T-shirt printing stands as a cornerstone of sublimation printing, transforming ordinary garments into personalized canvases. For those eager to dive into this colorful world, finding the best Dye Sub Printer For T Shirts is paramount. Much like seeking out the best printer overall, the quest for the ideal t-shirt sublimation printer often boils down to balancing budget with desired features and print quality. Many enthusiasts, including myself in my early ventures, began with a converted Epson printer for sublimation. These converted printers offer a fantastic entry point and deliver commendable results. However, dedicated dye-sub printers have emerged, offering enhanced convenience and streamlined performance right out of the box. The choice between a converted inkjet and a purpose-built dye-sublimation printer typically hinges on your financial considerations and the level of convenience you prioritize. Rest assured, each recommendation we’ll explore in this guide is designed to deliver exceptional end results, empowering you to create stunning t-shirt designs.
| Best Overall Epson Surecolor F-170 | – Borderless photo printing up to 13” x 19” – Renowned for superior print quality as a dedicated sublimation printer. | Check Lowest Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best Wide Format Epson ET – 15000 | – Excellent for sublimating across a range of t-shirt sizes from S to XXL. – Compatible with popular sublimation inks like Hiipoo and Printers Jack. | |
| Cheapest Epson ET – 2800 | – Most affordable entry-level option for small format prints (up to 8.5” x 11”). – Delivers impressive image quality for its price point. – A favorite within the sublimation printing community. | Check Lowest Price on Amazon |
Do You Need a Special Dye Sublimation Printer for Shirts?
It’s a common question for those new to the craft: Is there a specialized printer exclusively for t-shirt sublimation? The answer is nuanced. While you absolutely need a printer capable of sublimation, there isn’t a category of printers specifically manufactured and marketed only for t-shirts.
Any printer designed for dye sublimation, or a standard inkjet printer expertly converted for sublimation, can be used to print designs for t-shirts. The key lies in the core components of dye sublimation. These printers necessitate the use of specialized sublimation ink and sublimation transfer paper. After printing your design onto the transfer paper, a heat press is essential to apply heat and pressure, permanently bonding the ink into the fibers of your polyester t-shirt.
For successful t-shirt sublimation, the material of the shirt is crucial. Aim for t-shirts with a polyester content of 60% or higher. The higher the polyester percentage, the more vibrant and enduring your sublimated designs will be. For the most striking, full-color prints, 100% polyester shirts are the gold standard.
Another vital consideration when selecting t-shirts for sublimation is fabric color. Dye sublimation is most effective on light-colored garments. Dark-colored t-shirts present a challenge because sublimation inks are transparent and designed to dye the fabric fibers. Attempting to sublimate onto a black shirt, for instance, will result in the design being virtually invisible. While it’s generally recommended to avoid dark colors, there are workarounds for those who want to explore sublimation on darker materials, such as employing special vinyl or films designed for sublimation on black or dark-colored cotton shirts.
Best Dye Sub Printer for Shirts: Epson SureColor F170
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: The bundle includes: 1 Original Epson SureColor F170 sublimation printer, 25 sheets of Epson sublimation paper optimized for polyester fabrics, 2 sheets of Forever Subli-Flex 202 for sublimation on 100% dark cotton, 3 sheets of Subli Light Cotton for sublimation on 100% light cotton, 1 sublimation mouse pad blank, 1 roll of thermal tape, and a full set of sublimation inks (Epson DS). User guide and AC power cable included. Model: SCF170.
- Key Features: Original purpose-built sublimation printer, signature required upon delivery, prints media up to 8.5×14 inches.
$599.00
During my comprehensive review of the Epson SureColor F170, I was immediately struck by the printer’s ability to produce vibrant, true-to-color prints straight out of the box. These prints transferred flawlessly onto t-shirts and a diverse array of other sublimation blanks. The SureColor F170 is engineered specifically for sublimation, eliminating the need for complex conversions or intricate adjustments. This user-friendly design makes it an exceptional choice for both beginners venturing into sublimation and seasoned crafters seeking a reliable and efficient machine.
