T-shirt printing using sublimation is a hugely popular method for creating custom apparel. If you’re looking to dive into this exciting world, finding the best Sublimation Printer For T-shirts is your first crucial step. Just like choosing the best printer for general sublimation, the options for t-shirts are plentiful. Many enthusiasts, myself included, began with a converted Epson printer for sublimation. These are a fantastic starting point, offering a balance of performance and cost. Dedicated dye-sublimation printers offer more convenience right out of the box, but ultimately, your choice will likely depend on your budget and how much ease-of-use you prioritize. Rest assured, every printer we recommend in this guide is capable of delivering excellent, vibrant results for your t-shirt projects.
| Best Overall | Epson Surecolor F-170 | – Borderless prints up to 13” x 19” – Exceptional print quality, ideal as a dedicated sublimation printer. | Check Lowest Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Wide Format | Epson ET – 15000 | – Perfect for S to XXL t-shirts and larger designs. – Compatible with Hiipoo or Printers Jack sublimation inks. | Check Lowest Price On Amazon |
| Best Budget | Epson ET – 2800 | – Entry-level, affordable option for 8.5” x 11” prints. – Known for good image quality within the sublimation community. | Check Lowest Price on Amazon |
Heat press machine applying design to a t-shirt, showcasing vibrant colors and crisp details.
Understanding Sublimation Printing for T-Shirts
You might wonder, “Do I really need a special sublimation printer specifically for shirts?” The answer is both yes and no. While there isn’t a printer exclusively designed for t-shirts, you absolutely need a printer capable of sublimation. This means you’ll need either a purpose-built dye-sublimation printer or a standard inkjet printer that has been converted for sublimation use.
The key to sublimation lies in specialized sublimation ink and sublimation transfer paper. These work in tandem with a heat press to transfer your designs onto polyester fabrics. The heat press applies controlled heat and pressure, causing the sublimation ink to turn into a gas and bond with the polyester fibers, creating permanent, vibrant prints.
When choosing t-shirts for sublimation, the material composition is crucial. Ideally, you want t-shirts with at least 60% polyester content or higher. For the most vibrant and full-color prints [https://www.crankypressman.com/how-to-make-sublimation-brighter/], 100% polyester shirts are your best bet. The higher the polyester percentage, the richer and more durable your sublimated design will be.
Another important factor is the color of the t-shirt. Sublimation printing works best on light-colored garments. Avoid dark-colored t-shirts for standard sublimation, as the dye will not show up effectively. However, there are clever techniques to sublimate on black or dark-colored cotton shirts using specialized materials if you wish to explore those options.
Top Sublimation Printers for T-Shirt Printing
Let’s explore some of the best sublimation printers available today that are perfectly suited for t-shirt printing. We’ll cover options for various needs and budgets.
Best Overall Sublimation Printer for Shirts: Epson SureColor F170
The Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer is an excellent choice for anyone serious about sublimation printing for t-shirts. This printer is purpose-built for sublimation, meaning it’s engineered for optimal performance and ease of use right out of the box.
[Sublimation Color Printer Starter Bundle 8.5″x 11″] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VS2M16Y?tag=bgfg-crankypressman-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 “Sublimation Color Printer Starter Bundle 8.5’x 11′ 25 Sheets Free Sublimation Paper, and Heat-Resistant Tape, eco Tank f170 Cartridge-Free Supertank.”) – DESCRIPTION: You will receive: 1 Original F170 sublimation printer, 25 Sheets of original sublimation Paper, Forever Subli-Flex 202 for dark cotton garments, Subli Light Cotton for light cotton garments, sublimation mouse pad, Thermal Tape, sublimation Inks, User guide, and AC power cable SCF170.
- Original Sublimation Printer
- Signature required upon delivery
- Prints 8.5×11 or 8.5×14 sheets
$599.00
In my review of the Epson SureColor F170, I was consistently impressed by the vibrant and accurate prints it produced. These translated beautifully onto t-shirts and a wide range of other sublimation blanks. The F170 is designed for sublimation from the ground up, eliminating the need for any complex conversions or adjustments. This makes it exceptionally user-friendly, whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned sublimation expert.
The F170 boasts a fantastic print resolution, ensuring sharp and detailed designs for your t-shirts. Unlike converting EcoTank printers, using the F170 for sublimation will not void your warranty, offering peace of mind. While it works perfectly with any quality sublimation ink, the included Epson DS ink set is formulated to deliver outstanding results, especially on cotton/polyester blend shirts.
Best 13×19 Sublimation Printer for Shirts: Epson EcoTank ET-15000
For those needing to print larger designs for t-shirts, especially for sizes XL and above, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is an excellent wide-format option.
[Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084TV6NTZ?tag=bgfg-crankypressman-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 “Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Fax, Ethernet and Printing up to 13 x 19 Inches, White”) – Key Features: Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing, Dramatic Savings on Ink, Stress-Free Printing with up to 2 years of ink, High-Capacity Ink Tanks, Zero Cartridge Waste.
$582.00
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 review highlighted its impressive performance, making it one of the top EcoTank models for sublimation conversion. During testing, I found the ET-15000 to produce rich, vibrant colors with exceptional detail retention when transferred onto t-shirts.
While not originally designed as a sublimation printer, a converted ET-15000 competes remarkably well with dedicated sublimation printers. Similar to its sibling, the ET-2800, the ET-15000 delivers excellent print quality. Its wide-format printing capabilities combined with wireless connectivity make it a versatile and efficient choice.
It’s important to note that converting an EcoTank printer for sublimation will void the Epson warranty. However, the cost savings on ink and the wide-format printing capabilities often make it a worthwhile trade-off for many users. Despite the higher initial price point, the ET-15000 offers exceptional value for wide-format sublimation printing for t-shirts.
