Did you know that you don’t need a dedicated printer for sublimation, you can, in fact, convert one. The printer in question must be capable of handling sublimation ink, a specific kind of ink designed to transform into gas when heated and then back to solid while pressed onto substrates. What printers can be used for sublimation you ask?
The best printers to convert to sublimation are inkjet printers, which can be replaced with dye-sublimation ink. Typically, Epson EcoTank printers that can be converted are regarded as some of the best sublimation printers on the market.
The Epson Ecotank ET-2800, ET-2820, and ET-15000 are regarded as some of the best inkjet printers that can be used for sublimation printing. These are also known as ink tank printers, which as you can probably guess use tanks instead of traditional cartridges. This means they can be easily filled with sublimation ink using auto-fill ink bottles made by various brands.
Our Recommendation
Epson ET-2800 and Hiipoo 4 set sublimation ink is a good choice of printer and sublimation ink combination for bright, vivid transfers on blanks. I have sublimated many different materials from prints using this printer and ink – Metal and glass tumblers, t-shirts, banners, and earrings, all turning out very vivid.
 | Top Pick - #1 Epson ET - 2800 |
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| Budget Epson ET - 2400 |
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 | 13''x19'' Printer Epson ET - 15000 |
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Best printers you can convert for sublimation
Not all printers can be converted for sublimation but luckily there is a wide range of models that are ideal for the task. I’ll be suggesting printers that are more accessible, with easy-to-follow conversion steps.
So, first things first, to accomplish the conversion into sublimation, you require printers with a piezo print head that operate flawlessly against those that have a thermal print head. Acknowledging this, let’s help you choose your printer.
1. Epson Ecotank ET-2800 – Best overall
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (2)
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 color (3)
- Stress-Free Printing — Up to 2 years of ink in the box (4) – and with every replacement ink set – for fewer out of ink frustrations
- High-Capacity Ink Tanks — Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles make filling easy and worry-free
- Zero Cartridge Waste — By using an EcoTank printer, you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills
Epson’s Ecotank ET-2800 printer has a refillable tank and Ecofit ink bottles, which minimizes the expense of replacing disposable ones while also being ecologically friendly. Moreover, it uses Piezo technology to apply prints, making it the perfect conversion solution for sublimation printers.
Features
- Large ink tank system with low cost per print
- Compatible with sublimation ink for conversion to sublimation printing
- High-quality printing with a resolution of 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi
- Convenient refilling with easy-to-use ink tanks
- Wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet
- Automatic duplex printing for double-sided printing
- ENERGY STAR certified for energy efficiency.
Being 14.8 x 22.8 x 10 inches, you’ll feel at ease while producing moderate-sized prints. It supports printing paper sizes up to 8.5” x 11”. Moreover, it’s lightweight and has USB connectivity. It may be slow and doesn’t have a paper tray. You can check our full review of the Epson ET-2820 when converted to sublimation; it is the same model but named differently in Europe.
2. Epson ET – 15000 – Best for wide format 13×19
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (4)
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 7,500 pages black/6,000 color (3)
- Stress-Free Printing ― Up to 2 years of ink in the box (2) – and with every replacement ink set – for fewer out of ink frustrations
- High-Capacity Ink Tanks ― Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles make filling easy and worry-free
- Zero Cartridge Waste ― By using an EcoTank printer, you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills
The Ecotank 15000 is regarded as one of the best Epson printers for sublimation. With some extra features over the entry models of Ecotanks and its 13”x19” print capacity, this printer is an excellent choice for larger designs and printing needs. So if that is something you are looking for, the Ecotank 15000 is the printer for you.
Features
- Cost-effective (ink tank)
- Compatible with sublimation ink for conversion to sublimation printing
- High-quality 4,800 x 1,200 resolution
- Solid connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, AirPrint, and Mopria
We recommend the 28XX series printers for anyone who doesn’t have use for the wider format of the ET-15000. Still, this delivers vibrant prints and is very cheap to run, so all in all, an excellent choice for beginner and seasoned custom printers. For more information, you can read my full Epson ET-15000 review here.
