10 Best Sublimation Printer for T-shirts: The Ultimate Guide
Sublimation printer for t-shirts produces high-quality images on shirts. It’s a cost-effective method that produces better results than old-school methods like heat transfer or screen printing.
I have researched it in detail to provide a professional perspective. I’ve listed the top sublimation printer for t-shirts to help you choose the suitable model.
What is a Sublimation Printer for T-shirts?
A t-shirt sublimation printer permanently transfers an image from a photograph onto a garment. It’s named after a scientific process where a substance changes from a solid to a gas without ever becoming a liquid.
Sublimation printer for shirts use ink that changes from a solid to a gas state as a substance. To make a t-shirt with a sublimation printer, you first print your design on specialty paper using solid ink. Then, you apply the design to the shirt by heating it. When heated, the ink becomes a gas, binding to the fabric’s fibers. It cools down and becomes solid once again.
Since this method is permanent, it is excellent for clothing designs. Wearing, folding, and washing the t-shirt won’t hurt the design. Unlike other methods, the image won’t flake, peel, or wrinkle due to heat transfer.
Factors to Consider while Choosing a Sublimation Printer for T-shirts
Sublimation printers, in particular, are one of the most compact ones that can print on a wide range of materials, including polyester. Before you buy a sublimation printer for t-shirts, you should familiarize yourself with a few critical points.
Printing Technology:
With so many DIY printing options available on the market, it is easy to become overwhelmed by two different printing technologies. If you need a sublimation printer for shirts, you should ensure you purchase the right one instead of a heat transfer or Cricut printer. Depending on the manufacturer, sublimation printing is also known as dry sublimation or DYE-SUB.
Connectivity Options:
When looking for a sublimation printer for t-shirts, you should also check out its connectivity options, as they may affect your productivity. If your printer only has traditional connectivity options, such as an ethernet port, you must always keep your computer connected to your printer. On the other hand, printers with a USB port or Wi-Fi support can be used remotely without any issues. You can use sublimation printers with your smartphone.
Compatible Devices:
The range of devices compatible with sublimation printer for t-shirts is usually determined by the connectivity options and software program used on the device. If the printer app is available for many platforms, you will be able to use your desktop computer, laptop, iOS, or Android smartphone. We have listed the kinds of gadgets appropriate for the printer so you won’t have to worry about them.
I will discuss some top sublimation printer for t-shirts. Whether you want to begin your own small business or produce large quantities of prints for creative studios and shops, these printers are great options. You may find the optimal solution for your budget from our extensive list.
Comparison of Best Sublimation Printer for T-shirts
IMAGE | MODEL | FEATURES | COST |
 | Liene Photo Printer | Dye Sublimation printing technology, Wi-Fi connectivity technology, Amazing photo quality | CHECK PRICE |
 | Epson Stylus C88 | Inkjet printing technology, USB connectivity technology, 120 maximum input sheet capacity | CHECK PRICE |
 | Digital Textile Printer MT-TA3 | Dye Sublimation printing technology, Good material compatibility, High resolution up to 2880dpi | CHECK PRICE |
 | Canon Selphy CP 1300 | Dye Sublimation printing technology, USB connectivity technology, Resolution of up to 300 x 300 dpi | CHECK PRICE |
 | EcoTank ET-4700 | Wireless feature, Inkjet printing technology, Wireless, Ethernet connectivity technology | CHECK PRICE |
 | Transfer World WF-2860 | High quality heat transfer machine, CISS comes with Chipless cartridges, Heat press brings out vibrant colors on the shirts | CHECK PRICE |
 | Canon Pixma MG3620 | Inkjet printing technology,Wi-Fi connectivity technology, 2.3 sheet size | CHECK PRICE |
 | Kodak Dock & Wi-Fi Portable 4×6 | Dye Sublimation printing technology, Wi-Fi connectivity technology, One touch printing | CHECK PRICE |
 | Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 | Dye Sublimation printing technology, Wi-Fi connectivity technology | CHECK PRICE |
 | Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 | Wireless feature, Inkjet printing technology, USB connectivity technology | CHECK PRICE |
Let us explore each of the listed Sublimation printers for t-shirts.
10 Best Sublimation Printer for T-shirts 2022
Liene Photo Printer
One of the best sublimation printer
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dye Sublimation printing technology
- Wi-Fi connectivity technology
- Amazing photo quality
- Perfect for Smartphones, PC, and Laptops
- Support 5 simultaneous connections
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+ Huge potential
+ Prints 4 x 6 inches images
+ Compatible with many devices
+ Ships with 20 photo papers
REASONS TO AVOID
– Not fit for repetitive printing
The Liene Photo Printer is a wireless photo printer with a compact and portable design. Camera operators can use this to print hard copies of their pictures instantly. It can also print up to 4 x 6-inch pictures, which is ideal for most people.
