The Best Print On Demand Printers

The best Print On Demand Printers

An inkjet sublimation publisher is a type of computer printer that transfers dye onto various equipment like plastic and fabric with the help of heat.

As a result, sublimation is a thermal printing process that uses heat to create images. Photographic printing, t-shirt design, a mug, to name a few applications, are performed on a large number of these printing devices.

If you’re looking to purchase a dye sublimation printer for your business, home, or studio, there are a few fundamental considerations to make before settling on the most appropriate model for your needs; these considerations will be covered in greater detail later in this guide.

For example, if you own a label or sticker printing business, you should think about investing in a vinyl sticker printer instead of a laser printer. Explore our in-depth guide on how to purchase the best printer for vinyl sticker printing to assist you in making your decision.

Our Top Picks for the Best Sublimation Printers

Here is a list of the best printers you can use for sublimation printing on t-shirts or mugs, in no particular order:

  • Epson Artisan 1430 – Best Overall
  • Epson Workforce 7710 – Best Multi-Functional Printers on the Market Today
  • The Epson Stylus C88+ Inkjet Printer – Best budget printer available today
  • Mitsubishi CP-K60DW-S – Dye-Sublimation Photo Printer with High Eco-Value
  • Brother MFC-J995DW – Best printer for printing on fabric.
  • Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 – Best Printing on a large scale
  • The Mitsubishi CP- D70DW – Best printer for large-scale photo printing
  • Canon Selphy CP 1300 (Wireless) – The Best Choice!
  • Sawgrass Virtuoso SG400 – Best high-resolution camera available.
  • Sawgrass Virtuoso SG800 – Best Inkjet Printer

You can compare all printers and read a detailed review of each by clicking on the links below. The reviews provided above will assist you in determining which printer is the best option for you to purchase right now.

Below is a in-depth review of the best dye-sublimation printers for 2021

Keeping these essential considerations in mind, please investigate the best dye sublimation printers available for purchase currently in 2021, which are not only the best in their respective classes but also the best performers in the industry.

Whether you’re looking to purchase a sublimation printer for personal or commercial use, we’ve included a list of features with each review to help you make an informed decision about which printer is best for you.


🖨 Epson Artisan 1430 Wireless Inkjet Printer- Editor’s Choice

The Epson Artisan 1430 is a wireless wide-format color inkjet printer that prints in full color. This Epson Artisan 1430 dye-sublimation printer is ideal for printing on t-shirts, mugs, and other items. The EPSON Artisan 1430 take photographs printing to a new level of excellence, producing brilliant prints, ultra-high-definition, and exceptional quality.

This printer is capable of printing documents up to 13′′ x 19′′ without the use of a border. Wireless networking is a fantastic feature that makes it easy to share your Sublimated prints with others.

According to the manufacturer, the Claria Hi-Definition Ink used by the EPSON 1430 lasts up to four times as long as regular photo lab prints. Smudge, scratch, and fade resistance feature this sublimation printer, making it an excellent choice for creating photos that will last a long time.

Now you can quickly and easily produce high-quality, professional-looking large-scale gallery-worthy prints, allowing you to take your printing to entirely new levels.

It is the best choice among professional photographers and t-shirt and mug printers because of its high quality and low cost.

Pros
  • Connects to a wireless network in a short period
  • Photo printing without the use of a border
  • Environmentally friendly characteristics
  • Capable of printing and sharing images taken with a smartphone
Cons
  •  Only paper with a thickness of less than 10mm can be accommodated.

🖨 Epson Workforce WF-7710 Inkjet Printer – Best multi-functional printer available

The Epson WorkForce WF-7710 wireless and WiFi direct, wide-format color inkjet printer (2-sided auto duplex) can print from a type of devices, including smartphones and tablets, and it is also compatible with Apple’s AirPrint. (C11CC99201)

First and foremost, the Epson manufacturers created the WF-7710 to expand small and innovative businesses to increase productivity. PrecisionCore powers this large-capacity inkjet heat-transfer color printer, which boasts “performance beyond laser” and “performance beyond inkjet.”

