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If you’re in the business of custom t-shirt printing or looking to start your own printing venture, investing in the best sublimation printer for t-shirt printing is crucial. Sublimation printing allows you to transfer vibrant, durable, and high-quality designs onto fabric, making it a popular choice for personalized apparel. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which sublimation printer is right for you?
In this guide, we’ll review the top sublimation printers for t-shirt printing, based on performance, ease of use, and value for money. We’ll also cover key factors to consider before making your purchase, so you can ensure you’re choosing the best printer for your needs.
What is Sublimation Printing for T-Shirts?
Sublimation printing is a process where heat is used to transfer dye onto materials such as polyester fabrics. Unlike traditional inkjet printing, sublimation involves turning solid dye into a gas without going through a liquid state. This allows the dye to penetrate the fabric, creating vibrant colors that are permanent and resistant to fading.
T-shirt sublimation printing offers several advantages over other methods, including:
- Vivid Colors: Sublimation creates rich, full-color prints with great detail.
- Durability: The design becomes part of the fabric, ensuring long-lasting prints that won’t peel or crack.
- No Feel: Since the dye bonds with the fabric, the print feels soft to the touch and doesn’t add any texture.
Key Features to Look for in a Sublimation Printer for T-Shirt Printing
Before diving into our recommendations, it’s important to understand the key features that make a sublimation printer ideal for t-shirt printing:
- Print Resolution: A higher resolution means sharper, more detailed prints. Look for printers with at least 1440 x 1440 DPI for the best quality.
- Print Size: Consider the size of your t-shirt designs. Some sublimation printers support larger prints (A3 or larger), which is useful for oversized designs.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly printers will save you time and frustration, especially if you’re new to sublimation printing.
- Cost of Consumables: While the initial investment is important, ongoing costs like ink and transfer paper should also be considered when choosing a printer.
- Software Compatibility: A printer that integrates well with design software (like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW) can streamline your workflow.
Now, let’s dive into the top sublimation printers for t-shirt printing in 2025.
1. Epson SureColor F570
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The Epson SureColor F570 is one of the most popular sublimation printers on the market, offering a perfect balance of quality and affordability for t-shirt printing.
Key Features:
- Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 DPI, ensuring crisp and detailed prints.
- Print Size: Capable of printing up to 24 inches wide, making it ideal for a variety of t-shirt designs.
- Ease of Use: Designed with simplicity in mind, featuring an intuitive control panel and software for seamless operation.
- Support for Various Media: The printer supports a wide range of sublimation paper and fabrics, providing flexibility.
- Compact Size: Its compact design means it can fit into most small to medium-sized printing setups.
Why It’s Great for T-Shirt Printing:
The Epson SureColor F570 is an entry-level sublimation printer that doesn’t compromise on quality. It offers exceptional color reproduction, which is essential for creating vibrant, eye-catching t-shirt designs. Plus, it’s relatively easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for beginners.
2. Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500
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The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 is a compact and reliable sublimation printer specifically designed for small businesses and home-based entrepreneurs.
Key Features:
- Print Resolution: 1200 x 1200 DPI, providing sharp and clear prints.
- Print Size: Supports print sizes up to 8.5″ x 14″, which is ideal for standard-sized t-shirts.
- Sublimation-Specific Ink: The SG500 uses Sawgrass’s unique sublimation inks, which ensure vibrant colors and long-lasting prints.
- Software: Comes with CreativeStudio software for designing and printing directly from the cloud.
- Eco-friendly: Uses less power than larger printers, making it an environmentally-friendly option.
Why It’s Great for T-Shirt Printing:
The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 is one of the most reliable and efficient sublimation printers for small t-shirt printing businesses. It’s easy to set up and offers exceptional print quality, especially when paired with high-quality sublimation paper. This printer is perfect for anyone who wants to print small to medium-sized batches of custom t-shirts.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-15000
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The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a versatile inkjet printer that can also be used for sublimation printing with the right ink and setup. This printer is a great option for those looking to print on a variety of substrates, including t-shirts, mugs, and more.
Key Features:
- Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 DPI for high-quality prints.
- Print Size: Capable of printing up to 13″ x 19″, ideal for both small and large t-shirt designs.
- Low Cost of Ownership: The EcoTank system comes with refillable ink tanks, which significantly reduce the cost of ink.
- Wireless Connectivity: Easy to print from smartphones, tablets, or computers, adding convenience to your workflow.
Why It’s Great for T-Shirt Printing:
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 offers a lower total cost of ownership compared to other sublimation printers. It’s a great option for those looking to print a variety of products, including t-shirts, at an affordable price. With its large print size and cost-effective ink system, this printer provides great value for money.
