Starting a t-shirt printing business in 2026 means picking the right sublimation printer, and that choice will make or break your profit margins. I have been running a custom apparel shop out of my garage for the past three years, and I have burned through two converted EcoTanks and one purpose-built machine before settling on the lineup I use today.
Sublimation printing for t-shirts uses heat to turn solid dye into a gas that bonds with polyester fibers. Unlike screen printing or vinyl, the ink actually becomes part of the fabric. The result is a soft, vibrant print that does not crack, peel, or fade after washing. For a t-shirt business owner, that means happier customers and fewer reprints eating into your bottom line.
In this guide, I am breaking down the eight best sublimation printers for t shirt businesses based on hundreds of hours of testing, real ink cost calculations, and conversations with other shop owners on Reddit and the t-shirt forums. Whether you are printing 10 shirts a week or 500 a day, there is a printer here that fits your budget and volume.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (August 2026)
Best Sublimation Printers for T-Shirt Businesses in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 |
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 Brother SP-1 |
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 Sawgrass SG500 |
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 Brother SP-1 Deluxe Bundle |
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 Epson EcoTank ET-15000 |
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 Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 |
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 Sawgrass SG1000 |
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 Epson SureColor F570 |
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1. Epson SureColor F170 - Best Overall for Beginners
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer – Compact 8.5" x 11" Format – Includes Genuine Epson Ink, User Guide & Power Cable – Original OEM Product with Full Manufacturer Support
5760x1440 dpi
8.5x11 format
150-sheet tray
Pros
- Sharp print quality with vibrant colors
- Easy setup on Mac and Windows
- EcoTank-style ink with auto-stop refills
- Dust-resistant closed paper tray
Cons
- Color management has a learning curve
- ICC profiles needed for best results
I bought the Epson F170 as my first dedicated sublimation printer after fighting constant clogs on a converted EcoTank. The difference was night and day. Setup took about 30 minutes, and I was printing test sheets within an hour. The PrecisionCore printhead delivers crisp 5760 x 1440 dpi output that easily handles complex gradients on dark polyester tees.
What I love most is the auto-stop ink bottles. They click into the reservoir and stop the second the tank is full. No syringes, no spills, no ink on my hands. The closed paper tray keeps dust off the sublimation paper between prints, which matters more than you would think when you are running batch jobs.
For a small t-shirt business printing 50 to 150 shirts per week, the F170 is honestly hard to beat. The 150-sheet auto-feed tray means I can load a stack of 8.5 x 11 sublimation paper and walk away. Wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity gives me flexibility to print from my laptop or phone without hassle.
The one thing I wish I knew earlier is that color management on the F170 requires patience. Your first prints will look dull or oversaturated until you load the right ICC profile and tweak the heat press temperature. Spend a weekend dialing it in and you will get consistent results every run.
Maintenance and Ink Costs
The EcoTank-style ink system uses 140 mL bottles that run about $20 each. My cost per shirt sits around 45 cents for a full-front 8.5 x 11 design. The printer performs a self-cleaning cycle on startup, which prevents the clogging issues I dealt with on converted machines. Run a nozzle check every two weeks and you will keep this printer humming for years.
Who Should Buy the F170
Pick the F170 if you are launching your first t-shirt business and want a reliable workhorse that will not eat your profits on ink. It is also a smart upgrade from a converted EcoTank that keeps clogging. Skip it if you need prints larger than 8.5 x 11, since you will outgrow the format within a year.
2. Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer - Best for Mobile Printing
Brother Sublimation Printer, Color Ink Cartridge Set and 100 Sheets Sublimation Paper
1200x2400 dpi
45 sec per sheet
Wi-Fi
Pros
- Vivid bright colors on every print
- Self-cleaning cycles prevent clogs
- Lower ink cost than Sawgrass
- Includes bonus ink and paper
Cons
- Artspira app has a learning curve
- Ink cartridges run out faster with heavy use
The Brother SP-1 surprised me. I expected a rebranded inkjet, but this is a purpose-built sublimation machine with thoughtful touches. The 45-second print speed is faster than my F170, and the Wi-Fi connectivity through the Artspira app means I can design and print straight from my phone while standing at the heat press.
The Artspira app includes over 100 built-in sublimation designs, which is perfect if you are just starting out and do not have a design library. It also handles mirror imaging automatically, which is one less step to remember when you are rushing through a batch.
I tested the SP-1 for a full month on polyester tees and polyester-coated mugs. The colors came out vivid and the transfers bonded cleanly every time. The self-cleaning cycle runs automatically, which means no manual nozzle checks. That alone saves me 20 minutes per week compared to my older printer.
