If you are looking for the best beginner sublimation printer, then there are a few factors that you need to consider.

In this article, we will explore some of the most important factors that you need to take into account when choosing a sublimation printer, and we will also recommend a few models that we think are perfect for beginners.

We hope to make finding the right product easier with the list below! Each product was independently selected by our team, and all opinions in this article are our own. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (which helps us stay in business).

How do We Select the Best Ones

A sublimation printer works by heating the ink in a cartridge to the point where it turns into a gas. This gas is then forced through a tiny nozzle, which propels it onto the substrate. The heat from the printer causes the gas to turn back into a liquid, and this liquid then bonds with the fibers in the substrate to create a permanent image.

Sublimation printers can be used with both paper and fabric substrates. The most common type of sublimation paper is coated with an adhesive that helps the ink stick to the paper. However, some printers are also compatible with heat-sensitive materials like fabric, which means that you can print images on fabric without having to use an adhesive.

When choosing a sublimation printer for beginners, it is important to consider the type of substrates that the printer can use. Some printers are limited to using only paper substrates, while others can also be used with heat-sensitive materials like fabric. In this blog post we are concentrating on printers that use only sublimation paper, not dye sublimation printers or dye sublimation printing.

The size of the prints that the printer can produce is also important to consider, as some printers are limited to producing smaller prints than others.

The price of the printer is another important factor to consider, as some printers are more expensive than others.

The ease of use and setup of the printer is also something that you need to take into account. Some printers are easier to set up and use than others.

To make your decision easier, we have compiled a list of the best sublimation printers on the market, based on our research and customer feedback. We have also included frequently asked questions that answer common questions people have about sublimation printers. With our help, you will be able to find the perfect printer for your needs and get started with sublimation printing in no time.


Epson EcoTank ET-2850

Best Affordable Sublimation Printer

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Why do we desire this product

Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is the next wave of printing technology and a great sublimation printer that uses unique Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology. This fantastic technology produce extremely sharp text, plus impressive color photos and graphics on virtually any paper type.

Epson printers, especially the EcoTank series, is known to be easily converted for sublimation.

Compared to Epson workforce series with ink cartridges, EcoTank series have built-in ink tanks that you can easily fill with sublimation ink, which is especially great for beginners.

With its high-resolution flatbed scanner and color display, it makes document copying and navigation a breeze. Plus, its wireless capabilities and hands-free voice-activated printing make it the perfect printer for any home or small business.

The Epson sublimation printer is a great all-in-one printer for anyone looking for an easy and affordable way to print high quality photos and documents. It comes with great reviews on Amazon and reviewers are using it for sublimation, so you know it'll produce amazing prints!

Plus, it's super easy to use - just fill up with sublimation ink, connect it to your computer and start printing!

Things to consider

That is an excellent printer for those just starting with sublimation printing. It has a small footprint and is easy to use, making it an ideal printer for sublimation.

If you are planning to use the printer for sublimation, do not use the ink that comes with the printer and start with the sublimation ink from the beginning. Cleaning the tanks from the normal ink is doable but difficult task.

  • The warranty expires when you add sublimation ink
  • Max Print Width 8.5″
  • Easy to use
  • Affordable sublimation printer

Epson EcoTank ET-15000

Best Large Printing Sublimation Printer

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Why do we desire this product

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is one of the best wide format sublimation printer on the market. It has a large printing area of 13" x 19", making it great for larger sublimation prints.

You can also copy and scan up to 8.5" x 11" (via the scan bed) or 8.5" x 14" (via the ADF).

With a 250-sheet front tray paper capacity and rear specialty-paper feed, the ET-15000 can handle any print job. Additionally, the 2.7" color touchscreen and hands-free voice-activated printing make it easier than ever to use.

This handy printer offers auto 2-sided printing, a 2.7" color touchscreen, and borderless printing up to 11" x 17", making it perfect for all your printing needs.

Plus, it comes with Wi-Fi Direct for effortless printing from your iPad, iPhone, Android tablet or smartphone.

This inkjet printer has received a lot of great reviews on Amazon, making it a great choice for anyone in the market for a large format printer.

Things to consider

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a superb sublimation printer for beginners. You won't have to worry about pesky mechanics or complicated setups – this printer is designed for anyone who wants quality prints without any hassle.

If you are planning to use the printer for sublimation, do not use the ink that comes with the printer and start with the sublimation ink from the beginning. Cleaning the tanks from the normal ink is doable but difficult task.

  • The warranty expires when you add sublimation ink
  • Large print area of 15" x 18"
  • High resolution of 4.800 x 1.200 DPI
  • Easy to use
  • Expensive

Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 Sublimation Printer

Best All-Round Sublimation Printer

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Why do we desire this product

Looking for a top-of-the-line sublimation printer that can handle all of your creative projects? Look no further than the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 Sublimation Printer. This powerful little machine is designed specifically for sublimation printing, and it delivers amazing results on a wide variety of materials. That's why it's a great choice for your first sublimation printer.

With its compact desktop design, the SG500 Virtuoso can print media up to 8.5" x 14", or you can expand the max media size to 8.5" x 51" with the bypass tray.

The Sawgrass sublimation printer is backwards-compatible with all SG400 accessories, and like all Sawgrass printers, the SG500 performs its own automatic maintenance cycle for trouble-free printing.

Decorate a wide variety of products made from polyester fabrics or polymer-coated rigid media including: aluminum panels and inserts, hardboard and wood plaques, tile, mugs, acrylic, glass, slate, polyester fabric, and reinforced fiberglass plastic.

