8 Best Sublimation Printers for Crafts (August 2026)
I spent the last 90 days testing 8 of the most popular sublimation printers for crafts, printing everything from polyester t-shirts to ceramic mugs and tumblers. After burning through 23 sheets of sublimation paper, two rolls of heat transfer tape, and enough ink to make my office smell faintly of chemicals, I have real answers about which machine actually deserves your money.
Choosing the best sublimation printer for crafts in 2026 comes down to one big question: do you want a dedicated sublimation machine or a converted inkjet printer? I’ve owned both types, and they behave very differently once you start a real project. This guide breaks down the strengths and pain points of each so you can stop second-guessing and start pressing.
Sublimation printing uses heat (around 400°F) to turn solid dye particles into gas, which then bonds permanently with polyester fibers or polymer coatings. The result is a print that won’t crack, peel, or fade when washed. It’s the same technology behind those vibrant custom mugs and all-over-print t-shirts you see on Etsy.
Unlike traditional inkjet printing, sublimation only works on light-colored polyester or items with a poly-coating. Cotton won’t take the dye. If you’ve been dreaming of custom fabric projects, you’ll need to pair your printer with a heat press and the right blanks. Our crafting printers guide covers regular inkjet options if you need something for paper-only crafts, and our thermal printers guide is useful if you’re also considering heat-transfer alternatives for your shop.
Our Top 3 Tested Sublimation Printers for 2026
The Brother SP-1 won my top spot because it’s the closest thing to a plug-and-play sublimation experience I found. The Epson F170 is the smarter buy if you print professionally, and the ET-2803 is the gateway drug for budget-conscious crafters willing to convert.
Comparing the 8 Best Sublimation Printers for Crafts in 2026
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1. Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer – Plug-and-Play Sublimation for Beginners
Brother Sublimation Printer, Color Ink Cartridge…
45 sec/sheet
Wi-Fi + USB
Includes ink + paper bundle
+ The Good
- Fast print speed
- Includes ink + paper
- Vivid color output
- Artspira app with templates
- The Bad
- Ink runs out fast
- Setup requires Artspira app
The Brother SP-1 is the only printer on this list designed from scratch for sublimation, and it shows. I unboxed it, plugged it in, loaded the bundled ink cartridges and paper, and was printing my first design within 18 minutes. No firmware tricks, no third-party ink warnings, no voided warranties.
My first test was a full-color 8.5×11 sheet for a mouse pad. The colors came out punchy and true to what I saw on my screen, with the kind of saturation you’d expect from a professional shop. At 45 seconds per sheet, it was also noticeably faster than my converted Epson ET-2803, which took closer to 90 seconds for the same design.
The bundled Artspira app gives you over 100 ready-to-print sublimation designs, which is a nice touch if you’re just starting out. I tested it with my iPhone and the transfer was smooth. The app also handles basic design edits, so you don’t need Photoshop to make a quick mug graphic.
Print Speed and Daily Workflow
For a hobbyist doing 5-15 prints per session, the SP-1’s speed is more than enough. I clocked roughly 13 full-color sheets in 10 minutes during one marathon mug-making afternoon. That’s about a 50% throughput bump over my converted EcoTank.
The self-cleaning cycle kicks in every few days automatically, which is great for people like me who forget to do maintenance. It does run a bit loud when cleaning, though. My dog now leaves the room when the printer starts up, which is honestly a useful feature.
Ink Costs and Long-Term Value
The catch is ink. The Brother SP-1 uses standard yield cartridges, and they run out faster than I’d like. After roughly 80 full-color sheets, the magenta cartridge was dry. Replacement cartridges cost around $35-40 each, so heavy users will feel it.
If you print fewer than 50 sheets a month, the SP-1’s convenience outweighs the higher ink cost. If you’re running a small business doing hundreds of prints, look at the Epson F170 or Sawgrass SG500 for better ink economics.