PrecisionCore refers to employing new printing technology and a high-density print chip to achieve its results. This new high-tech print chip generates as many as 40 million pinpoint dots per second, allowing it to grade at an incredible rate while maintaining astounding accuracy!

This EPSON gadget has a maximum print size of 13′′ x 19′′ and can produce laser-sharp black and color text. It has a freightage of up to 500 sheets in the front, which is incredible, and it also has a rear tray for printing on envelopes and special paper, which is also fantastic. The automatic two-sided preprint mechanism will leave a lasting impression on you.

Features:

  • ISO print speed: black: 18 ISO pages per minute plus color: 10 ISO pages per minute plus
  • PrecisionCore print technology is a type of 3D printing that produces precise results.
  • high-speed printing, wireless connectivity, wired ethernet connectivity, and WiFi direct
  • Four ink cartridges from the DURABrite Ultra 252-series

The WF-7710 is a functional inkjet printer that features dexterous caliber inks that are available at reasonable prices and are 40% less expensive than laser prints.

The binary paper trays are a lot more useful than you might think, as they allow you to print continuously and at high speed without any interruptions. Let us not disregard the conviction that the 7110 has wireless capabilities.

It can connect, share, and print from any location in the world using laptops,mobile devices, and even tablets.

After you’ve downloaded the app, printing is as simple as clicking a button! The most remarkable aspect of this printer is that it was designed with the environment in mind by its designers and manufacturers.

Several environmentally friendly characteristics, such as:

  • It is recyclable and compliant with RoHS regulations.
  • It consumes 70 percent less energy than radiation printers, for instance.
  • With automated two-sided printing, you can save up to 50% on paper consumption.
Pros
  • Large-scale papers are colored without the use of borders.
  • This printer generates high-speed prints with precise dots.
  • Paper trays with two compartments
  • Properties that are resistant to water and fading
Cons
  • The device’s large size, according to the reviews, makes it unsuitable for use in a home.
  • It is not very good at detecting the size of the printing.

🖨 Epson Stylus C88+ Inkjet Printer – Best Sublimation Printer for Small Business

Epson Stylus C88+ Inkjet Printer | Product Exclusion | Epson US

In the market, there is another Epson commodity, the Stylus 88+ Color Inkjet Printer, which is intended for home use and is available at an attractively reasonable price of less than $100.

It delivers outstanding results while operating at peak efficiency and effectiveness. Your eyes will be astonished by the quality and grade of the preprints, and the durability appears to be promising.

It makes use of the ground-breaking DURABrite Ultra Pigment ink, which dries in seconds. This ink is known for its resistance to water, scratches, fade, and smudges. It is typically the type of texture that you should look through.

The handling of paper is automated and reliable, and it does not cause any inconvenience. With an average printing speed of 19 pages per minute, it provides borderless printing within the available frame-ready sizes.

In an article published by PCWorld, it was stated that the Epson Stylus 88+ version is the only product available so far that is capable of printing banners as wide as 8.5 inches and as long as 44 inches.

It also performs admirably in photo printing, though you will need to use a computer to accomplish this task. The product’s creators have also provided software that can be used to create calendars, photo books, and various other things.

Pros
  • Instant ink drying of rich color dispatch
  • It can print long banners up to 44 inches in length.
  • Dependable paper handling
Cons
  • Skin tones have a grayish cast to them.
  • When printing a large number of photos, the printing speed becomes slower.

🖨 Fujifilm CP-K60DW-S Dye-Sublimation Photo Printer

Mitsubishi CP-K60DW-S Printer

The Mitsubishi CP-K60DW-S, Sublimation Image printer is a small and capable color printer that uses thermal transfer to produce stunning prints. It is available in black and white or color. This printer’s sturdy construction and energy-saving features are particularly noteworthy.

This printer is capable of printing high-quality, vibrant colors at a resolution of 300 x 300 DPI. It is also capable of printing Instagram images with an aspect ratio of 1:1 with relative ease.

The digital image processing feature produces prints with a smooth and glossy laminated finish due to digital image processing. Printing speeds of up to 11.2 seconds for a 4 x 6-inch photo are achieved using the Mitsubishi CP-K60DW-S laser printer. It also has the capability of printing in broad formats, depending on your preferences.

