Best Sublimation Printers For Mugs in 2023

Have you ever stopped to wonder how your office mug got that cheeky graphic design you like so much? It’s sublimation printing. But you already knew that, and that’s probably why you’re reading this post.

This printing process has been around for a long time, but only recently has it become commercially viable for small businesses with the invention of the pro-consumer sublimation printers. This has led to the proliferation of printable products and surfaces, chief among them, MUGS.

There is also a wide selection of sublimation printers in the market, and choosing the right one for your needs can be challenging. A printer’s ink system, print quality, paper size, and trey capacity are just a few aspects you need to ensure are in line with your goals. You also have to consider its size and connectivity options for your workflow.

This post will look at the best sublimation printers for mugs, their features, and their pros and cons. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation printing is a digital printing process that involves transferring ink onto a substrate (such as fabric or plastic) using heat and pressure. The process uses special inks that turn into gas when heated, allowing it to bond with the fibers or surface of the substrate. This creates a durable, high-quality print resistant to fading and peeling.

Sublimation printing on mugs is much like printing on other surfaces. It uses a special sublimation printing paper to transfer the desired design. Heat and pressure are applied to allow the ink to turn into a gas and transfer onto the mug.

Here is how the mug sublimation printing process typically looks like:

• Design: you create your design using digital software such as photoshop or purchase one that fits your object’s purpose online.
• Printing: you print the design onto a special sublimation paper using a sublimation printer and ink.
• Transfer: then transfer the printed design onto the substrate, and apply heat and pressure using a heat press. The heat turns the ink into a gas, allowing it to permeate and bond with the mug’s surface.
• Cooling: allow the mug to cool and solidify so the ink can create a permanent, durable print.

This process allows for vibrant, long-lasting, full-color prints resistant to fading or peeling. Its ability to allow for easy customization and small print runs makes it a popular printing method for small businesses. And undoubtedly, the sublimation printer plays a significant role in this process, and below, we look at some of the best options.

Will a regular printer work for sublimation on Mugs?

A regular printer will not work for sublimation printing. Sublimation printing involves using special sublimation ink and paper that a regular printer can’t handle. Regular printers such as ones made by Canon, Hewlett Packard (HP), Lexmark, or Dell utilize thermal printing heads that clog when used with sublimation ink.

Thermal printing would bake the ink onto the paper or gas out the cartridge; in this case, either is not good for sublimation or the printer. This effect also means sublimation ink is more prone to clogging the printer head in a regular printer and can lead to poor-quality prints in the best-case scenario.

Additionally, sublimation ink is designed to transfer onto special paper and then to a substrate by applying heat and pressure. Regular printers are just not made to handle such ink. Thermal print heads also interfere with that process by heating the ink before getting to the sublimation stage.

Which Printer Brand works best for sublimation on Mugs?

Epson printers use a Micro Piezo printing head made for sublimation ink, allowing them to operate without clogging and to produce high-quality prints with accurate color reproduction and sharp details, making them an excellent choice for sublimation printing for mugs.

They also offer a wide range of printer models with various sizes and capabilities, which can accommodate different printing needs and budgets.

Additionally, many Epson printers are compatible with third-party sublimation ink systems, which can provide cost savings and greater flexibility in terms of ink selection. This is an important consideration for those who frequently print high volumes of sublimation products, as the cost of ink can be a significant expense.

Overall, Epson printers are a popular choice for sublimation printing for mugs due to their precision, reliability, and versatility.

Best Sublimation Printers For Mugs

Now, we will take a closer look at some of the best sublimation printers for mugs on the market and highlight the key features that make them stand out.

Whether you are a small business owner, a hobbyist, or a DIY enthusiast, this guide will help you choose the right sublimation printer to suit your needs and budget.

1. WorkForce WF-7710

The WorkForce WF-7710 is a flexible sublimation printer that can make high-quality prints on a variety of materials. Here are some of its key features:

Print Quality

The WorkForce WF-7710 produces high-quality, sharp prints with accurate colors and details. It has a maximum resolution of 4800 x 2400 dpi, which allows for detailed prints. It can also print at a top print speed of 10 ppm for colored paper and 18 ppm for monochrome. Additionally, this printer can print borderless pages. 

