Best Sublimation Printers for Beginners in 2025

Posted by Chloe Harter , 05 Feb, 2025
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For beginners, choosing the right dye-sublimation printer can be overwhelming. With so many options to choose from, finding the balance between price and features is key. This blog will help you explore the best dye-sublimation printers for beginners in 2025 to find the right device for you.

What is a Sublimation Printer?

A sublimation printer is a specialized device that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials like fabric, ceramics, and metal. This process, known as dye sublimation, involves converting ink into gas without passing through a liquid state. The result is a vibrant, durable, and high-resolution print that does not fade or peel over time.

Sublimation printing is widely used for both personal and commercial applications. Common uses include:

- Custom T-shirts and apparel: Print full-color graphics on polyester fabrics.

- Custom mugs and drinkware: Transfer vivid images to ceramic or stainless steel mugs.

- Phone cases and accessories: Personalize phone cases with unique artwork.

- Home decor and signage: Print custom wall art, mouse pads, and banners.

- Business branding: Produce promotional products like keychains, coasters, and tote bags.

Best Sublimation Printers for Beginners

For beginners who want to learn dye-sublimation printing, the most affordable way is to buy an Epson EcoTank printer. These ink tank-based printers can be easily converted into dye-sublimation printers by simply replacing the standard ink with sublimation ink. EpsonEcoTank series printers start at just $130, while professional dye-sublimation printers start at $390. Compared with professional dye-sublimation printers, converted EcoTank models deliver impressive results at a fraction of the cost.

Below are the best Epson EcoTank printers for beginners in sublimation printing:

1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 (Best Budget Option)

- Affordable and easy to use, making it ideal for beginners.

- Compact design fits easily into home setups.

- Produces vibrant prints on small sublimation items like mugs, keychains, and phone cases.

- Offers a maximum print size of 8.5″ x 14″.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a great choice for beginners who want to get started with dye-sublimation without a large upfront investment. It features an easy-to-fill ink tank system that allows for an easy transition to sublimation ink. It supports printing on paper up to 8.5″ x 14″, making it ideal for small projects like mugs, keychains, and phone cases.

While it lacks an automatic document feeder (ADF) and high-speed printing, it delivers reliable print quality for basic sublimation needs. This model is one of the most affordable EcoTank printers, making it popular among hobbyists. Its simplicity and low cost make it a great entry-level sublimation printer for newbies.

2. Epson EcoTank ET-2400 (Great for Beginners)

- One of the most budget-friendly EcoTank models.

- Simple conversion process—just fill the tank with sublimation ink.

- Good for smaller projects like mouse pads, coasters, and ceramic tiles.

- Prints up to 8.5″ x 11″.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is a great entry-level choice for those who want to explore dye-sublimation on a budget. Like the ET-2800, it features an easy-to-fill ink tank system that can be easily converted to sublimation. Its maximum print size is 8.5″ x 11″, making it ideal for small craft projects like mouse pads, tiles, and small clothing designs. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit in tight spaces.

While it lacks high-speed printing or advanced features, it offers consistent color accuracy, making it a great entry-level printer for beginners who want to test out sublimation but don’t want to invest a lot of money.

3. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 (Best for Large Prints)

- Supports wide-format printing up to 13″ x 19″, ideal for larger projects.

- High-resolution prints with PrecisionCore technology.

- Best for T-shirts, banners, and tote bags.

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a top choice for those who need wide-format printing, as it can handle prints up to 13″ x 19″. This makes it perfect for dye-sublimation projects such as T-shirts, pillowcases, and tote bags.

With PrecisionCore heat-free technology, it delivers crisp, vivid prints, ensuring high-quality results on dye-sublimation blanks. Larger ink cartridges reduce the frequency of refills, making it an effective choice for small businesses. Additionally, its versatile paper handling allows for borderless printing, making it a great choice for those who want to expand their range of dye-sublimation products. For larger, more detailed prints, the ET-15000 is a top choice.

4. Epson EcoTank ET-8550 (Best for Photo Quality)

- Six-color ink system for high-quality photo prints.

- Borderless printing available for seamless designs.

- Ideal for sublimating photo-based designs onto apparel, canvas, and metal prints.