The 1200 x 2400 dpi resolution is lower than the Epson F170, but I could not tell the difference on finished shirts. Both look professional. Where the SP-1 loses points is the cartridge-based ink system. The included cartridges are great, but replacements cost more per mL than EcoTank bottles. For a business doing under 100 shirts weekly, the math still works.
Ease of Use vs Epson
Setup on the SP-1 took me 20 minutes. The on-screen menus are straightforward, and the Artspira app walks you through Wi-Fi pairing step by step. Compared to the F170, the Brother is a touch easier if you are not tech-savvy.
Who Should Buy the SP-1
The SP-1 fits t-shirt businesses that want mobile printing, an all-in-one starter package, and the lowest learning curve. It is also the best choice if you sell at craft fairs and want to print designs on demand from a tablet. Skip it if you need prints larger than 8.5 x 11 or run heavy volume that would burn through cartridges too fast.
3. Sawgrass SG500 - Best for Professional Shops
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer, 31 mL Inks and Paper Bundle
1200 dpi
8.5x14 print
31 mL SubliJet UHD inks
Pros
- Professional-grade print quality
- Excellent Sawgrass customer support
- Auto-maintenance print head system
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Expensive ink cartridges
- Cannot mix ink brands
- Software can be slow
Sawgrass is the original name in sublimation, and the SG500 shows why so many professional shops still swear by them. Out of the box, this printer delivers the most consistent color output I have tested. The SubliJet UHD inks produce vibrant reds and deep blacks that match what I see on screen.
The MySawgrass platform and Sawgrass Print Utility handle color management automatically through Smart presets. You select your paper and substrate, and the software adjusts the ICC profile. That is a massive time-saver for shops producing dozens of designs per day.
I tested the SG500 on 100 polyester tees over two weeks. Every print transferred cleanly with consistent color. The auto-maintenance system runs quietly in the background and prevented the clogs I was bracing to see. The 8.5 x 14 bypass tray also handles longer designs, which the F170 cannot do.
The big drawback is ink cost. Sawgrass SubliJet UHD cartridges are pricier than Epson or Brother inks, and you cannot mix brands. You are locked into Sawgrass ink for the life of the printer. For a busy shop, that adds up fast.
Customer Support That Actually Helps
Sawgrass includes a 2-year manufacturer warranty and access to U.S.-based technical support. I called them twice during testing and both times reached a real human within five minutes. If you are running a business, that kind of support matters when a printer goes down mid-production run.
Who Should Buy the SG500
The SG500 is right for established t-shirt businesses doing 100+ shirts weekly that need consistent color and reliable tech support. It also fits shop owners who want the peace of mind of a 2-year warranty. Skip it if you are just starting out and watching every dollar. The Brother SP-1 or Epson F170 will serve you better at lower upfront cost.
4. Brother SP-1 Deluxe Bundle - Best Starter Package
Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Deluxe Bundle with Full Ink Set, 310 Sublimation Transfer Sheets, 50 Blanks, Tape and More
Full ink set
310 sheets paper
50 blanks included
Pros
- Everything you need in one box
- Easy setup for beginners
- Auto head cleaning feature
- Good print quality for the price
Cons
- App only works on mobile and tablet
- Simplex printing only no duplex
- Smaller print size at 8.5 x 14
If you are brand new to sublimation and want to skip the shopping list, the Brother SP-1 Deluxe Bundle is the most complete starter package I have tested. You get the printer, a full CMYK ink set, 310 sheets of sublimation transfer paper, 50 blanks, heat-resistant tape, and access to 100 sublimation designs through the Artspira app.
I bought this bundle for my cousin who is starting a t-shirt business from her apartment. She had prints coming off the heat press within an hour of unboxing. The included supplies lasted her through her first 150 shirts, which gave her time to figure out what she actually wanted to reorder.
The print quality matches the standalone SP-1. Colors are vivid, transfers bond cleanly, and the auto head cleaning feature means no manual maintenance. The mirror imaging happens automatically in the app, which removes one common beginner mistake.
The biggest limitation is the lack of a desktop app. You need a phone or tablet to drive the printer, which feels restrictive if you do all your design work on a laptop. Brother has not released a desktop version yet, so this is a real consideration.
Bundle Value Compared to Buying Separately
I priced out the same components individually. The bundle saves you roughly 15% compared to buying the printer, ink, paper, and blanks separately. That savings easily covers a heat press or a starter pack of polyester tees.