Best Budget Sublimation Printer for Shirts: Epson EcoTank ET-2800
If you’re looking for an affordable entry point into sublimation printing for t-shirts, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is an outstanding budget-friendly option.
[Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096N8DN2H?tag=bgfg-crankypressman-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 “Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer – Black, Medium”) – Key Features: Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing, Dramatic Ink Savings, Stress-Free Printing with up to 2 years of ink, High-Capacity Ink Tanks, Zero Cartridge Waste.
$199.99
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is not only affordable but also boasts a sleek, space-saving design, making it ideal for smaller workspaces. This all-in-one super tank printer provides a range of features that cater perfectly to home users and hobbyists. Its innovative cartridge-free printing system eliminates the hassle of expensive ink cartridges, relying instead on high-capacity, easily refillable EcoFit ink tanks.
It’s crucial to remember that once an inkjet printer like the ET-2800 is converted for sublimation, it can no longer be used for regular printing. Dedicate it solely to sublimation for best results.
Despite its budget-friendly price, the ET-2800 delivers impressive print quality. Equipped with Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology and pigment black ink, it produces sharp text and vibrant color photos and graphics, ideal for t-shirt designs. Modern connectivity options, including wireless printing and voice-activated printing, further enhance its user-friendliness. Setting up the ET-2800 is straightforward, and with up to two years of ink included, you can enjoy long periods of printing without worrying about running out. The Epson ET-2800 offers reliable performance and quality at an accessible price point, making it a fantastic entry-level sublimation printer for t-shirts.
Sublimation Printer for Shirts: Price Comparison
To give you a clearer picture of the printer landscape, here’s a price comparison table highlighting various sublimation printer options for t-shirts, including both converted and purpose-built models. This will help you assess which printer aligns best with your budget and business needs:
| Printer Name | Type | Size of Print | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-2800 | Converted | 8.5” x 11” | $199.99 + Ink |
| Epson WorkForce WF-2860 | Converted | 8.5” x 11” | $84.99 + Ink |
| Sawgrass SG500 | Purpose-Built | 8.5” x 11” | $599.99 |
| Sawgrass SG1000 | Purpose-Built | 11” x 17” | $1499.99 |
| Epson EcoTank ET-15000 | Converted | 13” x 19” | $699.99 + Ink |
| Epson EcoTank ET-8550 | Converted | 13” x 19” | $799.99 + Ink |
| Mimaki TS100 | Purpose-Built | Wider than 24” | $9995.00 |
For printing designs on small to medium-sized t-shirts, an 8.5″ x 11’’ print area is often sufficient. This size provides enough space for detailed designs without being overwhelming on the t-shirt.
Essential Equipment for Sublimation Printing on T-Shirts
Creating custom t-shirts with sublimation printing might seem complex, but it’s surprisingly easy once you have the right setup. Unlike more intricate methods like DTF printing, sublimation for t-shirts is relatively straightforward with the correct equipment.
Besides a sublimation printer for t-shirts from the recommendations above, you’ll need a few other key items:
- Sublimation Paper: Sublimation paper is specially coated to hold the sublimation inks and release them effectively during the heat transfer process.
- Sublimation Ink: Sublimation ink is formulated to turn into a gas when heated, allowing it to bond with polyester fabrics.
- Heat Press Machine: A heat press machine is essential for applying controlled heat and pressure to transfer your design from the sublimation paper onto the t-shirt. While some beginners might consider using a household iron, the inconsistent heat and pressure make it unreliable for consistent, high-quality results. Convection ovens [https://www.crankypressman.com/best-convection-oven-for-sublimation/] are designed for different sublimation applications and are not suitable for t-shirts.
It’s a good practice to pre-press your t-shirts with the heat press before applying the sublimation transfer. This removes any moisture and wrinkles, ensuring a smooth surface for optimal design transfer.
- Design Software: You’ll need design software to create your t-shirt designs. Software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are industry standards offering advanced features, but user-friendly options like Canva and ProCreate are also excellent for creating high-resolution images. Choose software that suits your design skills and needs.
- Polyester T-Shirts: As mentioned earlier, sublimation works best on 100% polyester t-shirts. Experimenting with cotton blends can create a unique, vintage “washed-out” effect. Always keep a stock of blank t-shirts on hand for practice prints and projects.
Before starting any major sublimation project, always perform a test print. This allows you to check your colors, design placement, and printer settings, ensuring you achieve bright and vibrant results on your final t-shirts.
FAQ About Sublimation Printers for T-Shirts
What size sublimation printer do I need for t-shirts?
For most t-shirt designs, an 8.5″ x 11″ print size is ideal. It strikes a balance between being large enough for detailed graphics and being compatible with a wide range of desktop sublimation printers.
What types of shirts are suitable for sublimation printing?
Sublimation printing is most effective on shirts made from polyester or polyester-rich blend fabrics. While you can explore blended fabrics including cotton or even vinyl, polyester is the key component for the chemical bonding process in sublimation, resulting in the most vibrant and durable prints.
Final Word on Choosing Your Sublimation Printer for T-Shirts
While finding a sublimation printer for t-shirts or even hoodies is relatively straightforward, selecting the best one truly depends on your specific needs and priorities. This guide offers my expert recommendations, but ultimately, the ideal choice is subjective and depends on your individual artistic vision, business goals, and budget. Use the information here to make an informed decision and choose the sublimation printer that best empowers your t-shirt printing journey.
For more in-depth guides on sublimation techniques, tips, and tricks – including advanced methods like how to sublimate on dark shirts – keep exploring Cranky Press Man for all your sublimation needs!