The Epson SureColor F170 boasts an impressive print resolution, ensuring sharp and detailed transfers. Crucially, unlike converted EcoTank models, using sublimation ink with the F170 will not void your manufacturer’s warranty, providing peace of mind. While the F170 is compatible with various sublimation ink brands, the included Epson DS ink set is perfectly formulated to work synergistically with the printer, delivering outstanding results, especially on cotton and polyester blend shirts. For those seeking a dedicated, hassle-free dye sub printer for t shirts, the Epson F170 is a top contender.
Best 13×19 Sublimation Printer for Shirts: Epson ET-15000
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: Cartridge-Free Printing: Ink bottles replace cartridges, with each set equivalent to approximately 80 individual cartridges. Significant Ink Savings: Save up to 90% on ink costs compared to cartridges, printing up to 7,500 black/6,000 color pages per ink set. Ample Ink Supply: Up to 2 years of ink included in the box and with each replacement set, minimizing ink run-out frustrations. Mess-Free Refills: EcoFit ink bottles designed for easy, spill-free filling. Eco-Conscious: Zero cartridge waste, reducing landfill contributions.
$581.00
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 review highlighted its impressive performance, solidifying its position as one of Epson’s premier EcoTank printers, especially when converted for sublimation. During testing, the ET-15000 consistently produced prints rich in color saturation and detail retention, ensuring no loss of image fidelity during the transfer process onto t-shirts.
Despite not being initially conceived as a sublimation printer, a converted Epson ET-15000 admirably rivals purpose-built sublimation units in print quality. Mirroring the exceptional print capabilities of its EcoTank sibling, the ET-2800, the ET-15000 delivers professional-grade results. Coupled with wireless connectivity and the capacity for wide-format printing up to 13″ x 19″, this printer is both versatile and efficient, particularly advantageous for designs spanning larger t-shirt sizes.
It’s crucial to remember that converting an EcoTank printer for sublimation, while cost-effective, will void Epson’s warranty. This is a trade-off to consider when weighing the benefits of a converted printer against a dedicated sublimation model.
While the initial investment might be higher than budget-focused options, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 offers exceptional value in the realm of sublimation printing, particularly for those needing to print larger t-shirt designs and appreciate the long-term savings of EcoTank technology. If wide-format dye sub printing for t shirts is a priority, the ET-15000 is a strong contender.
Best Budget Sublimation Printer for Shirts: Epson EcoTank ET-2800
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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: Cartridge-Free Printing: Eliminates the need for expensive ink cartridges, with each ink bottle set equaling roughly 80 individual cartridges. Significant Ink Savings: Reduces ink costs by up to 90% compared to cartridges, enabling printing of up to 4,500 black/7,500 color pages per ink set. Extended Ink Supply: Up to 2 years of ink included, minimizing ink-related disruptions. Effortless Ink Refills: EcoFit ink bottles ensure clean and simple ink replenishment. Reduced Waste: EcoTank system minimizes cartridge waste.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 distinguishes itself as the most budget-friendly option in this roundup, without compromising on essential features or print quality for t-shirt sublimation. Its compact and sleek design makes it a space-saving addition to any workspace, ideal for home crafters or those with limited studio space. This all-in-one super tank printer delivers a range of functionalities beyond just printing, including scanning and copying, adding to its versatility. The innovative Cartridge-Free Printing system is a major draw, eliminating the recurring expense of traditional ink cartridges and replacing them with high-capacity, easily refillable EcoFit ink tanks, ensuring you’re always well-stocked for your t-shirt printing projects.
It’s important to reiterate that once an inkjet printer like the ET-2800 is converted for sublimation, it cannot be reverted back to standard inkjet printing with regular inks. This conversion is a one-way commitment to sublimation printing.
Despite its affordability, the ET-2800 doesn’t skimp on print quality. Equipped with Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology and pigment black ink, it consistently produces sharp text and vibrant color photos and graphics, essential for detailed t-shirt designs. The printer also incorporates contemporary connectivity features, including wireless printing and even voice-activated printing for hands-free operation.
Setting up the ET-2800 is straightforward, and the generous ink supply included in the box can last for up to two years, significantly reducing the immediate concern of running out of ink. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 provides a reliable and quality entry point into dye sub printer for shirts, making it perfect for beginners and those with smaller-scale t-shirt printing needs.