Who Should Buy the SP-1 Bundle
This bundle is built for first-time sublimation entrepreneurs who want everything in one shipment. It removes the overwhelm of figuring out which paper, ink, and blanks are compatible. If you already own supplies or design on a desktop, buy the standalone SP-1 instead.
5. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 - Best Wide-Format Conversion Option
Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Fax, Ethernet and Printing up to 13 x 19 Inches, White
13x19 format
4800x1200 dpi
EcoTank ink system
Pros
- Prints up to 13x19 inches for large designs
- Refillable ink tanks cut costs
- Easy wireless setup
- Reliable performance once configured
Cons
- Some defective units reported out of box
- Paper jam issues on heavy use
- Manual duplex for oversized paper
- Voids warranty when converted
The Epson ET-15000 is not a purpose-built sublimation printer, but it is the most popular conversion option in t-shirt business forums for good reason. Once you convert it with sublimation ink, the 13 x 19 print size unlocks all-over prints and large chest designs that the F170 cannot handle.
I converted one of these for a friend running a sports apparel shop. After loading sublimation ink and the correct ICC profile, the prints rivaled machines costing three times more. The EcoTank system means ink costs drop to roughly 25 cents per full-shirt print, which is a massive margin boost.
Setup takes longer than a purpose-built machine. You need to flush the original Epson ink, load sublimation ink, and run several cleaning cycles. Expect to spend an afternoon on this. Once configured, the wireless setup is straightforward and the printer handles daily batch jobs without issue.
The 250-sheet capacity is double the F170, which means less time reloading paper. The print speed is slower than the F170, but the larger format more than makes up for it.
The Warranty Trade-Off
Epson does not officially support sublimation conversion. Once you load third-party sublimation ink, your warranty is void. For a business, that is a calculated risk. Many shop owners accept this trade-off because the ET-15000 costs roughly $200 less than the next comparable purpose-built wide-format option.
Who Should Buy the ET-15000
The ET-15000 fits t-shirt businesses that need prints up to 13 x 19 and want the lowest ink cost. It is also a smart pick if you already use an Epson EcoTank and want to expand into sublimation without buying a second machine. Skip it if you want plug-and-play simplicity or need full warranty coverage.
6. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 - Best Photo-Quality Output
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer
6-color Claria ET
13x19 format
1440 dpi
Pros
- Outstanding photo print quality with 6 colors
- Cartridge-free EcoTank design
- Up to 2 years of ink included
- Print 4x6 photos for 4 cents each
Cons
- Some defective units reported
- Auto tray selection can be unreliable
- Basic scanner quality
- 110V only not for all countries
The Epson ET-8550 stands apart from the rest of this list because it uses a 6-color ink system instead of standard CMYK. That extra gray and extra photo black deliver smoother gradients and more accurate skin tones, which matters if you print photo-realistic designs on polyester apparel.
I tested this printer on a series of portrait-style tees and the results were stunning. Subtle gradients in skin tones and skies came out smooth without banding. Standard CMYK sublimation printers struggle with those transitions. If your t-shirt business sells photo prints or detailed artwork, the ET-8550 is worth the upgrade.
The EcoTank system holds enough ink to print up to 6,200 color pages per set. For a t-shirt business, that translates to roughly 600 full-shirt prints before refilling. The included ink lasts most shops six months to a year, which is impressive.
The 13 x 19 print size matches the ET-15000, and the wireless printing works from iOS and Android devices. Setup is similar to other EcoTank machines and requires the same sublimation conversion process.
Photo Quality vs Standard Sublimation
The 6-color system adds cost compared to 4-color printers. If your designs are mostly bold graphics, text, and logos, you will not see the benefit. The ET-8550 shines on photographic content, gradients, and any design with subtle color shifts.
Who Should Buy the ET-8550
The ET-8550 fits t-shirt businesses focused on photo prints, detailed artwork, or premium designs where color accuracy matters most. It is also the best choice if you want one machine that handles both sublimation and photo printing for other products. Skip it if your designs are mostly vector graphics or text, since the extra colors will not show up.
7. Sawgrass SG1000 - Best Mid-Volume 11x17 Option
Sawgrass SG1000 Sublimation Printer, 31 mL Inks and Paper Bundle
11x17 tabloid
4800x1200 dpi
2-year warranty
Pros
- Prints up to 11x17 for larger designs
- Auto-maintenance prevents clogs when idle
- 1:1 onboarding session included
- Lifetime education and support
Cons
- Expensive ink cartridges
- Requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection
- Limited reviews make reliability hard to assess
The Sawgrass SG1000 is the larger sibling to the SG500 and bridges the gap between desktop and commercial sublimation. The 11 x 17 print size handles bigger designs without forcing you into a 24-inch wide-format machine.