3. Epson ET-2400 – Budget & compact sublimation printer
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual ink cartridges (2)
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 color (3)
- Stress-Free Printing — Up to 2 years of ink in the box (4) – and with every replacement ink set – for fewer out of ink frustrations
- High-Capacity Ink Tanks – Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles make filling easy and worry-free
- Zero Cartridge Waste – By using an EcoTank printer, you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills
The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 printer showcases yet another price point and offers a convenient and eco-friendly solution for everyday sublimation printing. This all-in-one supertank printer comes in a sleek design, can be easily converted, and produces high-quality prints.
4. Epson ET-8550- Best 6-ink wide format printer
- Cartridge-free printing for lab-quality photos, graphics and creative projects — get vibrant colors and sharp text with Epson’s high-accuracy printhead and Claria ET Premium 6-color inks; print a 4 x 6″ photo in as fast as 15 seconds (4).Product protection you can count on — 2-year limited warranty with registration (10). | Genuine Epson Ink for Genuine Epson Quality― Epson strongly recommends the use of genuine ink to ensure optimal print quality and performance. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. warranty.
- Extraordinary media support, including borderless photos up to 13″ x 19″ — accommodates cardstock, CD/DVDs and other specialty media up to 1.3 mm thick; auto 2-sided printing
- Amazing value — save a ridiculous amount on photos (1) and creative projects with affordable in-house photo printing; print 4″ x 6″ photos for about 4 cents each vs. 40 cents with traditional ink cartridges (1)
- Save up to 80% with low-cost replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (3) — that’s about Dollar-2000 on each set (3), enough ink to print up to 6,200 pages color (5)
- Print up to 2 years (2) — with each included and replacement ink bottle set
Epson’s ET-8850 is one of the best commercial inkjet printers on the market. Primarily suited to photo printers, the ET-8550 comes with 6 ink tanks instead of 4 and a resolution of 5,760 x 1,440 DPI, making it highly effective for sublimation. We only recommend this to those who will utilize the additional ink tanks, whether that is with multi-blacks or grey. Just like the ET-15000, this printer features A3+/ 13×19 printing, a scanner, and extensive connectivity.
How to convert printers for sublimation
Before we get into the process of conversion for sublimation, I’ll help you with the list of essential things you require for conversion.
Check out our detailed guide on converting Epson Ecotank printers for sublimation.
- Sublimation inks: You should choose one brand and avoid varied ink formulations in your transferred designs. I use the popular Hiipoo EcoFill Sublimation Ink with EcoFill bottles which work with the printer and help me avoid the process of syringe and bottle refilling.
- Sublimation Paper: You require a special paper for sublimation inks that helps in a smooth transfer of designs.
- Sublimation blanks: You will need a substrate that has a layer of polyester for the ink to get settled in and produce the result.
- HeatPress: You have to choose a heat press that offers a minimum of 400 degrees F.
- Sublimation mat, protective paper, and heat-resistant tape: It’s good to have these to help you prevent any mishaps during the process of transfer.
1. Let’s fill the Ink Tank:
Remove the printer from the box and discard the inks that came with it as we’ll be using sublimation inks for the Ink Tank. Next, locate the ink tanks on the side of the printer, open the lid, and you’ll find the colors labeled.
Then, you have to open the lid of each tank to add the inks. You can use a syringe or directly add the ink from the bottle to the tank carefully. Lastly, notice if your tank is full. You can do this by giving the printer a small bump and letting the ink settle down. If needed fill more, but don’t go beyond the top line.
2. Setting up the printer:
Before you set up your printer, ensure that each ink tank is full. Next, plug the printer in and follow the instructions notified on the printer. Note that you need not follow the entire process again for printing.
Then, follow the sheet to know which buttons to push to initiate the priming of the ink in the printer. You might need to refill the ink a bit after the priming process. After that, your printer will start the alignment process, wherein you’ll follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
3. Connect the computer:
Now, you are required to set up default settings for your regular printing process. So, hook your printer to the computer. Next, use the disc that may have arrived with the printer or use the website to download your necessities.
