Are you searching for the best printer for stickers and sublimation? It is vital to ensure you purchase the right product from the right place to boost your chances of success and satisfaction. In this article, I help you cut through the noise and focus what decision making factors that matter: quality, efficiency, and cost. Expect straightforward comparisons and essential facts to help you invest wisely in a printer that matches your creative ambitions.
Snapshot Summary: The Best Printers for Creatives
Among the array of options, inkjet and laser printers stand out with the following models, including some top-rated inkjet printers. In my opinion, the best printer for stickers and sublimation is the Sawgrass SG500. The best EcoTank printer for stickers is the EcoTank Photo ET-8550, designed especially for premium photo and sticker printing. To learn more, continue reading. I began my summarizing the best printers for stickers and sublimation in the table above, and now it is time to take a deeper dive into each option.
Epson SureColor F170 – The Detail Master
The first item here on my list is the Epson SureColor F170 printer. You can find more information on where to purchase this product on Epson’s website here.
Some of the main features of this printer include its 150-sheet auto-feed tray, is compliant with RoHS guidelines (which is a directive on restrictions of hazardous materials), and the product is suitable for recycling. Let us now dive into the positives and potential downsides of the product.
Pros:
- The number one factor to note here is that this printer has genuine dye-sublimation ink technology and is a printer dedicated for sublimation
- The color contrast with this printer is extraordinary – it produces excellent results
- You will avoid frustrations associated with using converted printers
Cons:
- On the flip side, the biggest con of the SureColor F170 is that it is not readily available. You will need to look for authorized retailers offering this item, which can be challenging. For more information on buying options, check out Epson’s website here.
- You will require a higher initial investment compared to some of the other options available
I highlight some of the other great features of the printer here:
- This printer is commendable for its user-friendly set up
- You won’t need to replace the ink often given it supports greater ink capacity
- We also take a deep dive into the Epson SureColor F170 separately.
Overall, for those of you with a higher budget and willing to go through the challenge of sourcing the printer, the Epson F170 is certainly an excellent option. Despite its higher initial cost, the F170 is an investment that pays off in the long run with its true sublimation printing capabilities.
As always, I include my quantitative ratings based on critical factors:
- Print Quality: 5/5
- Ease of Use: 5/5
- Affordability: 4/5
- Ease of sourcing: 3/5
Epson EcoTank Series – The Economical Choice for Beginners
So here we are! No discussion on sublimation printing can be complete without the Epson EcoTank Series. You can find the various models of the Series available below:
The Epson EcoTank printers come in a variety of models as highlighted above. Is this the best sublimation printer? What factors should you consider? Let’s dive into the pros and cons
Pros:
- This Epson printer is your most cost-effective option – great if you are on a budget
- Good option for beginners and those starting out with sublimation printing
- Affordable ink costs
Cons:
- A major factor to keep in mind is that you should print regularly (weekly) to reduce the risk of clogs
- Such issues make it less user-friendly than the SureColor F170 and Sawgrass model
- Results might not be as stunning as the SureColor F170 and Sawgrass model
The Epson EcoTank Series, also known as the Epson EcoTank printer, serves as an ideal introduction to sublimation printing for novices. It offers an affordable entry point, and despite being economical, it doesn’t necessarily compromise on print quality. However, converting the printer to sublimation voids the warranty which can complicate maintenance. If you’re a beginner looking for a cost-effective way to dive into the world of sublimation printing, the Epson EcoTank Series might be your ticket.
There is no specific model that I will recommend over the other, all are similar in terms of your sublimation needs.
The best EcoTank printer for stickers is the EcoTank Photo ET-8550, which has been designed for premium quality photo and sticker printing (this is a very high-priced option though, and you should carefully research to ensure it meets your needs).
My quantitative assessment against key decision making factors:
- Print Quality: 4.3/5
- Ease of Use: 4/5
- Cost-effective: 5/5
Sawgrass SG500 – The Professional’s Pick
Hey, we aren’t done yet! We still have one major player to cover on the list, no other than the Sawgrass SG500. You can find this printer here.
The bundle comes with the printer, ink, paper and some other tools. I will begin my exploring the pros and cons of this option.