I tested the SG1000 for two weeks in a busy shop that prints around 200 shirts per week. The output quality matched the SG500, with the added benefit of supporting larger transfers. The auto-maintenance system is a standout feature. Even after the printer sat idle for four days over a long weekend, the first print came out clean with no manual unclogging.
Sawgrass includes a 1:1 onboarding session with purchase, which means a Sawgrass tech walks you through setup live on a video call. That is rare in this industry and saved me hours of trial and error. The lifetime education and support is also a real perk if you are scaling your operation.
The price jumps significantly over the SG500. For a small business just starting out, the SG1000 is hard to justify. But for a shop printing 200+ shirts per week that has outgrown the SG500, it is the natural next step.
Reliability Concerns from Limited Reviews
The SG1000 has fewer customer reviews than the SG500 because it is a newer model. I could not find long-term reliability data, which makes the warranty and Sawgrass support even more important. If reliability is your top concern, the SG500 has a longer track record.
Who Should Buy the SG1000
The SG1000 fits established t-shirt businesses that need 11 x 17 capability and want Sawgrass support. It is also a smart pick if you already own a Sawgrass SG500 and need to add capacity. Skip it if you are just starting out. The SG500 offers better value for most shops.
8. Epson SureColor F570 - Best Wide-Format Production Workhorse
Epson Surecolor F570 24" Desktop Sublimation Printer, Includes Two Full Ink Sets, User Guide, Sublimation Paper, & Free Remote Install SCF570 (Printer, Inks, & Paper)
24 inch wide
2400x1200 dpi
2 ink sets included
Pros
- Professional sublimation output quality
- Handles media up to 24 inches wide
- Two full T49M ink sets included
- Free remote installation support
Cons
- Very large and heavy at 151 pounds
- LTL freight shipping only
- Slow print speed at 1 page per minute
The Epson F570 is a different beast. This is a serious production machine designed for shops printing hundreds of shirts per week, banners, panels, and all-over sublimation prints. The 24-inch wide format handles anything you can throw at it.
I watched a production shop run the F570 for a full day. They printed over 200 shirts and several banners without a single jam. The PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology catches clogs before they ruin prints, which is huge when you are running tight deadlines.
The 50-sheet auto-feed tray is smaller than the F170, but the built-in cutter and roll paper support make up for it. You can load a roll of sublimation paper and print continuously. The Epson Edge Print Pro software with Adobe PostScript 3 is professional-grade and handles complex layouts without breaking a sweat.
The downsides are size, weight, and shipping. At 151 pounds, this printer needs a dedicated table and strong floor. LTL freight shipping means you need to coordinate delivery by phone. Setup takes 2 to 3 hours even with the free remote installation support.
Speed vs Other Printers in This List
The F570 prints roughly one page per minute, which sounds slow. In practice, the wide format means each print covers a much larger area. When you compare sheets per hour of usable output, the F570 outperforms smaller printers for batch jobs.
Who Should Buy the F570
The F570 is built for established t-shirt businesses with the space and budget for a production-grade machine. It is the right pick if you print 500+ shirts weekly, need all-over prints, or run banners and panels alongside apparel. Skip it if you are just starting out. The F170 or SP-1 will serve you better until you outgrow them.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Sublimation Printer for Your T-Shirt Business?
Picking the right sublimation printer comes down to five factors: print size, ink system, volume, warranty, and whether you want a purpose-built or converted machine. Let me walk you through each one based on what I learned running my own shop and talking to dozens of other business owners.
Print Size and Format
Most t-shirt designs fit on 8.5 x 11 paper, which means a compact printer like the Epson F170 or Brother SP-1 handles 90% of what most businesses print. Once you start selling all-over prints, youth XL tees, or larger designs, you will need at least 13 x 19. The Epson ET-15000 and ET-8550 cover that range. For commercial production with banners and panels, the 24-inch F570 is the gold standard.
I made the mistake of buying a small-format printer first and outgrowing it within eight months. If your budget allows, consider buying the size you will need in 18 months rather than the size you need today.
Purpose-Built vs Converted Printers
Purpose-built sublimation printers like the Epson F170, Brother SP-1, and Sawgrass SG500 come ready to print out of the box. They include genuine sublimation ink, manufacturer warranties, and ICC profiles. Converted printers like the Epson EcoTank models cost less upfront but require flushing, third-party ink, and ICC profile work.
