Sublimation Supplies
Printers Jack ink** - this is what I used in my converted ET-2800. You can reach out to them for ICC profiles based on the printer you have converted.
Hiipoo ink - everyone who doesn’t use Printer’s Jack uses Hiipoo, they have ICC profiles for every printer/paper combo on their website.
If you have issues with ICC profiles for your converted printer, there is a lot of help on the Heatpress Community Discord, and they do offer (paid) services for custom profiles if you cannot make due with the free help they provide.
A-Sub paper** - PRO TIP: buy the 11x17 pack and cut the sheets in half, save yourself a few bucks. also, many people claim regular laser copy paper works just as well…it doesn’t. I’ve tried and tried, just get sublimation paper!
Siser Easysubli** - this allows you to add sublimation designs to fabrics you can’t normally sublimate on (like cotton or dark colors) this is the best video we’ve seen on using easysubli.
Sublimation Sticker Paper** - the only method we have found that makes stickers truly waterproof (they still need to be laminated for UV protection) The one linked is often sold out, but after several tests I have found you can sublimate on this Koala brand Matte or Glossy Laser Sticker Paper and not only does it work, its cheaper than any other brand I’ve tried!)
heat gloves** - sublimation is done anywhere from 350-425 degrees. protect your hands!
silicone trivets** - for a place to put your item while it cools down
butcher paper** - for blowouts. always wrap your design with butcher paper (regular copy paper works too!)
adhesive spray** - you can use this instead of heat tape, its helpful for certain applications
For blanks and substrates, check out the Where to Shop section
Sublimation Printers
Epson ET-2800** - What we originally converted for sublimation
Epson ET 8550** - Our current sublimation printer, a wider format printer that I find does better with photos. In this printer we used InkOwl inks.
Epson F170 - if you do not want to convert a sublimation printer, this is an out of the box alternative (however you can only get it at certain resellers) We bought one of these and were actually disappointed in the print quality, so after only printing 30 pages on it, we returned it.
Brother S1 - Newest on the market, it takes cartridges similar to the the Sawgrass machines listed below but marketed as a more entry level beginner friendly machine. No conversion required and seems to provide amazing quality.
Epson F570 - if we had the funds and the space, we would use this as our sublimation printer
Sawgrass SG500 - a different style sublimation printer with a higher start up cost, but users boast that their print manager and color system is THE BEST. Replacement ink costs are also high. (they also sell it in a larger format printer as the SG1000)
Heat Presses
our starter heat press - this is the press we used for our wedding projects and to start our business. Many people will recommend multifunction presses, but we have seen too many complaints about components wearing out faster. There is also a big chance you wont use all the functions!
HPN Signature Series heat press** - This is what we currently use. it is a BEAST, it took 2 people get it out of the box and an industrial cart to house it. Might want a smaller one if you are not running a shop
HPN Signature Series mug press** - we started out our business using the Cricut mug press (which I wouldn’t recommend. You are much better off getting something like the PYD life tumbler press)
HTVront autopress - This press is easy and popular but we’re not to big on the fact you cannot adjust the pressure. PRO TIP: avoid the cricut brand presses! if you like the style of the easypress, HTVront sells many comparable models for less.
Sublimation Oven - this is great for expanding to anything that doesn’t fit into a traditional press. NEVER SUBLIMATE IN AN OVEN YOU USE FOR FOOD!!! To use this you either need shrink wrap sleeves (you also need a heat gun for the sleeves) or silicone wraps.
Oster Countertop Convection oven** - This is what we use as a sublimation oven, we chose it for its size. You can use any countertop oven really, you just need something that has a variable temperature control and something big enough to fit your substrate. If you use a standard convection oven its best to use an oven thermometer to be sure of the actual internal temp.
*we are based in the US so most of these companies are US based
**these items are currently in our craft room or are our go to supplies, they come with the highest of recommendations.
DISCLAIMER: some of the links posted above are affiliate links. By clicking on these links we may earn a commission at no cost to you. These products/suppliers are recommended because we have used them and found them helpful or they come highly recommended from trusted sources in the crafting community. the west coast kraeers will not be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information given by this page or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. Nor are we responsible for any issues that arise by your personal decision to use any of the products or suppliers we have listed.
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