Sublimation Printer Buyer’s Guide: Find the Best Model for Your Business

If you’re a creative entrepreneur, photographer, or sign-shop looking to start sublimating or upgrade your current sublimation offerings, finding the best sublimation printer is your key to success! We’ve used our fifty plus years of experience in the signage and personalization industry to create a comprehensive sublimation buyers guide.

Use this guide to break down the features and capabilities of specific printer models and discover the best sublimation printer for your goals, budget, and work space!

Who Should Read This Guide?

This guide is perfect for:

• New crafters just starting with sublimation.
• Business owners scaling up sublimation production.
• Sign and personalization shops expanding into sublimation.
• Creators looking to complement their laser engraving, UV-LED, toner heat transfer, or other print technologies with sublimation.

What is sublimation?

Before we dive into the details, let’s review what sublimation is and how it works. Put simply, sublimation is a scientific process that transforms solid particles into a gas without passing through the liquid state. This scientific transformation allows for vibrant, colorful designs to be transferred onto specially coated surfaces or fabrics. When you print a design using sublimation ink onto sublimation paper, and then apply heat and pressure, the ink turns into a gas and embeds itself into the fibers of the substrate. Sublimation ink is a special ink that when heated, skips the liquid phase and converts directly into gas. At these high temperatures, molecules in the substrate loosen and open up on a microscopic level, allowing gaseous ink to penetrate. As the item cools the molecules close back up, trapping the dye inside. This embeds the color inside, resulting in durable scratch resistant prints.

This results in a permanent, high-quality, smooth-to-the-touch image that is resistant to cracking, peeling, and fading. Sublimation is particularly popular for producing custom apparel, personalized gifts, and promotional products and can also be combined with other personalization technologies for ultimate personalization flexibility. Another plus to sublimation is the ability to create small, fully-customized products with little effort. It’s also known for its ability to create vivid photographic images and handles skin tones and colors really well!

Whether you’re creating unique t-shirts, eye-catching mugs, or bespoke home décor, sublimation provides a versatile solution that combines creativity with durability.

Benefits of sublimation:

• Vivid print colors, especially with photographs
• Print on hard or soft substrates
• Small run, custom capabilities
• Prints that are fade, chip, and crack resistant
• Smooth, high-quality print images
• Low barrier to entry with high-profit return

What do you need for sublimation?

To get started with sublimation, you’ll need: a dedicated sublimation printer, sublimation-specific inks and paper, sublimation-ready substrates, and heat tape. You'll also need a heat source with applied pressure, such as a flat heat press, drinkware heat press, or dedicated convection oven with silicone wraps or shrink wraps. Other products that assist in sublimation include heat gloves, blowout paper, and scissors. This blog takes you through specifics of how to set up your shop for success!

Setting Up Your Sublimation Shop for Success: Choosing the Right Accessories

Top Sublimation Printers at Johnson Plastics Plus

We carry a variety of Epson brand sublimation printers at JPPlus. Combined with Epson’s trusted name in the print industry and JPPlus support, you can’t go wrong with an Epson sublimation printer.

Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer

Best for Beginners, Home Crafters, or Supplemental Printing

The Epson SureColor F170 is a compact, easy to use, and affordable sublimation-ready printer. This machine accepts paper up to 8.5" x 14" and is perfect for mugs, coasters, keychains, and other small items. When you receive your sublimation printer, the inks are keyed so you can’t put them in the wrong colors, simply click them into place and fill, no messy or complicated conversions required!

Fast facts about the Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer

• 8.5" x 14" max print
• Includes genuine Epson ink at an affordable price point
• Easy-to-fill inks with no mess
• Plug-and-play setup with the appropriate drivers
• Great for: hobbyists, Etsy sellers, first-time users

Epson SureColor F170 Resources:

• The best sublimation printer for beginners: How to choose the best sublimation printer to start your creative journey!
• Supplies for your Epson F170
• Setting Up Your Sublimation Shop for Success: Choosing the Right Accessories

Epson SureColor F570 Pro Sublimation Printer

Best for High-Volume, Mid-Sized Shops

If you’re ready for faster print speeds and larger output, the Epson SureColor F570 Pro is an excellent choice. The Epson SureColor F570 pro accepts roll paper up to 24" wide with the option for 17" rolls, cut sheets, or 8.5" x 11" sheets for smaller jobs. It also has a built in cutter, and easy-to-fill inks.

• Accepts paper?up to 24"
• Flexibility to choose 24" roll, 17" roll, cut sheets, or 8.5" x 11" paper
• Includes genuine Epson ink at an affordable price point
• Easy-to-fill inks with no mess
• Plug-and-play setup
• Great for: fast production, medium size sublimation jobs

Epson SureColor F570 Resources:

Epson SureColor F6470 4-Color Production Sublimation Printer

Best for Commercial Production

The Epson SureColor F6470 is designed for high-volume sublimation printers. The printer has the capacity to accept up to 44" wide sublimation paper rolls so you can print big for apparel, blankets, large signage, home decor, and beyond.

