So you are looking for the best sublimation printer for shirts that doesn’t compromise on quality or break the bank? Our concise reviews dive into top performers in the field, guiding you to a smart choice whether you print in a closet-sized studio or a bustling shop. Discover the printers that excel in ease, efficiency, and consistency in delivering vibrant shirt designs, all while keeping an eye on your bottom line.
Quick Overview of the Best Sublimation Printers for Shirts
In a world full of sublimation printers, let’s take a quick glance at the crème de la crème. I began by providing a summary of my best picks in the table above. In my opinion, the best sublimation printer for shirts is the Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer, which can be found here. Read on for more details! Its now time to take a deep dive into each of the top picks!
But first things first. You might wonder – why should you trust my review? Well, I run a website with over 150 blog posts all about sublimation printing. I only recommend products that have been thoroughly researched, and I share detailed reviews based on testing performed to guarantee top-notch quality and satisfaction.
In-depth Review: Sawgrass SG500 – Best for Premium Quality
No discussion on best sublimation printers for shirts can be complete without the Sawgrass SG500. You can view the item here.
With the purchase, you get an entire bundle of items, including ink, paper and other relevant supplies.
Let’s start our discussion of the printer by detailing a test that was conducted on a shirt. Upon unboxing the printer, it included a safety manual that I strongly recommend reading. The package also comes with ink—note that not every ink is compatible with the Sawgrass printer, so ensure you have the correct one. Additionally, you’ll find an installation guide, power cord, and USB port in the box. Sawgrass offers installation support, which you can access at sawgrassink.com/install.
Once the printer was set up, with ink installed and paper loaded, the design was printed onto sublimation paper. The colors on the paper were vibrant and impressive, and the printing speed was quite fast.
The next step in the testing involved pressing the design onto a polyester substrate (rag) at 400 degrees for 60 seconds, resulting in excellent quality. The second test was pressing the design onto a polyester shirt (using butcher paper) at 365 degrees for 65 seconds. The results were outstanding, with no bleed-through, and the colors on the shirt were vibrant and stunning.
Sawgrass is a respected name in the sublimation world, and their sawgrass sublimation printers, like the SG500, are a testament to their expertise. Now that I have highlighted two tests performed, I want to outline some of the benefits of the printer. First, the Sawgrass SG500 comes with its own built-in design software (Creative Studio), making it user-friendly right out of the box. Secondly, it produces stunning, near professional-grade results—I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the designs. Additionally, the SG500 is a dedicated sublimation printer, eliminating the need for conversion and avoiding the associated risks and problems. Finally, its impressive speed makes it ideal for high-volume projects, ensuring efficiency and productivity.
However, the SG500 is not without its drawbacks, and for an honest and complete review, it is pertinent to highlight them. Firstly, the price-tag is quite high for those on a budget. To add to this, you might be faced with potentially expensive ink replacements once the ink runs out, which you should keep in mind when accounting for the costs of your project. Nevertheless, for those with the budget, the Sawgrass SG500 is a fantastic sublimation printer for those with a budget.
How does the SG500 stack up against its competitors when considering the best sublimation printer for shirts? In my experience, the SG500 outpaces the Brother SP-1 and Epson EcoTank printers in terms of speed. The print quality is outstanding, often surpassing what you might achieve with a converted Epson printer for sublimation. Additionally, with the SG500 being a dedicated sublimation printer, you can avoid the risks and issues related to ink compatibility and quality that often arise with converted Epson models.
An important note: The Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 both have three different types of inks available. The SubliJet UHD is the most versatile, and is designed to work on blanks with polymer coatings and soft substrates (such as fabrics with high polyester content). You can view the black cartridge here., the Cyan cartridge here, and the yellow cartridge here. Complete package can be found here.
The EasySubli Ink is for use on Siser EasySubli Vinyl, and can also be used on polymer coated blank if used along with sublimation paper. If used along with EasySubli Vinyl, you can achieve excellent results on cotton and dark colors. You can view the ink here.
