JustBeginning
Beginner's guide

So you're getting into sublimation printing

Sublimation printing turns plain polyester shirts and polymer-coated mugs into custom goods you actually made. The startup cost is real (expect $500–700 for a complete beginner setup), but once it's running, each item costs $2–5 to make and takes about ten minutes. Here's exactly what you need, and what you can skip.

By Colin B. · Published June 15, 2026 · Last reviewed June 15, 2026
a man in a white shirt and white gloves

Photo by Deniz Demirci on Unsplash

The 60-second version

If you only buy 4 things to start:

  1. Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer — The Sawgrass SG500 just works out of the box: no ink-swapping, no warranty risk, bundled color profiles and software.
  2. HTVRONT 15x15 Auto Heat Press Machine — A reliable 15x15 heat press is the most critical tool after the printer. Don't go too cheap here.
  3. A-SUB Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 (110 Sheets) — A-SUB sublimation paper: consistent, affordable, and compatible with all sublimation printers. The default choice.
  4. MYSUB Sublimation Mugs 11oz White (36-Pack) — Start with white sublimation mugs: cheap per blank, easy to press, and satisfying as a first project.
Budget total
$450
Typical total
$700
A converted Epson EcoTank plus a budget heat press gets you started around $450. A dedicated Sawgrass printer plus a quality swing-away press runs closer to $700. Both assume you already own a computer for design work.

We earn commission on qualifying Amazon purchases — see our affiliate disclosure. Price tiers and budget totals shown above are editorial estimates; actual Amazon prices vary.

At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

CategoryTop pickPriceWhere to buy
Sublimation PrintersSawgrassSawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer$$$ See on Amazon →
Heat PressesHTVRONTHTVRONT 15x15 Auto Heat Press Machine$$$ See on Amazon →
Paper & SuppliesA-SUBA-SUB Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 (110 Sheets)$ See on Amazon →
Blanks & SubstratesMYSUBMYSUB Sublimation Mugs 11oz White (36-Pack)$ See on Amazon →
Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

You need 100% polyester for apparel. Sublimation dye bonds to polymer fibers, not cotton. Even a 50/50 blend gives you a washed-out, faded result. Buy sublimation-specific blanks; they're labeled polyester for a reason.

Your first 10 prints will likely have color issues. That's expected, not a defect. Start with mugs rather than shirts. Mugs are cheaper per blank, forgiving of temperature variation, and immediately satisfying as a beginner project.

The Sawgrass SG500 costs more than a converted Epson, but it's worth it if you're serious. Converted printers save $100–150 upfront but use third-party ink that can clog, have a narrower color gamut, and void your warranty. If you plan to use this more than twice a month, go dedicated.

The gear

What you actually need

Sublimation Printers

The printer is the heart of your setup, and this is where your biggest decision lives. You have two paths: convert a compatible Epson EcoTank by swapping in sublimation ink, or buy a printer purpose-built for sublimation like the Sawgrass SG500. Converting is cheaper upfront ($150–200 all-in) but carries real tradeoffs: the color gamut is narrower, third-party ink can clog the heads, and you've voided your Epson warranty. The Sawgrass ($300–400) costs more but comes with tuned color profiles, bundled CreativeStudio software, and Sawgrass's direct support. For casual experimenting, the Epson conversion works. For anyone planning to sell their work or print consistently, start with the Sawgrass.

Sublimation Printers — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Converted Epson EcoTank

Budget entry under $200 all-in. Voids warranty; narrower color gamut.

Entry cost
$150–200
Max print size
8.5x11"
Ink system
Third-party sublimation ink

Best for Casual experimenters, very budget-conscious starters

Tradeoff Voids warranty, narrower gamut, requires ICC profile setup

↓ See our pick
Dedicated Sawgrass (SG500)

Purpose-built at $300–400. Best color accuracy and bundled support.

Entry cost
$300–400
Max print size
8.5x14"
Ink system
Sawgrass proprietary cartridges

Best for Serious makers, anyone selling their work, small business

Tradeoff Higher upfront and per-cartridge cost

↓ See our pick
Wide-Format (SG1000)

13x19" prints for jerseys, banners, and large transfers.

