You might have wondered how to do heat transfers. The easiest way to transfer your artwork to T-shirts is to use thermal transfer paper.
It’s fast, secure, affordable, and you can do it from home.
But that means you need the Best Sublimation Printer For T-Shirts!
Nothing like seeing your creations on fabric. You can transfer your designs to shirts, hoodies, bags, tea towels, etc.
It’s great fun and it can also earn you money. You just need to invest in the right tools.
Choosing the best printer for sublimation and thermal transfer is a big deal. This is true whether you are exploring a new hobby or setting up a side activity.
As a graphic designer or illustrator, selling your designs is a great way to make money.
But there are hundreds of printers out there and the comparison of specs can be overwhelming. So I took the time to research the best printer to make fine art prints for you.
Read on for my in-depth buyer’s guide and reviews of the best printers!
Best Sublimation Printer For T-Shirts 2021
Table of Contents
A sublimation printer is a must-have if you want to start a T-Shirts Printing business and deliver results. This system can help you add color by heat and pressure.
Then you can transfer it to a garment. It is difficult to find the best sublimation printer with all the necessary features that will meet your needs. However, that is the reason why I am here. Today I am going to introduce and review some of the best sublimation printers, both for beginners and experts.
Best Sublimation Printer For T-Shirts | Comparison Table 2021
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner and Copier - Black | Epson | Check Price | |
| Epson Artisan 1430 Wireless Color Wide-Format Inkjet Printer (C11CB53201) | Epson | Check Price | |
| Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Wireless Wide-format Color Inkjet Printer with Copy, Scan, Fax, Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready | Epson | Check Price | |
| Epson Stylus C88+ Inkjet Printer Color 5760 x 1440 dpi Print Plain Paper Print Desktop Model C11C617121 | Epson | Check Price | |
| DNP Event Photo Printer DS-RX1HS 6" Dye Sublimation, for Booth Portrait Printing, 290 4x6"Prints Per Hour | DNP | Check Price | |
| Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer | Sawgrass | Check Price | |
| DNP DS-RX1HS 6" Dye Sublimation Printer, 290 4x6 Prints Per Hour - Bundle - with 4x6 Media, 700 Prints Per Roll, 2 Rolls and Protective Carrying Case | DNP | Check Price | |
| Datacard SD260 Dye Sublimation/Thermal Transfer Printer - Color - Desktop - Card Print | DATACARD GROUP | Check Price | |
| Digital Textile Printer MT-TA3 | Refretonic | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Sublimation Printer For T-Shirts | Reviews 2021
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Printer For T-Shirt
- Your family needs a printer that’s fast, affordable, and easy to use. That’s why we developed the EcoTank ET-2720 – and innovative cartridge-free solution that uses high-capacity, easily refillable ink tanks. So you’ll worry less about running out of ink, and save a lot on replacement ink1. The ET-2720 features genuine Epson print quality, a high-resolution flatbed scanner, and a convenient color display – making it the ideal basic home printer.
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― High-capacity ink tanks mean no more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles make filling easy and worry-free
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 color (2), equivalent to about 90 individual ink cartridges (3)
- Stress-Free Printing — Up to 2 years of ink in the box (4) – and with every replacement ink set – for fewer out of ink frustrations
- Zero Cartridge Waste – By using an EcoTank printer, you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills
- Impressive Print Quality ― Unique Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology produces sharp text – plus impressive color photos and graphics – on virtually any paper type
- Built-in Scanner & Copier ― High-resolution flatbed scanner and a color display for easy document copying and navigation
- Modern Connectivity ― Features wireless, plus hands-free voice-activated printing (5). Easily print from your smart device (6) with the intuitive Epson Smart Panel App (7)
- Designed for Reliability ― Worry-free 2-year limited warranty with registration (8), including full unit replacement
- Epson strongly recommends the use of genuine Epson inks for a quality printing experience; Non-Epson inks and inks not formulated for your specific printer may cause damage that is not covered by the Epson warranty
2. Epson Artisan 1430 Wireless Color Wide-Format Inkjet Printer
- Borderless, Hi-Def photos up to 13 inch x 19 inch
- Wireless printing with Wi-Fi
- 6-color Claria ink/ Six individual ink cartridges are available in different capacities
- CD/DVD printing; Refer user manual under technical specification
- Print and share from your smartphone, iPhone, tablet and other mobile devices — no computer necessary
- Photos are smudge, scratch, water and fade resistant
- Create large-size, gallery-worthy prints
- Print professional looking T-Shirts,CDs / DVDs
- Borderless photos up to 13 x 19
- Replace only the color you need
3. Epson WorkForce WF-7720: Best Sublimation Printer For T-Shirts
- Epson strongly recommends the use of Genuine Epson inks for a quality printing experience. Non Epson inks and inks not formulated for your specific printer may cause damage that is not covered by the Epson warranty.
