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Sublimation Supplies List for Beginners

 

Sublimation Supplies List for Beginners

This post may contain affiliate links, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.


A complete, no-fluff guide to every tool, material, and accessory you need to start sublimation printing from home.

If you're ready to start sublimation but feeling overwhelmed by all the equipment options, you’re not alone. Sublimation is one of the most exciting and permanent crafting methods, but beginners often get stuck trying to figure out what tools are essential, what’s optional, and what’s a waste of money.

This Beginner Sublimation Supplies List breaks everything down in simple, practical terms so you know exactly what you need to get started, and why you need it.

Let’s make this easy.

1. Sublimation Printer 

The Core Piece of Equipment

You cannot sublimate with a regular printer.
You have two beginner-friendly options:

Option A: Convert an Epson EcoTank Printer 

This is the most popular choice for beginners because EcoTank printers use bottled ink, making conversion simple. It is also a much more affordable option, which makes it beginner friendly. 

Popular models:

Why crafters love Epson for sublimation:

  • Affordable upfront

  • Easy to refill

  • Prints vibrant colors

  • Works with many sublimation ink brands

  • Large crafting community with tons of guides

Option B: Buy a Dedicated Sublimation Printer 

Brands like Sawgrass SG500/SG1000 are professional, pre-configured, and easy to use. It's ease of use is also appealing to beginners although it comes with a higher price tag. 

Why choose Sawgrass?

  • Plug-and-play

  • Built-in color profiles

  • Superb print quality

  • Great for small business use

Downside:

  • Higher cost

  • More expensive ink refills

Important Note:

Once sublimation ink touches a printer, that printer can NEVER be used for regular ink again.
So always choose your printer with that in mind.

2. Sublimation Ink

You must use sublimation-specific ink because regular ink will NOT turn into gas under heat.

Trusted beginner brands:

Tips:

Match your ink to your printer type
Stick with one brand to avoid color inconsistency
Store ink in a cool, dry place

3. Sublimation Paper

This is NOT normal printer paper.

Good sublimation paper:

  • Holds ink on top

  • Releases ink cleanly under heat

  • Produces rich, vibrant results

Top brands:

TIP:

Use 125g or 120g paper for hard blanks
Use 105g paper for fabric
Thicker ≠ better — different projects need different types.

4. Heat Press Machine



A good heat source is non-negotiable for sublimation.

You can use:

Clamshell or Swing-Away Heat Press (Recommended)

These give you:

  • Consistent pressure

  • Even heating

  • Room for larger projects

Popular beginner sizes:

  • 12 x 15

  • 15 x 15

Pros:

 Works for shirts, canvas, coasters, MDF, puzzles
 Affordable options available
 Reliable results

Cricut EasyPress (Good for fabric, not ideal for hard blanks)

Easy to use, but not great for mugs or thick substrates.

Tumbler Press / Mug Press

If you want to make:

  • Tumblers

  • Glass cans

  • Ceramic mugs

  • Skinny stainless steel cups

These presses give perfect cylindrical pressure.

Convection Oven (NOT food-safe after use)

Great results for:

  • Mugs

  • Tumblers

  • Glass jars

But must be used exclusively for crafts.

5. Heat Tape (Must-Have)

Heat-resistant tape holds your sublimation paper in place during pressing.

If it shifts by even a millimeter → you get ghosting.

Choose:

  • Heat tape rated 400°F+

  • NOT blue painter’s tape

  • NOT masking tape

6. Butcher Paper

Protects your heat press from ink blowout.

You need it:

  • Under your blank

  • On top of your transfer

It MUST be:

  • White

  • Uncoated

  • Silicone-free

Do NOT substitute with parchment paper as it can trap moisture.

7. Heat-Resistant Gloves

For handling:

  • Mugs

  • Metal blanks

  • Coasters

  • Tumblers

Freshly pressed items are extremely hot.

8. Sublimation Blanks

These are surfaces coated or made with polyester/polymer.
Common beginner-friendly blanks include:

 Fabric items

 Hard blanks

Tip:

If you bought it from Walmart or Dollar Tree and it doesn’t SAY sublimation, it likely WILL NOT work.

9. Teflon Sheets or Blowout Paper (Optional but Useful)

Teflon sheets:

  • Protect heat press platens

  • Make cleanup easy

  • Reduce scorching marks

Blowout paper:

  • Protects blanks from overpressing

  • Helps reduce browning

10. Lint Roller (for Fabrics)

Lint particles turn into BLUE DOTS during pressing.

Always lint roll:

  • Shirts

  • Tote bags

  • Fabric flags

  • Polyester blankets

11. Heat Press Pillow (Optional but Helpful)

Great for pressing:

  • Shirts with seams

  • Tote bags

  • Items with zippers or thick edges

Helps equalize pressure.

12. Protective Sprays (Optional)

UV-protection spray:

  • Prevents fading

  • Great for outdoor décor

Waterproof sealant:

  • Protects MDF

  • Helps longevity for coasters

Optional, but helpful for certain projects.

Optional Fun Additions

Not required, but enhance creativity:

Beginner Sets to Avoid

  • Cheap “sublimation kits” from random brands

  • Mystery ink bottles

  • Non-polyester blanks disguised as sublimation-ready

Always check reviews and confirm materials.

Sublimation may sound complicated at first, but once you gather the right supplies, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding crafts you can learn.

With just:
A sublimation printer
Ink
Paper
Heat source
Poly blanks

…you can start creating vibrant, professional-quality gifts, décor, apparel, and products to sell.

This supplies list gives you a complete foundation so your first projects go smoothly, and look amazing.

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