• Maximum resolution: 1,200 x 600 dpi
• Print speed: up to 820 feet per hour
• Maximum paper width: 44 inches
• Minimum paper width: 10 inches
• Print technology: Precision Core Micro TFP drop-on-demand inkjet printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology
• Ink configuration: C, M, Y, HDK
• Nozzle configuration: 800 nozzles x 4 colors
• Operating System: Windows®11, 10 (64-bit)
• Epson Edge Print: Minimum PC Requirements
• Intel Core®i3 (3.30 GHz)
• 8GB RAM
• 50GB HDD
• 1280 x 1024 display resolution
• Internet connection
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 64 inches x 36 inches x 45 inches
• Limited warranty: standard 1-year limited warranty; optional Epson Preferred Plus Extended Service Plans available up to a total of 5 years of continuous coverage (link to extended service plan)

Epson SureColor F6470H 6-Color Production Sublimation Printer

Best for Commercial Production

The Epson SureColor F6470H offers users rapid print speeds with a 6-color output, capable of printing up to 400 square feet per hour. The printer ensures exceptional image quality, thanks to the highly efficient UltraChrome® DS Ink, which provides outstanding color saturation and high contrast.

For versatile media support, the printer is equipped with a media take-up reel for unattended printing and a built-in cutter for easy roll-to-sheet operation. This comprehensive turnkey solution comes with a 1-year limited onsite warranty, with options for Epson Preferred® Plus Extended Service Plans for added support. The PrecisionCore® MicroTFP printhead, featuring Nozzle Verification Technology, ensures reliable and high-quality prints consistently. The printer's performance is optimized for various Epson® DS Transfer Paper types, including Universal, Rigid Photo Optimized, Adhesive Textile, and Multipurpose. Minimal user maintenance is required, as the accessible maintenance area facilitates consistent and reliable printer performance. Additionally, the Epson Cloud Solution PORT2 offers real-time production monitoring of your printer fleet, including production rates and printer usage.

• Maximum resolution: 1,200 x 600 dpi
• Print speed – up to 400ft per hour
• Maximum paper width: 44 inches
• Minimum paper width: 10 inches
• Print technology – Precision Core Micro TFP drop-on-demand inkjet printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology
• Ink Type – UltraChrome with High-Density Black Ink; 6-color ink configuration
• Ink configuration:
          ○ Smooth: C, M, Y, HDK, Lc, Lm
          ○ Fluorescent: C, M, Y, HDK, Fy, Fp
          ○ Vivid: C, M, HDk, Or, V
          ○ Nozzle configuration – 400 nozzles x 6 colors
• Operating System: Windows®11, 10 (64-bit)
• Epson Edge Print: Minimum PC Requirements - Intel Core®i3 (3.30 GHz), 8GB RAM, 50GB HDD, 1280 x 1024 display resolution and Internet connection
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 64" x 36" x 45"
• Limited warranty - Standard 1-year limited warranty; optional Epson Preferred Plus Extended Service Plans available up to a total of 5 years of continuous coverage

How to pick the best heat press or convection oven for sublimation

Heat and pressure is required for sublimation. The source for heat and pressure can be from: a flat heat press, a specialty press like a mug or cap press, or a convection oven. The first step is deciding which type of press is best for you.

Flat Heat Presses

Flat presses are best for flat and fabric items like apparel, tote bags, photo panels, and thinner acrylic photo blocks. When choosing a flat heat press, consider the size and type of items you plan to sublimate, your workspace, and your production volume. Whether you're crafting custom t-shirts, tote bags, or mouse pads, the right heat press will enhance your sublimation process, allowing you to produce high-quality, vibrant designs with ease.

• Clamshell Presses: These are compact and user-friendly, making them ideal for small spaces and beginners. The top platen opens upwards, which allows for quick and easy access to your substrate. However, care must be taken to ensure even pressure distribution, especially on thicker items.
          ○ Pros: Small footprint, user-friendly, lower cost
          ○ Cons: Can be difficult with thicker items, troubleshooting sometimes required for even heat and pressure
• Swing Away or Pull-Out Presses: With a platen that swings to the side or a draw that pulls out, these presses offer a clear workspace and even pressure distribution, making them perfect for thicker items or layered projects. The swing-away feature reduces the risk of accidental burns and allows for precise placement of your sublimation designs.
          ○ Pros: Easy for apparel, even heat and pressure
          ○ Cons: Larger space requirement, mid-range price point
• Automatic Heat Presses: Designed for high-volume production, these presses automate the opening and closing process, increasing efficiency and reducing operator fatigue. They often come with digital controls for precise temperature and pressure settings, ensuring consistent quality across all your sublimated products.
          ○ Pros: Increased speed and production, less fatigue
          ○ Cons: Large space required and more investment required

Specialty Presses

When selecting a specialty press, consider the specific items you plan to produce and the volume of output you anticipate. Each type of press offers unique benefits tailored to different products, ensuring that your sublimation projects are both efficient and of the highest quality. By investing in the right equipment, you can diversify your product offerings and meet the demands of your customers with precision and creativity.