Make the default paper type premium presentation paper matte and select the box of “mirrored printing” for the most satisfactory quality.
Printer compatibility for sublimation: key factors
When searching for a compatible printer to convert, the main feature to look at is the print head type. Printers with a Piezo Print Head are considered the most suitable for conversion to sublimation. Piezo uses piezoelectric crystals to create droplets, giving greater control over the ink ejection. This means accuracy in the world of sublimation, plus this print head is more forgiving when using other inks such as sublimation ink.
The second crucial factor is ink compatibility. Sublimation ink differs greatly from your average ink, formulated to turn into a gas when heated, bonding with the substrate and creating your long-lasting design. We have listed all compatible conversion printers which you can swap out the ink for sublimation ink when required.
Converted printer vs dedicated sublimation printer
As discussed, you have the option to choose from dedicated sublimation printers and models that can be converted but why convert them in the first place?
Printers that can be converted for sublimation are often considered a cost-effective way to get into sublimation printing. You can easily turn an Epson EcoTank into a sublimation printer, saving some money on the more expensive, purpose-built sublimation models.
- DESCRIPTION You will receive: 1 Original F170 sublimation printer. 10 Sheets of original sublimation Paper for polyester garments 1 Mini Iron Heat Press Machine 1 Thermal Tape 1 full set of sublimation Inks. User guide and AC power cable SCF170
- Original Sublimation Printer
- We request signature at the delivery
- It prints 8.5×11 or 8.5×14 sheets
- Once you fill in with inks the printer, can’t be returned.
I had the pleasure of reviewing Epson’s SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation printer, part of its dedicated sublimation series. The results were fantastic and you have the added benefit of no warranty issues.
Inkjet printers that can be converted for sublimation
A lot of inkjet printers can be converted, however, Epson’s EcoTank series is often favored. As long as you have the right conversion kit and ink, the below models are some of the most common for conversion.
Epson EcoTank Series:
- Epson EcoTank ET-2400
- Epson EcoTank ET-2720
- Epson EcoTank ET-2760
- Epson EcoTank ET-2800
- Epson EcoTank ET-2803
- Epson EcoTank ET-2850
- Epson EcoTank ET-3760
- Epson EcoTank ET-3830
- Epson EcoTank ET-3850
- Epson EcoTank ET-4700
- Epson EcoTank ET-4800
- Epson EcoTank ET-4850
- Epson EcoTank ET-5150
- Epson EcoTank ET-5170
- Epson EcoTank ET-5180
- Epson EcoTank ET-5800
- Epson EcoTank ET-5850
- Epson EcoTank ET-5880
- Epson EcoTank ET-7700
- Epson EcoTank ET-8500
- Epson EcoTank ET-8550
- Epson EcoTank ET-15000
- Epson EcoTank ET-16600
- Epson EcoTank ET-16650
Epson WorkForce Series:
- Epson WorkForce WF-7210
- Epson WorkForce WF-7720
- Epson WorkForce WF-7710
- Epson WorkForce WF-7210
Epson Expression Series:
- Epson Expression Photo XP-8600
- Epson Expression Photo XP-8500
- Epson Expression Photo XP-15000 (for larger formats)
Canon PIXMA Series:
- Canon PIXMA Pro-100
- Canon PIXMA Pro-10
Can Canon PIXMA printers be converted into sublimation printers?
Technically, yes. However, the process is much harder with a Canon PIXMA over say an Epson EcoTank. The reason is that Canon printers tend to use bubble jet technology, which is far harder to convert. EcoTank printers on the other hand use Piezo print heads, which tend to work seamlessly with sublimation ink.
Final word
It’s vital to note that, not every printer can be converted to a sublimation printer, while some printer types can be more appropriate for sublimation printing than others. We have highlighted what printers can be used for sublimation and the best ones to covert. Depending on the printer’s brand and model, as well as the software being used, the precise procedures to convert a printer to sublimation will differ.
Curious if all the Epson Ecotanks work, Costco has a few 2850, 3850, 4850 and 8500SE. Any way to tell?
