When will my Craft Express order ship and arrive in the U.S.?

Orders placed by 2 pm Eastern ship the same day. Most in-stock items, like sublimation blanks, DTF transfers, and heat press supplies, arrive in about 4–6 business days, depending on your address and the carrier. We do not ship to U.S. Territories, including Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, Midway Islands, American Samoa, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Need it sooner? Pick an expedited option at checkout.

What is the Craft Express return policy?

Email support@craftexpress.com within five days of receiving your order. We can’t accept returns after 15 days. Opened or used Craft Express consumables aren’t eligible. All returns must be unused, in saleable condition, and in the original, unopened packaging. Return shipping is your responsibility unless the item arrived damaged or we sent the wrong product. If your package is damaged, contact support@craftexpress.com right away. You must get an RMA number before sending anything back; returns without an RMA will be refused. After you receive an RMA, we need to receive your return within 14 days.

What is sublimation printing?

Sublimation is a print method where special ink turns into gas under heat and bonds to a polyester coating. The color becomes part of the blank, so it stays bright and won’t crack or peel. You’ll use a sublimation printer, ink, paper, and a heat press. It works on polyester shirts and coated items like mugs, tumblers, and photo panels. In Charleston, SC and across the U.S., find beginner bundles and sublimation blanks at craftexpressus.com. Ready to start? Check our starter guides and bundles.

What are the disadvantages of sublimation printing?

Sublimation printing is popular for bright color and a soft hand, but it does have limits. The main disadvantages of sublimation printing are material restrictions, light color requirements, size and shape constraints, sensitivity to heat and pressure settings, possible color shift, and fading with long sun exposure. You also need the right blanks and a reliable press to get consistent results. The good news is that most drawbacks have simple workarounds. Below I explain each drawback in plain terms and share practical fixes so you can choose the best process for your project.

Is sublimation printing good quality?

Yes. Sublimation printing delivers high quality results on polyester fabric and on hard goods with a polymer coating. The dye turns into gas under heat, moves into the surface, and sets inside the material as it cools. Because the color becomes part of the item, prints look vibrant, feel smooth, and resist cracking or peeling. On the right blanks, with light colors and correct settings, sublimation holds up to regular use and many wash cycles. The key is matching your blank, paper, and press settings to the project.

What is the difference between a regular printer and a sublimation printer?

A regular home or office printer is made to put dye or pigment ink on paper. A sublimation printer is made to print special sublimation ink onto transfer paper that you press with heat onto polyester or a polymer coated blank. The regular printer is for documents and photos on paper. The sublimation printer is for custom mugs, tumblers, shirts, and gifts where the color becomes part of the surface. If you want to print on paper, use a regular printer. If you want permanent full color designs on polyester and coated hard goods, use a sublimation printer with a heat press and the right blanks.

Should I buy a Sawgrass Printer?

If you want a smooth, beginner friendly path into sublimation, the short answer is yes, a Sawgrass Printer is a strong buy. It is purpose built for sublimation, so you get matched ink, helpful software, and automatic upkeep that make day one easier. That means fewer clogs, steadier color, and less guesswork while you learn to press mugs, tumblers, coasters, and light polyester shirts. If you prefer to tinker to save a little up front, another route can work, but most new crafters get to great results faster with a Sawgrass. Sawgrass printers are designed for sublimation and include color tools, self maintenance cycles, and active support, which is a real comfort when you are just getting started.

Why is the Sawgrass Printer so expensive?

Short answer, a Sawgrass Printer costs more because you are buying a complete, purpose built sublimation system, not just a paper printer. The hardware is tuned for gas dye, the software manages color and media presets, the inks are engineered for consistent transfers, and the package includes self maintenance, warranty, and live support. All of that reduces trial and error, which saves time and blanks. If you value reliability and a smooth learning curve, the premium often pays for itself in fewer reprints and faster setup.

What kind of printer is Sawgrass?

If you’ve been exploring sublimation printing, you’ve probably come across the Sawgrass printer. So, what kind of printer is Sawgrass? A Sawgrass printer is a dedicated sublimation printer designed specifically for printing with sublimation inks. Unlike regular inkjet or laser printers, Sawgrass models are built from the ground up for sublimation, making them reliable, consistent, and beginner friendly. With a Sawgrass printer, you can create vibrant designs that permanently bond to polyester fabrics and coated hard goods like mugs, tumblers, and keychains.

