So you are asking “what is the best sublimation ink for exceptional quality”? The choice of ink will directly impact the vibrancy and durability of your prints. Choosing the wrong ink is a step towards disaster. Similarly, purchasing from the right supplier is crucial. And that is where I step in. So what is the best sublimation ink for personal crafts or a business venture? What is recommended sublimation ink for Epson printers? Read on to find the answers!
Before we get started with the reviews, let me begin my answering a crucial question? You may be wondering why you should trust my reviews on sublimation ink? Well, my review outlines products that are well researched and I discuss tests that have been performed on these products that I have looked at, to bring you high-quality sublimation products.
Snapshot of Superior Sublimation Inks
The world of sublimation inks is diverse and constantly evolving. However, some inks have stood out in 2024 for their unique features. In my opinion, the best sublimation ink for converted Epson printers is Hipoo Sublimation Ink. You can view the item here. Continue reading to learn more.
I began by providing a summary of my top picks above for 2024. Now its time for details!
Hiipoo Sublimation Ink: Best Overall Performance
The first among my top picks for sublimation ink is Hiipoo Sublimation Ink. You can view the item here.
Let us now take a look at some features of this ink. The volume is 100ml per bottle (four bottles), colors provided are black, cyan, magenta and yellow, and the items included are syringes, needles, gloves and tape.
I will now highlight a test that was conducted using Hiipoo sublimation ink. The test involved an Epson EcoTank ET0-2760 converted printer, and Hiipoo sublimation paper. After completing set up and aligning the printer, the design was pressed on to an infusible ink shirt by Cricut that is good for sublimation. It was pressed at 345 degrees for 170 seconds, and the results were definitely beautiful. The second test using Hiipoo sublimation ink on a pillowcase (pressed for 170 seconds at 350 degrees), and the results were bright and vibrant.
Let’s now go over the pros of the product:
- Prints are both vibrant and durable
- The product offers a really good value for money – high quality when assessed against price
- Produces great results on a variety of different items
- Compatible with a wide range of printers including Epson EcoTank printer
Cons:
- Installing the ink can be a time consuming process
- If syringes are used to fill tanks, this can take up a bit of your time
The Hiipoo Sublimation Ink for diverse projects. Let’s take a look at some of its impressive features:
- Excellent choice for DIY projects as it can be used on a vast number of items, including but not limited to boxes, bags, ceramics, shoes, mugs and t-shirts
- The ink is ISO-90001 certified – this is a standard for quality management recognized globally
- Quick drying time and non-smudging properties, preventing ink ghosting or bleeding
How does Hiipoo ink compare to its competitors? Hiipoo ink can be used for converted Epson EcoTank printers – if you have a Sawgrass or Brother dedicated sublimation printer, I recommend using the sublimation inks dedicated for these printer models. When compared to other sublimation ink brands for Epson printers, I do not think there are any major differences to be highlighted.
Overall, The Hiipoo Sublimation Ink is an excellent choice for your sublimation projects for those using converted Epson EcoTank printers.. While the installation and filling of tanks might be a time consuming process, its other features more that make up for this. You get a really good value for your money, long-lasting prints and ability to sublimate on a wide range of items. Given its features, Hiipoo Sublimation Ink takes the crown for the best overall performance.
My quantitative ratings based on important decision making factors:
- Vibrant colors and durability of prints: 4.8/5
- Value for money: 4.6/5
- Compatibility with printers: 4.6/5
Printers Jack Sublimation Ink: High Performing Sublimation Ink
The next product on my list here is the Printers Jack Sublimation Ink. You can view the item here.
The volume of the product is 100ml per bottle, colors included are black, cyan, magenta and yellow and the ink can be applied to light and dark colored fabrics and other items with coating.
I will now describe a test performed comparing Hiipoo sublimation ink and Printers Jack sublimation ink. The Printers Jack test was conducted using a converted EcoTank ET-15000, and the Hiipoo ink using a converted EcoTank ET-4760 model. A-Sub sublimation paper was used, and the designs were pressed on to tumblers. In both cases, results were similar and very vibrant, and not much difference between the two.
Let us now discuss some of the pros of this ink brand:
- In my opinion, this is a great option for someone on a budget
- Resulting bright and vibrant colors (high quality)
- The ink does not clog your printer heads
Cons:
- You might need to use a syringe to fill the tanks, which can be cumbersome
How does Printers Jack stack up against its competitors? This brand is to be used with converted Epson EcoTank models – for Sawgrass models and Brother SP-1, you should use inks manufactured specifically for those printers. As highlighted in the test above, the results do not differ much from Hippoo ink, and there do not appear to be any major differences compared to other brands good for Epson printers.