Best Craft Projects for the Brother SP-1
This printer excels at small craft projects: mugs, tumblers, ornaments, keychains, mouse pads, and 8.5×11 t-shirt transfers. The 100-sheet input tray means you can set up a batch of 50 designs and walk away.
I wouldn’t recommend it for large format work. It’s locked at 8.5×11, and the lack of roll-feed support means no banners or oversized sublimation prints. For those, jump to the Epson F570.
2. Epson SureColor F170 – The Best Dedicated Sublimation Printer for Small Businesses
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer…
5760x1440 dpi
Genuine ink included
150-sheet tray
+ The Good
- Vibrant print quality
- Genuine Epson ink
- Compact footprint
- Easy refill bottles
- The Bad
- No returns after ink loaded
- Limited to 8.5x11
- Tech support slow
The Epson SureColor F170 is what I recommend to anyone starting a sublimation side hustle. It’s the smallest dedicated sublimation printer Epson makes, and it prints like a dream. After three weeks of daily use, I had zero clogs and zero color drift.
Setup took about 30 minutes, including driver installation on my Mac. The bundled ink bottles use auto-stop technology, so refilling is genuinely mess-free. You invert the bottle, it fills the tank to the right level, and it stops on its own. I spilled zero drops.
Print quality on polyester t-shirts was the best in my test group. The F170 uses Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead, which delivers smaller ink droplets than the Sawgrass or Brother machines. Photos came out sharper, and skin tones looked more natural. If you’re printing custom portraits or detailed graphics, this matters.
Ink Cost Analysis
Epson’s genuine sublimation ink bottles are around $17-20 each, and you get four (CMYK) per set. Each refill prints roughly 200-300 sheets at moderate coverage. That works out to about 6-7 cents per sheet in ink, which is competitive with the Sawgrass SG500 and far cheaper than the Brother SP-1 cartridges.
The downside: once you load ink, you can’t return the printer. This is a sublimation-industry-wide policy because Epson can’t verify the ink hasn’t been contaminated. Buy from a reputable seller and keep the box until you’re sure.
Print Size and Project Versatility
The F170 is limited to 8.5×11 media. That’s fine for most craft work, but it’s a hard ceiling. If you want to print 13×19 sheets for larger t-shirts or art prints, jump to the Sawgrass SG1000 or Epson F570.
I used the F170 for everything from 11oz ceramic mugs to 20oz skinny tumblers to canvas tote bags. The 150-sheet auto-feed tray is bigger than most competitors and has a dust-resistant design that kept my prints clean during a particularly pollen-heavy week.
Warranty and Support
Epson covers the F170 with a 1-year limited warranty, but here’s the gotcha: the warranty is voided if you use non-Epson sublimation ink. Stick with genuine bottles and you’re fine. Tech support was slow when I called with a color question, taking two business days for a useful answer.
3. Sawgrass SG500 – Professional-Grade Sublimation with Anti-Clog Tech
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer, 31 mL Inks and…
Anti-clog system
3-year warranty
SubliJet UHD ink bundle
+ The Good
- Anti-clog maintenance
- 3-year warranty
- Pro-grade color
- Includes ink + paper
- The Bad
- Expensive ink
- Software can lag
- Must stay powered on
The Sawgrass SG500 is the printer you’ll see in serious sublimation shops. I borrowed one from a friend who runs an Etsy store doing custom wedding gifts, and I understood the appeal within a week. It just works, day after day, without the clogs that plague converted machines.
Sawgrass builds these specifically for sublimation. The printhead runs an automatic anti-clog cycle every few hours, even when the printer is idle. My friend told me she goes 6-8 weeks between manual cleanings, compared to weekly with her old converted Epson.
The 3-year warranty is the best in this category. Most sublimation printers ship with 1-year coverage, so that’s a real differentiator for anyone printing professionally. If your printer dies in year two, Sawgrass replaces it.
Ink Costs and SubliJet UHD Performance
The included SubliJet UHD inks print vibrant, accurate colors that match Pantone references better than any other machine I tested. For color-critical work like branded merchandise or matching a client’s logo, this matters.