- Get performance beyond laser — the workforce WF-7720, powered by Precision Core
- Print-shop quality — borderless prints upto 13 X 19. Operating Systems - Windows 10 (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows 8/8.1 (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows Vista (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows Server 2003 (SP2) – Windows Server 20167, Mac OS X 10.6.8 – macOS 10.12.x8
- Economical — uses upto 80 percent less power vs. Color laser printers (4)
- High-volume printing — 500-sheet capacity, dual trays, Plus a rear feed for specialty paper; 125-sheet output tray
- Note: This printer is designed for use with Epson cartridges only, not third-party cartridges or ink. See product description for more details
- Auto 2-sided Print, copy, scan and fax — Plus 35-page auto document feeder
- Easy navigation and control — Intuitive 4. 3 color touchscreen
- Ultimate wireless printing and networking — Print from iPad, iPhone, Android tablets and smartphones); Includes Wi-Fi Direct), Ethernet and NFC)
- Large scans — easily scan upto 11 X 17 With 2-sided auto document feeder
4. Epson Stylus C88+ Inkjet Printer Color For T-Shirt
- Product Type: Inkjet Printer, Recommended Use: Plain Paper Print, Print Color Capability: Color, Maximum Mono Print Speed (ppm): 23, Maximum Color Print Speed (ppm): 14, Maximum Print Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi, Color Cartridge Type: Individual Color Cartridge
- Number of Colors: 4, Parallel Port: Yes, USB: Yes, USB Standard: USB 2.0, Media Types & Handling, Border less Printing: Yes, Media Type: Plain Paper, Media Type: Bond Paper, Media Type: Card Stock, Media Type: Air Mail Paper, Media Type: Semi gloss Paper, Media Type: Matte Paper, Media Type: Envelope, Media Type: Bright White Paper, Media Type: Presentation Paper, Media Type: Photo Paper, Media Type: Label, Media Type: Glossy Paper
- Media Handling: 1 x Input Tray 120 Sheet, Number of Input/Multipurpose Trays Installed: 1, Number of Input Trays Supported: 1, Standard Input Media Capacity: 120 sheets, Maximum Input Media Capacity: 120 sheets, Operating System Supported: Windows: Windows USB / Parallel, Windows 98se, Me, 2000 or XP; Mac: Macintosh USB : Macintosh OS X 10.2 or later; Intel Core Duo 10.4.x
- Power Source: AC Supply, Input Voltage: 120 Volts AC, Maximum Power Consumption: 19 Watts, Power off mode: Approx. 0.8W, Standby Power Consumption: 2.50 W, Form Factor: Desktop, Color: Silver, Color: Dark Gray, Temperature Operating 50° to 95° Fahrenheit (10° to 35° Celsius), Storage 4° to 140° Fahrenheit ( 20° to 60° Celsius)
- Sound Level: 42 dB(A)
- 5760 x 1440 dpi Print Plain Paper Print Desktop
5. DNP Event Printer For Printing T-Shirts
- DNP DS-RX1HS Photo Printer.
