Are you looking to make your own custom t-shirts? Sublimation printing might be just what you need. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the best sublimation printer for t-shirts, from understanding the basics to picking the right printer for your needs.
What is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing is a way to transfer designs onto t-shirts using heat.
Here’s how it works:
The result?
Vibrant, long-lasting designs that won’t crack or peel.
Why Choose Sublimation for T-Shirts?
Sublimation has some big advantages:
What to Look for in a Sublimation Printer
When shopping for a sublimation printer for t-shirts, keep these factors in mind:
- Print Quality: Look for printers with high resolution for sharp, clear designs.
- Print Size: Make sure the printer can handle the size of designs you want to make.
- Speed: Faster printing means you can make more shirts in less time.
- Ink Costs: Some printers use ink more efficiently than others.
- Ease of Use: Consider how easy the printer is to set up and operate.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi connectivity can be handy for printing from different devices.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with reputable brands for better support and reliability.
- Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your printer.
Top Sublimation Printers for T-Shirts
Let’s take a detailed look at some of the best options on the market:
1. Epson SureColor F170: Best Beginner-Friendly Printer
The Epson SureColor F170 is a dedicated sublimation printer that’s making waves in the t-shirt printing community. This compact powerhouse is designed specifically for sublimation, eliminating the need for any complicated conversions or modifications. It’s a true plug-and-play solution for those looking to dive into the world of custom t-shirt printing.
One of the standout features of the F170 is its use of Epson’s PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead technology. This advanced printhead delivers precise droplet formation and placement, resulting in sharp, clear images and text on your t-shirts. The printer uses a four-color ink system (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) that produces a wide color gamut, allowing for vibrant and eye-catching designs.
The F170 is also notable for its cost-effective ink system. Instead of using cartridges, it employs high-capacity ink bottles. This not only reduces the cost per print but also means less frequent refills, which is a big plus for busy t-shirt printers. The printer comes with a full set of inks, enough to produce hundreds of shirts before needing a refill.
In terms of connectivity, the F170 offers versatile options. It has USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to place it wherever is most convenient in your workspace. This flexibility is particularly useful in small business environments where space might be at a premium.
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The F170 is an ideal choice if you’re just starting out or run a small t-shirt business. Its ease of use and dedicated sublimation design make it a reliable option for consistent, high-quality prints on t-shirts and other small items.
2. Sawgrass SG500: Best High-Resolution Printer
The Sawgrass SG500 is a printer that has earned a reputation as the go-to choice for many professional sublimation printers, especially those focusing on t-shirts and other textiles. It’s a printer that exemplifies the “it just works” philosophy, combining high-quality output with user-friendly operation.
What sets the SG500 apart is its specially formulated SubliJet UHD inks. These inks are designed to produce an exceptionally wide color gamut, resulting in prints that are noticeably more vibrant and true-to-life than many competitors. This is particularly important in t-shirt printing, where bold, eye-catching designs are often the goal.
The SG500 also comes bundled with Sawgrass’ proprietary Creative Studio Online Designer software. This powerful tool is a game-changer for many users, offering a vast library of customizable designs and an intuitive interface for creating your own. It takes much of the guesswork out of color management, ensuring that what you see on your screen closely matches what will appear on your t-shirts.
Another standout feature of the SG500 is its robust build quality. This printer is designed to handle the demands of regular, high-volume printing, making it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized t-shirt businesses. It’s not uncommon to hear of SG500 printers still going strong after years of heavy use.
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The SG500 is a fantastic option if you prioritize ease of use and print quality, and don’t mind paying a bit more for a comprehensive sublimation solution. It’s particularly good for those who want a hassle-free setup process and ongoing support.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-15000: Best DIY Option
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 presents an intriguing option for those willing to take a DIY approach to sublimation printing. While not originally designed for sublimation, this printer has become a popular choice in the t-shirt printing community due to its convertibility and cost-effectiveness.
At its core, the ET-15000 is a high-capacity, low-cost-per-print inkjet printer. Its defining feature is the EcoTank system – instead of traditional cartridges, it uses large, refillable ink tanks. When converted for sublimation use, this system allows for a much lower cost per print compared to cartridge-based sublimation printers.
The conversion process, while not overly complex, does require some technical know-how. It involves thoroughly cleaning the printer’s systems and replacing the standard inks with sublimation inks. Many in the t-shirt printing community see this as a rite of passage, and there are numerous online resources available to guide you through the process.
One of the ET-15000’s major advantages is its versatility. With a maximum print size of 13″ x 19″, it can handle larger t-shirt designs that some dedicated sublimation printers can’t. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to offer a wide range of t-shirt sizes and designs.
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The ET-15000 is an excellent choice for those who want a more budget-friendly option and don’t mind doing a bit of DIY to set up for sublimation. It’s also great if you need a printer for other purposes besides t-shirt printing.
4. Epson SureColor F570 Pro: Best for Growing Businesses
The Epson SureColor F570 represents a significant step up in the world of sublimation printing. This printer is designed for those who are serious about their t-shirt business and need a solution that can handle high volumes and larger designs with ease.
