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One of the things I’ve realized is that I never stop getting questions about Sublimation Ink and Sublimation Printer questions. So instead of just trashing those emails (after I’ve answered them), I decided that it was time to create a new sublimation ink & sublimation printer use questions.
Can I Use Regular Ink For Sublimation?
No, you can’t use regular ink for Sublimation.
There are several reasons, but the first and foremost is the ink smears right off the page when you try to use regular ink on sublimation paper. You must use Sublimation Ink or Dye Sublimation Ink (the same thing, just different terms.) Sublimation Ink is a special ink designed for sublimation printing, which is why it is vital to use this specific type of ink for all Sublimation Prints.
Last update on 2023-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
More about Sublimation Ink
Sublimation Ink– (DYE) is the material used to color materials and fiber infused into the substrate. It is a permanent process and will last forever if done correctly. Sublimation ink starts in a liquid form, which is printed onto Sublimation Paper. When heat and pressure are added, the solid dye changes into gas, which then adheres to your substrate permanently. Therefore, it will not wash out if applied correctly. However, the ink will wash out over time if you sublimate on cotton. Learn more in A Beginners Guide to Sublimation, the book I have published on Sublimation Printing.
Ink bottles are the containers sublimation ink is shipped to you in. Some of them have Auto Fill Technology for Ink Tanks and Ink Cartridges.
Sublimation Ink is a liquid form, but as far as a “color,” it would be a solid ink. However, ink is invisible once applied because it adheres to the blanks. There are also different types of inks which is another way of saying “brands” of ink. The Best Sublimation Ink is SubZone Ink. I recommend Pirate Jacks (now with Auto Fill Technology), Cosmos, or SubZone Ink. I’ve used all three, and they are all amazing. I’m currently using SubZone and am loving the results.
When your sublimation ink starts to separate out, or the particles clump together, it is starting to get old. Old Ink will keep working, but it will begin to degrade. Remember the date on the bottom is often times a sell by date, it’s best to contact the manufacturer to get the actual expiration date.
For best results, use your ink by the use by date the manufacturer provided you with. If the expiration date is getting close, I suggest you print out extra sublimation prints for your sublimation projects or sell them in groups.
Sublimation Printing
The process of Sublimation and Dye Sublimation transfers the dye (liquid) to a gas (Gaseous state), then finally into a solid state. That is the easiest way I know to describe Sublimation Printing.
The liquid is the Sublimation Ink before heat and pressure are applied.
The solid form comes when ink is on sublimation paper and again when it bonds with the fiber in certain fabrics.
Gas is formed when heat and pressure are applied, making the process complete once you have a finished product. Read more about How Sublimation Printing Works and dive deeper into the Sublimation Process.
Last update on 2023-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sublimation Printers
There are special sublimation printers and those printers that can be converted to sublimation printers. Each sublimation printer has its pros and cons, but we will walk you through it the best we can. The bottom line is I would choose an Epson or a Sawgrass printer for you skimmers because they are the main types of printers used for Sublimation.
However, the kind of printer you pick depends on your budget, your sublimation needs, and whether you need wide format printers.
If you are in the market for a New Sublimation Printer, you have your work cut out for you to decide which Sublimation Printer you want to purchase. Within this post, we will discuss a few sublimation printer options to help you decide on your new printer now!
First and foremost, regular printers, some can be converted for Sublimation, and some cannot. We will go into more details later, but it is also worth noting that you will still need your regular printer and Sublimation Printer. You must also set up your ICC Profile for the Sublimation Printer you purchase.
Workforce Printers
These Epson Printers work for Sublimation Printing, but remember that not ALL Workforce Printers will work for Sublimation Printing. However, the Epson Workforce Printers listed below do work for Sublimation Printing.
Epson Workforce WF-7710 -Does not have a scanner or copy machine. Epson Workforce WF-7720 (has two trays as opposed to one) *This is the one I purchased, and it’s HUGE! It has a scanner and a copier, and the 2nd tray is used for paper storage here.
Epson Artisan 1430 It was designed for Sublimation Printing!
Epson WF-7610 is also a printer that can be converted to sublimation printing.
Epson ET-2720 will work for sublimation printing, but your print size is limited to 8.5 x 14 inches.
Epson Stylus C88+ is a large format printer designed specifically for sublimation printing.
Any other Workforce printers that you can find refillable cartridges for can be switched over for Dye Sublimation printers.
Last update on 2023-01-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Epson Ecotank Printers
The Epson Ecotank model is one of the best for Sublimation Printing. Here are the top Epson Ecotank Printers to use for Sublimation Printing.