The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is an outstanding choice for those who prioritize high-quality, photo-realistic sublimation printing. Unlike standard four-color EcoTank printers, the ET-8550 features a six-color Claria ET Premium ink system that delivers richer colors and finer details in sublimation prints. This makes it ideal for photo-based designs on shirts, canvases, and large-format sublimation blanks.

Plus, it supports borderless printing up to 13 inches in width for seamless, professional transfers. The combination of high-resolution printing, wide-format support, and vibrant color output makes this printer an ideal choice for artists, designers, and businesses seeking the best print quality in their sublimation projects.

5. Epson EcoTank ET-3850 (Best for Small Business)

- Great for those looking to start a small sublimation business.

- Automatic duplex printing for efficiency.

- Prints 8.5″ x 14″, suitable for custom merchandise and branding materials.

The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is an excellent mid-range choice for small businesses that need efficient dye-sublimation printing. It features a large ink cartridge system that reduces the need for frequent ink refills. With a 150-sheet capacity and automatic two-sided printing, it can boost productivity. Its 8.5″ x 14″ print size makes it ideal for custom apparel, mugs, and small signs. The PrecisionCore printhead ensures consistent, vivid prints, which is essential for selling high-quality dye-sublimation products.

While it’s not a wide-format printer, its balance of affordability, efficiency, and quality makes it one of the best choices for entrepreneurs starting or expanding a dye-sublimation business.

How to Use an Epson Printer for Thermal Sublimation Printing

1. Choose a brand new printer, make sure it has never used ordinary ink.

2. Carefully pour high-quality sublimation ink into the corresponding ink cartridge.

3. Set the printer to high resolution mode and enable mirror printing for proper transfer.

4. Load the sublimation transfer paper and start printing your design, make sure your design is mirrored before printing.

5. Place your design on the T-shirt, use a heat press to press at 350-400°F for 30-60 seconds, the printed design will be transferred to your T-shirt.

6. Finally tear off the sublimation paper and wait for the clothes to cool for 30 seconds. You will find that the design pattern has been printed on your clothes.

Professional Dye-Sublimation Printers for Beginners

If you prefer a dedicated sublimation printer instead of converting an Epson EcoTank, here are three beginner-friendly professional options:

1. Sawgrass SG500

- Designed specifically for sublimation, ensuring consistent, high-quality prints.

- Supports high-resolution printing (4880 x 1200 dpi).

- Comes with Sawgrass Print Manager software for color accuracy.

- Best for mugs, apparel, and coasters.

The Sawgrass SG500 is a user-friendly dye-sublimation printer designed for beginners. It delivers high-resolution printing up to 4880 x 1200 dpi, ensuring vivid and detailed images. Its compact design fits easily into small workspaces. With easy-to-install ink cartridges and comprehensive support resources, this printer is an ideal choice for those new to dye-sublimation printing.

2. Epson SureColor F170

- Affordable entry-level dye-sublimation printer.

- Uses genuine Epson sublimation ink for excellent color vibrancy.

- Simple plug-and-play setup, perfect for beginners.

- Prints up to 8.5″ x 14″, ideal for small-scale sublimation projects.

The Epson SureColor F170 is a compact and affordable printer for dye-sublimation printing beginners. It offers reliable performance and high-quality output, making it ideal for small projects. Its user-friendly interface and simple setup process make it an excellent choice for those new to dye-sublimation printing.

3. Ricoh Ri 100

- Specializes in direct-to-garment (DTG) sublimation printing.

- All-in-one compact system with built-in finishing unit.

- Great for printing on cotton-based fabrics.

- Best for T-shirts, tote bags, and other fabric-based products.

The Ricoh Ri 100 is an entry-level direct-to-garment printer, perfect for beginners interested in textile sublimation. It allows users to easily print designs directly onto cotton fabric. The compact design and simple operation make it suitable for small businesses or personal projects. Its all-in-one design includes a built-in finishing unit, simplifying the printing process for novices.

Wrap It Up

Choosing the right dye-sublimation printer depends on your budget, project size, and intended use. If you’re just starting out, Epson EcoTank printers can provide an affordable way to enter the world of dye-sublimation. However, if you want a dedicated dye-sublimation printer, consider Sawgrass, Epson SureColor, and Ricoh models.

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