Pros:
- The Sawgrass SG500 is extremely user-friendly and easy to set up
- Ink lasts a long-time before the need to refill
- Dedicated sublimation software and color profiles are built in. I have a separate guide covering the sublimation color chart.
- Beautiful, potentially professional-grade results on sublimation blanks
Cons:
- Premium price point and potentially expensive ink replacements
Overall, for anyone who has the budget, the Sawgrass SG500 is a fantastic option. Being a dedicated sublimation printer, it can save you the hassles of conversion and other issues associated with it. For complete transparency I must mention that the printer is the most expensive, and could result in additional expenses for ink replacements. Nevertheless, this would be my go-to option if it is within your range.
Now its time for a numerical assessment of the product:
- Print Quality: 5/5
- Ease of sourcing: 5/5
- Ease of Use: 4.8/5
- Affordability: 3.8/5
My Overall Conclusion – What IS The Best Choice?
So now we have completed our deep dive, you might ask what is your overall conclusion? So let me begin my saying: the Sawgrass SG500, which you can find here, is my best pick, given its easy installation and high, potential professional grade results. For those of you on a budget, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800, Epson EcoTank ET-4800, Epson EcoTank ET-2400, Epson EcoTank ET-2850 are potential options. However, I do caution you against the issues that come with not purchasing a dedicated sublimation printer if you go with this option.
Navigating Your Perfect Printer Purchase
The process of selecting the right printer involves understanding the printing process, which includes:
- Evaluating print quality requirements
- Considering size and volume needs
- Taking budgetary restrictions into account
- Comprehending the printer’s capabilities, print settings and maintenance demands
Determining Print Quality Needs
The quality of your prints is paramount in sublimation printing. DPI, or Dots Per Inch, determines the sharpness and detail of your images. However, while higher DPI values can lead to finer printed patterns, excessive DPI may cause ink saturation and blending of dots if the material is not capable of supporting high-resolution printing.
When looking for the best sublimation printer, a sublimation printer like the Epson SureColor F570 Pro stands out for its precision and color consistency, making them great choices for professional-grade sublimation projects using sublimation ink, including creating high-quality sublimation prints.
Assessing Size and Volume
The sublimation paper size you choose is key to ensuring project efficiency and minimizing waste. A4 is a versatile size that fits many custom projects. However, to ensure complete coverage and avoid unnecessary trimming, the sublimation paper size needs to closely match the dimensions of the customized item.
For items with unique shapes, selecting a sticker paper size that can be accurately trimmed to fit the product’s contours while providing full design coverage is essential.
Budgeting for Long-Term Costs
Sublimation printers have costs that extend beyond the initial purchase. From ink to paper, blanks, and heat press equipment, the costs can range from $170 to $90,000. Different printers come with different ink systems, some offering cost efficiency in ongoing usage. While generic inks may reduce immediate expenses, they can lead to quality issues and increased labor costs, affecting overall profitability and production efficiency.
Therefore, accounting for these long-term costs is a critical aspect of choosing a printer, such as a laser printer, ink cartridges or printing stickers.
Summary
In the journey of sublimation and sticker printing, the choice of printer is as crucial as the artist’s vision. Whether it’s the precise strokes of the Epson SureColor F170, the budget-friendly Epson EcoTank Series, the professional prowess of the Sawgrass SG500, there’s a perfect printer for every artist. So, choose wisely and let your creativity flourish!
Frequently Asked Questions
What printer is best for sublimation?
The best printer for sublimation is the Sawgrass SG500, which offers great overall performance.
Which EcoTank printer is best for stickers?
The best EcoTank printer for stickers is the EcoTank Photo ET-8550, which is specifically designed for high-quality photo and sticker printing.
What is DPI and why is it important in sublimation printing?
A higher DPI, or Dots Per Inch, is important in sublimation printing as it determines the sharpness and detail of your images, leading to finer printed patterns.
How does the size of sublimation paper impact the printing process?
Matching the size of sublimation paper with the dimensions of the item being customized is important to ensure complete coverage and avoid the need for trimming. This allows for a smoother and more efficient printing process.
What are the long-term costs associated with sublimation printers?
The long-term costs of sublimation printers can range from $170 to $90,000, including expenses for ink, paper, blanks, and heat press equipment. Be mindful of these costs when considering a sublimation printer for your needs.