This photo printer from Liene is also a sublimation printer that is cost-efficient and portable. Sublimation printing is popular among other options due to its low price point.
You’ll get support for the Liene photograph printer application, making it simple. This device can connect to iOS, Android, laptops, desktop computers, and other devices with WiFi connectivity; you can connect five devices to the Liene photograph printer for quicker input simultaneously.
The package includes 20 Liene photograph papers, so you can test the printer as soon as you unpackage it.
Epson Stylus C88
Best For Sublimation Shirts
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Inkjet printing technology
- USB connectivity technology
- 120 maximum input sheet capacity
- Prints on all paper types
- It comes with image editing software
- It consists of scan software
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+ Consists of easy-to-use photo editing software
+ Print designs easily with minute details
+ Super Clean pictures 1440p
+ Fast printing speed with less price
+ Auto paper feeder
REASONS TO AVOID
– Somewhat expensive.
The Epson Stylus C88+ is an excellent choice if you want a high-quality inkjet printer that is economical. Furthermore, it includes a 4.2″ x 3.7″ touch screen so that you can control it directly from your phone or tablet.
The Epson Stylus C88+ can print on A4, A5, A6, and A7 papers and various other sizes. You won’t have any trouble finishing your projects with this printer.
If you want to create high-quality sublimation photos and projects, check out the Epson Stylus C88+. This printer can make prints of any size and has a resolution of 5760 x 1440 dots. In addition, you can create multiple documents, including legal documents, business cards, flyers, etc.
Digital Textile Printer MT-TA3
Best Dye Sublimation Printer
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dye Sublimation printing technology
- Good material compatibility
- High resolution up to 2880dpi
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+ Easy to use
+ Prints directly on t-shirts
REASONS TO AVOID
– Not a big-scale business printer
Although we discovered several comparable devices in the marketplace, this device is suitable for small T-shirt printing businesses. Firstly, it’s simple to operate and comprehend. Secondly, the cost is reasonable and the quality exceptional.
Furthermore, it prints, cuts, and irons material. When it comes to slicing, it has a wide range of cutting widths and can process many materials simultaneously. The slicing quality is also superb.
It’s capable of sewing and printing directly on T-shirts, in addition to its other functions. The operation is also simple. There are four buttons on the control panel—the first button switches between printing and cutting modes. The second button sets the size of the screen, which you can adjust according to your requirements. The third button adjusts the display’s brightness, which you may change according to the environment.
Canon Selphy CP 1300
Portable Sublimation Printer
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dye Sublimation printing technology
- USB connectivity technology
- Resolution of 300 x 300 dpi
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+ Great quality water-resistant prints and photos
+ Straight and smooth usage
+ Easy to set up and use
+ Best 4×6 photo printer
REASONS TO AVOID
– Most pictures require editing before printing
Canon printer is an excellent option if you want an economical printer for your smartphone. The Canon Selphy CP1300 is an inexpensive, simple-to-use, quick wireless printer that won’t break the bank. It is small, lightweight, and simple to set up. It prints quickly and produces decent-quality photographs.
I was amazed at how simple the set up process is and how much faster it was than my previous printer. It only took a few minutes to print pictures from my camera, whereas my last printer took a long time.
Unfortunately, I have to print pictures from my computer, and I’ve been dissatisfied with printers that don’t work with USB. With the Sylph CP1300, you can print from your smartphone, tablet, or camera’s memory card, and the quality will be superb. It’s simple to take with you since it’s small and light.
This inexpensive wireless printer is an excellent choice for someone who wants to print on a small scale as a hobby.
EcoTank ET-4700
One of the best economical printer
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Wireless feature
- Inkjet printing technology
- Wireless, Ethernet connectivity technology
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+ Great for sublimation printing
+ Wireless connectivity options
+ Support voice-activated printing
+ Available at an affordable price
REASONS TO AVOID
– Require conversion
Epson has become a famous brand in the inkjet printing business. The ET-4700 is an excellent choice for home and small office inkjet printing. It’s a simple-to-use, easy-to-maintain model that gives excellent results at a bargain price.
The ET-4700 is simple to set up and use. It also has a large print area and a vast paper capacity. You can easily print photos, documents, and more using this inkjet printer. I’ve been using the ET-4700 for the last three years, and I believe it’s the most straightforward sublimation printer for T-shirts.
Transfer World WF-2860
Professional Sublimation Heat Transfer Machine
SPECIFICATIONS:
- High-quality heat transfer machine
- CISS comes with Chipless cartridges
- The heat press brings out vibrant colors on the shirts
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+ High-quality sublimation inks
+ Comes with CE certification
+ Chipless cartridges
REASONS TO AVOID
– Interface is not simple
The World Printer is a simple and effective device. It has a stylish design and an intuitive interface. The WF-2860 has a large touchscreen and a simple interface that makes it simple to operate.