It is also worth mentioning that the Mitsubishi CP-K60DW-S has a rewind function, which is quite interesting. It is possible to use the ink rewind and rollback functions to optimize prints by resetting the ink ribbon in this manner. It assists in making full use of the printing surface to get the most out of the available consumables.

The front tray, which holds paper rolls and ink ribbons up to 5 or 6 inches in diameter, facilitates loading. The printer also features an internal storage memory capacity of 32 MB for storing your print designs.

Pros
  • Energy efficiency and environmental friendliness
  • Prints in a range of sizes, as well as glossy and matte finishes
  • Operation of printing that is quick and simple
Cons
  • Some features may be too technical for some users to set up on their own.
  • It’s a little big and heavy.

🖨 Brother MFC-J995DW – High-Quality Fabric Printing with Brother MFC-J995DW

Brother MFC-J995DW All-in-One Colour Inkjet Printer | staples.ca

It is a good value all-in-one inkjet printer for home or small business users, and it comes with a lot of features. It means that it is equipped with a printer, fax machine, a scanner, and all at the same time.

For small businesses, the printer provides an excellent combination of productivity and convenience features, which are particularly appealing when printing thermal and heat press images.

The Brother MFC-J995DW is a low-cost printing solution that uses high-capacity ink cartridges to produce high-quality results.

One of the printer’s most notable features is automatically printing on both sides of the page. The printer can print wirelessly and via Ethernet or NFC connections, among other options.

It also features a large 2.7-inch touchscreen LCD that makes it simple to control your vinyl, sublimation, or photo printing projects.

It also offers you the chance to select the fabric or material you wish to print. In just 4 minutes, you can print large glossy prints of your photos with vibrant colors and fine details, as well as attractive textures and backgrounds.

Pros
  • The cost per page is kept to a minimum.
  • Photo printing, scanning, and copying are all accomplished at a relatively rapid pace.
  • Ink at a low cost
  • Automatic duplex photo printing is an available feature.
Cons
  • The use of the particular media tray is restricted to one sheet only.
  • Color photo scans of mediocre quality
  • The automatic duplex function (ADF) does not function on the Copy and Scan functions.

 

🖨 Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 - Photo Review

The Epson Expression Photo HD XP15000 InkJet printer raises the bar on photo printing to an entirely different level. Inkjet printer with a wireless wide-format and ultra HD resolution that produces stunning photo prints on various materials, including paper.

The Epson Expression Photo HD printer is a cutting-edge and compact printer that allows users to print brilliant, professional-quality prints up to 13 x 19 inches in size with no need for bordering or cropping.

Price can be found on Amazon.

Not only does the Epson Expression Photo HD XP produce excellent color prints, but it also enhances black and white prints by introducing smooth gradations into the image.

The image prints produced by the Epson Expression are exceptionally sharp and detailed. Because of its ultra-high HD resolution of 5760 x 1440 DPI, it is incredibly complex.

The printing speed is quite impressive, with color prints being printed at a rate of 9 pages per minute and black and white images being published at 9.2 pages per minute.

It comes with a 2.4-inch LCD and quick access to a USB port for printing directly from the device. The Epson Expression Photo HD printer also has a wireless setup feature that allows you to print from a mobile device or a remote computer with the touch of a push-button.

The printer assists Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print,Android Print, and the Mopria Print service when printing from a mobile device or tablet.

MicroPiezo technology and a six-color HD ink set are employed by the printer. It enables specialized media to be placed in the rear 50-sheet tray of the printer. The printer is environmentally friendly, compliant with RoHS regulations, and recyclable.

Pros
  • Professional Ultra HD photo quality is achieved with the help of the 6-color Claria Photo HD Ink 
  • Sublimation material up to 23mm thick can be handled with no problems.
  • Wireless connectivity that is both ultimate and convenient
  • Automatic both sides of a 13-inch wide photo print.
Cons
  • The limitation is that it only works well on a few different film surfaces.
  • Only Epson-certified special-designed ink can be used in this application.

