Sublimation printing should be a fun craft. But as soon as you search for printing supplies, the confusion sets in. Why there are so many options, and what is the difference? Moreover, which supplies will create long-lasting prints?

Not to mention, the ink is expensive, and you want to spend less money on experimenting and finding the best one. Instead, you should see the best one compatible with your printer and other supplies for getting vibrant and long-lasting prints.

So, to guide you to find the best ink, here is a comprehensive guide.

What Is Sublimation Ink?

This is a particular type of ink that has different aspects from regular ink used in printing. It is made from dye particles mixed with liquid.

In the process of printing, the ink permeates the surface and becomes a part of it when heated.

How To Choose The Right Ink For Your Printer?

Choosing the suitable ink for your printer involves several factors.

• Ink quality: High-quality inks produce brighter colors that last longer. These inks are UV-resistant and offer good color saturation.
• Printer compatibility: Make sure the ink you use is compatible with your printer.
• Color range: Depending on your projects, you may need inks that offer a wide color gamut.
• Drying time: Choose the ink that takes less time to dry.

Top Best Inks

1. Epson Ink

This ink is known for its high-quality prints, brighter color, and sharp details.

Pros

• High-Quality prints: It produces high-quality prints.
• Cost-effective: It offers durability and longevity.
• Easy to use: These ink cartridges are easy to use.

Cons

• Compatibility: It can only be used with Epson Printer, not compatible with other brands or models.
• Maintenance: It requires frequent print head cleaning.
• Drying time: It takes some time to dry.

2. Cosmos Ink

It works well on various substrates like polyester, ceramic, and metal. Cosmos Ink is recommended for its excellent compatibility and color accuracy.

Pros

• Unmatched durability.
• The ink absorbs appropriately to the surface.
• The ink is budget-friendly.
• With this ink, you can use the same type of transfer paper on both hard and textile surfaces.
• With this ink, printing is easy and fast.

Cons

• The fabric must be 100% polyester or 2/3 of polyester.
• The item may lose color over the months due to the effect of UV rays.
• Print heads may clog if they are not used frequently.

3. Hiipoo Ink

It is a water-based dye-sub ink known for its unique features, such as waterproof, fast drying, and high saturation. It is easy and safe with printers on a variety of fabrics. Moreover, this is the best ink to transfer designs onto T-shirts.

Pros

• Unmatched durability.
• The ink absorbs appropriately to the surface.
• The ink is budget-friendly.
• With this ink, you can use the same type of transfer paper on both hard and textile surfaces.
• With this ink, printing is easy and fast.

Cons

• The fabric must be 100% polyester or 2/3 of polyester.
• The item may lose color over the months due to the effect of UV rays.
• Print heads may clog if they are not used frequently.

4. A-Sub Ink

It is a high-quality ink with water resistance and light fastness features. Not only that, it has anti-fading qualities with an ICC profile to help you get the perfect color match.

Pros

• Unmatched durability.
• The ink absorbs appropriately to the surface.
• The ink is budget-friendly.
• With this ink, you can use the same type of transfer paper on both hard and textile surfaces.
• With this ink, printing is easy and fast.

Cons

• The fabric must be 100% polyester or 2/3 of polyester.
• The item may lose color over the months due to the effect of UV rays.
• Print heads may clog if they are not used frequently.

Budget-Friendly Inks

• Printers Jack Ink: It would be an ideal option for those who want to get good-quality prints at an affordable cost. It comes with anti-clogging and fade-resistance features. The print dries faster in less than a minute. It is compatible with all types of Epson Models.
• inkXpro Ink: It comes with a free ICC profile and seamless compatibility with all kinds of Epson models. Moreover, prints from this printer take less than a minute to dry. The ink is of high quality, which is suitable for printing on fabrics, polyester, phone cases, and mugs.
• WOKOK Ink:  It comes with better nozzle features and three-layer filtration technology. It produces high-quality print on 65% polyester fabrics or the blanks covered with a polyester coating.
• Luckyink Ink: It offers super-fine ink, which ensures smooth printing and prevents clogging of the print head. It is easy to refill and install in the printer. The ink is highly durable with increased stability.

How Is Sublimation Ink Different Than Regular Ink?

In simple words, due-sub inks are made from dye particles, while regularly used inks are typically made up of pigment particles that are not ideal for heat transfer printing.  

Dye particles can change from a solid state to a gas state when heated without passing through the liquid phase. Whereas regular inks are designed to be absorbed into the surface they are applied to.

Ink Filling Methods

There are several methods for filling ink into printers.

• Syringe method: This method involves a syringe to fill the ink into the printer manually. It gives control over the ink-filling process.
• Autofill method: Some printers allow a direct ink-filling system.
• Funnel method: This method involves a funnel to pour the ink into the printer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Sublimation ink is a game changer in the world of printing. It offers unparalleled durability and versatility, but understanding these inks is the first step to achieving stunning, long-lasting results.