The Printers Jack Sublimation Ink is no doubt a great option. Despite its affordable price, the ink delivers high quality performance with vibrant colors. It is compatible with and a good option for your Epson EcoTank printers. The main drawback I find with this product is that the process of filling the tanks with syringes can be frustrating.
Of course, it may not compete with high-end brands on all fronts, but for its price, the quality is more than satisfactory. In my opinion this is the best choice for crafters on a budget seeking good quality prints.
Quantitative assessment against crucial factors:
- Quality: 4.5/5
- Value for money: 5/5
- Ease of filling ink: 3.5/5
Cosmos Ink: An Eco-Friendly Ink
So let’s now move on the my next pick: Cosmos Ink. You can view the item here.
In terms of features, the volume is 100ml per bottle and the colors included are black, cyan, magenta and yellow.
Let us now consider a sublimation test that was conducted using Cosmos Ink. The printer model used was a converted EcoTank ET-15000 model, and A-Sub sublimation paper was used in the process. The print results came out nicely on paper though a bit dull (not to worry as colors are more vibrant when pressed on to blanks). The design was pressed on to the fabric for 45 seconds at 400 degrees (make sure you check the recommended instructions), and very vibrant colors resulted.
Pros:
- True-to-life colors
- One of the top pros for those who are environmentally conscious: this ink is eco-friendly
- Versatile usage across different substrates
Cons:
- Accurate colors may require use of an ICC profile
- A high level of maintenance might be required
- Higher costs than some of its other competitors – might not be best for those on a budget
In my pursuit of bright and vivid prints, Cosmos Ink emerges as a good choice. The ink is compatible with Epson EcoTank printer and Workforce printers. Read more about whether a Workforce printer can be used for sublimation.
Let us now compare Cosmos sublimation ink to its competitors. Once again, similar to other brands used for converted Epson models, the ink does a great job. However, do keep in mind that this ink, unlike Sawgrass or Brother sublimation ink, should not be used for the genuine Sawgrass or Brother sublimation printers.
While achieving accurate colors may require the use of an ICC profile, the results you get could well be worth the effort. Moreover, as someone who values eco-friendliness, I appreciate the focus on the environmental impact of the ink. If your priorities are color accuracy and the environment, this ink is the way to go.
My analysis laid out in quantitative format:
- Color accuracy: 4.9/5
- Cost effective: 4/5
- Eco-friendliness: 5/5
A-Sub Sublimation Ink: A Renowned Brand
Let’s now talk about the next pick on the list – A-Sublimation Ink. You can view the item here.
Let us begin with some of the main features. The volume is 120ml per bottle, colors included are black, cyan, magenta and yellow, and it works with ASUB Sublimation paper.
The sublimation test performed using A-Sub sublimation ink involved a mousepad – the colors on paper were really great, and after pressing on to the mousepad at 400 degrees, the results turned out really pretty and vibrant.
How does the A-Sub sublimation ink compare to competitors? Overall, in all the tests I highlighted involving brands for converted Epson printers, I liked the results. I would put Hiipoo at the top of my list, but you are likely to get decent results with all brands. Do keep in mind that this ink should not be used with dedicated sublimation printers such as the SG500 and Brother SP-1.
Pros:
- This brand gives you good value for your money
- Colors are crisp and bright and results are of high quality
- Comes with its own ICC color profile
Cons:
- If you decide to procure the replaceable cartridge, you will be required to buy more chips for your printer
This brand of ink is compatible with Epson inkjet printers, which is an important consideration for many users. Other than the the hiccup I identified above, I think this is overall a good choice, with a combination of cost-effectiveness and quality. Therefore, I have included this brand in my top picks for 2024.
My numerical ratings and observations:
- Quality: 4.5/5
- Value for money: 4.5/5
- Ease of installation: 4.5/5
Sawgrass Sublimation Ink: Best for Sawgrass Printers
Now lets move on to the final item on my list – Sawgrass Sublimation Ink. You can view the item here.
The Sawgrass sublimation ink is to be used with Sawgrass sublimation printers. It is more expensive than sublimation ink for Epson and Brother printers, and results in high running costs for Sawgrass printers. There are three types of Sawgrass sublimation ink, and I recommend not changing between inks in your Sawgrass printer – use the one that you started with.
The SubliJet UHD is used for sublimation, and is designed to work on blanks with polymer coatings and soft substrates (such as fabrics with high polyester content). It is the original ink, works on all blanks for sublimation and does work with the Siser EasySubli product. Complete package can be found here.