🖨 Canon Selphy CP1300

CANON SELPHY CP1300 WHITE (CMP) (Black) [ONLINE PRICE]

The Selphy CP1300 cordless compact image printer is the ideal solution for printing photos on the go, regardless of where you are. The Selphy CP1300 enables you to print wirelessly from a variety of locations, including at home, at the park, or the office, using a variety of methods, comprising AirPrint, camera’s flashcard, or from your preferred media platform channels, like Instagram or Facebook with the use of the Canon Print app, which is provided at no cost from the Amazon Appstore.

Printing a small collection of your favorite photos in a fun collage format with the Party Shuffle Print element or quirky booth for taking pictures style prints are also options with the Party Shuffle Print feature. You select the appropriate style and size for your photos, which may include the following sizes: Size L (3.5″” x 4.7″”), Postcard (4.0″” x 6.0″”), Card Size (2.1″” x 3.4″”), and Label Square (2.1″” x 2.1″”). You can also upload your photos.

The Selphy CP1300 printer has a Party Shuffle feature that allows multiple devices to wirelessly send images to the printer from a mobile device, which can then be combined into a single collage printed and shared with friends and family.

Finally, the use of the convenient 3.2′′ flip-up LCD color screen makes it easier than ever to navigate through all of these options.

Features:

  • Technology for dye-sublimation printing
  • Print in a variety of sizes.
  • Party Shuffle Print can be used to create fun collages.
  • Power adapter with a small footprint
  • 3.2-inch liquid crystal display
  • There are a variety of wireless and physical connections available.
Pros
  • Photos that are resistant to water
  • Wireless
  • An optional battery pack allows you to print while on the go.
  • Design that is both sleek and portable
  • Attach tablet or smartphone to the printing machine via the Canon PRINT application.
  • Features LCD touch screen with a resolution of 3.2 inches
  • Photos that dry instantly
  • Print directly from a USB drive or the memory card of your digital camera.
Cons
  • Canon has been known not to support printing from computers that are more than a year old.
  • Customers experiencing difficulties when attempting to print from the Windows Photos app

🖨 Mitsubishi CP-D70DW

CP-D70DW - Photo Printers - Photo Printers & Media - Mitsubishi Electric  Printing

The Mitsubishi CP-D70DW high-performance dye-sublimation photo printer is a professional, lightweight, high-capacity photo printer that prints 46′′ photo prints in just 8 seconds and produces Super Fine Matte finish output. It can print at speeds of up to 8 seconds for 46′′ photo prints and growing Super Fine Matte finish output.

A variety of sizes, including 2 6″, 3.5 5, 4 6″, 5 7″, 6 6′′, and 6 8′′, as well as a choice of print modes, including Fine (high speed), Super Fine (high resolution), and an ultra-fine print mode, are available without the need to change media.

In addition, the Mitsubishi CP-D70DW employs a new, advanced image processing algorithm that works to improve the sharpness of each image, resulting in high-quality photo outputs.

Also included are several energy-saving features, such as a unique refrigerating system that controls the heat of the print head and internal electricity, that help reduce overall energy consumption. Two points to mention about the energy-saving mode: it allows for a reduction in power consumption.

Features:

  • Design that is both compact and lightweight
  • It is only 26.5 pounds in weight.
  • System for advanced cooling
  • Compatibility with PCs and Macs
  • Dust-proof housing
  • Creation of a dust-proof housing
  • Printing with a large capacity
  • Printing at high speeds
Pros
  • Printing at high speeds (4′′ x 6′′ prints in 8 seconds)
  • Built-in energy-saving mode 
  • Warranty is for three years, with the option of exchanging during the first year.
  • Capable of producing excellent matte finish prints.
Cons
  • There are no specific drawbacks.

The Best Sawgrass Sublimation Printers for Your Project

Sawgrass sublimation printers are high-quality digital decorating printers that produce vibrant high-definition images for sublimation and cotton transfer printing, among other applications. Each of the three Sawgrass Virtuoso models (VJ628, SG400, and SG800) has its own unique series of objects that set them separately from the competition.