Epson Ecotank ET-4760-Epson EcoTank is the #1 Best Selling Supertank Printer
Epson ET-2720 will work for sublimation printing, but your print size is limited to 8.5 x 14 inches.
The Best Option is the Epson Artisan 1430 because it was designed for Sublimation Printing!
The Epson SureColor F170 and the Epson eco tank et-2760 will also work for Sublimation Printing.
Last update on 2023-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Industrial Epson Sublimation Printers
If you are doing Sublimation Printing for a business, then the Industrial Epson Sublimation Printers might be for you.
- Epson SureColor F10070H
- Epson SureColor F10070
- Epson SureColor F9470 / 9470H
- Epson SureColor F7200
- Epson SureColor F6370
- Epson SureColor F570SE / F570 Pro
- SureColor F10070
- SureColor F10070H
HP Printers
Not all HP printers can be used for Sublimation. However, HP has a specific line of printers for Sublimation Printers to be used for Sublimation Printing. The HP STITCH series is a single device that allows you to print both transfer paper and direct to fabric printing with great results. It is a wide format printer but comes with a pretty hefty price tag.
Read more about the best sublimation printer and more details about other printers such as Sawgrass Sublimation Printers.
Brother Printer
Most Brother printers are piezo printers, which allows them to be converted for Sublimation. But, there are NOT Sublimation Ink cartridges made for Brother Printers, making using them as a Sublimation Printer impossible.
Take the guess work out of your sublimation projects!
Check out ALL of our Sublimation Resources NOW!
Canon Printers
At this time, Canon Printers are unable to be converted to sublimated printers. However, they have a range of printers that allow you to sublimate images onto a special transparent film using special equipment. NOTE: I DO NOT recommend this method as a Sublimation Process. Just buy your special sprinter or sublimation printer of your choice for the best results. Or look into Cricut Infusible Ink Blanks, that is, the techniques, just in different ways of achieving the finished product.
Last update on 2023-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Inkjet Printers
Standard Inkjet and Normal Inkjet ink printers should be reserved for NON-Sublimation Printing.
What is Piezo Technology?
Piezo Technology uses crystals to convert mechanical energy into elements that eject ink.
Piezo Print Technology
Piezo printers are inkjet printers with heads containing crystals that electricity is run to make the ink apply.
Can Laser Printers be used for Sublimation Printing?
Laser Printers use toner and static electricity to transfer images and text onto paper.
So you can use a laser printer for Heat Transfer Papers, but not Sublimation Printing. You have to use laser heat transfer paper for this type of printing.
Inkjet Heat Transfer Paper
Inkjet Heat Transfer Paper is to be used with INKJET ink only. This is because sublimation Ink will smear if you try to use it.
Thermal Printers
You cannot use thermal printers for Sublimation Printing because they are heated. Sublimation Ink is heat activated, so it’s not possible.
Sublimation Paper
Like ketchup, there are different brands, similar to Sublimation Paper. There are many different papers you can use for your Sublimation Prints, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Read more about Sublimation Paper here.
Regular Paper-While you may have heard you can use copy paper, this is not recommended. Copy paper can bleed or transfer the ink inconsistently, and you don’t want to waste your expensive ink. Just like a regular printer can’t be used, regular paper shouldn’t be used either for Sublimation Printing, and it is a different process altogether and nothing like regular printing.
For Better results, use Sublimation Ink, Sublimation Paper, and, of course, a Sublimation Printer.
Butcher paper protects your substrate (blank) and your heat press from blowouts.
A-Sub Brand Paper is the BEST Sublimation Transfer paper for Sublimation. It works with every substrate I’ve tried, and with over 1000 different types of substrates, I would say that’s an impressive number.
How to Use Sublimation Paper is covered more in-depth in the article: What is the Best Sublimation Paper to use?
Sublimation Blanks
Sublimation Blanks come in over a thousand forms, each with pros and cons. There are also various materials you can sublimate on, making the possibilities endless. From Coffee Mugs to watches, with hundreds of items in between, the sublimation printing process is easy once you learn the skill.
My #1 tip to help you achieve the right colors for your sublimation prints is to practice Sublimation on 100% Polyester Fabric, which you can purchase at your local craft stores. It is an excellent way to achieve the desired results without costing an arm and a leg and a great way to check the print quality.
To sublimate items, you must have a quality heat press. There are hundreds of heat presses on the market, but my favorite brand is HeatPressNation.
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