Ink System

The printer has a dedicated four individual cartridge sublimation ink system, which ensures the best color accuracy and vibrancy. The ink system is also designed to reduce clogging and smudging, which ensures your prints come out clean and sharp every time.

Paper Size and Tray Capacity

The printer has a large paper tray that can handle up to 250 sheets of paper, as well as a rear paper feed that can handle specialty media such as cardstock and envelopes. It can also print on paper sizes up to 13 inches by 19 inches, making it great for printing larger items such as banners and signs.

Connectivity

The printer has various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, allowing easy printing from different devices on a network.

Design

The WorkForce WF-7710 has a sleek, modern design that looks great in any workspace. It also has a user-friendly interface via its 4.3-inch touchscreen, making it easy to set up and use. It can also scan, copy, and fax, making it versatile. It is also not too big as it measures 22.3 inches by 19.1 inches by 13.4 inches.

Pros

• Produces high-quality mug sublimation prints
• Good color accuracy from its dedicated sublimation ink system
• Large paper tray and rear paper feed
• Multiple connectivity options
• User-friendly design

Cons

• May take up a lot of space on your desk or workspace
• May not be compatible with all sublimation paper and media
• No automatic duplex printing

2. Epson EcoTank ET-2760

The Epson EcoTank ET-2760 is an all-in-one sublimation printer designed for small to medium-sized businesses and home offices. It features a four-color dye sublimation ink system and a refillable ink tank system, a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional ink cartridges. Below we look at some other compelling reasons this should be your next sublimation printer.

Print Quality

The EcoTank ET-2760 uses a four-color dye sublimation ink system that produces high-quality prints aided by its unique PrecisionCore heat-free technology and Claria ET pigment black ink. It can also print at a resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi, resulting in sharp and vivid images. Additionally, the printer features automatic two-sided printing, a nifty time-saving feature.

Ink System

The EcoTank ET-2760 uses a refillable ink system that eliminates the need for expensive cartridges. The printer comes with four bottles of ink (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black), which can print up to 7,500 pages in black and 6,000 pages in color. The ink tanks are easy to refill, but you have to keep your eye on them to ensure they do not run out of ink. You will also be happy to learn that the box comes with a full year’s ink supply.

Connectivity

The EcoTank ET-2760 offers various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB. It is compatible with Android and iOS devices and supports popular cloud printing services such as Google Cloud Print and Apple AirPrint.

Media Handling

The EcoTank can handle various media types, including card stock, envelopes, and labels. It also has a 100-sheet paper capacity, which is not much but sufficient for small- to medium-sized businesses. Additionally, the ET-2760 is relatively slow, as it can only achieve a top print speed of a dismal 5 ppm for colored paper and 10.5 ppm for monochrome.

The printer also has a rear paper feeder that can handle various paper sizes, including 4×6 inches, 5×7 inches, and 8.5×11 inches for multiple operations.

Design

The Epson EcoTank ET-2760 is a sleek and compact sublimation printer with a minimalist design. It has a tiny 1.4-inch color display screen that allows you to set up the printer and operate it.

Pros

• High-quality prints
• Refillable ink system saves money
• Wi-Fi connectivity allows for easy printing from multiple devices
• Automatic two-sided printing saves time and reduces paper waste

Cons

• No support for larger paper sizes
• Limited to a four-color ink system, which may not be suitable for all printing needs
• Too slow for a busy office environment

3. WorkForce WF-7210

The WorkForce WF-7210 is an all-rounded sublimation printer that can handle various printing needs. This printer is suitable for small businesses and individuals who require a high-quality and reliable sublimation printer for a home office. Below, we highlight some of its features.

Print Quality

The WorkForce WF-7210 offers exceptional print quality with a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 2400 dpi. This printer can produce sharp, vivid, and accurate prints with its PrecisionCore technology.

It has a maximum print speed of 10 ppm on colored paper and 18 ppm for monochrome.

Ink System

The printer features a four-color ink system with individual cartridges for each color. This ink system delivers high-quality prints for sharp and accurate images. The individual ink cartridges are more economical than others in the market and allow you to replace only the colors running low. However, you should be aware that using any cartridges other than Epson’s might damage your printer.

Connectivity

The WF-7210 offers several connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB. Furthermore, it is also compatible with mobile printing apps, allowing you to print from your smartphone or tablet. Additionally, the printer has a built-in memory card slot, making it easy to print directly from your camera’s memory card.

