Choosing the right sublimation printer is one of the most important steps when starting a custom t-shirt or sublimation business. With so many models on the market in 2025, it can feel overwhelming to know which one fits your needs best.
This guide will help you understand how sublimation printers work, what to look for when buying one, and the best sublimation printers for t-shirts and small businesses today.
What Is a Sublimation Printer?
A sublimation printer is a specialized printer that uses heat to transfer sublimation ink onto polyester fabrics or coated materials. Unlike standard inkjet printers, sublimation printers use heat and pressure to bond ink directly into the fibers, creating vibrant, durable prints.
Why Invest in a Sublimation Printer?
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High-Quality Prints – Produces long-lasting, photo-quality designs.
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Versatility – Print on t-shirts, mugs, mousepads, tumblers, and more.
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Profitability – Perfect for custom apparel businesses and print-on-demand shops.
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Low Startup Costs – Affordable entry-level printers available.
Key Features to Consider
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Print Size
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A4 printers are great for small designs like mugs and coasters.
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A3 and larger printers are best for t-shirts and large designs.
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Ink System
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Some printers require proprietary inks (like Sawgrass).
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Converted Epson EcoTank printers allow third-party inks for lower costs.
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Print Quality (DPI)
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Higher DPI means sharper, more detailed prints.
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Ease of Use
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Look for user-friendly software and settings.
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Cost of Supplies
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Factor in ink, paper, and sublimation blanks.
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Best Sublimation Printers for T-Shirts in 2025
1. Sawgrass SG500
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Professional-grade printer.
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Easy to use with reliable customer support.
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Perfect for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 (Converted)
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Affordable and versatile.
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Great for beginners who want to print larger designs.
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Requires third-party sublimation ink.
3. Epson SureColor F170
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Compact, beginner-friendly printer.
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Works with official Epson sublimation ink.
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Perfect for small designs and apparel.
4. Sawgrass SG1000
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Larger format sublimation printer.
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Excellent for t-shirt businesses.
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Higher upfront cost but great long-term investment.
Sublimation Printer Costs
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Entry-Level Printers: $300 – $600
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Mid-Range Printers: $600 – $1,200
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Professional Printers: $1,200+
In addition, you’ll need:
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Sublimation inks
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Sublimation paper
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Heat press machine
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Blanks (shirts, mugs, etc.)
Tips for Starting a Sublimation T-Shirt Business
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Focus on Niches – Target designs for specific markets (sports teams, hobbies, events).
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Use High-Quality Blanks – 100% polyester shirts work best.
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Offer Personalization – Customers love custom names and photos.
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Promote on Marketplaces – Sell on Etsy, Amazon, or your own store like Creative Inkers.
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Bundle Products – Offer shirts with matching mugs, hats, or tote bags.
Sublimation Printer vs. DTF Printer
| Feature | Sublimation Printer | DTF Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Polyester shirts, coated blanks | Cotton, polyester, blends |
| Startup Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Durability | Long-lasting | Long-lasting |
| Print Colors | Vibrant | Vibrant |
Final Thoughts
The right sublimation printer can make or break your t-shirt business. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your shop, investing in a reliable sublimation printer will help you produce high-quality, professional products.
At Creative Inkers, we provide sublimation designs, DTF transfers, and print-ready artwork to help businesses grow. Combine your sublimation printer with our ready-made designs, and you’ll be ready to launch your business with confidence.
shop now: Shop – Creative Inkers