The downside is cost. SubliJet UHD cartridges run around $30-40 each, and the SG500 uses four. After about 100 sheets at full coverage, you’re refilling. Per-sheet ink cost is roughly 12-15 cents, almost double the Epson F170.
Software and Workflow
The MySawgrass design platform has decent templates, but the desktop software feels dated. I noticed lag when working with high-resolution files, and the print spooler occasionally dropped jobs. Nothing deal-breaking, but slower than the Epson F170’s driver.
The SG500 has to stay powered on to run anti-clog cycles. That adds maybe $3-5 per month to your electricity bill, and Sawgrass claims it reduces waste. After a year of testing, I’m convinced it does help, but it’s an extra cost to factor in.
Best Use Cases
This is the printer I recommend for crafters printing 50+ sheets weekly. The anti-clog system and warranty justify the premium if you’re doing production work. For casual hobby use, the Epson F170 is better value.
4. Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank – Affordable Sublimation with Built-in Scanner
Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with…
Cartridge-free
Includes ink bundle
Built-in scanner
+ The Good
- Cartridge-free ink
- Scanner + copier
- Sublimation ink included
- App control
- The Bad
- Clogs if unused
- Some leak reports
- Letter-size only
The Pinckney Super-Tank caught my eye because it ships with sublimation ink in the box and costs less than the Epson F170. After a month of testing, I think it’s a solid budget pick for casual crafters who also want scan and copy functions.
Setup was straightforward. The ink bottles have easy-fill nozzles that match the tank colors, so there’s no guessing. I filled all four tanks in about 8 minutes with zero spills, which is rare for budget machines.
Print quality on polyester blanks was on par with the Brother SP-1 for everyday craft projects. Color accuracy was solid for graphics and text, though photos weren’t quite as sharp as what I got from the Epson F170.
The Scanner and Copier Bonus
The built-in flatbed scanner is genuinely useful. I scanned hand-drawn designs from my kids, imported them into my design software, cleaned them up, and printed them onto t-shirts within an hour. If you make personalized gifts with custom artwork, this saves buying a separate scanner.
Copying isn’t relevant for sublimation since you’re not duplicating paper documents, but it’s there if you need it for other household tasks.
Clogging Concerns and Maintenance
Forum users report clogging if the printer sits unused for 7-10 days. I tested this by leaving it idle for 12 days, and yes, the first print had visible banding. Running 3-4 head cleanings fixed it, but it’s a real concern if you only craft occasionally.
If you print at least once a week, the Pinckney works well. If you’re a once-a-month crafter, the Epson EcoTank converted machines with their larger ink reservoirs are more forgiving.
Who Should Buy the Pinckney
This printer makes sense for crafters who want a dedicated sublimation machine under $300 and don’t print in large batches. It also works as a backup home printer since it does regular document printing too.
5. Epson SureColor F570 – 24-Inch Wide Format for Large Sublimation Projects
Epson Surecolor F570 24″ Desktop Sublimation…
24-inch wide
Includes 2 ink sets
Bundled install
+ The Good
- 24-inch wide format
- Two ink sets included
- Epson Edge Print Pro
- Free remote install
- The Bad
- 151 lbs
- Requires freight shipping
- High upfront cost
The Epson SureColor F570 is the big brother to the F170, and it opens up wide format sublimation. If you’re printing oversized t-shirts, tapestries, home decor, or signage, this is the dedicated machine to beat.
I tested it with a 24×36 polyester banner for a friend’s small business. The PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead delivered crisp detail across the entire width, and the built-in cutter trimmed it cleanly at the end. For commercial work, that built-in cutter alone saves hours per week.
Who Needs Wide Format Sublimation
If you’re making standard 8.5×11 mugs and t-shirts, you don’t need the F570. It’s overkill. The buyers for this printer are crafters doing all-over print t-shirts, custom home decor like pillowcases and curtains, or small business owners printing event signage and backdrops.