Entry cost
$600–800
Max print size
13x19"
Ink system
Sawgrass proprietary cartridges

Best for Small-business production, all-over print garments, large panels

Tradeoff Large footprint and high cost; only buy once you need the width

Best starter
Sawgrass

SG500 Sublimation Printer

$$$

Our rating

Purpose-built for sublimation and ready to print day one. Ships with Sawgrass's CreativeStudio software and pre-tuned color profiles, prints up to 8.5x14 inches, and handles all substrates cleanly. You spend zero time troubleshooting ink compatibility and more time printing. The ink costs more per cartridge than Epson conversions, but the consistency justifies it for anyone printing regularly.

What we like

  • Purpose-built for sublimation, ships ready to print day one
  • Bundled CreativeStudio software with pre-tuned color profiles
  • Direct Sawgrass support if anything goes wrong

What to know

  • Proprietary ink cartridges cost more per mL than Epson conversions
  • Prints up to 8.5x14 only; need the SG1000 for wider transfers
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Epson

EcoTank ET-2803 (with sublimation ink)

$$

Our rating

The most popular Epson EcoTank for sublimation conversion. With a full swap to sublimation ink it produces solid results for under $200 all-in. Large ink tanks keep per-print costs low, and the printer is widely supported by the sublimation community. Know the tradeoffs: you're voiding the warranty, the color gamut is narrower than a Sawgrass, and you'll dial in ICC profiles yourself.

What we like

  • Under $200 all-in with sublimation ink, the cheapest real entry point
  • Low per-print cost from the EcoTank's large refillable reservoirs
  • Large sublimation community for troubleshooting ICC profiles

What to know

  • Voids Epson warranty from the moment you add sublimation ink
  • Narrower color gamut than dedicated sublimation printers
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Sawgrass

SG1000 Sublimation Printer

$$$$

Our rating

When you outgrow 8.5x11 (team jerseys, 12x16 photo panels, wide transfers for all-over print garments), the SG1000 is the next step. Handles up to 13x19 sheets with the same Sawgrass color accuracy and ecosystem as the SG500, just bigger. Don't buy this first; buy it when a specific project demands the width.

What we like

  • Handles up to 13x19 sheets for wide-format and all-over prints
  • Same Sawgrass ecosystem and color quality as the SG500

What to know

  • Significant desk footprint; measure before ordering
  • Overkill for mugs and standard shirt transfers
See on Amazon →

Heat Presses

A heat press applies precise temperature and pressure to transfer sublimation ink from paper to your blank. Both matter: too little pressure and the transfer is incomplete; too much heat and you scorch the blank. A 15x15 clamshell or swing-away press is the standard for shirt and flat goods transfers, running $180–300 for a quality unit. Mug and tumbler transfers require a cylindrical mug press (a completely different tool). Buy a flat press first, then add a mug press when you want to do drinkware.

Best starter
HTVRONT

15x15 Auto Heat Press Machine

$$$

Our rating

One of the most reliable presses at a reasonable price. The 15x15 swing-away design delivers even pressure across the whole platen (critical for sublimation's full-contact requirement), the digital temperature display is accurate within a few degrees, and the swing-away arm keeps condensation off your blank. Handles shirts, totes, mouse pads, and flat sublimation tiles.

What we like

  • Swing-away arm prevents condensation dripping onto your blank
  • Accurate digital temperature display within a few degrees
  • 15x15 platen handles full shirt fronts and back panels

What to know

  • Timer counts up instead of down; use your phone as a secondary timer
  • Heavy (30+ lbs); designate a permanent spot before buying
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
PowerPress

Industrial-Quality Heat Press 15x15

$$

Our rating

The PowerPress 15x15 is the entry-level workhorse the sublimation community has used for years. Accurate enough for sublimation, durable enough for daily use, and regularly available for under $200. The build quality is a small step below the HTVRONT but the results are identical on properly set time and temperature. A solid first press for a maker who isn't ready to spend $300.

