Thinking about diving into the world of sublimation printing with the Brother Sp1 Sublimation Printer? You’ve come to the right place. This guide answers the most frequently asked questions to help you understand what this printer can do and if it’s the right fit for your creative projects.
What Materials Can the Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer Print On?
The Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer is designed to print your vibrant images and designs onto specialized sublimation paper. This printed paper then acts as a transfer medium when used with a heat press. For the most vivid and long-lasting results, it’s recommended to use white or light-colored items made from 100% polyester. This includes popular items like polyester shirts, hats, and jackets, perfect for custom apparel. Beyond fabrics, you can also sublimate onto white or light-colored items that have a polymer coating. This opens up possibilities for personalized mugs, coasters, and other promotional products. Remember, a heat press is essential for transferring your designs and must be purchased separately. Standard household irons are not recommended for sublimation as they cannot provide the consistent heat and pressure required for successful transfers across the entire design area.
Can I Use PVC Items?
It’s important to note that Brother explicitly advises against using PVC (polyvinyl chloride) items with the Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer. For optimal results and to avoid any potential issues, stick to recommended materials like polyester fabrics and polymer-coated items.
How Many Prints Can I Get From the Ink Cartridges?
The Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer comes with a complete set of genuine Brother ink cartridges, each containing 47ml of sublimation ink. The exact number of prints you’ll get from a set of cartridges will vary depending on several factors. These include the frequency of your printing, the size of your designs, and the complexity and ink coverage of your images. Each user’s printing experience will be unique, but rest assured you are starting with a full set of inks to get you going.
What Print Sizes Does the Brother SP1 Support?
The Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer is versatile in terms of paper sizes, accommodating A4, Letter, and Legal size sublimation paper. It can handle designs up to a maximum print area of 215 x 355mm. It’s worth noting that the Brother Sublimation Paper included in the box is Letter size (8.5 x 11 inches or 215.9 x 279.4mm), which is slightly different from A4 size (210 x 297mm). For the best and most consistent print quality and printer performance, using genuine Brother sublimation supplies is always recommended.
What Platforms Can I Print From?
Printing with the Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer is flexible and user-friendly. You have the option to print directly from your mobile device using the Brother Artspira app, or from your computer using the dedicated printer driver. The Brother Artspira app, available on both the App Store and Google Play, offers a range of sublimation-ready print files that you can customize to fit your creative vision. When setting up your print job, you can easily select your preferred paper size within the app or driver for a seamless printing workflow.
Printing on Legal Size Paper (8.5 x 14 inches)
To utilize the Legal size paper option with your Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer, follow these simple steps. First, pull out the paper tray. Locate the square on the left side of the tray marked “Legal size” and push down on it. Then, slide the green tab towards you to extend the paper tray to accommodate legal-sized paper. Load your legal-sized paper into the extended tray. You’ll notice the tray will extend slightly from the front of the printer when using legal-sized paper. Confirm on the printer’s screen that you have selected “Legal” as your paper size before printing.
What Print DPI Does the Brother SP1 Offer?
The Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer boasts a print resolution of up to 1200×2400 dpi (dots per inch). While you might notice that the printed image on the sublimation paper appears somewhat faint compared to what you see on your screen, this is perfectly normal. The magic of sublimation happens during the heat transfer process. Once the ink is transferred onto your chosen item using a heat press, the colors will dramatically transform, becoming significantly brighter and more vibrant, bringing your designs to life.
Does the Brother SP1 Have a Scanner for Sublimation?
It’s important to clarify that the Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer is solely a printer and does not include scanning capabilities. This machine is designed for printing sublimation transfers only. The space under the top cover is intended for storing your manuals and the “Let’s Get Started!” guide, not for scanning. For further details, please refer to page 9 of the instruction manual that came with your printer.
How Durable are Washed Prints?
Sublimation printing offers excellent wash durability, making it a superior choice compared to heat transfer vinyl, especially for custom T-shirts and apparel. The sublimation ink actually fuses with the polyester fibers of the fabric, creating a permanent bond. This results in an image that is incredibly long-lasting and can withstand numerous washes without significant fading or peeling. For the best and most durable results, ensure you are using 100% polyester material.
What if I Don’t Use My Printer Regularly? Will the Inks Dry Out?
The Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer is engineered for optimal performance and longevity. It features an automatic print head cleaning system that activates as needed, ensuring the printer remains in top condition even with infrequent use. As long as your printer is plugged in and powered on, it will automatically maintain itself, so it’s always ready to deliver high-quality prints whenever you are ready to create.
Where Can I Buy Replacement Ink and Paper?
To ensure the best performance and print quality from your Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer, it’s essential to use genuine Brother supplies. You can purchase replacement Brother Sublimation Ink and Brother Sublimation Paper from your authorized Brother stockist or retailer.
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