One of the F570’s most impressive features is its ability to print on media up to 24 inches wide. This opens up a world of possibilities beyond just t-shirts – think all-over prints, large format designs, and even things like flags or banners. For t-shirt printers, this means you can print multiple designs on a single sheet, greatly increasing your efficiency.
The F570 uses Epson’s UltraChrome DS ink, which is specifically formulated for sublimation. This ink produces extremely vivid colors and deep blacks, resulting in eye-catching t-shirt designs that really pop. The ink comes in large 140ml bottles, which helps keep running costs down and minimizes the frequency of ink changes.
Another standout feature of the F570 is its inclusion of Epson’s Edge Print Software. This professional-grade software provides advanced layout and print management tools, color control, and even cost calculation features. For a growing t-shirt business, these tools can be invaluable in streamlining your workflow and maximizing profitability.
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The F570 is an excellent choice for established t-shirt businesses looking to expand their capabilities or those who frequently need to produce large designs. Its roll feed feature allows for continuous printing, which can significantly boost productivity.
5. Sawgrass SG1000 Sublimation Printer
The Sawgrass SG1000 sits at the top of the heap when it comes to desktop sublimation printers suitable for t-shirt printing. It’s the bigger, more capable sibling of the SG500, designed for those who need to produce a high volume of t-shirts or who frequently work with larger designs.
What truly sets the SG1000 apart is its combination of print quality and speed. It uses the same high-quality SubliJet UHD inks as the SG500, but pairs them with more advanced print head technology. The result is stunningly vibrant t-shirt prints produced at speeds that can keep up with demanding production schedules.
The SG1000 can handle media up to 11″ x 17″, which is a sweet spot for many t-shirt designs. This size allows for oversized prints on standard t-shirts, or even all-over prints on smaller items. For t-shirt printers, this flexibility can be a major asset, allowing you to offer a wider range of products to your customers.
Like its smaller sibling, the SG1000 comes with Sawgrass’ Creative Studio Online Designer software. However, it also includes a more advanced color management solution called CreativeStudio. This software allows for precise color matching, which can be crucial when working with brand colors or trying to achieve specific effects on your t-shirts.
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The SG1000 is ideal for established businesses that require top-notch print quality and can justify the higher cost. It’s particularly well-suited for those who produce a high volume of t-shirts or a variety of sublimation products beyond just t-shirts.
Setting Up Your Sublimation Printer
Once you’ve chosen your printer, here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Follow these steps:
Tips for Great T-Shirt Sublimation
Taking Care of Your Sublimation Printer
To keep your printer in top shape:
Growing Your T-Shirt Business
Once you’ve mastered t-shirts, you might want to expand.
Sublimation also works great for:
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right sublimation printer for t-shirts depends on your specific needs and budget.
For beginners or small businesses, the Epson SureColor F170 or Sawgrass SG500 are great choices. If you need larger prints or higher volume, consider the Epson SureColor F570 or Sawgrass SG1000.
Remember, the key to great sublimation prints is not just the printer, but also using quality materials and mastering the technique.
With practice, you’ll be creating amazing custom t-shirts in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any inkjet printer for sublimation on t-shirts?
No, you need a printer that uses (or can be converted to use) sublimation ink.
What type of t-shirts work best for sublimation printing?
T-shirts with at least 65% polyester content work best. 100% polyester is ideal.
How long do sublimation prints last on t-shirts?
When done correctly, sublimation prints can last as long as the shirt itself.
Can I sublimate on dark-colored t-shirts?
Sublimation works best on white or light-colored shirts. For dark shirts, you might want to look into other methods like heat transfer vinyl.
What’s the difference between dye-sublimation and pigment inks for t-shirts?
Dye-sublimation ink turns into a gas when heated and bonds with polyester fabric. Pigment inks sit on top of the fabric and work better for cotton shirts.
How much does it cost to get started with sublimation printing for t-shirts?
The initial investment can range from about $500 to $2000 or more, depending on the printer you choose and whether you need to buy a heat press. Ongoing costs include ink, paper, and blank t-shirts.
Can I use sublimation printing for other items besides t-shirts?
Yes! Sublimation works great on many polyester-based items like mugs, phone cases, mousepads, and more. It’s a versatile printing method that can help you expand your product line.
How long does it take to print and press a sublimation t-shirt?
The process typically takes about 10-15 minutes per shirt, including printing time and heat pressing. However, this can vary based on your printer speed and the complexity of your design.
Is sublimation printing environmentally friendly?
Sublimation is generally considered more eco-friendly than some other printing methods because it doesn’t use water in the transfer process and the inks are typically non-toxic. However, it does require synthetic (polyester) fabrics, which aren’t as eco-friendly as natural fibers.
Conclusion
Sublimation printing offers a fantastic way to create vibrant, long-lasting designs on t-shirts.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your existing setup, there’s a sublimation printer out there that’s perfect for your needs.
Remember, the best printer for you depends on your specific requirements, budget, and business goals.
Consider factors like print quality, size capabilities, ease of use, and long-term costs when making your decision.
No matter which printer you choose, the key to success in sublimation printing is practice and patience.
Each printer has its quirks, and it may take some time to dial in your process perfectly.
But once you do, you’ll be creating stunning custom t-shirts that your customers will love.
Happy printing!
