What sublimation supplies do you need to get started? Let’s dive into what you absolutely need to start sublimation printing at home!
I have several sublimation posts on my site, but today I thought I’d just share the sublimation supplies you would need to get started!
Anytime you are venturing into a new hobby (or five!), there are always upfront costs that you need to be mindful of.
And sublimation is no exception! There might be a few items you already have if you are a Cricut crafter or use heat transfer vinyl already, but then there are supplies needed just for sublimation.
If you are new to sublimation and wondering what the heck it is, make sure to check out my full-detailed posts about getting started with sublimation and/or sublimation vs vinyl.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links from Shareasale, Cricut, Awin, and Amazon.com. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my links (purple text). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sublimation Supplies
We are going to go over sublimation supplies in different categories since there are a few different brands of items you can use.
I'll list my favorite products from years of experience, and also other highly rated products, substrates, and blanks.
You can find all of these products on Amazon (I know that's where most of us shop!), but you can also find some of them at your local craft store or even Target or Walmart.
Keep a look out for deals! I rarely ever pay the regular price because craft items always go on sale every few months!
Sublimation Printer and Ink
Probably the biggest price point when starting with sublimation is a sublimation printer. You can not use any printer!
A sublimation printer uses specific sublimation ink that goes through a chemical process of infusing into the base poly material/ coating when high heat is added.
As sublimation keeps rising in popularity, I would bet there will be more printers to come on the market so hopefully, the prices will drop with some competition.
The Epson Ecotanks are very popular as a converted sublimation printer. This means it's actually an inkjet printer, but when sublimation ink is placed in the blank ink cartridges it converts into a printer you can use for sublimation.
This is the printer I use. You will not use the ink that comes with the printer, instead, you need to purchase sublimation ink bottles (listed below) and add those.
Epson printers are the most budget-friendly but the drawback is that they tend to dry out or get clogged. I'm on my second because I didn't use my first one for over 6 months and I couldn't get it to unclog.
So make sure to just print something every week or two just to keep the ink flowing!!
The Sawgrass printer is a true sublimation printer. It comes with sublimation ink and you can get a full starter kit, but it's definitely more expensive ($600+).
Personally, I Have not used one, I opted for the EcoTank, but I'd suggest reading reviews on Amazon to see if you want to upgrade to the more expensive sublimation printer.
If you go the Ecotank route, you'll need sublimation dye. I use the Hiipoo brand and I love the bottles that they come in. You add the ink directly to the empty cartridges in just a few minutes. The price is under $40.
Sublimation Paper and Small Supplies
Once you have a printer and ink, you'll need sublimation paper. Again, you can't just print on any paper!
When you print on sublimation paper, you'll need to make sure you print on mirror setting if you have any words or directional images. The images will seem dull.
Once you add the heat, the colors turn vibrant and gorgeous!
Then you'll also need a few small supply items like heat-resistant tape, butcher paper (to protect heat presses), and I recommend gloves.
I use A Sub paper. I have tried a few different sublimation papers and you can check out the results on my sublimation on shirts post, but this is my go-to.
Koala is another popular brand that comes in different sizes of sublimation paper.
Whichever paper you use, make sure to follow the product info on its package for what temperature and time settings to use when pressing.
One of my favorite sublimation supply products is my heat-resistant gloves! Definitely, a must if you are wanting to sublimate mugs, tumblers, coasters, etc because they get super hot! Under $8!
You will need heat-resistant tape to keep the printed sublimation paper still.
Ghosting is caused my the paper moving during the press, which you don't want!
Another popular brand of heat-resistant tape that comes in bulk!
I use a large roll of butcher paper and just cut it into strips depending on what I'm making. Butcher paper helps protect your heat source.
I have one pressing mat that has yellow strips on it because I forgot to put down some butcher paper before I pressed a puzzle, eek! Now that ink can press into any shirt that lay on top of it.
Heat Press
If you have been using iron on vinyl then you might already own a heat press.
A constant high temperature is needed for sublimation so a home iron will not do.
Depending on what kind of items you want to sublimate will depend on the type of heat press you need.