The ChromaBlast ink on the other hand is formulated to be used with ChromaBlast paper for pressing on cotton fabric (lights, brights and whites).
So, you might wonder – is the SG500 the right choice for sublimation printer for shirts? If you’re just beginning with sublimation printing, don’t have high volume needs, and are on a tight budget, this high-end printer might not be the ideal option. However, if you’re a crafter with the budget, seeking speed and stunning, high-quality results, and wanting to avoid the hassle of conversion, the SG500 is definitely a fantastic choice. It’s one of the best genuine sublimation printers for shirts available.
Now its time for my quantitative analysis based on key factors:
- Affordability: 3.5/5
- Quality stunning prints: 4.8/5:
- Wide format capabilities: 3.5/5
- Speed of Printing: 4.7/5
In-depth Review: Sawgrass SG1000 – Best for Large Format Printing
The next item on my list for the optimal sublimation printer for shirts is the Sawgrass SG1000, which is another of my top picks. You can view the item here.
An entire package comes with the Sawgrass SG1000 printer, including some supplies such as paper, samples and ink. It comes with color management software and a 2-year warranty on the product. I will start by highlighting a sublimation test performed using this model on a shirt.
The test involved a print size of 13 x 19 inches using the optional bypass tray (with the tray the maximum print size is 11 x 17, while with the tray it is 13 x 51). The test was performed on a white polyester shirt, and the print result is great. The shirt was pressed at 400 degrees for 66 seconds, and the results were beautiful and pretty similar to what you would get from an SG500.
I now highlight the benefits of the SG1000. The printer has large format printing capabilities – suitable for those who require a larger printable area, a great number of success stories and produces vibrant, high-quality results. Set up is easy and user-friendly, and the printer prints at a high speed.
Looking at drawbacks, the price point for both printer. Although CreativeStudio software is part of the package, to use all the features you might need to sign up for a subscription with CreativeStudio. One significant downside of the SG1000 is the cost of the ink for the printer, which can add up over time. Therefore, be sure to keep in mind when budgeting for your sublimation printing project.
The SG1000 is an upgraded version of the older SG800 model, offering wireless printing – a feature not offered by the older model.
It is important to consider how the SG1000 stacks up against other competitors. When compared with the SG500, they are pretty similar in terms of print quality and speed technology. The main difference is that the SG1000 offers larger format capabilities for plus sized t-shirts, and therefore has a higher price point. When compared to the ET 15000, another large format printer, the SG1000 stands out as a genuine printer for sublimation, which once again makes it a more expensive printer.
Overall, I recommend purchasing this printer if you are serious about sublimation. It is a great option for those running a sublimation business or have high volume sublimation projects that require a higher speed. If you have a higher budget and have large format needs such as plus-sized t-shirts, be sure to consider this printer!
Let’s now dive into the quantitative ratings:
- Affordability: 3.2/5
- High-quality sublimation print: 4.8/5
- Speed: 4.7/5
In-depth Review: Epson EcoTank Series – Best for Beginners
Now let us talk about the Epson EcoTank Series. You can find the various models of the Series available below:
In terms of whether these models is a good pick for sublimation on t-shirts, let us begin by a test performed on one of this models (the ET 2800). In terms of which model is better from the above – I honestly cannot recommend one over the other, as each converted printer runs the risk of issues related to conversion.
It is advisable to begin your sublimation journey with a brand new printer. Although converting an existing printer is an option, the process of removing and installing new ink can be complex. For this test, Hiipoo sublimation ink was used with sublimation paper on 100% polyester shirts, and the results were impressive.
It is now time to explore the benefits of these models for printing on shirts. An Epson printer is a great option for those who are on a budget. The affordable price makes them a good option for those starting out, and the ink costs for these models is affordable.
When we consider the drawbacks, you will lose the manufacture warranty on conversion, which can complicate maintenance related issues. Results are not as vibrant as those from dedicated sublimation printers such as the SawGrass models.
How does the Epson EcoTank series compare against its competitors for printing on shirts? The primary advantage of the series compared to the Brother SP-1 and SG500 is its lower price point for both the printer and the ink. The EcoTank series, unlike the dedicated sublimation printers, does not have automatic maintenance features.