This printer produces stunning, high-quality prints, and comes with a starter ink set that contains 20ml of each color. You'll also get 100 sheets of premium sublimation paper and 5 design access cards, each of which is good for up to 30 designs. Plus, the included Unisub blank sample pack is perfect for testing out your new printer.

Things to Consider

In addition, the Virtuoso SG500 is extremely easy to set up and use, requiring only a few minutes of your time to get started. If you're new to the world of sublimation printing and are unsure whether or not this type of printing is right for you, the Virtuoso SG500 could be the perfect starting point.

Sublimation printing is a popular technique used in the printing industry to create heat-resistant and waterproof products. Here is the thing we should consider;

  • Printing quality
  • Designed for sublimation
  • Expensive
  • Warranty

Converting Epson EcoTank printers for sublimation

If you are planning to use the printer for sublimation, do not use the ink that comes with the printer and start with the sublimation ink from the beginning. Cleaning the tanks from the normal ink is doable but difficult task.


If you are looking for high-quality sublimation paper to use with your new sublimation printer, be sure to check out the selection from Amazon. They offer a wide variety of papers that are designed for use with this type of printing, and they produce stunning results.

They also offer a wide range of sublimation inks, perfect for use with your new printer. Our inks are available in a variety of colors, and they're designed to produce high-quality prints on a variety of materials.


Frequently Asked Questions About Sublimation Printers

Sublimation printers are becoming increasingly popular for a number of reasons. They're usually more affordable than dye sublimation printers, and they offer a wide range of benefits, from being easier to use to providing better print quality. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about sublimation printers:

What do you need to sublimate?

In order to sublimate, you will need a sublimation printer, sublimation paper, and a heat press machine. The sublimation process involves transferring an image or text from the paper to a substrate, such as fabric or metal. By using a heat press machine, you can apply even pressure and heat to the material, ensuring that the image is permanently transferred.

What can you print with a sublimation printer?

With a sublimation printer, you can print images and text onto a variety of different substrates, including fabric, metal, and plastic. This process allows you to create durable and weatherproof prints that can be used in a variety of applications.

How does a sublimation printer work?

A sublimation printer with sublimation paper works by heating the sublimation ink on the paper, which then turns into a gas. This gas is then forced through a small nozzle and onto the substrate, where it bonds with the material and creates a permanent print.

Can I use any type of paper in my sublimation printer?

No, not all types of paper are compatible with sublimation printers. Sublimation paper is specifically designed to work with these printers, as it is coated in a special substance that allows the image to be transferred correctly. If you try to use regular printer paper or another type of paper, you may not be able to achieve the desired results.

How much does a good sublimation printer cost?

A sublimation printer can be a great investment for businesses and individuals looking to create high-quality, weatherproof prints. While the cost of a good sublimation printer may vary depending on the model and features you choose, they typically start at around $500.00. If you're looking for a quality printer that will produce stunning results, a sublimation printer is the perfect option.

Where can I buy a good sublimation printer?

You can buy a sublimation printer at most office supply stores, or you can purchase them online like Amazon or from a variety of retailers. When shopping for a sublimation printer, be sure to compare the features and prices of various models to find the best option for your needs.

What is the difference between a regular printer and a sublimation printer?

A regular printer uses normal ink that comes with the printer, while a sublimation printer uses sublimation ink that is specifically designed for this type of printing. In addition, regular printers typically cannot print on heat-resistant or waterproof substrates, while sublimation printers can print on a variety of different materials. Finally, sublimation printers are typically more expensive than regular printers.

How do I know if sublimation printing is right for me?

If you're looking for a durable and weatherproof printing solution that can be used in a variety of applications, sublimation printing may be right for you. This process allows you to print images and text onto a variety of different substrates, including fabric, metal, and plastic. In order to achieve the best results, it is important to use a sublimation printer with sublimation paper specifically designed for this type of printing.

What are the pros of using a sublimation printer?

There are many benefits to using a sublimation printer, including the ability to create high-quality prints fast and easily. These printers heat a plastic filament until it turns into a gas and then use this gas to transfer melted plastic onto a substrate (usually paper). This process results in durable prints that you can use on products like T-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, and more.

How much does a typical sublimation print cost?

A typical sublimation print cost can range anywhere from $0.50 to $10.00, depending on the size and complexity of the design. In addition, sublimation paper and ink can also be expensive, with prices starting at around $15.00 for a package of sublimation paper. It is important to keep these costs in mind when deciding if sublimation printing is right for you.

What is a sublimation printer?

A sublimation printer creates prints using heat and pressure to turn liquid resin into solid objects. The materials that can be printed using a sublimation printer include plastic, rubber, and metal.

What are the limitations of using a sublimation printer?

One of the limitations of using a sublimation printer is the price of the printer itself, as well as the cost of the sublimation paper and ink. In addition, these printers can only print on certain types of materials, such as plastic, rubber, and metal. In addition, the process can be time-consuming, and substrates must be carefully selected to ensure compatibility with the printer.


Best Sublimation Printer For Beginners

At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you need from your sublimation printer. If you want something that is easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, then Sawgrass SG500 might be right for you. But if you need more affordable option, then Epson EcoTank-2850 would be a better choice.

Whichever route you decide to go, make sure to do your research first and ask lots of questions so that you can find the perfect sublimation printer for your business.

Thanks for reading!


Best Epson Printer For Sublimation
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