Additionally to being used for photography and the arts, the virtuoso VJ628 is also used for high-volume customization and personalization.

It is capable of producing high-quality prints with a width of up to 24.5 inches. It makes use of a DX7 print head, which has been proven to be an industrial-grade technology, resulting in improved performance and longer life.


🖨 Sawgrass Virtuous SG400

Sawgrass Virtuoso SG400 A4 Dye Sub Printer | Pao Yeang Sdn Bhd

Because it is within a reasonable price range, the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG400 sublimation printer is quite famous for both personal and commercial applications. It is massive, with dimensions of 22′′ x 14′′ x 22′′ and a weight of approximately 30 pounds, and has a modern and elegant appearance. It includes an inked panel with the letters C, M, Y, and K on it.

In addition to USB 2.0 and Ethernet ports, this photo printer also includes a bypass tray for when something goes wrong. The SG400 photo printer can print high-resolution and vibrantly colored images with a resolution of approximately 1200 * 1200 dpi.

Because of its high build quality, it can print 34 pictures per hour at high resolution and 157 photos per hour at 600 * 600 dpi resolution. It has a print speed of 34 images at high resolution and 157 pictures per hour at 600 * 600 dpi resolution.

Printing on a wide range of objects, including but not limited to cotton T-shirts, tiles, glass, acrylic, polyester fabrics, and plaques, is possible with the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG400.

It also has self-cleaning features, which means you will never have clogged inks or any other type of jam. As a result, you can print at faster speeds and with greater productivity while maintaining high print quality standards.

In contrast to the majority of dye-sublimation printers available on the market, the Sawgrass virtuoso printer comes with 100 sublimation paper sheets, a USB cable, a flash drive for placing a manual, printer drivers, and a set of ink cartridges, allowing you to get started almost immediately after purchasing it.

It is up to you if you want to use Sublijet HD document or Chromablast after exhausted your paper supply.

SG400 sublimation printers, in particular, are your best bet for producing high-resolution, high-quality images on a wide variety of substrates, especially vinyl.

Pros
  • They are designed specifically for sublimation printing applications.
  • It does include professional image editing software.
  • A ready-made online image library with ready-to-use images
Cons
  • Inexpensive ink
  • Expensive

🖨 Sawgrass Virtuoso SG800 Sublimation Printer

Sawgrass Virtuoso SG800, the industry’s first and only fully integrated desktop system for sublimation, left the industry in awe with its revolutionary design. These are the only printing machines available that are exceptional and of high quality, and they have been designed specifically for digital decorating.

Digital Small Format Sublimation Printers Middle East & Africa|| SG 800

SG800, the Sawgrass Virtuoso, is a technologically advanced and ultra-high quality printer that allows you to print brighter and better higher-definition images, bringing the art of digital, sublimation printing into the twenty-first century.

Thanks to its faster throughput and slick, proficient form, this sublimation printer is acing the marketplace for its profit potential and gleaming resolution elevation.

Another new feature is the Sublijet Ink, which has a higher yield than previous inks. The breathtaking coloring and accuracy leave purchasers in awe of what they have purchased.

A type of products like wood plaques, glass, tiles, mugs, hardboard, polyester fabrics, aluminum panels, and polymer-coated rigid media can be decorated with Virtuoso Desktop High Definition Product Decorating Systems.

Features:

  • The Desktop system for sublimation is wholly integrated.
  • The resolution is 1200 x 1200 pixels.
  • Sublijet ink cartridges with a large storage capacity
  • Unit of paper deeds with a capacity of 250 sheets

The list of characteristics doesn’t end there. Moreover, the accomplished standard of images, combined with a high output rate, makes the situation even better. In addition, the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG800 printer comes with a Creative Studio kit, which includes an Online Designer and a Stock Design Library, among other features.

Additionally, it provides many templates and pre-made designs from which you can choose to personalize your website.

Additionally, it includes the PowerDriver v4 Colour Management software for Corel and Adobe designers. It delivers beautifully printed photographs with a tray expansion of 13 x 19 inches and the highest possible definition quality.