A Cricut Easy Press is probably the most budget-friendly and is portable. They come in two different sizes and have a nice flat surface even pressing plate.
You will also need a pressing mat if using an EasyPress.
If you have the room and want something you don't have to press down with your hands, a heat press is another great option.
If you plan on making a lot of sublimated shirts or totes to sell, you might want to go for the big guns and get an Autopress.
It is not cheap! You might be able to get it for around $800 on sale but it's pretty amazing.
I love mine and it gives an amazing even press with just the touch. I used to have a heat press, but it always hurt my wrists when locking it, so this super nice to have it open on its own when the timer is up!
If you are wanting to make more than just flat sublimation projects (shirts, totes, wood, stainless steel sheets, etc), you will need a different type of heat press.
The Cricut mug press is my favorite for coffee mugs. It creates the exact pressure and time needed on its own!
Getting different presses can start adding up so make sure to check out any special offers Cricut.com or your local craft store might have in addition to Amazon.
Sometimes even our favorite places like Target, Costco, or Walmart will have these kinds of items on clearance!!
If you are wanting to make sublimation tumblers, then you will need a tumbler press or convection oven and mug wraps.
I personally use this tumbler press and it works well, but you do have to manually adjust the pressure which is kind of a pain.
Read my full PYD Life press review here.
Sublimation Blanks
Now on to the best blanks! This is where the fun is, in choosing what kind of sublimation projects you want to make, and there is a ton of different types of sublimation blanks to choose from.
You can't just use any blank! Sublimation requires a poly blend of materials or a poly coating to react with the dye, so you can't just pick up any ceramic mug at the Dollar Store.
Look for words like "sublimation blanks" or "sublimation compatible" on mugs, tumblers, mobile phone cases, key chains, etc to make sure it's a sublimation product.
There are a lot of different sublimation mugs to choose from! I love the Cricut brand since they are perfect for the Cricut mug press. Learn all about sublimation on a mug here!
Plus they are starting to come out in all sorts of fun inside and handle colors.
I just got a bunch 50% off at Michaels! Of course, I had to buy enough for free shipping so I'm set for a while, lol!
So stock up during sales to keep costs down!
You can find sublimation mugs in bulk and in different sizes so make sure to pay attention to the number of ounces they hold.
I have been having fun making glass cans with my tumbler press like these frosted beer cans.
Bulk pack of straight white skinny tumblers to sublimate if you have a tumbler press or convection oven.
You can even find glitter skinny tumblers to sublimate on! Y'all know I love my glitter!
Chapstick or lipstick holders would make great party gifts since with sublimation you can print any image to match any theme!
Coasters are another fun gift idea! I have sublimated coasters for the summer, for Christmas, and for everyday use!
These are on my list to try! You can use them as coasters or put them at the bottom of drink holders in your car, how fun!
Koozies and bear can holders are fun to make for bachelor parties, family reunions, and summertime at the lake!
Puzzles are one of my favorites to sublimate! You can make one for birthday favors or pregnancy announcements!
Personalized Christmas ornaments are fun and easy when using sublimation prints.
Keychains are another fun option to use with dye sublimation printers. Think photos or favorite sayings or animals!
I made my family all mouse pads with a picture of all of us on them! I used to buy those kinds of gifts at print shops, but now I can make them myself!
Sublimation Shirts
When it comes to the best shirts to sublimate on, you don't really need a specific brand, just material and color.
Since sublimation requires a poly substrate to work, any shirt with higher polyester counts is going to work best. 100% polyester will give you the best results, but you can also sublimate on mixed soft blanks as long as they have a pretty high polyester count.
White or light shirts are always going to produce the most vibrant colors on their own.
I tend to go to Walmart and find a high polyester count shirt that fits well and is soft to use!
There are certain ways to sublimate on dark shirts and cotton shirts but using sublimation spray or on top of heat transfer vinyl.
As you can see, there is a huge range of sublimation supplies to choose from! I hope this post gave you some guidance on where to start and what you’ll need.
Thanks for stopping by and have a creative day!
