
- lint roller
- heat resistant tape
Watch the video below to see how to do it.
3 reasons why you should choose an Epson printer over other brands
The best sublimation printer on the market today is made by Epson. This company is well known in the industry. They also offer a wide range of products that include inkjet printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, and other equipment for office use equipment.
It’s Affordable
If you’re looking for a sublimation printer that will work great and won’t break the bank, then you need to consider buying one of the WorkForce models.
The WorkForce series are all-in-one printers. They give you the best performance because they are wireless and some are even compatible with Alexa. How’s that for convenience!
You’ll find that the Epson WorkForce 7620 offers affordable pricing. This means that you won’t have to spend a fortune to buy one. In fact, you can expect to pay less than $1000 for this model.
High quality prints
Sublimation printing is a process where ink is transferred directly onto fabric without using any paper at all. This means that you’ll never run out of ink when you use a true sublimation printer. You also won’t have to worry about paper sizes, smudging or tearing your printouts because there’s no paper involved.
If you’re looking for a high-quality print job, then you need to go with a sublimation printer.
If you’re more interested in affordability, laser printers will let you do iron-on crafts, However, sublimation printers offer better printing results in the long run.
Easy setup and use
If you’re looking for a sublimation printer that will make your life easier, then you need to consider the Epson WorkForce WF-2520DW. It has a simple setup procedure and comes with everything you need to start printing right away. Plus, its intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate through the menus and settings.
Not ready? Save this for later!
Don’t have time to check out all the printers now? Save this post to your sublimation board on Pinterest so that you can read it later.
More easy craft ideas
Now that you know which Epson printer to get, check out my list of easy sublimation projects for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is sublimation printing?
Sublimation printing is a process that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials like fabric, plastic, or paper. It’s commonly used for creating custom designs on textiles and other substrates.
2. What are the key features to look for in a sublimation printer?
Look for a printer that supports sublimation inks, has a high resolution for vibrant prints, and offers wireless connectivity for easy printing. A larger ink cartridge capacity is also beneficial for larger printing projects.
3. Are these Epson printers user-friendly?
Yes, the Epson printers mentioned in the blog post are known for their user-friendly interfaces. They come with easy-to-use software and clear instructions, making them suitable for beginners.
4. Can I use third-party sublimation inks with these printers?
While some printers allow the use of third-party inks, it’s recommended to use genuine sublimation inks from reputable brands. Third-party inks might affect print quality and the longevity of the printer.
5. Do I need special sublimation paper for printing?
Yes, sublimation printing requires special sublimation transfer paper. This paper is designed to hold the sublimation ink and release it onto the substrate during the heat transfer process.
6. Can I print on cotton fabric using these printers?
No, sublimation printing works best on polyester or polymer-coated substrates. It won’t work on natural fibers like cotton since sublimation ink needs a polyester base to bond with.