An inkjet printer has come to define a whole new generation of printers and has maintained its position at the peak of the market since it first appeared on the scene!

Pros
  • There is no need to purchase desktop graphics software or stock designs – Saving a significant amount of money.
  • The only desktop inkjet printers available on the market are designed specifically for digital decoration.
  • The ink has been reformulated to have a higher yield and a color gamut that is 26 percent larger.
  • It has increased productivity and profit potential as a result of increased throughput.
Cons
  • There are no specific drawbacks.

Selecting the Most Appropriate Sublimation Printer [A Buyer’s Guide]

Please keep these essential characteristics in mind when shopping for a colorful dye sublimation printer for t-shirt, mugs, and other photo print on various items such as canvas.

  1. Price: When looking for a reasonably priced printer that is both efficient and of high quality, you will want to exercise caution.
  2. Ink quality: and how color is emitted from the printer onto the material are both critically important considerations.
  3. Applications: The sublimation printer should provide a wide range of functionalities at a high level of quality.

Printing with Sublimation vs. Printing with a Heat Press

Many people mistakenly believe that sublimation and heat press is the same technique. However, there are some minor differences, and we think it is important to point this out.

For example, heat press printing is a method of applying prints to t-shirts that use both heat and pressure. Sublimation printing is a technique in which different dyes are printed on a transfer medium with the assistance of a high-quality inkjet printer.

After that, the sublimation dyes are transferred to sublimation papers, which are then transferred to the desired object with the assistance of a commercial heat press.


Frequently Asked Questions regarding CAMP: - MFBR - THE LAW FIRM OF MALLARI  FIEL BRILLANTE RONQUILLO

Q1. Is it possible to use any printer for sublimation printing?

Ans. The Ricoh and Sawgrass models are the most popular printers for sublimation printing because of their versatility. Since they are specifically planned to work with sublimation print heads, they are more expensive. However, they can be prohibitively expensive, making them out of reach for most of the population.

Fortunately, many excellent Epson color inkjet printers are also capable of performing sublimation printing. Because you can purchase refillable ink cartridges and separate sublimation ink and place them in their respective compartments, this is not a problem.

And there you find out: you now have a low-cost solution for your sublimation printing requirements in the form of an Epson inkjet printer. Keep in mind that it is preferable to use large format inkjet printers when it comes to the sublimation process.

Q2. How much does a sublimation printer cost, and how does it work?

Ans. Sublimation printing for acrylic, plastic, and vinyl has become increasingly popular due to the introduction of technology into our daily lives. Sublimation printing is a very low-cost solution that can also be highly profitable, especially for small businesses and startups with a low initial investment.

Inkjet printers that are sublimation compatible with sublimation ink range from $300 to $600 for 8.5 x 14-inch images to around $1,660 for 13 x 19-inch photos, depending on the size of the picture. The cost of imaging is less than $0.01 per square inch.

High-quality, industrial-level heat presses and sublimation printers, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 in US dollars, depending on the model.

Q3. Which printer is the most suitable for sublimation printing?

Ans. We looked into all of the available sublimation printers and concluded that the Epson Workforce WF-7110 is the best sublimation printer available on the market. An inkjet printer that prints on sublimation paper sheets up to 13 x 19 inches in size. It is a high-quality, reasonably priced, wide-format inkjet printer.

It also has a very high resolution of 4800 x 2410, which ensures that high-quality image printing is achieved, and it can be used for heat transfer printing and other applications. A large 250 sheet tray is also included, sufficient for large-scale printing productions of any size. As a result, the Epson Workforce WF-7110 is an excellent value at less than $200.

Epson WF-7720 with INK Combo at the Lowest Price Available

Q4. When does sublimation ink last the longest? 

Ans. Amongst the most frequently asked questions is how long it lasts when it comes to sublimation ink.

Sublimation inks have a shelf life because they are liquid inks. It is possible that leaving them in the printer for an extended period will cause head clogging, color shifting, and banding issues. Although most high-quality sublimation inks can be used after their expiration date, this is not always the case. It’s always a good idea to use the ink within six months of when it was installed.

Q5. What types of t-shirt materials are the most suitable for sublimation print?

