I purchased my first sublimation printer back in July of 2021 and oh boy I had no idea how life changing it would be! To be exact it wasn't even an actual sublimation printer it was a regular inkjet printer that I converted into a sublimation printer.
Many don't like converted sublimation printers because they have a shorter life but I think it is a super budget friendly way to get started. When I purchased my first printer I honestly could not have afforded an actual sublimation printer.
The first printer I converted was the epson 2760 and I absolutely loved it! The sublimation ink that I used with that printer was Cosmo's ink.
I have a tutorial on how to "convert" the printer down below. Basically all you do is, instead of adding in the regular ink that it comes with the printer you add in sublimation ink instead. Keep in mind that when you add in a third party vendor ink brand to your printer it voids the warranty on your ink jet printer.
After you have added in the sublimation ink you will just need sublimation paper and then you can start sublimating!
My second sublimation printer was the epson 2800. With this printer I use Hiipoo's sublimation ink and sublimation paper.
I love both my first and second sublimation printer but if I had to choose I would say I love my first sublimation printer combination the best. Then again it could just be because I learned how to sublimate with it. At the end of the day both brands give you really bright colors! Well as long as you have the right settings
Fast foward to 2023..
I finally have an actual sublimation printer! The Sawgrass SG1000. I am completely obsessed with my sawgrass! Here is why!
1. Sawgrass has a technical support team to help you! You literally set up a one hour appointment to unbox and install your printer. There is no having to guess because they walk you through the set up down to the settings!
2. Sawgrass printers have a 1 year warranty. Keep in mind that when you convert a regular ink jet into a sublimation printer that printer will no longer have warranty since you added in a third party vendor ink.
3. You can print up to 13 x 19 on a Sawgrass! On the converted printers you can only print your regular A3 size (8.5 x 11)
I can go on and on but you get the point
Let me know if you have any other sublimation printer questions!