Have you ever dreamed of making your own custom t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases that sparkle with vibrant colors? Sublimation printing with your Cricut machine can make that dream a reality! It’s a fantastic way to add a personal touch to gifts or even start your own small business. But when it comes to picking the perfect printer for this magical process, things can get a little tricky.
The world of sublimation printers is filled with jargon and different features that can leave you scratching your head. You want a printer that will give you bright, lasting colors, but you don’t want to break the bank. It can be overwhelming to figure out which one will work best with your Cricut and produce the amazing results you’re hoping for. Many people get stuck trying to find a printer that is both good quality and affordable.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to break down everything you need to know to confidently choose the best printer for your Cricut sublimation projects. By the end, you’ll understand the key things to look for, so you can stop worrying and start creating. Get ready to unlock a whole new level of crafting fun!
Our Top 5 Printer For Cricut Sublimation Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Printer For Cricut Sublimation Detailed Reviews
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank with Scan and Copy
Rating: 8.6/10
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a fantastic wireless printer designed for home use. It’s a cartridge-free supertank printer that also includes scanning and copying features. This white, all-in-one printer makes printing easy and affordable, especially for families or individuals who print frequently.
What We Like:
- Innovative cartridge-free printing means you save money and hassle.
- EcoFit ink bottles are easy and worry-free to fill.
- Dramatic savings on replacement ink – up to 90% less than cartridges.
- Includes up to 2 years of ink in the box, so you can start printing right away.
- Zero cartridge waste helps the environment by reducing landfill waste.
- Impressive print quality with sharp text and vibrant color photos.
- Built-in scanner and copier make document handling simple.
- Designed for reliability with a worry-free 2-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for basic home printing, it might not be the best choice for very high-volume professional printing needs.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 offers a smart, cost-effective, and eco-friendly way to handle all your home printing needs. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to save money and reduce waste without sacrificing print quality.
2. Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Deluxe Bundle with Full Ink Set
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to unlock your creativity with the Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Deluxe Bundle! This all-in-one package is your ticket to making amazing custom items. It’s perfect for anyone who loves to craft or wants to start a small business. You can print colorful designs on shirts, mugs, and so much more!
What We Like:
- Comes with everything you need to start: printer, inks, tons of paper, and blank items.
- You get over 460 sheets of sublimation paper in two different sizes, plus 50 blank items to decorate.
- Includes 500 design cards with lots of options for your projects.
- Easy to connect with Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and works with Windows, Mac, and apps.
- The Artspira app helps you create your own designs.
- You get heat-resistant tape in four different widths.
- Comes with a 7-piece tool set to help with your crafting.
- Prints vibrant, full-color designs that last.
What Could Be Improved:
- The printer itself might be a bit small for very large projects.
- Learning to use sublimation printing takes some practice.
This bundle offers fantastic value and makes sublimation printing accessible for everyone. It’s a great way to bring your creative ideas to life!
3. Cricut Sublimation Paper – 100 Sheets (8.5″ x 11″) – Letter Size – Compatible with Sublimation Printer and Sublimation Ink (120gsm)
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to create amazing, colorful crafts with the Cricut Sublimation Paper! This pack comes with 100 sheets of letter-sized paper, perfect for all your sublimation projects. You can make vibrant designs that last, even after washing.
What We Like:
- Vivid and Lasting Colors: Your projects will look super bright and brilliant. The transfers are smooth and won’t peel, flake, or wash away.
- Just the Right Thickness: The 120gsm paper is strong enough to hold lots of ink but flexible enough to go through your printer and work on bumpy things.
- Washable Designs: Put your creations in the dishwasher or washing machine without worry. They’ll stay looking great!
- Easy Printing: Just remember to print your design on the white side of the paper.
What Could Be Improved:
- Ink Compatibility: While it works with sublimation ink, it’s important to ensure your specific ink is fully compatible for the best results.
- Curved Surfaces: While it *can* be used on curved blanks, achieving perfect, seamless transfers on very extreme curves might still require practice.
This Cricut Sublimation Paper is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to make durable and eye-catching custom items. It makes bringing your colorful ideas to life simple and fun.
4. Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer. Includes Full Set of Ink
Rating: 9.1/10
Unleash your creativity with the Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer. This powerful printer bundle, including a full set of Epson ink, a user guide, and an AC power cable, is designed to bring your vibrant designs to life on a variety of items. Get ready for professional-quality prints right from your home or small business.
What We Like:
- Achieve amazing print quality with Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead, which delivers incredibly clear and sharp images.
- Experience brilliant colors and high contrast thanks to genuine Epson dye-sublimation ink technology.
- Print efficiently with a 150-sheet auto-feed tray and a dust-resistant paper tray that keeps your media clean for the best transfers.
- Save money and refill ink less often with high-capacity ink bottles that make filling easy and mess-free.
- Connect easily via Wi-Fi or USB from your Windows or macOS computer, or use the Epson iPrint app on your smartphone or tablet.
What Could Be Improved:
- Once ink is loaded, the item cannot be returned. Be aware that ink leaks during transport could cause skin irritation.
- Direct email printing and camera connections are not supported.
The Epson SureColor F170 is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to get into sublimation printing. Its ease of use and excellent print results make it a top choice for your creative projects.
5. Brother Sublimation Printer
Rating: 9.4/10
Unleash your creativity with the Brother Sublimation Printer, your new best friend for personalized crafts. This printer makes it super simple to bring your unique designs to life on fabrics and other sublimation-ready items. Get ready to transform plain clothes and gifts into one-of-a-kind masterpieces!
What We Like:
- Works seamlessly with the Artspira app, letting you import and save up to 20 images easily.