Ans. Is it possible to print sublimation on a shirt that is made entirely of cotton? The short answer is that it does not.

T-shirt sublimation printing is mainly done on polyester materials, which is why it is so popular. When printing on a 100 percent polyester shirt, sublimation produces the best results. For printing on cotton t-shirts, heat transfer paper is by far the most effective method of printing on the fabric.

In addition to keep in mind is that you must imprint 65/35 and 50/50 shirts with vibrant colors for them to be effective. The result would be drab in any other case, and the print would fade away after one or two washing sessions.


A Checklist for Dye-Sublimation Printing

We’ve compiled a list of the tools and equipment required for the sublimation printing process, which includes:

  • sublimation design programs 
  • heat transfer paper 
  • dye sublimation inks 
  • media on which to apply your sublimation inks
  • specifications for the heat press to use 

Consider the information in the infographic below and let us know whether you find it useful in your dye-sublimation printing process.

How to Sublimate a T-Shirt [Step by Step]: The Sublimation Process 

It is necessary to understand the sublimation printing process to make full use of the sublimation printers recommended above to get the most out of them.

It is preferable to get the process right the first time because resources such as ink cartridges, paper, software, and transfer media can be prohibitively expensive. This will hinder you from wasting too much time, money, and resources.

📌 Getting Your Printer Set Up

We now require the printer to print the correct design sent to it by the computer, which we will do next.

To accommodate the larger sheet of paper, pull out the tray, and you should notice a sequence of blue tabs. These enable you to adjust the size of the tray, which is where the paper will be placed, if necessary.

By pulling the tab, you will be able to extend the entire tray outward. Afterward, you must make sure that all of the accounts are pushed back so that you have the full tray measure for the 13 x 19″ paper.

If you are utilizing a different size, refer to the lines on the tray and arrange them accordingly. To begin, push the paper up to the top of the tray until it is completely covered.

Currently, I’m working with A-SUB Sublimation paper, which can be purchased on Amazon and is excellent. You’ll notice that one side of the article has a pattern; you want to print on the plain white side of the paper. As a result, place it face down so that the design is visible on top. Then you’ll know you’ve done everything correctly.

After you’ve done this, you’ll need to put the tray back in place and tell the printer what size paper you’re loading into the printer.

📌 Making Modifications to the Printer’s Settings

Select the 13×19″ size on the printer. You’ll notice that the number 13×19″ is referred to as Super B (A3+). You should be ready to go after selecting Super B (A+) as the paper size option and Premium Matte as the paper type option. After that, select Close, and you should be good to go. Select Print from your computer’s menu bar to complete the process.

📌 Cleaning and preparing your T-shirt for use with a heat press

As a result, once the transfer had been printed. Last but not least, make sure that you use a lint roller on your shirt before putting it under the heat press to get rid of any lint. In the factory, lint accumulates on it, which will appear blue when you press it, although you cannot see it. In other words, lint roller the front, lint roller the rear of the house. If you have to, go through a couple of sheets to be safe and secure.

The Heat Pressing Technique

Okay. So we can now proceed to the heat press stage of the process. All of my shirts and fabrics are washed at 400 degrees for 60 seconds each. I highly recommend that you check the temperature of your heat-press, which you can do with a small infrared thermometer that you can purchase from Amazon. To obtain a reading, point the device at the platen and press the button.

The temperature will vary depending on where you place the thermometer on the platen; it will differ slightly here and there. However, as long as the temperature is around 400 degrees in the middle, you’re good to go.

📌 Designing the layout of your design

First and foremost, I use foam to lay my shirts on top of in the heat press, which provides an excellent soft backing for the garments. Furthermore, you can achieve even pressure without having to use a high-pressure setting, and it allows the seams of the t-shirt to sit off the foam pad and not be crushed as they would otherwise.

So, the primarily you want to do is get some butcher paper to place above the foam pad and cut a piece large enough to cover the entire bottom platen; this can also be reused, so don’t throw it away once you’re finished.

Now, cut new fabric to cover the top of the shirt, preventing it from becoming scorched on the inside.

