Make sure you’re armed with the right info before you buy!

Choosing the Right Equipment

Before we talk about anything else, let’s address the most asked and most important question with regards to the topic of sublimation printing.

 

Should I purchase a bulk ink system for my Epson printer?

Unless you are already printing multiple prints every day of the week...the answer is NO!  Bulk ink systems for sublimation are only intended for individuals who will be doing high volume printing immediately.  DO NOT BUY A BULK INK SYSTEM IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO USE IT OR MAINTAIN IT EVERY DAY!  Its tempting to buy a bulk ink system when you are presented with the cost per print savings over time, but the amount of money you will lose will be greater if you let a bulk ink system sit without use.  When you let a bulk ink system sit for weeks without use, the ink will dry out and your bulk ink hardware may be rendered useless.  It is STRONLY RECOMMENDED that you start out with basic cartridges for the Epson printers.  The best option for new sublimation printers are the new Ricoh Sublimation Printers.  They have large cartridges and they are very reliable.  

 

What size printer should I buy?

That depends...what size items do you want to decorate?  If you are just doing smaller gifts and mugs, an 8.5”x11” printer will work just fine.  I would only recommend buying a larger printer if you want to print larger items like interior signage or large t-shirt prints.  Just concentrate on the size of the items you are making and pick the printer that is capable of those dimensions.  Anything bigger than that might be overkill.

 

Does an 8 color printer have better color output than a 4 color printer? 

Technically yes, but most people can’t tell the difference.  If you are a professional photographer with a sharp eye for detail, then you will probably be able to tell the difference.  If you are a small start up or mom & pop shop doing simple t-shirt designs for local businesses or schools, then a four color printer will suit you just fine.  Keep in mind that with an 8 color printer comes eight different ink colors you need to buy.  It can become pricey if you need to have back up ink on hand in case you run out.  The Ricoh printers are 4 color printers that can do small printing all the way up to 13”x19” printing.  Stick with a 4 color printer is you are just starting out. 

 

What do I need to know before I choose a heat press?

This may seem obvious, but some people still manage to forget it.  You can’t heat press something larger than your heat press.  If you try to heat press a single image in phases on a small heat press, you probably won’t be happy with the results.  Pressing in phases will create lines where the image overlaps.  A good heat press size to start out with is 16”x20”.  If you are only doing textiles, you can use a clamshell press.  If you want to press hard sublimation blanks like plaques, you need to get a swingaway press.  Clamshell presses can not press thick items evenly and doing so may warp or break the press.  DON’T BUY A CHEAP HEAT PRESS!  You will find cheap heat presses on eBay but don’t be fooled.  They are low quality and will most likely fall apart in the first year.  Spend the right money on a heat press the first time and it will be the only one you even buy.  (the George Knight DK20S goes for about $1300)

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