
How much does a sublimation printer cost?
Short answer, a sublimation printer for home or small shop use usually costs about $680 to $1,800 for the printer alone, and about $900 to $2,500 if you choose a starter kit with ink and extras. For example, at Craft Express the Sawgrass SG500 is $679.95 and the larger SG1000 is $1,799.95. VersiFlex all in one kits currently start around $899.95 and go up to about $2,499.95, depending on size and what is included. You will also want a heat press and transfer paper. A flat press runs about $299.99 to $499.99, and a mug or tumbler press is about $349.99. Paper starts around $19.99 per pack.
Sublimation printer cost at a glance
Option |
What you get |
Typical price |
---|---|---|
Compact desktop printer |
8.5 by 14 inch max print, great for mugs, coasters, and tees |
About $680 for SG500 with SubliJet UHD. |
Mid size desktop printer |
Up to 11 by 17 inch prints for larger panels and shirts |
About $1,799.95 for SG1000. |
Starter or creator kit |
Printer plus specialty ink or media, often with extras |
About $899.95 to $2,499.95 for SG500 or SG1000 VersiFlex kits. |
Prices are examples as of August 2025 and can change. Always check the product page before you buy.
What drives sublimation printer price
Print size and model
Larger printers that handle 11 by 17 inch paper cost more than compact models that top out at letter or legal size. That extra width is useful for photo panels, bigger shirt graphics, and layout efficiency.
What is in the box
Kits that bundle specialty ink systems or media raise the price, and they also remove guesswork. The VersiFlex kits, for instance, package the SG500 or SG1000 with matched ink and papers for a wider range of surfaces.
Accessories you add later
Add on trays and bypass trays expand capacity and banner length, and they add to the total investment.
Support and workflow
Purpose built sublimation models come with setup guides, software, and color help. That support saves time, which is valuable if you are new or running a small shop.
The real world budget, printer plus essentials
A printer is only part of the setup. Here is a simple path to plan a realistic first budget.
1) Printer
Choose SG500 for a compact start or SG1000 for larger prints. $679.95 to $1,799.95.
2) Heat press
You need even heat and pressure to transfer the print. A small flat press is great for shirts and coasters. A mug or tumbler press handles drinkware. Flat press about $299.99 to $499.99, mug or tumbler press about $349.99.
3) Paper and tape
Use sublimation transfer paper made for your printer and ink. Packs start around $19.99. Heat resistant tape is a small add on.
4) Ink refills
Plan for periodic ink. SubliJet UHD colors are about $77 each, and VersiFlex 31 ml bottles are about $99.95 each. Your usage depends on coverage and project mix.
Sample budgets you can copy
Goal |
What to buy |
Estimated total |
---|---|---|
Starter at home |
SG500, 9 by 12 flat press, one pack of paper |
About $1,000 using SG500 ($679.95) plus flat press ($299.99) and paper ($19.99). Totals vary with sales and tax. |
Balanced creator |
SG500 VersiFlex kit, 15 by 15 flat press |
About $1,300 to $1,500 using kit pricing (from $899.95) plus a mid size press (about $399.99 to $499.99). |
Small shop build |
SG1000, 15 by 15 or 16 by 20 press, mug or tumbler press, paper |
About $2,400 to $2,800, depending on press choice and add ons. Numbers based on SG1000 ($1,799.95), flat press ($399.99 to $499.99), mug press (about $349.99), and paper. |
These ranges are guides, not quotes. If you already own a press, your entry cost drops to the printer and media.
Ways to keep costs down
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Start with SG500, learn your workflow, then step up in size when you need it.
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Buy a kit if you want matched ink and paper from day one, it reduces trial and error.
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Keep one brand of paper while you learn so you do not waste ink dialing in new settings.
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Print a small color chart and keep a press log to avoid reprints. Consistency saves money.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to convert a regular inkjet
You need a printer made for sublimation inks and workflow. A purpose-built model is the simplest path and helps you avoid clogging or color issues later.
Should I buy a kit or the printer only
If you want the fastest setup with fewer variables, a kit is smart. If you already have supplies, the printer only route keeps the upfront cost lower.
What hidden costs should I plan for
Paper, ink, and a heat press are the big ones. You may add a bypass tray or option tray later if you need longer prints or more capacity.
How often will I replace ink
That depends on coverage and volume. Photos and full bleeds use more ink than logos. Check levels often and keep a spare set of colors on hand.
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Closing
You do not need a huge budget to get started. Pick the printer size that fits your projects, add a reliable press and a pack of paper, then run a few test prints. When you are ready, explore upgraded trays, larger presses, or a bundle that matches your workflow and grow at your own pace.
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