The first thing I do is pre-press the shirt to remove any moisture accumulated during the manufacturing process. So take the shirt and spread it out on the floor. Ensure that seams in the shirt are elevated at the foam and do not smash by pressing the machine.

Then get a piece of paper and place it over the t-shirt, pressing down for a couple of seconds to seal the shirt. Next, take it off of the oven and set it aside.

📌 Getting Ready for the Transfer

It is necessary to spray adhesive onto the transfer to ensure it is placed in the heat press. I’d recommend putting the transfer in a cardboard box first so that you can spray it without the foam going everywhere. So, first and foremost, insert the transfer into the box. Then, using the adhesive spray, hold it in place for a couple of seconds to create a cloud inside the container.

Then take it out and look for any drips on the design; if there are any drips on the design, they will be visible when you press the button. As a result, make confident that the transfer has a fine mist covering it and no excess moisture.

Okay, so let’s get back to the shirt issue. We’ve already pre-pressed it, so take your sticky adhesive transfer and place it face down on your shirt, aligning it with the location where you want the design to appear, and press it into place on your shirt.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, you must remember to place the paper inside the shirt, on top of the shirt, and underneath the shirt to avoid snagging it on something or someone because it is possible to have ink bleed through the shirt onto the back of the garment. In addition, I like to try to save the butcher paper and repurpose it whenever possible. As a result, I use low-cost legal paper for this.

So, take your legal paper, place one on the press where the design will be printed and one inside the shirt, as shown in the illustration. You must then take the paper contained within the shirt, pick it up, and place it directly onto the hot-press form.

Once your design is on the hot press, ensure that the foam is underneath the entire structure or will not press properly. Ensure that the shirt and the press are in good contact with each other.

After that, place a sheet of inexpensive legal paper over the top of the design to protect it. It will prevent the butcher paper from becoming soiled from ink spillage. Last but not least, use your butcher paper to cover the entire shirt.

📌 Designing with Heat Pressing

Remember that we want our heat press to be at approximately 400 degrees for 60 seconds. In this case, pull the heat press down onto the shirt, and wait 60 seconds before pulling it up again.

Note: As you get a shiny polyester shirt, I recommend putting two or three sheets of butcher paper over it to protect it from the sun.

So, when the timer goes off, slowly lift the lid off the container because it will want to suck your paper up along with it. So, first and foremost, remove the top sheet.

📌 Taking the Transfer Off the Sheet

Okay, so now it’s time to peel off the transfer. It’s essential to use caution when doing this because the t-shirt will still be extremely hot. If you need to, wait until the temperature has cooled down a little. Nonetheless, once it has cooled down a little, hold it down with one hand and grab a corner of the design, slowly peeling it back on itself as you go. Take care not to move the object while you’re doing it.

Once you’ve successfully peeled it off, carefully pull the paper out of the middle and remove it from the heat press.

Run the lint roller over all the shirt after removing it from the heat press while it is still hot. Because it will assist in lifting any loose fibers while it is hot, it is recommended. Finally, shake the shirt from top to bottom.

If you’ve followed the steps I’ve outlined, you should be able to see that the design has been baked right into the shirt’s fibers and should be smooth to the touch when you remove the shirt.

That’s all there is to it. How to sublimate a t-shirt from the beginning to the end? The foremost piece of advice I could give is not rushing through it because it is easy to make mistakes when doing something new. Just keep practicing, and you’ll find yourself becoming more and more confident with each attempt.


Final Thoughts

We hope that you have been able to find a sublimation printer that meets your needs, either they are for personal use or commercial, from the list of sublimation printers we have covered in this review.

If we had to recommend a single printer that could accommodate any budget, it would be the Epson Workforce 7710, primarily because we appreciated that it could be used to print directly from both tablet and smartphone devices. Second, the printer’s speed is a significant advantage over its competitors. Consequently, it is an excellent choice for small and medium-sized enterprises, as it is sure to increase their level of productivity, thereby increasing their bottom line.

Nonetheless, if you have a question about any of the printers listed above, or if you believe we may have overlooked one, please leave a comment below, and we will respond as soon as possible.

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