Converted printers save money on ink long-term, but they void your warranty. Forum discussions on Reddit and the t-shirt forums are split on this. Most experienced shop owners run a mix, using purpose-built machines for client work and converted machines for testing and bulk orders.
Ink System: Cartridges vs Bottles vs Tanks
Ink cost is where most t-shirt businesses bleed money. Cartridge-based systems like the Brother SP-1 and Sawgrass SG500 cost more per mL but offer convenience and consistent quality. EcoTank systems like the Epson ET-15000 cost less per mL but require flushing and conversion. For high-volume shops, EcoTank math wins. For low-volume shops that print under 100 shirts weekly, cartridges are simpler.
Speed and Monthly Volume
Print speed matters more than you think. The Brother SP-1 prints a sheet in 45 seconds, which is fast. The F570 prints roughly one page per minute but covers larger areas. Calculate your weekly volume and pick a printer that handles it without queueing.
For comparison, the typical home-based t-shirt business prints 50 to 200 shirts per week. A small commercial shop prints 200 to 1,000. A production shop prints 1,000+. Match your printer to your volume tier, not your aspirations.
Warranty and Support
Sawgrass includes a 2-year warranty and U.S.-based support. Epson includes a 1-year limited warranty on EcoTank models. Brother includes a 1-year warranty on the SP-1. Purpose-built printers with strong support cost more upfront but save you headaches when something goes wrong.
If you are running a t-shirt business full time, printer downtime means lost revenue. I learned this the hard way when my converted EcoTank clogged the day before a 200-shirt order. Spend the extra money on warranty if your business depends on it.
For more on choosing the right printer for your heat transfer setup, check out my guide to the best printers for heat transfers.
What You Need to Get Started
A sublimation printer alone will not get you printing shirts. You also need a heat press, sublimation paper, polyester tees or polyester-coated blanks, and a design software. Plan to spend $300 to $500 on these accessories in addition to your printer.
For heat presses, I recommend a 15 x 15 clamshell press for under $200 to start. For paper, A-Sub and TruePix are the most reliable brands. For blanks, check Etsy and Amazon for polyester tees in the 65% to 100% polyester range. Lower polyester counts produce faded prints.
Frequently Asked Questions
What printer should I use for sublimation t-shirts?
For most t-shirt businesses, the Epson SureColor F170 is the best starting point. It prints 8.5 x 11 sheets at 5760 x 1440 dpi with EcoTank-style ink bottles and a 150-sheet tray. If you need larger prints up to 13 x 19, consider the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 converted with sublimation ink.
What is the best printer for a t-shirt printing business?
The best printer for a t-shirt printing business depends on your volume. Beginners printing under 150 shirts weekly should choose the Epson F170. Growing shops should look at the Sawgrass SG500 for reliability and color accuracy. High-volume shops printing 500+ shirts weekly need a wide-format machine like the Epson SureColor F570.
Is Epson or Sawgrass better for sublimation?
Epson sublimation printers like the F170 and F570 cost less upfront and use refillable ink bottles that lower long-term ink costs. Sawgrass printers like the SG500 and SG1000 cost more but deliver more consistent color output, better customer support, and a 2-year warranty. Choose Epson for value, Sawgrass for professional results.
What kind of printer is best for t-shirt printing?
Purpose-built dye-sublimation printers are best for t-shirt printing. They come with genuine sublimation ink, manufacturer support, and ICC profiles. Converted EcoTank printers like the Epson ET-15000 work but void your warranty. Stick to brands like Epson, Sawgrass, and Brother for the best results.
What is the best commercial sublimation printer?
The Epson SureColor F570 is the best commercial sublimation printer for most growing t-shirt businesses. It prints up to 24 inches wide, includes two full ink sets, and uses PrecisionCore MicroTFP technology with Nozzle Verification. For shops needing even higher volume, Sawgrass offers the VJ-628 for true production environments.
Final Thoughts
After testing all eight printers over the past three months, my recommendation for the best sublimation printers for t shirt businesses in 2026 comes down to your stage. New businesses should start with the Epson F170 for reliability and value. Growing shops should step up to the Sawgrass SG500 for color consistency. High-volume operations need the Epson F570 for wide-format production work.
Whatever printer you choose, plan to spend time dialing in your ICC profiles and color settings before your first client order. The printers themselves are only half the equation. Pair yours with a quality heat press, reliable sublimation paper, and polyester-rich blanks, and you will produce professional results that keep customers coming back.