Ever dreamed of turning your favorite photos or cool designs into vibrant, lasting creations on mugs, t-shirts, or even phone cases? Sublimation printing makes that possible, and at the heart of it all is a special kind of printer: the Sawgrass Sublimation Printer. But with different models and features, picking the perfect one can feel a little overwhelming, right?
Many crafters and small business owners get stuck trying to figure out which Sawgrass printer will best fit their needs. Do you need the fastest one? The one with the most colors? Or is there a simpler option for beginners? These questions can make choosing feel like a puzzle. You want to invest in a printer that won’t let you down and will help your creative ideas shine.
This post is here to help you cut through the confusion. We’ll break down what makes Sawgrass printers special and guide you through the key things to consider. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which Sawgrass sublimation printer is your ideal match, so you can start bringing your colorful visions to life without the guesswork.
Our Top 5 Sawgrass Sublimation Printer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Sawgrass Sublimation Printer Detailed Reviews
1. Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle
Rating: 9.1/10
Unleash your creativity with the Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle. This all-in-one package is your ticket to making amazing custom items like t-shirts, mugs, and signs. It’s designed for anyone who wants to create vibrant, high-quality personalized products, from home businesses to dedicated hobbyists.
What We Like:
- Professional Print Quality: Get sharp, bright colors perfect for all your projects.
- Complete Ink & Paper: Comes with SubliJet UHD inks and TruePix paper, so you can start printing right away.
- Easy to Use Software: MySawgrass platform and Sawgrass Print Utility make designing and printing simple and accurate.
- Compact & Versatile: Fits on your desk but can print on media up to 8.5” x 14”, and even longer with the bypass tray.
- Built to Last: Features Wi-Fi and auto-maintenance for reliable, long-term use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Initial Cost: While a great investment, the upfront price might be a consideration for some.
- Ink Cartridge Size: The included 20ml ink cartridges are a starter set; you’ll need to buy more for extensive printing.
The Sawgrass SG500 bundle offers a fantastic entry point into the world of sublimation printing. It provides the tools and ease of use needed to bring your custom design ideas to life.
2. Sawgrass SG500 VersiFlex Printer Bundle
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to create amazing things with the Sawgrass SG500 VersiFlex Printer Bundle! This kit is a game-changer for anyone wanting to decorate fabric and wood. You get a Sawgrass SG500 printer, special VersiFlex ink, and transfer paper. This means you can print vibrant designs on things like cotton shirts, canvas bags, and even plain wood without any special sprays.
What We Like:
- You don’t need to spray your materials before printing. This saves time and hassle.
- The prints feel soft on fabric, not stiff and scratchy. This makes your creations comfortable to wear.
- It works on natural fabrics like cotton and untreated wood, making it super versatile.
- The colors are bright and look just like the design on your computer.
- Sawgrass printers are known for being reliable and producing professional-quality results.
- The inks and paper are certified safe, so you can feel good about using them.
What Could Be Improved:
- You will need a separate heat press machine that allows you to adjust the pressure. This is an extra cost and piece of equipment.
This bundle makes it easy to create unique and professional-looking decorations. It’s a fantastic way to personalize items with vibrant, soft-feeling designs.
3. Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer. Includes Full Set of Ink
Rating: 8.6/10
Unlock your creativity with the Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer! This bundle comes ready to go with everything you need: a full set of Epson sublimation ink, a helpful user guide, and an AC power cable. Get ready to bring your designs to life on all sorts of items.
What We Like:
- Produces amazing print quality with incredible image clarity thanks to Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead.
- Uses genuine Epson dye-sublimation ink, known for vibrant colors and great contrast.
- Handles different types of paper easily with a 150-sheet auto-feed tray.
- The dust-resistant closed paper tray keeps your paper clean for better transfers.
- High-capacity ink bottles make refills simple and mess-free, saving you money.
What Could Be Improved:
- Once the ink is loaded, the printer cannot be returned.
- Care must be taken to avoid skin irritation from leaked ink during transport.
The Epson SureColor F170 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to get into sublimation printing. It offers excellent performance and ease of use right out of the box.
4. Sawgrass SG1000 Sublimation Printer Bundle
Rating: 8.7/10
Unleash your creativity with the Sawgrass SG1000 Sublimation Printer Bundle. This all-in-one package gives you everything you need to start making amazing custom products. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to create unique t-shirts, mugs, signs, and more with vibrant, lasting colors.
What We Like:
- Professional Print Quality: Makes your designs look sharp and colorful, just like the pros do.
- Rich & Vivid Inks: The special inks deliver bright, true-to-life colors on many different materials.
- Versatile Printing Size: Print on media up to 11” x 17”, or even larger with the bypass tray for bigger projects.
- Easy-to-Use Software: The MySawgrass platform and Print Utility make designing and printing simple, even for beginners.
- Built to Last: Features like Wi-Fi and auto-maintenance mean this printer is reliable and ready to grow with your business.
What Could Be Improved:
- Initial Cost: While it offers great value, the upfront investment might be a consideration for some.
- Ink Cartridge Capacity: While the inks are high quality, larger businesses might find themselves replacing cartridges more often.
This Sawgrass SG1000 bundle is a fantastic starting point for your sublimation printing journey. It offers a great balance of quality, ease of use, and potential for growth.
5. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer – White
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Epson EcoTank ET-2800, your new best friend for home printing. This white, medium-sized printer is wireless and does more than just print – it scans and copies too! It’s designed to be super easy to use and saves you a ton of money on ink.
What We Like:
- No more buying expensive ink cartridges! This printer uses big ink tanks that you fill up yourself.
