10Best.Guide

Sublimation Printer

Top Picks

Last Updated: September, 2023
Pros
  • Colors are crisp and bright
  • Great value for money
  • Easy to fill up
  • Almost perfect color match
  • Good for vintage style prints
Cons
  • Ink wells may not fill up completely
  • Y color may clog
Bottom Line
Hiipoo sublimation ink is a great value for money and produces crisp and bright colors. However, there may be issues with ink wells not filling up completely, clogging of the Y color, and lines through the picture. It may also not be as bright as expected.
Pros
  • Prints brighter on hard surfaces
  • Runs well through the printer
  • Thick with no bleeding
  • Logo on back to indicate which way to load
  • Watermarks on one side to indicate the correct printing side
Cons
  • Ink saturates too deeply
  • Residue on the paper causing ink to gum up in dots
Bottom Line
A-Sub sublimation paper is a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly option that prints well on hard surfaces. However, it may not be the best option for those looking for consistent color quality or those who need a paper that holds color well.
Pros
  • Great adhesion
  • Perfect heat resistance
  • Leaves no residue
  • Does not leave yellow marks
  • Holds transfers well
Cons
  • Not recommended for frost glass
  • May break when pulled tight
Bottom Line
This heat tape has great adhesion, perfect heat resistance, and leaves no residue. It is good for holding transfers and sublimating coasters. However, it is not recommended for frost glass, may break when pulled tight, and may slip and not be sticky enough.
Pros
  • Ink prints and sublimates perfectly with vibrant colors.
  • Ink fills ink tanks smoothly and perfectly.
  • Easy to install and not messy.
  • Great quality for sublimating Home Depot tiles and Amazon car fragrance.
  • Good for converting Epson printers to sublimation printers.
Cons
  • Ink may clog printer nozzles.
  • No help in getting the icc profile for ET2400.
Bottom Line
This ink is a great choice for sublimation projects with vibrant colors and easy installation. However, it may cause clogging in printer nozzles and is expensive.
Pros
  • Easy setup
  • Refillable ink
  • Can print from phone or computer
  • Good for sublimation printing
  • No connectivity issues
Cons
  • Glossy paper prints have indentations
  • Copy quality is not crisp
Bottom Line
The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is a good option for those looking for a printer with refillable ink and the ability to print from a phone or computer. It is also a good option for sublimation printing. However, it may not be the best option for those looking for high-quality photo prints or crisp copies.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Sublimation Printers: Everything You Need to Know

Overview

Sublimation printers are a popular choice for those looking to print high-quality designs onto fabrics and other materials. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about sublimation printers, including the different types available, key considerations to keep in mind, and features to look for. We'll also provide tips for finding the best sublimation printer for your needs, along with pricing information and frequently asked questions.

Types

There are two main types of sublimation printers: desktop and wide-format. Desktop sublimation printers are designed for home or small business use and typically have a smaller print size and lower output capacity. Wide-format sublimation printers, on the other hand, are designed for larger-scale printing and can handle larger print sizes and higher output volumes.

Key Considerations

When choosing a sublimation printer, there are several key considerations to keep in mind, including printing resolution, print speed, connectivity options, paper tray capacity, and maintenance requirements. It's also important to consider the cost per print and any specific features you may need, such as the ability to print on specific materials or the inclusion of sublimation ink.

Features

Some key features to look for in a sublimation printer include high printing resolution (at least 300 DPI), fast print speeds, multiple connectivity options (such as USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet), large paper tray capacity, and low maintenance requirements. Other useful features may include the ability to print on a variety of materials, automatic paper cutting, and the inclusion of sublimation ink.

Prices

Sublimation printers can range in price from a few hundred dollars for a basic desktop model to several thousand dollars for a high-end wide-format printer. It's important to consider your budget and specific needs when choosing a sublimation printer.

Tips

- Consider your specific needs and budget when choosing a sublimation printer.

- Look for a printer with high printing resolution and fast print speeds.

- Choose a printer with multiple connectivity options and a large paper tray capacity.

- Consider the cost per print and any specific features you may need.

- Research different brands and models to find the best one for your needs.

FAQs

Q: What materials can I print on with a sublimation printer?

A: Sublimation printers can typically print on a variety of materials, including fabrics, ceramics, and metals.

Q: How often do I need to replace the sublimation ink?

A: The frequency of ink replacement will depend on how often you use your printer and the specific model you choose.

Q: Do I need any special software to use a sublimation printer?

A: Some sublimation printers may require specific software to operate, but many can be used with standard design and printing software.

Q: Can I use a sublimation printer for home use?

A: Yes, there are many sublimation printers designed for home use or small businesses.

Q: How do I maintain my sublimation printer?

A: Maintenance requirements will vary depending on the specific model you choose, but regular cleaning and ink replacement are typically necessary. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper maintenance.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Eco tank ink system saves money and hassle of ink cartridges.
  • Easy to set up and use.
  • Prints quickly and quietly.
  • Large ink bottles last a long time.
  • Good for printing in quantity.
Cons
  • Epson may not honor warranty if purchased from Amazon partner.
  • Ink may appear fainter in depth than other printers.
Bottom Line
The Epson ET2850 is a great choice for those who print frequently and want to save money on ink. It is easy to set up and use, and has many features that make it a good value. However, buyers should be aware of potential issues with warranty, print quality, and jamming.
Pros
  • Fits perfectly in small spaces
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Easy to assemble
  • Good design for holding books and paper
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • Unclear assembly instructions
  • Wheels are not durable and fall off easily
Bottom Line
This stand is a great option for those looking for a compact and affordable storage solution. It is sturdy, easy to assemble, and has a good design for holding books and paper. However, the unclear assembly instructions and poor quality wheels may be a drawback for some buyers.
Pros
  • Great results with vibrant colors
  • Comparable to more expensive brands
  • Resolves color issues with printing
  • Good value with 150 sheets in a box
  • Can get multiple designs on one sheet
Cons
  • Arrives damaged or bent
  • Inconsistent quality with some sheets not printing well
Bottom Line
Hiipoo sublimation paper is a great value for those looking for vibrant colors and good quality at a lower cost. However, there are some issues with consistency and quality control that may affect the printing process.
Pros
  • Good print quality
  • Matte finish feels like good quality
  • Easy to peel apart
  • Sticks well
  • Great price
Cons
  • Thin compared to other sticker paper
  • Not waterproof
Bottom Line
This sticker paper is a good option for those who want to print custom stickers for hobby or personal use. It has good print quality, sticks well, and is easy to peel apart. However, it is thin and not waterproof, and some users have reported issues with color bleeding and flimsiness. It is also important to note that the non-printing side is not denoted.
Pros
  • Works well on cotton or low polyester content clothing.
  • Produces vibrant colors.
  • Allows sublimation on cotton.
  • Large roll size.
  • Great for stencils.
Cons
  • Leaves a thick, raised layer.
  • Feels stiff like construction paper.
Bottom Line
This HTVRONT Clear HTV Vinyl for Sublimation - Matte - is a good option for those looking to sublimate on cotton or low polyester content clothing. It produces vibrant colors and is great for stencils. However, it can be difficult to apply and leaves a thick, raised layer that feels stiff like construction paper. It also doesn't work on certain fabrics and has a glossy texture that feels like wearing plastic.
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