The WF-2860 is a compact and slender printer that is just a little bigger than a credit card. A “help” button on the front provides helpful instructions for beginners. In addition, the Wi-Fi connection allows you to print remotely using the included remote application. It will continue working for hours on a single charge, so you can work on your projects while you print.
The sublimation ink is of excellent quality and reasonably priced. It’s a perfect option to print graphics or logos on various items. Polyester, cotton, and other fabrics are just a few items you can use for this printer.
Even glass, metal, ceramic, and stone can be imprinted with designs with this printer. The maximum transfer size is 8″ x 10″, and the material must be at least 1mm thick. The unit can handle temperatures up to 350°F and has a maximum print speed of 50 pages per minute.
Printing from any device without having to reset the cartridge is a significant benefit of the Chipless system. It saves time and allows you to print anytime, even when you’re not at home, because you can print multiple jobs without having to wait for the printer to finish one before starting the next.
Canon Pixma MG3620
Cheapest Printer
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Inkjet printing technology
- Wi-Fi connectivity technology
- 2.3 sheet size
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+ Affordable
+ Lot of printing options
+ Versatile printer
REASONS TO AVOID
– Print quality needs improvements
I can assure you that MG3620 is the most economical printer on this list if you want to start a sublimation business for weird and unique t-shirts. You may be on a small budget if you want to create a sublimation business, but if you have a low budget, you should purchase this printer. You can print from anywhere with the help of the NFC, Mopria, and Canon Print features.
It’s worth purchasing, as it has a 3-year warranty and a compact form factor. Additionally, you can print 16-color pages in a minute with no issues. The one disadvantage with this item is that it only holds 20 sheets of 4×6 paper.
Kodak Dock & Wi-Fi Portable 4×6
Instant Photo Printer
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dye Sublimation printing technology
- Wi-Fi connectivity technology
- One touch printing
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+ Affordable
+ High-quality photos
+ Fun to print photos at home
+ Maximum device compatibility
REASONS TO AVOID
– Small photo printer
– Instructions need improvements
The Kodak Dock PD-450 is one of the best portable photo printers available. The Kodak Dock PD-450 is an excellent choice if you want to take your prints wherever you go. This device is a charger, an adapter, and a printer. It is compatible with any Android or iOS device that supports USB. You can print, edit, and share your photos with the Kodak Photo Printer application.
It’s wonderful that you may connect to it through Wi-Fi and print directly from your phone. So when you’re out and about, you may quickly print a picture to put on a t-shirt. You won’t be able to use the Kodak printer to take photos because it does not have an SD slot or a flash. However, it is the most straightforward device to operate and may save you time and effort.
Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500
Decent sublimation printer
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dye Sublimation printing technology
- Wi-Fi connectivity technology
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+ Various color options
+ Vibrant and accurate sublimation printer
REASONS TO AVOID
– Prints wash away on cotton shirts
– Only used on 100% polyester shirts
A Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 Sublimation printer can print up to eight colors. A standard inkjet printer can only print one color. You can print on the front and back of the t-shirt, one side of the fabric, and the reverse side. Sublimation printers can be used with many inks, including those not part of the standard set.
Sublimation printers are capable of producing full-color CMYK prints. In addition, sublimation printers come with software that allows you to create your custom designs. Because of its speed, reliability, ease of use, and variety of inks and papers, the Sawgrass Virtuoso is the best sublimation printer for T-shirts.
The SG400 comes with a 2-year warranty and excellent customer service and assistance. You may always contact their online assistance team for support, and they are also available via telephone and email. It comes with a USB port that lets you upload files directly from your computer and a stand that props the printer up while you work. You don’t have to spend hours or hours getting the printer to work.
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
Fabulous sublimation printer
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Wireless feature
- Inkjet printing technology
- USB connectivity technology
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+ Print great quality photos and graphics
+ Superb output quality
+ Easy to use the printer
REASONS TO AVOID
– Initial cost is higher than Eco Tanks printers
If you are on a budget and want a dependable picture printer that can make garments, the EcoTank Photo is the way to go. It’s not the fastest printer, but it provides the most excellent value for the money and works well for most people. It’s not the quickest printer, but it has the most outstanding deal for the money and prints excellent photographs and graphics.
The EcoTank Photo is a photograph sublimation printer that differs a few ways from the Epson ET-8550 and ET-8600 models. It lets you print 4″ x 6″ pictures for as little as 4 cents each, as opposed to 40 cents with cartridges, which are difficult to find in cheap photo printers. The EcoTank Photo also lets you print on matte and glossy paper, which are challenging to locate in economical picture printers.