- Ideal for Photo Booth business and Event Photography.
- The DS-RX1HS boasts a 20 percent increase in print speeds, allowing users to produce 4”x6” prints in 12.4 seconds or up to 290 4”x6” prints per hour.
- 6-inch dye-sublimation color photo printer
- A rugged, durable design, it offers print capacities of 700 4”x6” prints and 350 6”x8” prints, as well as the ability to print 2”x6” photo strips
- Full Color Printing with Overcoat
- Dye Sublimation / Thermal Transfer
6. Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 Sublimation Printer – Bundle with SUBLIJET UHD Inks
- BUNDLE DEAL: COMES WITH COMPLETE SET OF SUBLIJET-UHD INKS CMYK (original starter kit cartridges) - and 330 SHEETS of our exclusive SUBLIMAX sublimation paper size 8.5 x 11 - Instant Dry sublimation paper CERTIFIED BY SAWGRASS - MADE IN JAPAN - BEST SUBLIMATION PAPER FOR USE WITH SAWGRASS PRINTERS.
- This bundle deal also includes 3 ROLLS of Sublimax brand HEAT TAPE size 1/2 x 100 feet. High quality heat tape for sublimation. Made with silicone glue: leaves no residues!
- CREATIVE STUDIO ONLINE SOFTWARE INCLUDED!!! Easy-to-use Online Designer Software and Stock Design Library developed by Sawgrass.
- Buy with CONFIDENCE! We are the Authorized Sawgrass Dealer. This Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer COMES WITH A 2-YEAR MANUFACUTERS WARRANTY & PARTNER PLUS SUPPORT FROM SAWGRASS.
- 3 Rolls Heat Tape included
- Plus 330 Sheets SUBLIMAX Sublimation Paper
7. DNP DS-RX1HS 6″ T-Shirt Printer
- DNP DS-RX1HS 6 Dye Sublimation Printer - Printer CD - Drivers for Windows OS7 and 8.1 - Driver Instruction Guide - Quick Setup Guide - Power Cord - Printhead Cushion - (Print Media Not Included) - DNP 1 Year Warranty - Bundle Items: - DNP 4x6 Media 2 Rolls, 700 Prints Per Roll - Printer Carrying Case
- Dye Sublimation Printer, 290 4x6 Prints Per Hour - Bundle - with 4x6 Media, 700 Prints Per Roll, 2 Rolls and Protective Carrying Case
- The colors are consistent and crisp
- Fast printing • High print capacity
- Produce print sizes of 2x6, 4x6, and 6x8
- Seamless connectivity to Mac and PC computer
- Energy saving and cost-effective
8. Datacard SD260 Dye Sublimation/Thermal Transfer Printer
- Brand New Printer
- T-Shirt / ID Card Printer with Automatic Feed Hopper
- Dye Sublimation / Resin Thermal Transfer
- Max Resolution: 300 x 1200 dp
- Color Print Speed: 200 Cards / Hour
- Works with ID-1 / CR-80 Card Sizes
- resin thermal transfer technology to produce 300 x 1200 dpi
- 128MB of standard printer memory
- High quality paper with special direct thermal coating resulting in high contrast printing
- - Support your environmental commitments with Earth-friendly features;
9. Digital Textile Printer MT-TA3
- We Can Provide Customized Production and Packing for You!
- Gain Permanent Warranty On Your Large Format Printer With Continuously Ink Order.
- We Provide FREE Training For Our Clients! Even Can Send Engineer To Oversea Local Customer!
- We Also Provide FREE Printing Samples For You!
- The Most Important We Have Digital Printing Solution Ability! We Have Provided Many Digital Inkjet Printing Solutions for Over 30 Clients Per Year! Some of Them are Very Famous Printing Company!
How to choose the Best Sublimation Printer For T-Shirts
When selecting the best printer for transfer paper, there are a few things you should know. Here are my top tips for choosing the right printer for thermal transfer printing.
These factors are what make a printer suitable for heat transfers. They make the difference between an average printer and a great printer.