The Epson EcoTank Series is a recommended option for sublimation printers for shirts for those who are on a budget and willing to go through the conversion process. While you will likely not achieve the same results as with a high-end printer, you have a good chance of achieving great results you are looking for. But before we end, a word of caution: do make sure to print weekly at all costs to avoid the risk of clogs.
Note: If you are looking for a wide format printer for larger prints, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a great option (although a more expensive one). It can be found here. Read a more detailed and in-depth review of the ET 15000 here.
Now its time for my quantitative assessment against key factors:
- Cost effective: 5/5
- Quality of prints: 4/5
- Ease of use: 4/5
In-depth Review: Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer – The Best of Both Worlds
The next item here on my list for sublimation printers for shirts is the Brother SP-1 Sublimation printer, which you can find here.
The Brother Sublimation Printer is a sublimation printing model introduced by Brother with unique features. Below, I start by highlighting testing of the Brother printer model on a shirt.
The printer was unboxed, inspected for packaging and tape, and then the installation process was completed. One feature I really like about the Brother SP-1 is the Artspira app, which works well on mobile devices and tablets. However, for computers, it might not be compatible, so you will need other design software. The app allows you to edit and resize designs and upload your own creations. The printing test was conducted using both the app and a PNG file from a computer, and the results were comparable. The test was performed on a white polyester shirt, and after pressing, the colors were stunning and vibrant. In both cases, the results were excellent. However, on a PC or MAC, you might need to adjust the settings to achieve optimal results. The next two tests on polyester also yielded pretty amazing results. Learn more about the Artspira app here.
Now, let’s highlight some of the benefits of the Brother SP-1. It is an excellent dedicated sublimation printer for its price point, avoiding issues related to conversion while offering relatively affordable printer and ink costs. The printer is extremely easy to set up, and I really appreciate the beautiful results it produces on polyester shirts.
In terms of drawbacks, the printer is on the slower side and not ideal for high-volume projects. The app can be challenging to use and might not work on a PC or MAC.
It is essential to compare with other competitors for a more complete review. When compared to the EcoTank series, the SP-1 has automatic maintenance cycles, which avoids clogging issues. It doesn’t need to be converted to sublimation unlike EcoTank printers, which avoids complications such as color issues. It is slower than the SG500 and SG1000, however, comes at a much more affordable price, while producing stunning results at the same time. It has a smaller maximum print size than the SG1000.
So now I must answer the question – should you buy the Brother SP-1 for sublimation printing on shirts? If you are looking for a relatively affordable genuine sublimation printer, and do not have large format needs or high volume requirements (max print size is 8.5 x 14) and are looking for amazing results, I strongly recommend this model! However, if you are on a tighter budget and are willing to convert an Epson EcoTank or have high volume or wide format needs and require a premium printer, you might want to check out the other options in this article.
As always, I discuss my quantitative assessment based on essential factors:
- Quality of results: 4.8/5
- Ease of Use: 4.7/5
- Cost-effective: 4.7/5
- Speed: 3.5/5
My Overall Conclusion: The Crème de la Crème
So I’m sure some of you are wondering – which is the best choice from the above printers and why? As always, you need to take into account a number of factors, such as your specific needs. If you need a large or wide format printer, go for the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 or the more expensive Sawgrass SG1000. For those of you on a budget, you can consider one of the following models: Epson EcoTank ET-2800, Epson EcoTank ET-4800, Epson EcoTank ET-2400 or Epson EcoTank ET-2850. If you have smaller format needs but are looking for a high-speed premium printer for shirts, I recommend the Sawgrass SG 500 found here, for those of you who have the budget. Overall, in my opinion the Brother Sublimation Printer found here, which combines the best of both worlds – it boasts a lower printer and ink price, while producing stunning results without the hassles of conversion.