Yes, all of the above will work for sublimation.
Hi Mark, wondering if Epson EcoTank L1250, L1210, L4260 will work?
did you get any answer for 4260?
I was given an Epson XP-6100, will that work for sublimation?
What about the wf-2950
I converted an epson wf 2540 which is an old old printer to sublimation and it Worked fine. I just ordered empty refillable compatible cartridges that fit the 2540 in size 200 not 200xl, but choose the size of your printer cartridges and fill Those up with sublimation ink. Make sure that your empty refillable cartridges have the reset chip or you get the CISS system (continuous ink supply system setup) but make sure the chips are included or you know how to install the reset chips so your printer doesn’t give you an error msg when installing the sublimation ink filled cartridges and will Work. If you’ve ever used regular ink cartridges with the printer, you need to completely eradicate any remnants of ink by cleaning the print heads which can be a lengthy task. I had to run over 30 times the print head cleaners and take Mine apart and clean It still which you don’t wanna have to do. It’s a huge pain in the neck to have to take the print head out and thoroughly clean it and prep For sublimation conversion. But once it finally had all the ink flushed out and was Printing without any lines or blotches of ink in places after running it through several cleaning processes and test Prints, it finally did produce proper sublimation prints that I used to make tumblers, t-shirts, and mugs With. I’ve since bought the eco tank 2800 and converted It into sublimation from the box because the refillable cartridges didn’t hold much ink and were A pain to refill so it was either invest in a CISS setup for the old printer or buy a new one which was on sale at Walmart for less than $200 and the Ciss setup was close to $80 with shipping costs. So you may wanna think bout buying the eco tank since it’s cheap enough because you still will need to invest in the empty cartridges with chips in them or purchase them separately, and possibly The CISS system later on. The amount of work you have to do if it’s been previously used with standard inks is a huge pain and the Cost of the eco tank 2800 is affordable enough to bypass any lengthy conversions. But it’s doable. I didn’t see anywhere online where my WF model was applicable to convert but it was with the right tools and components. Just because you might not find that model on a list somewhere for printers you can convert doesn’t mean that it’s not doable. The process may be daunting but so long as the primary factors are in place it’s possible. My printer was too old I think to be on any conversion list of applicable printers but it did convert and work For a while til I upgraded.
Will the xp2200
Work for sublimation
I bought a HP Smart -Tank 7601 Wireless Cartridge-free all in one printer, I quilt and want to print on fabric. I used cotton fabric that was prepped for dying and printed out labels, heat set with an iron. When washed, all the ink came off. I bought this printer just for printing on fabric. I have used the cartridge inkjet printers before and “assumed” this tank method would work better. Was I wrong.
Can I convert this HP Smart -Tank 7601 to the sublimation process?
I was given an ER-2760 Epson printer. The ink was dried up so I had to get it unplugged first. I put cleaner and got 3 of the nozzles cleared. So I put the sublimation ink in the printer to see if I had gotten all of the nozzles unclogged. With that being said I had to run a nozzle cleaning step through the maintenance screen. I did that several times so that I could get the ink through the system. In that process I got an error code 031006 E:01. I can’t get this off of the screen to run a print head check. Does anyone know how to clear the screen so that I can proceed and get the printer downloaded onto my laptop? CAN SOMEONE PLEASE, PLEASE HELP ME??!!!!
Has anyone tried using another printer to replace Sawgrass 500 with EasySlubi ink? Is there an alternative to sawgrass?
What does the conversion kit for inkjet printers consist of?
Can the canon pro1 be converted for sublimation printing
Is it possible for all the printers to print the sublimation paper and how can one identify the sublimation paper?
Is it possible for all the printers to print the sublimation paper.
How can one identify the sublimation paper?
I have a HP Smart Tank 5101. Will that work with sublimation ink?
Thanks
What about g4000 canon can I convert it to sublimation?
I believe the brother inkvestment printers are suitable for sublimation conversion as well
Je voudrai savoir si l’imprimante EcoTankL3250 peut-être convertie pour la sublimation ?