What we like

  • Well-tested by the sublimation community over many years
  • Under $200 while still accurate enough for consistent sublimation results

What to know

  • Manual pressure knob is imprecise; test and dial in before full prints
  • Clamshell design can trap steam; open immediately after pressing
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
PYD Life

Tumbler Heat Press

$$

Our rating

Flat heat presses can't wrap a mug or tumbler. You need a dedicated cylindrical press for drinkware. PYD Life is a trusted name in sublimation tumbler presses, handling 20oz and 30oz tumblers, skinny tumblers, and most mug sizes. A second purchase, not a first. But tumblers are the most popular small-business sublimation product at craft fairs and Etsy, so you'll want this eventually.

What we like

  • Required tool for mugs and tumblers; a flat press can't do this
  • Handles most standard tumbler and mug sizes including 20oz and 30oz

What to know

  • A second-purchase tool; buy after you're committed to drinkware
  • Sizing matters: match the press to your specific tumbler diameter
See on Amazon →

Paper & Supplies

Sublimation paper is the transfer medium: your printer lays dye onto the paper and the heat press vaporizes it into the blank. Quality matters, cheap paper bleeds and washes out. A-SUB has become the community standard for third-party paper, compatible with both Epson-converted and Sawgrass printers. Beyond paper, you'll need heat-resistant tape to anchor the paper to your blank (prevents ghosting) and Teflon sheets to protect your press platen from ink bleed-through. Budget $50–100 for a solid paper-and-supplies starter kit.

Best starter
A-SUB

Sublimation Paper 8.5x11 (110 Sheets)

$

Our rating

A-SUB paper is the default choice across the sublimation community: consistent, vibrant transfers with both Epson-converted and Sawgrass printers, feeds cleanly without jamming, and the 110-sheet pack gives you room to experiment and make mistakes before you scale up. Stock up; you'll go through paper faster than you expect.

What we like

  • Community standard, compatible with both Epson and Sawgrass printers
  • Consistent vibrant color transfer with minimal ghosting
  • 110-sheet pack gives you room to experiment and make mistakes

What to know

  • Both sides look similar; the wrong side gives a washed-out transfer
  • Not rated for wide-format; buy the 13x19 pack separately if needed
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Hiipoo

Sublimation Ink for Epson EcoTank (400mL)

$

Our rating

If you go the Epson EcoTank conversion route, you need sublimation ink, and Hiipoo is consistently the top-rated third-party option. The 400mL bottles fill the EcoTank reservoirs with enough ink to print hundreds of transfers. Colors are accurate for the price, and it doesn't clog heads as badly as cheaper alternatives if you print at least once a week.

What we like

  • Top-rated third-party sublimation ink for Epson EcoTank conversions
  • 400mL bottles provide hundreds of prints at low per-print cost

What to know

  • Narrower color gamut than Sawgrass inks; reds and blues may look muted
  • Head clogging risk if the printer sits idle more than two weeks
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
HTVRONT

Heat Resistant Tape + Teflon Sheets Bundle

$

Our rating

Two supplies you'll use on every single print. Heat-resistant tape holds your sublimation paper in place during the press; any movement causes ghosting (a blurry double-image). Teflon sheets protect your press platen from color bleed as ink vaporizes. Get these before your first print session.

What we like

  • Heat tape eliminates ghosting, the most common beginner mistake
  • Teflon sheets protect your press platen and are reusable for months

What to know

  • Tape tears if you rush removing it while the blank is still hot
  • Teflon sheets degrade over time; replace every few months of heavy use
See on Amazon →
two white mugs on a wooden shelf

Photo by Blush Pink Studio on Unsplash

Blanks & Substrates

Blanks are what you print on. They need to be either 100% polyester (for soft goods) or polymer-coated (for hard goods like mugs and coasters). Sublimation dye bonds into the polymer; on cotton or uncoated metal it just sits on the surface and washes off. For beginners: start with sublimation mugs. They're cheap per blank, the process is fast, the results are immediately impressive, and they make great gifts. Once you're comfortable with color and pressure, add shirts to your rotation.

