Do You Need A Sublimation Printer?

Updated By TeckWrap Craft On May 09, 2025

If you are new to sublimation, you might be wondering whether a dedicated sublimation printer is required or not for this amazing technique. Yes, you need a special sublimation printer if you want to pursue designing through sublimation seriously, as it can hold dye-sublimation inks and delivers an excellent print result that guarantees durable transfer.

In this blog, we’ll discuss in detail why you need a good sublimation printer to transfer beautiful sublimation designs on both soft and hard, compatible surfaces. Read on to learn more!

Why Do You Need A Sublimation Printer?

A dedicated sublimation printer is important due to its unique capabilities and the quality of its output. Here's why you need one for sublimation:

• A sublimation printer is specifically engineered and optimized for sublimation printing. It gives the finest, vivid, and long-lasting color reproduction.
• It can produce a wide gamut of colors and shades, allowing for intricate designs and detailed images with smooth transitions and gradations.
• It is calibrated to work with sublimation inks that are water-insoluble disperse dyes. These inks have unique properties that allow them to transform from a solid to a gas without going through a liquid phase.
• A printer specific for sublimation has a mechanism to control ink droplet placement, ensuring precise and accurate printing. This precision is crucial, especially for detailed and high-resolution designs.
• In a special sublimation printer, the likelihood of clogging or other ink-related issues is far less.
• The temperature of the print head of a sublimation printer controls the density of the colors. It allows for a 256-level density alteration for each printed color dot.
• It applies the pigments to the paper in a gaseous state. The blending of primary colors results in a smooth, uninterrupted transition of shades and thus you get high-resolution images in the sublimation paper.
• A sublimation printer is generally small in size and can also work independently from the computer. Many models even have built-in flash memory card readers and LCD screens.
• It is not very noisy as well. It is optimized for consistent and reliable performance, resulting in durable prints that withstand regular use and washing. This durability is crucial for those who require long-lasting, high-quality prints.

The Best Sublimation Printer You Should Get

If you want to take up sublimation printing and invest in the best printer, we suggest getting either Sawgrass SG500 or Epson SureColor F570 Pro. Both of these are excellent purpose-built sublimation printers. They are designed to print specially formulated inks onto sublimation transfer papers of varying sizes.

Both of these printers are readily available and are easy to use. Simply plug and play. They come with their own design software that helps in finalizing the print. Both these machines are heavy on the pocket. It depends on your needs and budget which one you should get for your printing projects.

Converting A Regular Printer To Perform Sublimation

If you are a beginner and have never tried the sublimation printing technique before, you probably don’t want to buy a sublimation printer just yet as it is not cheap. The question is, can you sublimate without using a specialized sublimation printer?

Yes! You can convert a regular Epson inkjet printer and carry out sublimation printing with it. The Epson EcoTank printer is designed to offer savings through the use of ink refills without traditional cartridges, so you can convert it into a capable sublimation device. It costs a fraction of the price of the special sublimation printer but there are some disadvantages:

• The warranty of the printer becomes null and void when it is converted. This means you will not get any free repairs or replacements if something goes wrong.
• You will lose the after-sales support.
• You have to be careful when converting otherwise problems such as overheating and clogging can occur. This can lead to a waste of money.
• Color management can be a difficult task.
• Converted sublimation printers do not have their own design software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I use a regular printer for sublimation?
No, you cannot use a regular printer for sublimation as it is not equipped to hold and print the dye sublimation ink. If you are converting one to perform sublimation, it should come with refillable ink tanks and use Piezo technology, which all Epson EcoTank printers do.

Q. Is it worth getting a sublimation printer?
If you want to pursue sublimation printing seriously for a long time, getting a sublimation printer is completely worth it. The print quality will be outstanding and you will be able to successfully sublimate on different soft and hard, compatible surfaces.

Q. Can I use regular printer paper for sublimation printing?
No! Regular printer paper isn’t a suitable carrier for sublimation ink. If you want to use this technique for your crafting projects, you’ll have to purchase the right kind of special sublimation paper. Check out TeckWrap Craft for the best sublimation sheets.

Q. Can I use a converted printer for both sublimation and regular printing?
Unfortunately, a single printer cannot be used for both sublimation and regular printing. Sublimation printing requires sublimation ink, which is incompatible with standard printing inks. To accommodate both printing types, two separate printers are necessary; one dedicated to sublimation ink and the other for regular printing.

Final Thoughts

Do you need a sublimation printer if you want to try this printing technique? Depends on your long-term goals. If you want to take up sublimation printing and start your own business or want to pursue it seriously in the future, it is better to invest in a proper sublimation printer.

Make sure to read this article closely as it will answer any questions you might have. So, what are you waiting for? Check out the sublimation paper collection at the TeckWrap Craft website and start sublimation printing today!