• Mug and Tumbler Presses/Drinkware Presses: Perfect for sublimating on cylindrical drinkware. Mug and tumbler presses are designed to accommodate the unique shape of tumblers, ensuring that your designs wrap around the surface seamlessly. Some presses offer interchangeable attachments so you can press different sizes and shapes of drinkware with one press.
• Hat Presses: Designed for caps and hats, these presses allow you to add custom logos, names, or designs to headwear, making them a popular choice for sports teams or promotional merchandise.

Convection Ovens

Convections ovens can be an excellent choice for sublimation, especially when you’re looking to sublimate multiple items at once or sublimate on oddly shaped/curved items, such as mugs or other cylindrical objects. These ovens provide the uniform heat necessary to ensure that your sublimation designs transfer evenly and vibrantly, regardless of the shape of the item.

When selecting a convection oven for sublimation, consider the following factors:

• Size and Capacity: Ensure your oven can accommodate the size and number of items you plan to sublimate simultaneously. A larger capacity oven can increase your production efficiency, especially for business settings.
• Temperature Control: Look for a model with precise temperature settings to achieve consistent results. Accurate temperature control is crucial for achieving the best transfer quality.
• Even Heat Distribution: Choose an oven known for its even heat distribution to avoid any hot spots that could affect the quality of your sublimated products.
• Versatility: Some convection ovens come with additional features or attachments that allow for more diverse sublimation projects, such as multiple shelves or rotating trays.

By pairing the right convection oven with your sublimation printer and other necessary tools, you can expand your range of products and increase the quality of your sublimation creations. Whether you're crafting custom drinkware or other novelty items, a reliable convection oven can play a key role in your sublimation setup. Be sure to only use your oven for sublimation as putting food in it can be harmful due to the inks that off gas during the sublimation process.

Sublimation Compatible Supplies & Accessories

Make sure to pair your printer and press with the right products:

• Shrink sleeves
• Heat gun
• Heat gloves
• Blowout paper
• Silicone sleeves
• Foam

Common Questions About Sublimation Printers

What’s the difference between the Epson SureColor F170 and SureColor F570 Pro?
The SureColor F570 Pro offers a wider print size, built-in cutter, and larger ink tanks, making it better suited for production. The SureColor F170 is a great low-cost entry point for beginners. Additionally, the Epson SureColo 170 only prints on precut sheets and the Epson SureColor 570 offers sheet printing and roll printing.

Do I need a heat press with a sublimation printer?
Yes! Sublimation requires heat and pressure to transfer the printed design onto your blank. We recommend starting with a flat heat press or mug press depending on your product type.

What blanks can I use with sublimation?
Only items coated for sublimation (or made from 100% polyester fabric) will work. JPPlus offers a full selection of sublimation-ready blanks.

• Shrink sleeves
• Heat gun
• Heat gloves
• Blowout paper
• Silicone sleeves
• Foam

Sublimation Starter Kits

Need help choosing the best bundle for you? Contact us to schedule a remote demonstration or call with an equipment specialist.

Ready to Start Printing?

JPPlus has a sublimation printer that fits your goals. Plus, we offer:

• In-house customer support
• Live demo events
• Trusted Epson dealer status

More sublimation resources!

Check out more articles and videos on sublimation! Learn how to price your sublimation projects, sublimate on mugs and skinny drinkware, and more: 

• How do I know when it’s time to upgrade my equipment?
• How to fix Sublimation Mistakes
• How to Use Tech Tips and Templates on JPPlus.com to Grow Your Business
• Spooky Season and Beyond: Boosting Your Business Through the Holidays
• Top 10 Personalizable Products for Men
• Pawsome Personalization: Perfect Gifts for Pets!
• Color Swatches and Palettes for Sublimation
• Create Wedding Day Magic with Sublimation
• Unveiling the Magic of Dye-Sublimation
• Infusible Ink vs. Sublimation
• A Dedicated Sublimation Printer Makes Life Easier!
• Growing Your Sublimation Business Part one: Partnerships that Work
• How to Sublimate Skinny Tumblers
• Five Tips to Maximize Your Sublimation Business
• Mirroring Sublimation Artwork
• Elevate Your Personalization Business with Heat Presses
• Finding the Perfect Heat Press for Your Small Business: Sublimation and Toner Heat Transfer Made Easy
• Sublimation Paper Guide
• Oh Baby! Your Guide to the Perfect Personalized Baby Gifts
• New Year, New Drinkware Products: Part Two - Sublimating the Tumbler with Bluetooth Speaker
• Using Sublimation in Awards

Check out our Resources