4. Ricoh SG 7110DN
The Ricoh SG 7110DN is a robust and powerful sublimation printer known for its fast printing speed and high-quality output.
Key Features:
- Print Resolution: 1200 x 1200 DPI, producing clear and vibrant colors.
- Print Size: Can print up to 11” x 17”, making it suitable for medium-sized t-shirt designs.
- Speed: Prints up to 30 pages per minute, ideal for businesses needing to print high volumes.
- Versatility: Can handle various media types, including specialty paper and fabric.
Why It’s Great for T-Shirt Printing:
The Ricoh SG 7110DN is a great choice for businesses that need to print high volumes of t-shirts. Its speed, print quality, and affordability make it a solid investment for anyone looking to scale up their sublimation printing business.
5. Mimaki TS30-1300
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The Mimaki TS30-1300 is a high-end sublimation printer designed for businesses that require large-scale t-shirt printing capabilities.
Key Features:
- Print Resolution: 1200 x 1200 DPI, producing vibrant and durable prints.
- Print Size: Capable of printing up to 51.2 inches wide, ideal for large format prints.
- Advanced Technology: Features a range of advanced printing technologies that enhance print quality and efficiency.
- Ink Efficiency: Designed to minimize ink waste and reduce operating costs.
Why It’s Great for T-Shirt Printing:
If you’re looking to print larger designs or multiple t-shirts at once, the Mimaki TS30-1300 offers exceptional print quality and efficiency. It’s a powerful printer for those looking to take their t-shirt printing business to the next level.
6. Sawgrass Sublimation Printer
Sawgrass is a leading brand in the sublimation printing industry, known for its specialized printers designed specifically for dye-sublimation. Here are some key features and benefits of Sawgrass sublimation printers:
- Specialized Inks: Each Sawgrass printer uses specially formulated inks that ensure excellent and consistent color output. These inks are designed to flow smoothly through the print head, minimizing blockages and resisting fading, which is crucial for high-quality prints.
- Models Available: The Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 are two popular models. The SG500 is a compact printer ideal for small to medium projects, while the SG1000 offers larger printing capabilities, making it suitable for bigger projects and a wider range of substrates.
- Advanced Technology: Sawgrass printers incorporate advanced technologies, such as intelligent-interweave technology, which enhances print quality and efficiency. This technology helps produce stunning prints faster and more affordably.
- User-Friendly Features: Sawgrass printers come with a two-year warranty, unlimited tech support, and access to Sawgrass CreativeStudio designs, making them user-friendly for both beginners and experienced users. Versatility: These printers are capable of printing on various substrates, including fabrics and hard surfaces, allowing for a wide range of customization options for products like apparel, home decor, and promotional items.
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FAQ about Sublimation Printer for T-Shirt Printing
Which Sublimation Printer is Best for T-Shirt Printing?
The best sublimation printer for t-shirt printing depends on your specific needs, whether you’re printing small quantities at home or scaling up a business. For beginners and small businesses, the Epson SureColor F570 or Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 are fantastic options due to their affordability, ease of use, and excellent print quality.
If you’re looking for an option with lower operating costs, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 provides excellent value for money. For larger businesses, the Mimaki TS30-1300 and Ricoh SG 7110DN offer the performance and speed needed for high-volume printing.
No matter which printer you choose, make sure to pair it with high-quality sublimation paper, inks, and a heat press to ensure the best results.
What brand of shirt is best for sublimation?
When it comes to sublimation printing, the best shirts are typically made from 100% polyester or a high polyester blend. This is because polyester allows for vibrant colors and durability in the printed designs. Here are some of the top brands recommended for sublimation: Gildan: Known for its affordability and availability, Gildan offers a range of shirts that are suitable for sublimation, particularly those made from 100% polyester.
Bella + Canvas: This brand is popular for its high-quality fabric and stylish cuts, making it a favorite among those looking for both comfort and print quality.
Jerzees: Specifically, 100% polyester Jerzees shirts are noted for their ability to retain color and prevent fading, making them a solid choice for sublimation.
Cricut: While primarily known for crafting tools, Cricut also offers sublimation-friendly shirts that are well-regarded for their print quality.
Vapor Apparel: This brand is recognized for its premium quality and is often recommended for sublimation printing due to its fabric properties.
Conclusion:
By choosing the right sublimation printer for t-shirt printing, you can create high-quality, durable designs that will impress your customers and set your business apart. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your equipment, investing in the best printer will ensure your success in the world of sublimation printing.