Can a regular printer be used for sublimation?

The short answer is no, a regular printer cannot be used for sublimation printing. Sublimation requires special inks and a printer built to handle them. Standard inkjet and laser printers use dye or pigment inks that sit on top of paper or fabric, but sublimation ink turns into gas when heated and bonds permanently with polyester surfaces. To get bright, long lasting results, you need a dedicated sublimation printer, such as a Sawgrass or another machine designed specifically for this process.Trying to use a regular printer with sublimation ink can clog the print head, damage the printer, and produce poor transfers. If you want to explore sublimation, it’s best to invest in the right setup from the start.

How do I know if my printer can be used for sublimation?

If you’re curious whether your current printer can handle sublimation, here’s the quick answer: most regular printers cannot be used for sublimation. Sublimation printing requires a printer that is designed to work with sublimation ink, which turns into gas under heat and bonds with polyester surfaces. Regular inkjet or laser printers use standard inks and toners that don’t work for sublimation.The easiest way to know if your printer can be used for sublimation is to check the manufacturer’s specifications. If it’s not marketed as a sublimation printer, it likely isn’t one.

Can I do sublimation without a sublimation printer?

The short answer is yes, you can do sublimation without owning a sublimation printer, but your options are limited. A sublimation printer is the most flexible way to create custom designs at home. However, if you don’t have one, you can still make sublimated products using pre-printed sublimation transfers or by outsourcing your designs to a printing service. With these ready-made transfers, you only need a heat press and sublimation blanks to complete the process.So while you don’t necessarily need a sublimation printer to get started, having one gives you complete creative control over your projects.

Can any printer become a sublimation printer?

The quick answer is no, not every printer can become a sublimation printer. Only certain inkjet printers are compatible with sublimation inks, and even then, it usually requires a conversion process. Laser printers, office printers, and most all-in-one models cannot be turned into sublimation printers at all.Sublimation printers, like Sawgrass, are designed from the ground up to handle sublimation inks. These inks are special because they turn into gas when heated and permanently bond with polyester-coated surfaces. Regular printer inks don’t work this way.

Do I need a sublimation printer if I have a Cricut?

If you own a Cricut machine, you might be wondering if you also need a sublimation printer to make custom designs. The answer depends on the type of projects you want to create. A Cricut by itself cannot print sublimation designs. It’s a cutting machine, not a printer. If you want to make full color, vibrant sublimation projects (like mugs, tumblers, or polyester shirts), then yes, you’ll need a sublimation printer in addition to your Cricut.However, if your focus is on vinyl crafts, paper cutting, or Cricut’s Infusible Ink transfer sheets, you can still make plenty of projects without investing in a sublimation printer.

What is the difference between sublimation and DTF?

If you’re new to custom printing, you’ve probably heard of both sublimation and DTF printing. At first, they might sound similar because both involve transferring designs onto products, but they are actually very different methods. The main difference between sublimation and DTF is the type of materials they work on and how the designs bond to the surface. Sublimation fuses ink into polyester or coated blanks, while DTF (Direct-to-Film) uses a printed film and adhesive powder that transfers to a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton.Understanding the differences helps you choose the right process for your projects.

Article: Can any printer do sublimation?

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Aug 27, 2025

Can any printer do sublimation?

Short answer, no. Not every printer can do sublimation. You need a printer that is built for sublimation ink or a compatible inkjet that is dedicated to sublimation from day one. Regular home or office printers are made for dye or pigment ink on paper, not for gas dye that bonds to polyester or a polymer coated blank. A true setup also uses sublimation paper, a heat press, and blanks made for sublimation. If your goal is permanent full color designs on mugs, tumblers, and light polyester shirts, choose a sublimation ready printer and the right tools for the job.

Sublimation printers vs regular printers

A sublimation printer lays down special dye that turns into gas under heat. After printing on sublimation paper, you press the design onto polyester or a coated hard good. The color moves into the surface, then locks in as it cools. A regular printer puts water based dye or pigment on paper, and the ink dries on top of the sheet. That makes great documents and photos, but it will not bond to a mug or fabric the way sublimation does.

Key takeaways

Sublimation uses special dye and paper, then heat and pressure to transfer color into the item.
Regular printers are not designed for sublimation dye, so prints will not transfer or will look dull and wash out.
To get reliable results, use a printer that is intended for sublimation, and dedicate it to sublimation only.