The EcoTank Photo printer is tiny and can fit in most sublimation spaces at home. Because it is so small, it is perfect for small businesses with limited space. It has an Ethernet connection for online printing, and its touchscreen makes it simple to print from smartphones and tablets. You can print up to 300 standard-size or 1500 picture pages in one go. The Epson EcoTank Photo comes with a 1-year free ink replacement bottle and a 2-year warranty.
Buying Guide For The Top Sublimation Printer for Shirts
Printers have evolved from printing on a simple sheet of paper to creating customized designs on textiles and ceramics. The sublimation printer is one such machine that will provide you with the outcomes you want.
In the above section, I mentioned a list of the finest sublimation printers you can purchase now. I’ve listed the most outstanding features and given you all the pertinent information so that you may choose the best one from home.
If you’re getting a sublimation printer for the first time, you should look at my buying guide before making a purchase.
1. Printing Speed and Resolution
When purchasing a printer, you must ensure that it will deliver the quality of output you require when you need it. To accomplish this, you must examine the printing speed and resolution of the printer. The printing speed, in essence, refers to how many outputs a printer produces in a minute.
The printing speed of regular printers is given in PPM or pages per minute. Suppose you want to produce a lot of products with your sublimation printer. In that case, you should carefully assess the printing rate if you plan to use it for professional applications or business. The printing technology and printing resolution determine the quality of the prints. The DPI is the amount of dots per inch. As you can imagine, the print quality increases as the DPI increases.
2. Size and Form Factor
Sublimation printers are pretty small, but not all of them will be suitable for your needs. If you have several printers, desktop computers, and laptops cluttering your office or studio, you should choose a tiny sublimation printer that you can position anywhere.
A compact sublimation printer is also suitable for outdoor use and portability. Many printers now support an additional battery pack, but be aware that these will be slower and offer lower printing resolutions with that in mind.
Because of the limited space available, manufacturers cannot install high-end components. As a result, the performance of a compact printer is usually insufficient for mass production applications.
3. Connectivity Options
Whether you are purchasing a professional printer or a simple DIY printer for your home, you should check if the device has suitable connectivity options. A USB and Ethernet ports are usually provided for wired connections, whether you’re purchasing a printer for professional or personal use.
You will find wireless connectivity options such as Bluetooth and WiFi as well. Since many gadgets are becoming smarter with time, you’ll be able to connect your printer via Bluetooth or WiFi with most smart devices. You may quickly draft a design on your laptop using a template on the web and print it immediately, without needing to connect your printer via a wire or to transfer the data to a thumb drive.
4. Control Options
When choosing a wireless printer, you should check out the control alternatives supplied by the unit. There’s no advantage to getting a wireless printer if you have to push a button on the printer to print. Thus, you should choose an option that uses a dedicated application or web-based platform to deliver printing instructions.
With a dedicated app, you may alter the printing specs, including print resolution, color, etc. Many applications allow you to make minor adjustments to your design on the go to save you time on edits before printing.
A compact display on your sublimation printer will also show you a preview of your prints. You may spot and fix mistakes on your print before it is imprinted on a material. Thus, you’ll save time, money, effort, and material in the long term.
FAQs on Sublimation Printer for T-shirts
1. What is a sublimation printer?
Sublimation printers work on sublimation printing technology to produce prints on various materials. This process is similar to heat transfer printing because it allows for full-color images and patterns to be printed on many different materials using heat. To accomplish this, you must have a particular type of ink known as sublimation ink, which infuses with the material once it has been heated to the appropriate temperature. Because of this, this technique is not accessible on all printers.
2. What types of printers can be used as sublimation printers?
If you’re interested in sublimation printing, you must use a printer with a sublimation printing function. Sublimation printers are not widely available, so you may be unable to find one. Sublimation printing requires a distinctive type of ink and several unique components. Fortunately, there are several sublimation printers on the market produced by reputable printer brands.
3. What types of materials can I use with a sublimation printer?
You can use almost any material to make posters, banners, and clothing goods with a decent sublimation printer. Mugs, T-shirts, mouse pads, smartphone cases, and even bags and purses, among other things, are usually printed using sublimation. Since you will have many custom-made objects, you will have a wide range of materials to choose from.
Summary
The Canon Selphy CP 1300 is an excellent starter sublimation printer for those who want to see how their custom designs look or want to try a sublimation printer. A photo printer that works with Canon digital cameras to produce immediate photographs, the Selphy CP 1300 has everything you need to print sublimation images. It is an excellent candidate for our list because of its sublimation printing technology. You can create photos up to 4 x 6 inches with this printer, which has a resolution of 300 x 300 dpi.
I hope this article helped you select the best sublimation printer for t-shirts.
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Mark Dalio
Mark is a tech-obsessed serial entrepreneur who also enjoys reading and writing. He has a strong urge to keep learning and talking about technology, which led him to become an author. Mark has co-founded two successful startups, one of which was acquired in 2018.