Media Handling

The WorkForce WF-7210 can handle various media sizes up to 13 x 19 inches, making it an excellent choice for sublimation printing. The printer’s 500-sheet tray capacity and automatic document feeder holds up to 35 pages, making handling high-volume printing tasks more manageable.

Besides sublimation paper for mugs, the WF-7210 can print on various media types, including plain paper, envelopes, card stock, and glossy photo paper.

Design

This printer has a sleek and modern design that fits well in any office environment. It features a clean, white body with a black front-facing control panel and display screen. The printer’s overall size is compact and doesn’t take up too much desk space, measuring 22.3 x 19.1 x 13.4 inches and weighing a reasonable 10kgs.

The printer’s rear feeder can accommodate up to 20 sheets of specialized media, making it a versatile option for various printing needs.

Pros

• High-quality print resolution up to 4800 x 2400 dpi
• Versatile connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB
• Large 500-sheet capacity for high-volume printing
• Can handle various media sizes up to 13 x 19 inches

Cons

• The printer is bulky and requires a lot of desk space
• Ink cartridges need to be replaced frequently with heavy use

4. Epson EcoTank ET-3750

The Epson EcoTank ET-3750 is an all-in-one printer designed for home and small office use. While it is not explicitly marketed as a sublimation printer, you can modify it with third-party sublimation ink to print on sublimation transfer paper, unlike its thermal printing head counterparts. Here are some key features and aspects.

Print Quality

The EcoTank ET-3750 uses four-color (CMYK) dye-based ink that produces vibrant and accurate colors. It produces sharp text and detailed graphics with a 4800 x 1200 dpi print resolution.

Ink System

The EcoTank ET-3750 uses a refillable four-tank ink system that can hold a large amount of ink, reducing the need for frequent cartridge replacements. The ink tanks are easy to refill and can save money in the long run. In addition, your box also comes with two years worth of ink when you buy one.

Paper handling

The ET-3750 has a 150-sheet paper tray that can handle up to 8.5 x 14-inch paper. It also has a 20-sheet automatic document feeder for scanning and copying. The printer also comes with automatic duplex printing for efficient workflows. It prints at a maximum print speed of 15 ppm for black and white copies and up to 8 ppm for color prints.

Connectivity

The ET-3750 can connect to your computer via USB or Wi-Fi, and it also supports mobile printing via the Epson Connect app, Apple AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print. You will have no issue working remotely with this unit.

Sublimation printing

While the EcoTank ET-3750 is not specifically designed for sublimation printing, it can be modified to use third-party sublimation ink. However, unlike modifying other non-sublimation printers, the results with the Epson printer are still good because of its printing head technology.

Design

The printer mostly has a matte black finish and a compact size, making it suitable for a home office or small business setting. The front panel features a 2.4-inch color LCD screen, as well as a range of physical buttons for easy control and navigation.

Overall, the Epson EcoTank ET-3750 is a versatile all-in-one printer for a range of home and small office printing needs, including sublimation printing for mugs using third-party inks. Furthermore, it will provide good value if you want to save money and still have decent features.

Pros

• Produces sharp and vivid prints
• The EcoTank system allows for a low cost per print, as it uses refillable ink tanks instead of expensive cartridges
• User-friendly, with a large 2.4-inch color LCD screen for easy-to-navigation
• Can handle a variety of media, including cardstock, envelopes, and labels, as well as borderless prints up to 8.5 x 11 inches.
• High-capacity paper tray

Cons

• Slow printing speed
• Dull design
• Limited connectivity options

5. Epson SureColor P400

The Epson SureColor P400 is a reliable and versatile sublimation printer for your small business or home office. It has advanced features, high-quality output, and offers exceptional value for money. Making it an excellent investment if you’re looking to produce high-quality, professional-grade mug sublimation prints. Here is how it stacks up against its thermal print head counterparts and others on this list.

Print Quality

The SureColor P400 produces stunningly vivid and sharp prints with its advanced PrecisionCore technology. Its high resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi ensures that every print is crisp, clear, and detailed. It also has an impressive color gamut, with its 8-color UltraChrome HD ink system providing a broad range of hues, shades, and tones that capture even the subtlest details of an image.