What makes a printer a sublimation printer

A printer that works for sublimation has three essentials:

Ink compatibility
It is designed to run true sublimation ink. This ink behaves differently than everyday dye or pigment. It must flow, dry, and jet cleanly, and it must turn into gas under heat without clogging or cooking inside the printer.
Workflow and support
Sublimation models and bundles come with profiles, setup guides, and maintenance routines that match sublimation ink and paper. That saves time and helps beginners get consistent color.
A dedicated path
Once sublimation ink is installed, the printer should stay a sublimation printer. Mixing inks or switching back and forth risks clogs, stains, and color shifts.

Printers that do not work for sublimation

Laser printers
They fuse toner onto paper with heat. There is no dye to turn into gas, so transfers will not work.
Thermal label printers and mobile receipt printers
These react to heat sensitive paper. They do not print with liquid ink at all.
Photo printers that use dye film for snapshots
These are called dye sub in the photo world, but they are closed systems for photo paper, not for heat transfer onto blanks.
Inkjet printers that have already run regular ink
Once a printer has been filled with standard ink, it is risky to convert. Residual ink and old settings can contaminate lines and cause poor transfers.

When a conversion can work, and when it should not

Some new inkjet models can be dedicated to sublimation from the first fill. That means brand new, never used with regular ink, and set up only with sublimation ink and paper. This approach takes more tinkering and color testing. For most beginners, a purpose built sublimation model is the smoother path. It gives you matched ink, profiles, and a simpler setup so you can focus on pressing clean transfers, not on diagnosing clogs.

What you need besides the printer

Even the best printer will not transfer color by itself. Plan for these basics.

Sublimation paper that fits your printer and ink
A heat press sized for your projects, for example a flat press for shirts and coasters or a mug and tumbler press for drinkware
Sublimation ready blanks made of polyester or coated for sublimation
Heat resistant tape and protective paper to keep prints from shifting and to protect your press
A simple press log so you can repeat the settings that work

Always follow the instructions for your exact paper, blanks, and press. Time, temperature, and pressure will vary by item.

Quick decision guide

Use this table to choose your path in seconds.

Your situation	Best choice	Why
You want to customize mugs and light polyester shirts	Buy a sublimation ready printer	Built for sublimation ink and profiles, faster to success
You only need to print on paper	Use a regular printer	Designed for documents and photos on paper
You have a used inkjet and hope to switch	Do not convert	Old ink can contaminate lines and cause clogs and color issues
You want bold prints on black cotton	Use another method, for example DTF	Sublimation needs light polyester to stay bright
You enjoy tinkering and color testing	A brand new inkjet dedicated to sublimation can work	Only if it has never seen regular ink and you are ready to test and profile

How to tell if your current printer is a bad fit

You see the word laser in the specs or it uses toner.
It uses heat sensitive paper instead of liquid ink.
It has already printed with regular dye or pigment inks.
The maker does not support sublimation ink or paper in the instructions.

If any of these match, keep that printer for paper and pick a proper sublimation model for crafting.

Tips to get a clean start with sublimation

Choose white or very light blanks for true color.
Tape your transfer so it cannot slide during pressing.
Pre press fabric for a few seconds to remove moisture.
Change protective paper every press to avoid stray marks.
Test small, then save your winning settings as presets.

FAQ

Can I use my regular inkjet with sublimation paper
No. Regular ink will not sublimate. You need sublimation ink in a dedicated printer and sublimation paper.

Can I swap between regular ink and sublimation ink
Do not swap. Once sublimation ink is in the printer, keep it there. Mixing inks can clog lines and shift color.

Does a sublimation printer also print on plain paper
You can print test pages, but its purpose is to make transfers for polyester and polymer coated blanks.

Do I need white ink for sublimation
No. Sublimation does not print white. Use white or very light blanks so colors stay true.

What happens if I try to sublimate with the wrong printer
Transfers will be dull, may not bond, and can ruin blanks or the printer. Use tools made for sublimation to protect your gear and your results.

Internal Links

Craft Express sublimation printers
Craft Express sublimation paper
Craft Express auto heat presses

Closing

You do not need every printer to do sublimation, you need the right one. Start with a sublimation ready printer, a pack of sublimation paper, and a press that fits your favorite projects. Try a simple white polyester tee or a coated mug, note the settings that work, and build from there with confidence.

Written by Vik Patel

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