The EasySubli Ink is for use on Siser EasySubli product and works better on Siser EasySubli that SubliJet. The Siser product allows for crafts involving sublimation on cotton shirts for example. If used along with EasySubli Vinyl, you can achieve results on cotton. It also works with sublimation blanks and is good for sublimation. You can view the ink here.
Chromablast is an ink and paper system, similar to heat transfer product. It is only good for light colors, 100% cotton and not appropriate for other sublimation blanks.
Rating:
- Quality: 4.7/5
- Pigmentation: 5/5
Deciphering the Details: What Makes a Sublimation Ink Stand Out
Although all sublimation inks meet the same basic needs, the nuances are what separate the exceptional from the merely adequate. Let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of what makes a sublimation ink stand out, focusing on crucial factors like:
- Printer compatibility
- Color vibrancy
- Ink formulation
- Substrate suitability
Matching Ink to Printer: Ensuring Seamless Compatibility
Compatibility between the printer and the sublimation ink is crucial for optimal print performance. For instance, Sawgrass Sublijet UHD Ink is formulated specifically for Sawgrass printers, offering superior print quality but at a higher cost. On the other hand, Epson EcoTank printers can be successfully converted to use sublimation inks from brands like Hiipoo, Printers Jack, and Cosmos.
It’s important to note that using sublimation ink in printers not designed for it can lead to challenges that might compromise the printer’s functions or even void the printer’s warranty. Therefore, it’s advisable to flush the printer thoroughly before changing to a different brand of sublimation ink to maintain printer performance.
Whether you are using an Epson EcoTank printer, one of the cartridge-based Epson printers, or a converted Epson printer, understanding the compatibility of your printer with the sublimation ink and heat transfer printer ink is key to achieving exceptional results.
My Overall Conclusion: The Ultimate Ink for Sublimation
So now we have gone through my list of best picks, you might ask: What is the BEST Ink for my sublimation projects. So here is our recommendation for buying sublimation ink. The answer is: it depends, and you need to consider your needs and preferences. Make sure the ink you are purchasing is compatible with your sublimation printer.
If you have a Sawgrass printer, and are looking for a high-end, premium quality ink, then no doubt the Sawgrass Sublimation Ink is your go to option. If you are looking for best color accuracy and have a higher budget, Cosmos Ink is a great choice. My overall best pick is the Hiipoo Sublimation Ink, given the fact that it is both affordable and provides great quality of results across a variety of items.
Ink Attributes: Understanding Formulations and Substrate Interactions
Finally, knowledge of the formulation of the sublimation ink and its behavior with different substrates is key to obtaining superior quality prints. Some key points to note about sublimation ink are:
- Aqueous sublimation ink dyes are water-based and known for their vibrant and durable colors
- Solvent sublimation ink dyes offer faster drying times and are better suited for non-porous substrates like metal and plastic
- Sublimation inks are UV resistant, which aids in maintaining print quality and resisting environmental factors like fading, scratching, or abrasion.
Summary
Navigating the world of sublimation inks can be a complex task. But with the right knowledge and understanding of your needs, you can find the perfect ink for your projects. Whether you prioritize overall performance, budget, color accuracy, high volume printing, or dark and pigmented blacks, there’s a sublimation ink out there just for you. So, explore, experiment, and let your creative journey begin!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ink to use for sublimation printing?
The best ink to use for sublimation printing is Sawgrass SubliJet-R Sublimation Ink, as it is specifically formulated for producing high-quality, vibrant designs with a wide color gamut.
Is all sublimation ink the same?
No, not all sublimation inks are the same. It’s important to research the printer and sublimation ink you plan to use to ensure quality. For example, Brother sublimation printers are used with Brother Genuine Sublimation Ink.
How do I choose sublimation ink?
When choosing sublimation ink, consider the color fastness, as it indicates the ink’s ability to resist fading and ensures durability. Check the ink’s color reproduction, smooth printing, anti-sedimentation, and compatibility with your printer’s printhead model.
What is best for sublimation?
The best fabrics for sublimation are synthetic ones like polyester, nylon, and spandex, as they are most compatible and yield the best results. Choose these fabrics for your sublimation projects. We have a related article on the optimal percentage of polyester appropriate for sublimation.
Which is the best sublimation ink for overall performance?
Hiipoo Sublimation Ink is the best choice for overall performance due to its high color saturation, waterproof prints, and compatibility with various Epson EcoTank printer. Try it out for reliable results.
