Starting Sublimation on a Budget!

Don't have time to read this now, pin it for later!​

If you are reading this you are here to find out how to start sublimating for a reasonable price, right? 

Below I will list (with affiliate links*) all that you need to get started sublimating, right away! All for about $500, now doesn't that sound fabulous?!

*Affiliate links won't cost you any more, it will just allow me a small commission for the referral!

1.Printer!
First of all you will need a printer. I have an Epson WF-7710. This printer is listed for under $200!  

Workforce WF-7710 Wireless Wide-Format Color Inkjet Printer with Copy, Scan, Fax, Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet, Amazon Dash Replenishment Enabled

The name Epson has come up many times when referring to a startup/budget sublimation printer for me this is why I have chosen this route. 

Note: It is best to start fresh using a printer that has never been used for regular ink-jet printing.

2. Continuous Ink System!
Next I find it is best to have a continuous ink system. I have a CISS from Ink xPro, not only are their products amazing, their customer service is top notch! This system will allow you to to easily change ink and not have to change it often!

XPRO V Empty CISS Continuous Ink Supply System for T252XL Workforce WF-3620 WF-3640 WF-7110 WF-7610 WF-7620 WF-7710 WF-7720 WF-7210 Empty (Designed & Assembled in The USA, E252E)

​For under $60 dollars it is a steal of a deal!

3. Ink!
Again I go with Ink xPro Sublimation Ink for my ink. It is under $50 and lasts a long time!

INKXPRO 4 X 100ml Professional True Color Sublimation Ink Refills for C68 C88 C88+ Workforce 3620 3640 7010 7510 7520 7110 7610 7620 7710 7720 7210 (for Sublimation Printing, ICC Profile Available)

​This ink is not like regular ink it is a special ink that when combined with heat it will transform and adhere itself to a substrate.

4. Paper
Sublimation paper is very important. You can't use regular ink-jet paper, you will need a paper that is designed specifically for sublimation printing. 

TexPrint is a great brand 110 8.5x11 sheets for about $30!

Sublimation Transfer Paper TexPrint-R 8.5X11 Sublimation Paper For Ricoh Printers(PACK OF 110 SHEETS)Comes With 1 Roll INNOSUB Tape Heat

​The Epson WF 7710 prints up to 13"x19"... oh the options!!

5. Press
Okay so now you have the printer, ink, & paper... you will now need heat!

A heat press is a must when sublimating. It will allow your print to have even pressure and print, which is very important to get a great transfer.

There are multiple Press options. I will list just two for you. You can find a decent Press for anywhere between $100-200. (Great thing is they can be used for vinyl too and the occasional ironing of clothes, lol)

Already have a heat press for HTV? There is no reason to get a new one, just so long it heats up and has pressure you are good to go!

A. Large 15x15 Clam Shell Press. 

ePhoto New Digital 15" x 15" T-Shirt Heat Transfer Press Sublimation Heat Press Machine 1515GB

​Great for T-shirt Graphics, Mousepads, Can Coolers, bags, etc.

​The clamshell takes up a smaller footprint and is very easy to open and close.

B. Small Swing Away Press- 

ZENY Heat Press Machine Digital Transfer Sublimation Machine Swing Away T-Shirt Printing Press(12x10)

​Great for small t-shirts, baby bodysuits, Can Coolers, puzzles, etc.

​The swing away needs a bit more room to allow the swing but is still just as easy to open and close. (Might actually be easier than the clam shell)

6. Thermal Tape​

I could not live without Thermal Tape! This tape will keep your transfer in place to prevent ghosting. (Ghosting is the blurred look of the print when the transfer shifts). Under $7... can't beat that!

Tape 2 X Thermal Tape-heat Resistant Tape for Sublimation-polyimide 8mm [Leave No Smell]

This is unlike other regular tape because it will not leave an adhesive reside behind. Now isn't that swell.

7. Blanks

Last but not least you will need blanks. When looking for blanks make sure they are 100% polyester or polyester coated items. You can find an array of items that can be sublimated! Some great places to purchase blanks are Coastal Business Supply, Conde, and JDS. 

Just to name a few:

• Pillowcases
• Coffee Mugs (Note these will have to be pressed in a Mug Press)
• Shirts (look for shirts that are 100% Polyester)
• Can Coolers
• Makeup Bags

I hope this helps you get started with sublimation on a budget... any questions or comments, leave them below. 

​This blog post includes affiliate links. What does this mean? It means you will pay no more but I will get a small percentage for the referral.