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If you are looking to get into sublimation for the least amount of money (like money is your #1 concern); this is our startup recommendation. The $500 startup includes a printer, heat press, paper, ink, and some supplies.
All product recommendations link to online marketplace where you can check current pricing and availability.
While prices may fluctuate, we have found this to be an extremely popular set of equipment for beginners. It will allow you to try sublimation with very good equipment while staying around $500.
Let’s get started.
How To Start Sublimating Merchandise for The Cheapest Price Possible…and Still Get Good Results.
In the $500 price range, you’ll need to do what thousands of others do and that is: swap out inks in a very particular Epson Printer.
No, it cannot be any old printer. It has to have special capabilities and the Epson printer below has them. Also, since you’ll be “swapping” ink cartridges, you’ll likely void any warranty. So you have to be okay with that. If not, save money until you have over $1,000 and you can then get into a setup that has Sawgrass printers (link to Sawgrass Pricing).
Epson Sublimation Printer Bundle
Unfortunately, it’s not really sold in a bundle (that would be too easy). But, we’ve included all the products below. Simply click our affiliate link and a new window will open. Most are sold on amazon. After reading the details and verifying the prices, add them to your cart and come back here to the next item.
- The Epson Workforce 7710 or Ecotank 2720
- This 15 x 15 heat press
- This A-Sub Paper
- This Heat Tape
- This Butcher Paper (protects your blank during press)
- Cosmos Ink Kit (Cartridges & Ink for 7710 or Cosmos Ink for EcoTank
Five products are available on amazon, but the ink is not. Is there sublimation ink on amazon? Yes, but of all the items above, the biggest “difference maker” will be the ink.
What’s the Big Deal with Ink?
You can have the best equipment that money can buy, but if you select an inferior ink, you’ll pull your hair out wondering why colors look bad or faded.
That is why we recommend Cosmos Ink and they have their own website for purchase (link to Cosmos Ink). Cosmos Ink kit comes with everything you need: cartridges, ink, syringes AND video demonstration which allows you to perform the process at your own pace.
If you’re budget is super tight, we’ve used Hiipoo and can agree it’s pretty decent.
Which Blanks to Buy When Beginning Sublimation
To keep within your $500 budget, the cheapest practice blanks you’ll find will be located in your own closet, or a dollar store.
Dollar Tree Sublimation Blanks
Most dollar stores sell polyester microfiber towels in the car aisle. They are amazing to practice on!
In addition, look for white or light colored, at least 65% polyester (no high rayon):
- shower curtains
- napkins
- hair bands
- scarves
- socks
- t-shirts
We encourage you to do at least 20 practice items (that turn out good) before spending money on sublimation blanks. This will really help you save money because you will not be wasting costly blanks.
Tips for Beginners New to Sublimation
While waiting for your sublimation equipment and supplies to arrive, watch youtube videos and consider joining facebook groups that are geared toward sublimation for beginners. It might take a few days for you to be approved into these groups so do it sooner rather than later.
These communities will be an amazing resource for you to fire off questions, day and night, to hundreds of people using the same exact equipment. You should also ready our home page that goes over the basic concepts of sublimation.
Summary
Sublimation doesn’t have to be out of the question. You really can get into the art with as little as $500 and turn out professional looking merchandise.
This startup bundle will help you get there!
- The Epson Workforce 7710 or Ecotank 2720
- This 15 x 15 heat press
- This A-Sub Paper
- This Heat Tape
- This Butcher Paper (protects your blank during press)
- Cosmos Ink Kit (Cartridges & Ink for 7710 or Cosmos Ink for EcoTank
Thank you for visiting!
For more info about starting your sublimation journey visit our introduction page