Get yourself a printer with all of these features. Then you will know that you have a reliable thermal transfer printer yourself.
Which Printer Should I Choose For Sublimation?
If you understand that ‘ we must seek, looking ‘ sublimation printer is simple. Let’s review some of the features you want to take into consideration when ‘ buying ‘ a sublimation printer.
Maximum resolution
Resolution is the measure of density. It can be measured in dots per inch called “ppi”. If you want to enlarge an item, a more detailed picture is better.
Versatility and connections
Your printer is designed to work with different substances. Also, pay attention to the connection. Make sure your printer includes connections such as WiFi or Ethernet to provide the ‘ impression.
Performance
Before ‘ buy something, always read consumer reviews on Amazon or on the sites ‘ purchase. My advice is to start looking for testimonials that explain how a product works and longevity, so you can decide on a good quality machine that will serve you well. Search printers offering of ‘ great features and good results. Make sure your sublimation printer can be used with multiple devices.
Ink Type
The two main types of printers are inkjet and laser printers. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, which I will explain here!
Inkjet printers tend to cost less initially. You have a choice of dye, sublimation or pigment inks for your inkjet printer.
Dye-based ink is the cheapest of the three options, but it has significant drawbacks. If you are using dye-based ink, it is more likely to fade over time and with exposure to UV rays.
I would only recommend dye-based inks if your budget is very tight.
In contrast, sublimation inks will not fade as much. But they are more difficult to use and require a lot of knowledge to get it right.
The last and the best option for inkjet printers are pigment-based inks. This ink costs more, but it won’t run or fade either.
It is water-resistant and suitable for all conditions. This makes it ideal for heat transfers.
Laser printers use toner rather than ink. When purchasing ink or toner for heat printing, check that it is compatible with your specific model.
If you don’t get the right type, it can cause printing issues or even break your printer.
Inkjet printers and laser printers
So which type of printer should you choose? Are inkjet or laser printers better for transferring your designs to fabric?
This is an important question to ask. The answer comes down to the ability of each printer to create heat transfer prints.
Laser prints are great because they already generate heat during the printing process, but you need to be careful about the type of paper you are using.
There is also a risk that your prints and your printer will get too hot. Be sure to be very careful when printing and thermal transfers with a laser printer!
However, not all inkjet printers are suitable for thermal transfers. You will need to use a specific process, so check that your printer is suitable before purchasing it.
Whichever printer you choose, make sure it can handle thermal transfer paper. Otherwise, you’ll end up with jams, destroyed prints, or even a broken printer.
The last type of printer for thermal transfers is the sublimation printer. These differ from other types in that they can print directly onto the fabric.
This means that you don’t need to print on transfer paper and iron your design onto the fabric. This process is faster and generally more reliable, producing better quality prints.
But with sublimation printers, you are limited to printing onto fabric. When you print on transfer paper, you can add your designs to other items like mugs and water bottles.
You will need to weigh the different factors and decide what type of printer and ink you are going to buy!
FAQs
Can Any Printer Use For Sublimation?
No, you want a dedicated printer that works with the available cartridges. Sawgrass and Epson make a number of the best small-format printers. Check out my chart for the councils ‘ sublimation printer.
Can I use an inkjet printer for thermal transfers?
Inkjet printers have long been the choice of consumers’ printing needs. Another important feature that makes them the best thermal transfer printers is that they work well with many different options of special papers and inks. will not be limited in selection when choosing an inkjet printer.
- Design or select your image on the computer.
- Print the image in inverted / mirror format using thick paper mode.
- Set the heat press to 375 degrees with medium-high pressure.
- Preheat the garment for 10 to 15 seconds to remove moisture.
- Place the transfer face down and press for 25 seconds.
Can a Canon printer print on transfer paper?
Can I use a DeskJet printer to iron transfers?
Can You Do Sublimation On Black T-Shirts?