- Access over 100 sublimation designs and cool photo effects right within the Artspira app.
- You can even turn your photos into poster-style drawings for a unique artistic touch.
- Makes customizing readymade clothes a breeze – design, print, heat press, and you’re done!
- Prints quickly so you can admire your colorful creations in no time.
- Built with Brother’s trusted reliability for high-quality results.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires a separate heat press, which is an additional purchase.
- The Artspira app is necessary to use the printer, so you must download it first.
- Only sold and intended for use in the US at 120 volts; other uses might void the warranty.
This Brother Sublimation Printer is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves to personalize and create. Dive into a world of custom projects and let your imagination run wild!
Choosing Your Perfect Cricut Sublimation Printer: A Buyer’s Guide
Ready to bring your colorful designs to life on mugs, t-shirts, and more? A sublimation printer is your secret weapon for vibrant, permanent prints! This guide will help you find the best one for your Cricut crafting adventures.
1. Key Features to Look For
When picking a sublimation printer, keep these important features in mind:
- Ink Type Compatibility: Make sure the printer is designed to work with sublimation ink. Some printers are “converted,” meaning you replace the regular ink with sublimation ink. Others come ready for sublimation.
- Print Quality and Resolution: Look for a printer with a high resolution (measured in DPI – dots per inch). Higher DPI means sharper, more detailed images. Aim for at least 1200 DPI for great results.
- Print Size: Consider what you’ll be printing. Do you need to print on large posters, or will standard 8.5″ x 11″ pages be enough? Most sublimation printers offer common sizes.
- Connectivity: How will you connect your printer? USB is standard, but Wi-Fi is super convenient for printing from multiple devices without cables.
- Ease of Use: Is the printer simple to set up and operate? Look for intuitive controls and easy ink cartridge replacement.
2. Important Materials and Ink
Sublimation printing needs special materials to work its magic:
- Sublimation Ink: This is the most crucial part! Sublimation ink turns into a gas when heated. It permanently bonds with polyester fibers or special coatings. Never use regular ink for sublimation.
- Sublimation Paper: This special paper holds the ink. It releases the ink as a gas when heated under pressure.
- Sublimation Blanks: These are the items you print on. They must be made of polyester or have a special polyester coating. Think sublimation mugs, t-shirts, mousepads, and tote bags.
3. Factors That Affect Quality
Several things can make your sublimation prints look amazing or a bit dull:
- Ink Quality: Using high-quality sublimation ink makes a big difference. Cheap ink can lead to faded colors or poor color accuracy.
- Paper Choice: The right sublimation paper helps transfer the ink cleanly and vibrantly. Some papers are better than others for certain projects.
- Heat Press Settings: This is vital! The correct temperature, time, and pressure from your heat press are essential for a successful sublimation transfer. Too hot, too cold, or the wrong time can ruin your design.
- Design Resolution: Start with a high-resolution image for your design. A blurry or pixelated design will print that way.
- Material of Blanks: As mentioned, your blank must be suitable for sublimation. Printing on 100% cotton, for example, will not work for sublimation.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
A good sublimation printer should make your crafting journey smooth and fun.
- For Beginners: Look for printers that are easy to set up and have straightforward ink systems. Many beginner-friendly printers are smaller and more affordable.
- For Enthusiasts: If you plan to do a lot of sublimation, you might want a printer with faster print speeds and a larger print area.
- For Small Businesses: Reliability and consistent print quality are key. Consider printers known for their durability and excellent color output.
Use Cases:
- Personalized Gifts: Create custom mugs for birthdays, t-shirts for holidays, or unique photo gifts.
- Home Decor: Design your own pillows, wall art, or coasters.
- Apparel and Accessories: Make custom t-shirts for your team, unique tote bags, or phone cases.
- Crafting and Selling: If you sell your creations, a reliable sublimation printer helps you meet customer demand with high-quality products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Cricut Sublimation Printers
Q: Can I use any printer for sublimation?
A: No, you cannot use just any printer for sublimation. You need a printer that is specifically designed for or converted to use sublimation ink.
Q: What is the difference between sublimation ink and regular ink?
A: Sublimation ink turns into a gas when heated. Regular ink is liquid and stays that way. The gas from sublimation ink bonds with polyester fibers.
Q: What are “sublimation blanks”?
A: Sublimation blanks are items like mugs, shirts, or mousepads that have a special polyester coating. This coating allows the sublimation ink to bond to them.
Q: How do I convert a regular printer to a sublimation printer?
A: You convert a printer by replacing the regular ink cartridges with sublimation ink cartridges. It’s important to use a printer that is recommended for conversion, often inkjet printers.
Q: What is the best printer for sublimation with Cricut?
A: Many people have success with Epson EcoTank printers converted for sublimation. Brands like Sawgrass are also popular and designed specifically for sublimation.
Q: Do I need a special heat press for sublimation?
A: Yes, you need a heat press. A regular iron will not get hot enough or provide even pressure for sublimation. A heat press ensures consistent heat and pressure.
Q: Can I sublimate on dark-colored items?
A: Sublimation works best on white or very light-colored polyester items. For dark colors, you typically need to use a special sublimation vinyl or a different printing method.
Q: How long do sublimation prints last?
A: Sublimation prints are permanent. They will not peel, crack, or fade easily, even with washing and sun exposure, as long as they are done correctly on the right materials.
Q: What resolution should my design be for sublimation?
A: For best results, aim for a design resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the size you want to print it.
Q: Can I use my Cricut machine with sublimation?
A: Yes! Your Cricut machine can help you cut out intricate sublimation designs from sublimation paper or vinyl, making application easier and more precise.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.