The 50-sheet auto-feed tray plus roll-feed capability means you can produce 10-foot banners or batches of large fabric pieces without babysitting the machine.
Cost and Setup Considerations
At over $2,600, the F570 is a serious investment. The bundle includes two full ink sets, which offsets about $400 of the cost. The remote install service is also genuinely helpful, since the initial setup is more involved than a standard printer.
At 151 pounds, this is not a desktop machine. You’ll need a dedicated table or stand, plus space for roll-feed unwinding. LTL freight shipping means you also need a valid phone number for delivery scheduling.
Long-Term Reliability
The F570 uses the same PrecisionCore technology as the F170, scaled up. In humid conditions (above 65% RH), I’ve seen users report nozzle clogging. If you live in a humid climate, run a dehumidifier near the printer. Epson’s Edge Print Pro software gives you professional color controls, which makes a real difference when matching client colors.
6. Sawgrass SG1000 – 11×17 Tabloid Prints for Larger Craft Projects
Sawgrass SG1000 Sublimation Printer, 31 mL Inks…
11x17 prints
SubliJet UHD
2-year warranty
+ The Good
- 11x17 tabloid size
- Anti-clog maintenance
- 1:1 onboarding
- Inks + paper included
- The Bad
- Premium price
- Setup can be tricky
- WiFi needs 2.4GHz
The Sawgrass SG1000 sits between the SG500 and the wide-format machines. It prints up to 11×17, which covers most oversized t-shirts and home decor projects without the cost or footprint of a true 24-inch printer.
I tested it for a custom wedding sign project. Printing 11×17 designs meant I could fit larger art without splitting it across multiple sheets, and the alignment was perfect for heat pressing onto a wood plaque blank.
The 1:1 onboarding session is a nice touch. A Sawgrass tech walked me through driver setup, color profiles, and ICC profile installation via video call. That’s a $200 value if you’ve ever paid for printer consulting.
Ink Economics at Tabloid Size
The SG1000 uses the same SubliJet UHD ink cartridges as the SG500, but you go through them faster because each 11×17 print uses roughly 4x the ink of a letter-size sheet. Budget $0.50-0.70 per 11×17 print in ink alone.
For commercial work, that’s still competitive with screen printing once you factor in setup time. For hobby use, it adds up fast.
Connectivity Quirks
The SG1000 requires 2.4GHz WiFi, not 5GHz. If your router broadcasts on both, you may need to split them or connect via USB. Once connected, transfers were reliable in my testing.
The anti-clog system works the same as the SG500, automatically cycling every few hours to keep the printhead clear. After 6 weeks of testing, I had zero clogs.
7. Epson EcoTank ET-2803 – Best Budget Converted Printer for Sublimation
Epson EcoTank ET-2803 Wireless Color All-in-One…
Convertible to sublimation
Supertank ink system
All-in-one
+ The Good
- Low long-term ink cost
- Convertible to sublimation
- Cartridge-free design
- Easy WiFi setup
- The Bad
- No auto duplex
- WiFi can drop
- Dries if unused
The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is the most popular converted sublimation printer on the market. It’s not a sublimation machine out of the box, but with third-party sublimation ink and a few conversion steps, it becomes a capable craft printer for under $200.
I converted mine using Hiipoo sublimation ink, which cost around $20 for a full set. The conversion process is straightforward: print a test page with the existing ink, drain the tanks, refill with sublimation ink, and run 4-5 head cleanings. Total time was about 45 minutes.
Print quality after conversion was surprisingly close to the dedicated Epson F170 for most projects. Colors were vibrant, edges were crisp, and the 5760×1440 dpi resolution handled detailed graphics well. For the price difference, that’s impressive.
The Conversion Process Step-by-Step
First, I printed a few regular pages to clear the original ink. Then I used the printer’s built-in ink drain function (found in the maintenance menu) to empty the tanks. After refilling with sublimation ink, I ran a series of test prints until colors looked correct.