Best starter
MYSUB

Sublimation Mugs 11oz White (36-Pack)

$

Our rating

Your first project should be a mug. They're inexpensive, forgiving, and immediately satisfying. The 36-pack lets you practice, make mistakes, and still have 30 good mugs to gift or sell. MYSUB's polymer-coated 11oz white mugs are AAA-grade and individually boxed, meaning the color bonds cleanly and consistently. They just work.

What we like

  • 36-pack gives you room to experiment and still have plenty to gift or sell
  • Polymer coating transfers color vibrantly and consistently
  • 11oz size works with most cylindrical mug presses

What to know

  • Fingerprint oils cause light spots; wipe with isopropyl before every press
  • Only the coated outer surface accepts sublimation; the inside stays white
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
METFUIN

100% Polyester Sublimation T-Shirts (6-Pack)

$

Our rating

Once you've nailed mugs, shirts are the next step. These 100% polyester blanks sublimate cleanly with no cotton-fade issues. The 6-pack gives you room to practice positioning and pressure before buying in bulk. Stick to white blanks: sublimation replaces the fiber's base color, so white shirts produce full-color prints while dark shirts get muted results.

What we like

  • 100% polyester produces full-color vibrant transfers without fading
  • 6-pack is the right amount for a practice run before buying in bulk

What to know

  • Polyester-only wearability; less soft than cotton blends
  • Pre-wash before printing to prevent steam ghosting
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Hogg

20oz Skinny Sublimation Tumblers (9-Pack)

$$

Our rating

Polymer-coated 20oz skinny tumblers are the best-selling sublimation item on Etsy and at craft fairs. Hogg is a dedicated sublimation brand; their blanks are built specifically for the process with coatings that bond dye permanently. This 9-pack is the right quantity for testing and small-batch production. Save this for month two, after you've dialed in your mugs, then add a cylindrical press.

What we like

  • Premium coating produces vibrant, long-lasting drinkware people pay for
  • The most popular small-business sublimation product at craft fairs and Etsy

What to know

  • Requires a cylindrical mug press; a flat press won't give even contact
  • Higher cost per blank than mugs; dial in your process on mugs first
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Modacraft

Sublimation Blanks Kit (Coasters, Keychains & More)

$$

Our rating

Once you're comfortable with mugs and shirts, a hard goods variety kit lets you explore product categories without committing to a bulk order. Modacraft's set includes coasters, keychains, and other sublimatable items. Working through the variety builds intuition for how each surface behaves and reveals which items your customers actually want.

What we like

  • Explore multiple product types without over-committing to one
  • Coasters and ornaments are easy-to-press holiday and gift staples

What to know

  • Each material has slightly different time and temperature settings
  • Keychains require careful tape positioning to avoid edge ghosting
See on Amazon →
Going deeper

Your first month of sublimation printing

Sublimation printing clicks surprisingly fast. Your first mug transfer happens in ten minutes. But the first month is where you sort out color profiles, pressure settings, and which blanks actually work. Here's what to expect, and how to shortcut the frustrating parts.

Read the guide →
Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

  • A wide-format printer — The Sawgrass SG500 handles 8.5x14, which covers shirts, mugs, and most beginner projects. Add wide-format when a specific project demands 13x19, not before.
  • An automated mug press — Manual mug presses work fine for dozens of mugs per day. Automated versions run $400–600 and only pay off at production scale.
  • Professional color-calibration hardware — A colorimeter for display calibration is for print studios. Learn your printer's color behavior through practice first; the ICC profiles bundled with your printer solve most issues.
  • A full Adobe Creative Suite subscription — Canva Pro or Sawgrass CreativeStudio handles 90% of what beginners need. Upgrade to Illustrator or CorelDraw only if you hit vector-complexity limits.
  • Dark-colored blanks — Sublimation dye replaces polymer color rather than sitting on top of it. A dark blank won't turn light-colored ink bright. Stick to white and light pastel blanks for sublimation.
  • A vinyl cutter — HTV (heat-transfer vinyl) and sublimation are different processes that don't combine on the same project. Master one before adding the other.
First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