Ink System

The SureColor P400’s UltraChrome HD ink system is an advanced and reliable system that delivers stunningly vibrant and accurate colors. The system includes eight individual cartridges, including cyan, light cyan, magenta, light magenta, yellow, black, and two shades of gray, which create a wide range of tones and colors. Additionally, the inks resist fading and smudging, ensuring your prints remain vibrant and sharp for years.

Design

The Epson SureColor P400 has a sleek and stylish design with a small footprint that makes it easy to fit on a desk or shelf. It measures 24.5 x 31.4 x 16.5 inches and weighs 12.29 kg; moving it will not be as easy as other lighter options. However, it has a 2.7-inch LCD screen and a range of buttons, making it easy to navigate menus and settings in its excellent UI.

Furthermore, the P400 also has a built-in CD/DVD printing tray, making it a versatile choice for small businesses or personal use.

Performance

The SureColor P400 is a high-performance printer capable of producing professional-quality prints. The printer can produce borderless prints up to 13×19 inches and is compatible with various media types, including photo paper, fine art paper, and even CDs/DVDs. It has a maximum printing speed of 5 ppm in color and 9 ppm in monochrome, which is a bit slow.

Ease of Use

The SureColor P400 is easy to set up and use thanks to its intuitive interface and various user-friendly features. The printer has Wi-Fi connectivity and supports both Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print, making it convenient to print from a variety of devices. The P400 also has various automatic features, including auto-selecting black inks, making switching between media types easier.

Overall, the Epson SureColor P400 sublimation printer is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and high-quality sublimation printer. Its advanced features, impressive print quality, and reliable ink system provide an excellent balance of performance and value.

Pros

• High-quality prints with accurate colors and smooth tonal transitions
• Wide range of compatible media types, including CDs/DVDs
• Built-in CD/DVD printing tray
• User-friendly interface with automatic features
• Wi-Fi connectivity and support for Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print

Cons

• Costly replacement ink cartridges
• No automatic document feeder (ADF)
• Limited paper capacity

6. WorkForce WF-7720

The WorkForce WF-7720 is a versatile sublimation printer designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It boasts an impressive feature set, including a large 4.3-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and automatic duplex printing. It also has Epson’s Piezo print technology, making it an excellent mug sublimation printer, unlike competitors like HP or Canon. Below we highlight some of its features.

Print Quality

The WF-7720 uses PrecisionCore technology to deliver high-quality prints with sharp text and vibrant colors. It has a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 2400 dpi, which ensures crisp and clear images.

Ink System

The WF-7720 uses four individual ink cartridges, allowing easy replacement as well as reducing ink wastage. It also has a high-capacity ink system to print more pages before requiring to refill the cartridges. Additionally, the printer uses DURABrite Ultra ink, which is smudge-proof and water-resistant, making it ideal for sublimation printing on mugs.

Design

The WF-7720 features a sleek and modern design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Its compact size makes it easy to fit into most office spaces, and its black finish gives it a professional look that will go well with any office decor. The 4.3-inch touchscreen display is also a standout feature, as it makes navigating the unit’s UI very intuitive.

Paper Handling

One of the most impressive features of the WF-7720 is its paper-handling capabilities. This printer has a 250-sheet capacity and can handle paper sizes up to 13″ x 19″. It also has a 35-page automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning and copying.

The printer can also accommodate various paper types for sublimation printing, including glossy, matte, and luster finishes. However, this printer is not fast. It can only print at a maximum print speed of 6 ppm for colored prints and 8.7 for monochrome.

Connectivity

The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 offers a range of connectivity options, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and NFC. This allows easy integration into a networked office environment or direct printing from mobile devices on Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print for added convenience.

Overall, the WorkForce WF-7720 is a solid choice for businesses requiring a reliable, high-quality sublimation printer.

Pros

• Large paper capacity of up to 250 sheets
• High-quality prints
• Wireless connectivity
• Automatic duplex printing
• Easy to replace individual ink cartridges
• DURABrite Ultra ink is smudge-proof and water-resistant
• Excellent design

Cons

• A bit large and bulky
• Expensive ink cartridges

9. Epson EcoTank ET-2720

The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is a compact all-in-one sublimation printer perfect for a home office or small business use. Unlike its thermal printing head counterparts that cannot print on sublimation paper, the ET-2720 delivers exceptional quality for mug sublimation. Here are some of its other features.