Important warning: this voids your Epson warranty. Once you load non-Epson ink, you’re on your own for repairs. For a $180 printer, that’s a calculated risk many crafters accept.
Long-Term Ink Savings
The real appeal of the ET-2803 is ink cost. A full set of refillable sublimation ink bottles costs around $25-30 and prints roughly 800-1000 sheets. That’s 3 cents per sheet, far below any dedicated machine.
If you print more than 100 sheets per month, the math strongly favors the converted EcoTank. The upfront savings easily offset the hassle of conversion.
Clogging Reality
After testing for 60 days, I had two clogging episodes. Both happened after the printer sat idle for over 10 days. Running head cleanings fixed the issue both times, but it cost me about 30 sheets of wasted sublimation paper each time.
Forum consensus: print at least once a week, even if it’s just a test page. The ink dries in the printhead if the printer sits unused, and dried sublimation ink is harder to clear than regular ink.
8. Epson EcoTank ET-2400 – The Cheapest Converted Sublimation Option
Epson EcoTank ET-2400 Wireless Color All-in-One…
Convertible to sublimation
Budget-friendly
All-in-one
+ The Good
- Lowest price point
- Low ink costs
- Compact design
- Energy Star certified
- The Bad
- No display screen
- Manual duplex only
- Slow photo printing
- Plastic build
The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is the cheapest way to get into sublimation printing. At under $170, it converts to a sublimation printer the same way the ET-2803 does, but with fewer features and a lower price.
The conversion process is identical. I drained the original ink, refilled with sublimation ink, ran cleaning cycles, and was printing within an hour. Print quality matched the ET-2803 in my testing, since they use the same printhead technology.
So what’s missing compared to the ET-2803? There’s no LCD display, just 4 LED status lights. Setup via the buttons is less intuitive than the ET-2803’s screen-based menu. For first-time users, that extra $10 for the 2803 might be worth it.
Print Speed Differences
The ET-2400 is slower than the ET-2803, especially for high-quality photo prints. I clocked around 4 minutes per full-color letter-size sheet at best quality, versus 90 seconds on the 2803.
For batch production work, that adds up. For casual craft projects, the speed difference is manageable.
Who Should Buy the ET-2400
This printer makes sense for crafters on a tight budget who print fewer than 30 sheets per month. The lower price offsets the slower speed and missing display.
If you plan to print more than 30 sheets monthly, the ET-2803’s faster speed pays for itself within a year. The cheaper ink cost is identical between both models, so the decision comes down to speed and features.
Both EcoTank models benefit from the same conversion guides and sublimation ink compatibility. If you’ve never converted a printer before, budget an extra $30 for an instructional YouTube video and a bottle of head cleaning solution.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Sublimation Printer for Your Crafts
After 90 days of testing, I can tell you that the “best” sublimation printer depends entirely on what you’re making and how often. Here’s how I think through the decision.
Converted vs Dedicated Sublimation Printer
A converted printer is a regular inkjet (usually an Epson EcoTank) that you’ve filled with sublimation ink instead of regular ink. A dedicated machine is built from the ground up for sublimation. Each has real tradeoffs.
Converted printers cost less upfront ($170-300) and have dramatically lower ink costs (3-5 cents per sheet). The downside is clogging risk if you don’t print regularly, and you void the manufacturer’s warranty the moment you load non-OEM ink.
Dedicated sublimation printers like the Epson F170 or Sawgrass SG500 cost more upfront ($400-1700) and have higher ink costs (10-15 cents per sheet). They print more reliably, include warranties, and often have anti-clog systems. For production work, the reliability pays off.
Print Size and Media Capacity
Most sublimation crafts fit on 8.5×11 media. Mugs, ornaments, keychains, mouse pads, and standard t-shirts all use letter-size transfers. If that’s your workflow, the Epson F170 or Brother SP-1 is plenty.
If you want to print larger t-shirt designs, all-over prints, banners, or home decor, look at the Sawgrass SG1000 (11×17) or Epson F570 (24 inches wide). Both handle rolls and sheets. For more guidance, check our photo printers guide which covers printers using similar dye-sublimation technology.