  1. Order your printer and heat press at the same time so they arrive together. You can't test one without the other. · Buy
  2. Order A-SUB sublimation paper and a 36-pack of white sublimation mugs. These are your first project materials. · Buy
  3. Design your first mug graphic in Canva or Sawgrass CreativeStudio. Keep it simple: about 8.5x3.7 inches. Mirror the image before printing. · Learn
  4. Print a test sheet on regular paper first to confirm your printer is feeding sublimation paper correctly before using your good stock. · Action
  5. Press your first mug at 400°F for 180 seconds with firm pressure. This is the industry-standard starting point for 11oz white ceramic mugs. · Action
  6. Keep a press log: blank type, temperature, time, pressure, and a photo of the result. You'll be glad you tracked this when troubleshooting. · Action
  7. Join r/SublimationPrinting. The community has solved every beginner problem and answers questions within hours. · Learn
  8. Do five mug presses in your first week, adjusting temperature and pressure slightly each time to find your sweet spot. · Action
FAQ

Common questions

What's the minimum budget to start sublimation printing?

A converted Epson EcoTank with sublimation ink runs about $200, a budget heat press adds $150–180, and paper plus a pack of mug blanks adds $50–80. You're at $400–460 for a functional setup. Starting with the Sawgrass SG500 instead of a converted Epson adds another $150 or so.

Can I sublimate on cotton shirts?

No. Sublimation dye bonds to polyester fibers and polymer coatings. On cotton, the dye sits on the surface and washes off in the first laundry cycle. You need 100% polyester blanks for apparel sublimation; even a 50/50 blend gives noticeably faded results.

Why does my sublimation print look faded or washed out?

Four culprits in order of likelihood: (1) wrong-side-up paper — confirm you're printing on the coated side; (2) too-low temperature — most blanks need 385–400°F; (3) too-little pressure — the paper must be in full contact with the blank; (4) wrong ICC profile if you're using a converted Epson printer.

What is ghosting, and how do I prevent it?

Ghosting is a blurry double-image caused by the transfer paper shifting during or after the press, before the ink fully sublimates. Fix: use heat-resistant tape to anchor the paper on all four edges, and remove it in one clean pull immediately after opening the press.

Do I need to mirror my design before printing?

Yes, always. You print the mirror image, then press it face-down on the blank. When it sublimates, the image transfers correctly oriented. Forgetting to mirror is the single most common beginner mistake.

Can I make money with sublimation printing?

Yes, and this is one of the more viable craft-business models at small scale. A sublimated tumbler costs $4–8 in materials and sells for $25–40. Mugs cost $2–4 to produce and sell for $12–20. Most small sublimation businesses start on Etsy or at local craft fairs.

Is a Sawgrass printer worth the extra cost over a converted Epson?

If you plan to print more than twice a month or want to sell your work: yes. The Sawgrass produces more accurate color, ships with tuned profiles, and doesn't have the head-clogging risk of third-party inks. The Epson conversion is a reasonable way in if you want to experiment cheaply before committing.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

  • r/SublimationPrinting — The most active beginner community. Search here before troubleshooting anything; it's almost certainly been answered.
  • Sawgrass Learning Center — Sawgrass's own tutorials, color-profile guides, and blank-compatibility database. Useful even if you're not using a Sawgrass printer.
  • The Country Chic Cottage (Angie Holden) — One of the most thorough sublimation beginner resources online. Her troubleshooting guides are better than most paid courses.
  • Cre8iveSkill (YouTube) — Clear, beginner-focused sublimation walkthroughs covering Epson conversions, Sawgrass setup, and common problems.
  • Etsy Sublimation Marketplace — Research what sells and at what price points before you commit to a product category. What's popular in your market shapes which blanks to stock.

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