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Sublimation printing transfers dye from special paper to polyester fabric or coated items like mugs, using a heat press. It needs a printer that uses sublimation ink, a heat press and compatible blanks.

This guide covers four printers: three dedicated sublimation models and the Epson EcoTank route many beginners take. It is built from published specifications and listings, not our own testing, so check bundle contents on each product page.

New to printers? Start with our guide to the best printers for home use and how we pick printers.

Last updated: October 30, 2026.

Quick Picks

Printer Type Best for
Sawgrass SG500 (SubliJet) Dedicated sublimation printer Beginners who want a ready-made sublimation setup
Sawgrass SG1000 Larger-format sublimation printer Bigger transfers for apparel and products
Brother Sublimation Printer Dedicated sublimation printer A Brother-branded sublimation printer for transfers
Epson EcoTank ET-2803 Ink tank all-in-one The printer many beginners convert for sublimation

4 Best Sublimation Printers for Beginners and T-Shirts

1. Sawgrass SG500 (SubliJet)

A sublimation printer sold in a bundle with ink and paper. It is built to print transfers for heat presses.

Good for: beginners making mugs, tumblers and T-shirts. Strengths: sold ready for sublimation, so no conversion needed. Weaknesses: the printer is only part of the cost: you also need a heat press and blanks. Skip it if you only want to try sublimation once.

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2. Sawgrass SG1000

A larger-format sublimation printer from Sawgrass, sold in a bundle with ink and paper.

Good for: small businesses that print larger transfers for apparel. Strengths: built for larger sublimation output. Weaknesses: bigger and pricier than the SG500, and it still needs a heat press. Skip it if you only print small items.

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3. Brother Sublimation Printer

A sublimation printer from Brother, sold with a color ink cartridge set and sublimation paper in some bundles; confirm what is included.

Good for: makers who prefer a big-name printer brand. Strengths: a major printer brand behind it, with cartridge-based ink. Weaknesses: consumable cost and bundle contents vary, so check the listing carefully. Skip it if you want the cheapest way into sublimation.

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4. Epson EcoTank ET-2803

A refillable ink tank printer. Epson does not sell it as a sublimation printer: many hobbyists fill it with sublimation ink instead of the original ink, which is an unofficial conversion.

Good for: hobbyists on a tight budget who accept the risks of converting. Strengths: low entry price and refillable tanks. Weaknesses: converting to sublimation ink is unofficial and may void the warranty; you cannot easily go back to normal ink. Skip it if you want a supported, ready-to-use setup.

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The Sublimation Workflow, Step by Step

What you need

Sublimation needs a printer with sublimation ink, sublimation paper, a heat press and blanks that accept the dye, such as polyester shirts or coated mugs and tumblers. The printer is only one part of the cost.

How it works

You print a mirrored design on sublimation paper, place it on the blank and apply heat and pressure. The dye turns to gas and bonds with the polyester or coating. Times and temperatures depend on the blank, so follow the maker’s instructions.

Common mistakes

  • Using cotton instead of polyester, so the print is faint.
  • Moving the paper while pressing, which causes ghosting.
  • Not mirroring the image.
  • Using the wrong paper side or low-quality paper.

Color management

Sublimation colors look dull on paper and brighten after pressing. Use the maker’s color profile and test a small print.

Costs

Add up the printer, ink, paper, a heat press and blanks before you start. For inkjet transfer paper instead, see best heat transfer paper and printers for heat transfers.

How to Choose

Budget for the whole setup

The printer is only part of it. Add a heat press, sublimation paper and blanks such as mugs or polyester shirts.

Dedicated or converted?

A dedicated printer is supported and ready to use. Converting an Epson EcoTank is cheaper but unofficial and may void the warranty.

Check the bundle

Many listings include ink and paper. Compare what is included before comparing prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sublimate on cotton T-shirts?

Sublimation works best on polyester or polyester-coated items. On cotton the design will be faint or wash out.

Do I need a heat press?

Yes. A household iron does not give the even heat and pressure sublimation needs.

Can a normal printer do sublimation?

Not out of the box. It needs sublimation ink, which usually means a dedicated printer or an unofficial conversion.

What are the best sublimation printers for T-shirts?

Dedicated sublimation printers like the Sawgrass SG500 are built for transfers; you also need a heat press and polyester shirts. For inkjet transfer paper, see best printers for heat transfers.

Bottom Line

If you want a supported setup, start with a dedicated printer like the Sawgrass SG500. The Epson EcoTank conversion is the cheap route, but it comes with warranty and reliability risks you should weigh first.

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