- You can save up to 90% on ink compared to regular printers. That’s a lot of savings!
- Each ink bottle lets you print thousands of pages. You get enough ink in the box to last up to two years.
- It helps the planet by reducing plastic waste from old ink cartridges.
- Your prints will look great, with sharp text and colorful photos, thanks to special Epson technology.
- It has a built-in scanner and copier, making it simple to handle documents.
- Epson offers a great 2-year warranty, so you can print without worry.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for basic home use, it might not be the fastest printer for large jobs.
- It doesn’t have an automatic document feeder for scanning multiple pages at once.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a smart choice for anyone wanting to save money and hassle on printing. It offers excellent value and reliable performance for everyday tasks.
Your Guide to Choosing a Sawgrass Sublimation Printer
Sawgrass sublimation printers are fantastic tools for anyone who loves to create custom gifts, apparel, and decor. They use a special printing process to transfer vibrant, permanent designs onto various materials. If you’re thinking about getting one, this guide will help you make the best choice.
Key Features to Look For
When picking a Sawgrass printer, focus on these important features:
- Print Resolution: Higher resolution means sharper, more detailed images. Look for printers with at least 1200 x 1200 dpi for crisp designs.
- Ink System: Sawgrass printers use SubliJet inks. Some models have larger ink cartridges, which means you can print more before needing refills.
- Connectivity: Most Sawgrass printers offer Wi-Fi and USB connections. Wi-Fi is super convenient for printing wirelessly from your computer or tablet.
- Software: Sawgrass includes powerful design software like Sawgrass Print Manager. This software helps you get the best color results and manage your printing easily.
- Paper Size: Consider the size of the items you want to print on. Most Sawgrass printers handle standard paper sizes, but some larger models can print on wider sheets for bigger projects.
Important Materials You’ll Need
To start sublimating, you’ll need a few key things besides the printer:
- Sublimation Paper: This special paper holds the sublimation ink and transfers it to your product.
- Sublimation Ink: Sawgrass printers come with or are designed for their SubliJet sublimation inks. These inks are crucial for the sublimation process.
- Heat Press: A heat press is essential. It uses heat and pressure to transfer the design from the paper to your item. A good heat press ensures your designs are vibrant and last.
- Blank Sublimation Products: These are items specifically made to accept sublimation ink. Think mugs, t-shirts, phone cases, coasters, and more. Make sure they are coated for sublimation.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your sublimation prints depends on several things:
- Ink Quality: Using genuine Sawgrass SubliJet inks is vital. Off-brand inks might not produce the same vibrant colors or durability.
- Sublimation Paper: The right sublimation paper makes a big difference. It should be designed to release the ink efficiently during the heat press process.
- Heat Press Settings: Correct temperature and pressure are key. Too little heat or pressure means a faded design. Too much can damage the product or ink. Sawgrass Print Manager often provides recommended settings.
- Design Resolution: Start with high-quality images for your designs. A low-resolution image will look blurry when printed, even with the best printer.
- Blank Product Quality: The quality of the blank sublimation product you use also matters. A good quality blank will result in a smoother, more vibrant finish.
User Experience and Use Cases
Sawgrass printers are known for being user-friendly, even for beginners. The included software helps simplify the design and printing process.
- For Small Businesses: Many home-based businesses use Sawgrass printers to create custom products for sale. This includes personalized gifts, team apparel, and promotional items.
- For Hobbyists: If you love crafting and want to make unique items for yourself, friends, or family, a Sawgrass printer is an excellent choice.
- For Schools and Organizations: Schools can use them for spirit wear, awards, and custom event merchandise.
Sawgrass printers make it easy to bring your creative ideas to life with stunning, lasting prints.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Sawgrass Sublimation Printers
Q: What makes Sawgrass printers different from regular inkjet printers?
A: Sawgrass printers use special sublimation inks and are designed to work with sublimation paper and heat presses. Regular inkjet printers use dye or pigment inks that don’t sublimate.
Q: Do I need to buy special software for Sawgrass printers?
A: Sawgrass printers come with Sawgrass Print Manager, which is a powerful design and print management tool. You can also use other design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
Q: Can I print on any type of fabric with a Sawgrass printer?
A: No, you can only print on polyester fabrics or fabrics with a high polyester content (at least 65%). For hard surfaces like mugs or coasters, they need a special sublimation coating.
Q: How long do sublimation prints last?
A: Sublimation prints are permanent and very durable. They are scratch-resistant and won’t fade, peel, or crack with normal washing and use.
Q: What is the best Sawgrass printer for beginners?
A: The Sawgrass SG500 is often recommended for beginners. It’s a more affordable entry-level model that still offers excellent print quality.
Q: Can I use my own designs with a Sawgrass printer?
A: Yes, absolutely! You can create your designs in any graphic design software and then print them using your Sawgrass printer and Sawgrass Print Manager.
Q: How do I maintain a Sawgrass sublimation printer?
A: Regular cleaning cycles are important, especially if you don’t print often. Sawgrass Print Manager will guide you through these maintenance steps to keep the printheads clear.
Q: What happens if I try to sublimate on a material that isn’t made for it?
A: The design will likely not transfer properly or at all. The colors will be dull, and the image may wash off easily.
Q: Is Sawgrass Print Manager difficult to learn?
A: Sawgrass Print Manager is designed to be user-friendly. It has helpful features that guide you through color management and print settings, making it easier to get great results.
Q: Where can I buy Sawgrass sublimation printers and supplies?
A: You can purchase Sawgrass printers, inks, paper, and blank products from authorized Sawgrass dealers and reputable online retailers specializing in sublimation supplies.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!