Choosing the Right Sublimation Printer for Your Needs
Choosing the right sublimation printer for your needs is not a one-size-fits-all process. Your choice will depend on a variety of factors. Firstly, you need to consider the type of printer. There are two main types of printers for sublimation: printers specifically made for sublimation and printers that need to be converted for sublimation use.
Another crucial factor is the print size capability. If your projects involve large-format printing, you’ll need a printer that can accommodate this. The physical dimensions of the printer are also worth considering, especially if you have limited workspace.
Maintenance is another key point of consideration. Printers with functions like auto-clean can help reduce the likelihood of clogged print heads, ensuring consistent quality and reducing the need for frequent manual maintenance.
Lastly, the total cost of ownership should be kept in mind. This includes long-term running costs such as the price of replacement ink cartridges and any additional equipment necessary for printing. If you want to learn more about the actual process of sublimation on sweatshirts, we got you covered!
Understanding Sublimation Ink and Paper Requirements
High-quality sublimation inks and papers are crucial for achieving detailed and vibrant sublimation print on t-shirts. The ink becomes a permanent part of the garment that does not fade over time, ensuring lasting vibrancy. Sublimation ink is designed to be used with dye sublimation printers and is compatible with these special ink cartridges and their inkjet printing technology, ensuring optimal performance during the sublimation process. When using third party sublimation ink, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your printer for the best results.
Selecting the right sublimation transfer paper is just as important as choosing high-quality ink for printing on cotton shirts. The paper affects the transfer quality and vibrancy of the final printed t-shirt. Brands like A-Sub and Printer’s Jack are recognized for their quality. However, papers without clear indications of the front and back sides can lead to mistakes during the printing process.
Conducting a comparison test of different sublimation papers can reveal subtle differences in print quality and help determine the best option for specific projects. Additionally, the material’s ability to absorb sublimation ink affects the maximum effective resolution. If the ink absorption is not ideal, higher resolutions can lead to ink dots blending together, impairing the print effect.
Decoding Printer Specifications: What Really Matters?
When choosing a sublimation printer, certain specifications really matter. One of these is color accuracy. The accuracy of colors and dynamic range is crucial for producing professional-grade sublimated t-shirts, as color profiles and color management are essential for precise color reproduction. However, the color accuracy of some printers may not meet the standards required by professionals, particularly when printing colors like greens and blues.
Print resolution is another crucial specification, influencing the clarity and detail of printed images. While higher resolution results in greater sharpness and detail, resolutions beyond 300 DPI may not be discernible to the human eye and could be considered excessive for certain printing needs.
Other important specifications to consider when choosing the right sublimation printer include:
- Print head technology
- Ink system
- RIP software
- Substrate compatibility
These factors greatly affect the print quality and functionality of the printer, and should be considered carefully.
Summary
To wrap up, choosing the right sublimation printer involves considering a variety of factors, from printer type and print size capability to physical dimensions, maintenance, and total cost of ownership. The quality of sublimation inks and papers, as well as understanding printer specifications, are also crucial elements in the decision-making process.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all printer. The best sublimation printer for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and workspace. Happy printing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which printer is best for sublimation t shirts?
For the best sublimation printer for T-shirts, consider the Brother SP-1 as the best overall, the Sawgrass SG1000 for large-scale prints, or the Epson EcoTank ET-15000, which also offers wide format printing.
What is the best machine for sublimation printing?
The best machine for sublimation printing is the Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer, while the Epson SureColor SC-F100 (F170) is also a great choice. . Consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision.
What brand of shirt is best for sublimation?
For sublimation, Gildan and Bella Canvas T-shirts are great options. Gildan G640 and Bella Canvas 3001 are both suitable for sublimation due to their polyester and cotton blend.
What is the importance of color accuracy in a sublimation printer?
Color accuracy is important in a sublimation printer because it ensures professional-grade results, especially when printing t-shirts. Accurate colors and dynamic range are crucial for precise color reproduction.
What should I look for in sublimation inks and papers?
Look for high-quality sublimation inks and papers, which are essential for achieving detailed and vibrant prints on t-shirts. The paper greatly influences the transfer quality and vibrancy of the final printed t-shirt.