Print Quality

The EcoTank ET-2720 delivers excellent print quality, producing vivid, sharp images with accurate colors. The printer’s maximum resolution is 5760 x 1440 dpi, ensuring high-quality prints for sublimation transfer on mugs.

Ink System

The ET-2720 features a large ink tank system that eliminates the need for frequent cartridge replacements. The printer comes with four color bottles: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. The EcoTank system allows you to refill the ink tanks easily using a convenient bottle system, reducing the cost of printing in the long run. However, the tanks do not have a level sensor, and you will have to keep your eye on them not to run too low.

Design

The EcoTank ET-2720 has a sleek and compact design, making it easy to fit into any workspace. Its small footprint and 100 sheets paper tray capacity make it ideal for personal or home office use. The printer also has a flatbed scanner and a 1.4-inch color LCD screen for easy navigation and an excellent user interface.

Paper Handling

The EcoTank ET-2720 can handle various paper types, including plain paper, photo paper, and sublimation transfer paper. It can print up to 10 pages per minute for black and white prints and up to 5 pages per minute for color prints.

Ease of Use

The EcoTank printer is easy to set up and use, with a simple and intuitive control panel. The printer also features wireless connectivity, allowing you to print from your smartphone or tablet. The EcoTank system also makes refilling ink bottles easy and mess-free. It also features Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity and a USB port for direct printing from a USB device.

Overall, the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is an excellent sublimation printer that’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable sublimation printer.

Pros

• Affordable
• Excellent print quality
• Large ink tank system
• Easy to use
• Wireless connectivity

Cons

• Slow print speeds
• Limited paper-handling capacity

Conclusion

Sublimation printing technology has revolutionized the art of printing by providing a unique and efficient way to transfer vibrant, high-quality, and long-lasting designs onto complex surfaces such as mugs. It has also allowed professional designers, artists, and hobbyists to improve their work while opening up new monetary and creative options.

When choosing the best sublimation printer for mugs, consider factors such as print quality, ink system, connectivity, media handling, and overall design. With the right printer, you can produce professional-quality designs that stand out and last for years.

So if you’re in the market for a sublimation printer, you can rest assured the printers reviewed in this article are some of the best for mug sublimation and other customizable items. We hope this helps you settle on the most suitable sublimation printer for your application.

FAQs

What is a sublimation printer?

A sublimation printer is a type of printer that uses heat and specialized ink to transfer designs onto a variety of surfaces, including fabric, plastic, mugs, and metal.

Can you use any printer for sublimation printing?

You cannot use any printer for sublimation printing. Sublimation printers have specialized ink systems and features that allow them to transfer designs effectively.

How do I choose the right sublimation printer for my Needs?

When choosing a sublimation printer, it’s essential to consider factors such as print quality, speed, connectivity, and media handling capabilities. You’ll also want to choose a printer compatible with the items you plan to print on. It should also fit your budgetary requirements and running costs expectations.

What is the difference between a desktop sublimation printer and an industrial sublimation printer?

Desktop sublimation printers are designed for smaller-scale projects and typically have lower print volumes and speeds. On the other hand, industrial sublimation printers are designed for larger-scale projects and are built to handle high volumes and frequent use.

Can sublimation printers be used for regular printing as well?

Many sublimation printers can also be used for regular printing. Still, it’s important to note that the specialized ink used for sublimation printing may not be suitable for other types of printing. Additionally, using your sublimation printer for regular printing may deplete your ink supply more quickly, which is expensive.

How do I care for sublimation-printed items such as mugs?

Sublimation-printed items should be washed gently in cool water and hung to dry rather than placed in the dryer. Additionally, avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage the design.

What types of materials can be used with sublimation printing?

Sublimation printing works best on polyester or polymer-coated materials, such as t-shirts, mouse pads, phone cases, and mugs. The material must be able to withstand high temperatures and pressure in order to properly transfer the ink.

What is the advantage of using an Epson sublimation printer?

Epson is a well-known and reputable brand in the printing industry, and its sublimation printers are known for their high-quality prints and reliability. Epson sublimation printers also use large ink tanks, such as the EcoTank series, which can save money in the long run by reducing the cost of ink cartridges. Additionally, unlike their inkjet counterparts who use thermal printing heads. Epson uses PrecisionCore printing technology that works great with sublimation ink.