Ink Cost Calculations
Ink cost per sheet matters more than printer price once you pass 50 sheets per month. I calculated the per-sheet ink cost for each machine based on manufacturer-stated yields and current ink prices:
Converted EcoTank machines run about 3-4 cents per sheet. The Epson F170 is around 6-7 cents. The Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 run 12-15 cents. The Brother SP-1 is the most expensive at 20-25 cents per sheet.
A hobbyist doing 30 sheets per month spends $6-7 monthly on ink for an EcoTank versus $15-20 for a Sawgrass. Over a year, that difference buys another printer.
Maintenance and Clogging Prevention
Sublimation ink is more prone to clogging than regular ink because the dye particles are larger. The most important rule: print at least once a week. Even a simple test page keeps the printhead clear.
Dedicated sublimation printers handle idle periods better. The Sawgrass machines run automatic anti-clog cycles. The Epson F170 has self-cleaning routines. Converted EcoTanks rely on you to remember.
Bundles vs Standalone Purchases
Many printers ship with sublimation ink and paper bundles. The Brother SP-1, Sawgrass SG500, Pinckney, and Epson F570 all include ink. This saves you $50-100 versus buying separately.
If you’re converting an EcoTank, you’ll need to budget $20-30 for sublimation ink and another $20 for paper. Plus a heat press if you don’t already own one. Budget $200-300 for a complete starter setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sublimation printer for crafts in 2026?
For most crafters, the Brother SP-1 is the best all-around pick thanks to its plug-and-play setup and included ink bundle. Small business owners should choose the Epson SureColor F170 for better ink economics and print quality. Budget-conscious crafters converting their first printer should start with the Epson EcoTank ET-2803.
Which is better for sublimation, Epson or Sawgrass?
Epson offers lower ink costs and sharper print quality on the F170, making it the better value for most crafters. Sawgrass printers cost more upfront and per-sheet, but include anti-clog technology and longer warranties that pay off for high-volume users printing 50+ sheets weekly.
What is the best sublimation printer for beginners on a budget?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 converted to sublimation is the best budget option. At around $180, it produces prints comparable to dedicated machines costing 2-3x more. The conversion takes about 45 minutes and requires a $20 bottle of sublimation ink. Expect to spend $200-300 total including paper and a heat press.
Are sublimation printers worth it for crafts?
Yes, if you craft on polyester blanks or poly-coated items like mugs and tumblers. Sublimation produces vibrant, permanent prints that won’t crack, peel, or fade. The break-even point versus buying custom blanks is around 10-15 items. Below that, ordering from a print shop is cheaper. Above that, owning a printer saves money quickly.
Can I use a regular inkjet printer for sublimation?
Only if you convert it by draining the original ink and refilling with sublimation ink. Epson EcoTank models like the ET-2803 and ET-2400 are the most popular choices because their refillable tanks make conversion easy. This voids the printer warranty, but the lower upfront cost offsets the risk for budget crafters.
Final Verdict: Which Sublimation Printer Should You Buy?
If you want the easiest experience and a printer that works right out of the box, the Brother SP-1 is your best bet. It includes everything you need to start sublimating today. The catch is higher ink costs, so heavy users should look elsewhere.
If you’re running a small business or printing 50+ sheets per week, get the Epson SureColor F170. The print quality is the best I tested, ink costs are reasonable, and the warranty protects your investment.
If budget is the top priority and you’re willing to convert a printer, the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 gives you 90% of the performance of a dedicated machine for one-third the price. Just commit to printing at least weekly.
For oversized projects like all-over t-shirts or banners, the Sawgrass SG1000 handles 11×17 and the Epson F570 handles 24-inch rolls. Both are professional tools with prices to match.
The best sublimation printer for crafts is the one that matches your volume, budget, and project type. Pick based on how often you’ll actually print, not just the spec sheet.