Best Sublimation Printer for Shirts: Price Comparison
While the models highlighted above represent excellent choices for t-shirt sublimation, your specific needs might necessitate exploring commercial-grade options. Below is a price comparison table showcasing a range of sublimation printers, including average prices and print sizes, to help you determine which best aligns with your business requirements:
| 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” | $581.00 + 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 perfectly adequate. This size offers enough space to create detailed designs that are impactful on a t-shirt without overwhelming the garment’s overall aesthetic.
What Do You Need for Sublimation Printing on T-Shirts?
Creating custom designs on t-shirts through sublimation might initially seem like a complex undertaking, but in reality, it’s a remarkably accessible process, especially when compared to more intricate garment customization methods like DTF printing. Sublimation printing onto shirts is surprisingly straightforward, provided you are equipped with the correct tools and materials.
Beyond a dedicated sublimation printer, such as the recommended models discussed earlier, you will also require sublimation paper and sublimation ink. These specialized consumables are essential for the sublimation process. The ink and paper are uniquely formulated to work in tandem, enabling the printed design to effectively transfer onto the target fabric.
A heat press machine is another indispensable piece of equipment. The heat press applies controlled heat and pressure, activating the sublimation ink and permanently embedding the design into the polyester fibers of the t-shirt. While some beginners may consider using a household iron as a substitute for a heat press, the inconsistent heat and pressure distribution of an iron often lead to suboptimal and unreliable results, making it a less-than-ideal method. Convection ovens, sometimes used for sublimation on other substrates, are generally unsuitable for t-shirts due to their design and heat distribution characteristics.
Pre-pressing your t-shirts before applying the heat transfer design is a recommended step. This pre-pressing process helps to remove any moisture or wrinkles from the fabric, ensuring a smooth and even surface for the sublimation transfer and preventing potential imperfections in your final design.
Design software is also a key component in the sublimation workflow. This software allows you to create your custom designs, prepare them for printing, and send them to your sublimation printer with ease. While professional-grade software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are commonly used for their advanced features and precision, user-friendly alternatives such as Canva and ProCreate offer excellent tools for creating high-resolution images suitable for sublimation. The choice of software often depends on your design experience and the complexity of the designs you intend to create.
Finally, the t-shirt itself is, of course, a crucial element. As previously mentioned, sublimation printing yields the best and most vibrant results on t-shirts made from 100% polyester. However, experimenting with polyester blends can also produce interesting and unique effects. Shirts blended with cotton, for instance, can create a stylish vintage or washed-out aesthetic. Regardless of the material you choose, it’s always advisable to have a few extra blank t-shirts on hand for test prints and to account for any unforeseen errors during the sublimation process.
Before embarking on any significant sublimation printing project, it’s always wise to conduct a test print. This simple step allows you to identify any potential issues, check color accuracy, and ensure that your printer settings are optimized for achieving bright and vibrant results on your final t-shirt design.
FAQ
What size dye sub printer do I need for t-shirts?
For t-shirt printing, an 8.5″ x 11″ print size is generally considered ideal. This size strikes a balance, being compatible with the maximum print dimensions of many desktop sublimation printers while also providing ample space for detailed designs that are well-proportioned for most t-shirt sizes.
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 experiment with blended fabrics that include cotton or even vinyl, polyester remains the optimal choice. Polyester’s synthetic nature allows for the sublimation ink to chemically bond with the fibers, resulting in permanent, vibrant, and wash-resistant prints.
Final Word
While identifying a dye sublimation printer for t-shirts or even hoodies is relatively straightforward, pinpointing the best one is inherently more subjective and depends heavily on individual needs and priorities. This guide offers my informed perspective and recommendations based on testing and experience, but it’s not intended to be the definitive last word. Every artist, crafter, and business has unique requirements and budgetary constraints, so consider these recommendations as a starting point and utilize the information provided to make the best decision for your specific circumstances.
To delve deeper into sublimation techniques, tips, and tricks – including advanced methods like how to sublimate on dark shirts – be sure to stay connected with Cranky Press Man for more in-depth articles and resources!
