Everything You Need to Start Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing is taking the crafting world by storm. Three years ago it wasn’t a well known crafting niche but now you can easily find sublimation accessories at big box craft stores and all over the web. I started my journey into sublimation printing last year when I was gifted an Epson Eco Tank printer for Christmas! Since then, I haven’t been able to go back to layering multiple colors of adhesive vinyl.

I get that it can seem daunting, so many new products to buy and so many new skills to learn. But, at the end of the day it’s worth the switch if you do a lot of multi color designs. Plus, it’s really not that hard! First, let’s talk about exactly what you need to get started in sublimation printing.

Sublimation Starter Items

• Compatible Printer (Epson Eco Tank printers are the most affordable option, perfect for beginners)
• Sublimation Ink (you cannot use the ink that comes with the printer, make sure you don’t put it in the tanks!)
• A-Sub Paper  (made specifically for sublimation printing)
• Heat Safe Tape (to hold the sub paper on the product while you heat press)
• Butcher Paper (to prevent blowout)

You will also need a heat press of some sort. If you’re doing mugs, you’ll need a mug press (Cricut’s mug press works great and it’s affordable). If you’re doing wearables you can use an EasyPress or any other heat press.

As for sublimation blanks, I’ve had great success with these:

• White Sublimation Mugs
• Sublimation Glass Cans
• Sublimation Skinny Tumblers

You can shop all of these items by clicking the images below as well!

If you have any sublimation questions, leave a comment!

Happy crafting!