No, sublimation is for polyester. It involves a tinting procedure, which means it’s more suitable for light and white colors. In order to change color during the process, the colors in your transfer will take on the color of your clothes in order to change your final color after pressing. Always remember that white sublimation ink does not exist.
There is no better sublimation printer for cotton and no better sublimation printer for dark shirts. It can only be done on polyester. These limitations are the main drawbacks of this method.
Can I print on vinyl using a sublimation printer?
Once the ‘ ink your print is dry, cut some of the impressions. Cut near the edges may allow you to ‘ align your print on vinyl. Flip the color side of the sublimation print over and line it up with your vinyl.
What material is it possible to sublimate on?
PVC and polyester. You cannot sublimate on cotton fabrics. Throughout the hot press process, the pores of these polymers are open to allow the ‘ sublimation ink to penetrate in the gaseous state. Watch this video on the best way to do this.
Is sublimation printing durable?
This impression n ‘ is not only durable but also very detailed and produces excellent results. The texture and durability are unbeatable. However, it is expensive and reserved for light-colored clothes.
What is a thermal sublimation printer used for?
A sublimation printer is a computer printer that transfers the dye to the garment by heat. It can be used on fabric, paper, cardboard, and plastic. Its name comes from the transformation of dye into gas.
Does Staples Print go back to transfers?
Can a regular printer print on vinyl?
Can you use inkjet paper in a DeskJet printer?
How much does a direct-to-garment printer cost?
How to use red grid transfer paper?
- Place the thermal transfer paper with the image facing down in the desired position on the fabric.
- Using the recommended temperature range above, apply firm pressure for 15-20 seconds.
- Peel off the transfer immediately after pressing.
What is the best transfer paper for a T-shirt?
Can you sublimation print on vinyl?
Can I print on vinyl with a laser printer?
Can any printer do sublimation?
What type of printer do you need for ironing transfers?
How much does it cost to buy from a shirt printer?
An order for 72 shirts would make it take less than 25 minutes to print and you would charge at least $ 8.00 per shirt for 6 colors or $ 576.00. $ 144.00 72 shirts would cost around $ 2.00 each when you buy in tens. $ 21.00 Average screen-making materials about 3.50 per screen.
How to clean a sublimation printer?
You can use a solution that is not very expensive. If you want, you could get a cleaning product. I recommend that you make your own cleaning solution, as it only takes a few minutes. Fill a glass 3/4 full with distilled water and mix with 15 milliliters of ‘ alcohol. You could use the ‘ isopropyl alcohol. Saturate a cotton swab and rub against the heads.
Maintenance of the sublimation printer
J ‘ like to discuss some tips for ‘ maintenance to extend the life of your device.
- Update your printer’s firmware
- Clean your electrostatic belt at least twice a year
- Clean your capping station at least twice a year
- Create alignment ‘ print at least once a year
- Keep your printer (this does not count if you don ‘ not have the ‘ intention ‘ to use your printer for a long time)
Sublimation printer temperature
Normally, common sublimation dyes are activated at 170 ° C. It is recommended ‘ use about 190 to 210 degrees C for optimal color. You will get a full-color print using high resolution.
Sublimation without printer
Sublimation printer without n ‘ is not possible. Furthermore, n ‘ Remember that sublimation is possible on glossy and white clothes. This procedure cannot be performed on dark clothing. The ‘ white sublimation ink n ‘ does not exist.
Conclusion
Printing on fabric is so much fun. It’s another thing to see your unique designs on a t-shirt or tote bag!
In addition, it is much easier to master the heat transfer technique with the right printer.
The printers reviewed offer all the features you need for thermal transfer printing. You’ll find inkjet and laser printers, and there’s something for every budget.
So what are you waiting for? Make your choice and click the link to buy your new printer today!
I warn you that printing your designs can get quite addicting! But it is the perfect way to make a living from your creations.
And even if you do it just as a hobby, you won’t regret buying this cool new gadget.
Let me know in the comments which printer you choose! Then sign up for the Proactive Creative newsletter for more useful resources.
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