Have you purchased the best sublimation printer & paper and now looking for the Ink that will surprise you with the results? Choosing the best one is tricky because dozens of sublimation inks are available at different prices. Whether you are planning to do a business or want to sublimate designs for your family&friends, making the right decision on the Ink can save you money and time.
The best sublimation ink will not only decide the printing quality and color precision but also increase productivity due to its features like fast drying time and compatibility with the printers. I have used dozens of the inks and picked the top ten for you. One of them offers free heat resistance tape.
How to Choose Best Sublimation Inks? (Buying Guide)
There are so many things that you need to know before purchasing sublimation ink. If you are new in this business and need to learn how things work in sublimation, selecting the excellent sublimation ink that fulfills your needs can be challenging. The sublimation business is one of the world’s most growing and profitable businesses, especially in the USA. Sublimation ink is the essential pillar of this business; selecting substandard quality ink can cause problems. That’s why I have prepared a list of checkpoints to help you choose the suitable Ink.
Color Precision/Quality:
The color quality is the most important thing we must consider before selecting any sublimation ink. Hundreds of sublimation ink brands are available in the market, but only some Ink come up with vivid and accurate colors. Some substandard quality inks give a little gray effect while printing the red color. So, ensure only select the Ink that provides good color quality and precision.
Transfer Rate:
The color quality depends on the transfer rate of the Ink. If the Ink transfers more, we will get a better color quality. Not only does the sublimation paper increase the transfer rate of Ink, but a good sublimation ink also plays a vital role in this regard.
Compatibility:
Did you want to buy a sublimation ink incompatible with your printer? Your answer is not; checking compatibility is a must. Most ink bottles are compatible with plenty of refillable ink cartridges & tanks. But some inks come up with non-refillable cartridges, which are compatible with specific models of printers. Check the compatible model table I designed to ensure this matter runs smoothly.
Professional UV Protection:
Professional UV protection helps the sublimated designs to keep their original colors for a long time in the sun. If you are planning to transfer the design to the cups, tumblers, and outdoor products, then purchase the Ink with professional UV protection.
Clogging:
So many things can clog the print head, but the most common thing is the thickness of the Ink. The thicker Ink dries very fast, and it can create clogs. To avoid this problem, purchase only the less dense and clogging-free Ink.
ICC Profile:
ICC profiles can be integrated with Windows or mac computers. It renders accurate colors from a particular device and shows more variety. ICC profiles can modify the monitor’s graphics so the printer can print more precise colors than natively. Some Sublimation inks, like koalas, can give the best results without integrating ICC. But if you have a piece of knowledge about it, then you should set it up with your pc.
The Short Version
| Image | Name | Best For | Bottle Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Printers Jack | Best Sublimation Ink for Epson | 100ml x 4 Sublimation ink refills | Check Price |
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Hippo Sublimation Ink | Inkjet printer sublimation ink | 100ml x 4 | Check Price |
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Sawgrass Sublimation Ink | Best Sublimation Ink for Sawgrass SG400, SG500, and SG1000 | 100ml x 4 | Check Price |
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INKXPRO 4 X 100ml Professional True Color Sublimation Ink | Anti-UV Sublimation Ink | 100ml x 4 | Check Price |
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WOKOK Sublimation Ink | Top Sublimation Ink | 100ml x 4 | Check Price |
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Segol Sublimation Ink | Good Sublimation Ink | 100ml x 4 | Check Price |
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Lucky Sublimation Ink | Best Sublimation Ink for Epson 2720 | 100ml x 4 | Check Price |
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Koala Sublimation Ink | Best Sublimation Ink for Epson 2803 | 100ml x 4 | Check Price |
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Merrywork Sublimation Ink | Best Sublimation Ink for Epson 8550 | 100ml x 4 | Check Price |
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XCInkjet Sublimation Ink | Best Sublimation Ink for Epson 2800, C88, and C88+ | 100ml x 4 | Check Price |
1: Printers Jack-Best Sublimation Ink for Epson
The printer’s jack-inks come in a pack of 4X100ml refillable bottles. It is a water-based dye sublimation ink, and you can use it on a wide range of substrates, including Polyester, Mugs, Plates, Phone cases, Pillowcases, shoes, ceramics, and wood. I have tested it on most of the substrates, and it provides me with vibrant and cheerful colors. The Ink is fade and water-resistant, so there is no need to worry about its durability. You can also use this Ink on dark-colored fabric or other products, but you need to use a special spray.
The ink bottles are strong and can be easily refillable with the less expensive inks. With this Ink, you can create high-quality gifts for Halloween, Christmas, and other functions. Most of the inks available in the market create ink blockage issues to the print head of printers, but this is a water-based sublimation ink, providing me with a smooth and hassle-free printing experience.
Compatible Printers:
This ink is compatible with all Epson Ecotank printers ET5800, ET7700, ET2720, L3110, ET2750, ET2760, ET15000, ET4760, ET3760, ET2650, ET3710, ET16600, WF2860, WF2760, WF7710. Due to it’s compatibility it is know as the best sublimation ink for Epson printers.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
If you want high-quality results and to maintain the color quality, you need to go with this Ink. This link will provide you with outstanding results. The anti-Uv protection feature of this Ink will give you a longer storage time. I have been using the products I have sublimated with this Ink for nine months, and it is not easy to fade. It is a little expensive compared to the others but is more durable and easily compatible with the Epson printers.
2: Hippo Sublimation Ink-Inkjet Printer Sublimation Ink
The Hippo sublimation ink comes in a well-packaged box of four bottles(Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow). Each bottle contains 100ml of Ink. I have been using Hippo Sublimation Ink in inkjet printers for a long time, and it gives me fantastic results. Hippo Ink came with syringes. We need needles to fill the printer’s ink tank, which is time-consuming, especially if you are in a rush. But the current version of the Hippo ink comes with a particular type of bottle.
These go right onto the top of the printer ink tank. The colors that came out with this were very vibrant and amazing. This Ink is also a water-based dye sublimation ink, providing an ultra-high transfer rate on all substrates. The Ink is very lightweight, the diameter of the ink particles is minimal, and they can easily pass through the printer head without any Ink blockage.
Like the Printers Jack ink, it also has UV protection, making it more durable and providing extra protection against fading. The nozzle of the ink bottles is very compact in design and can easily fit with all types of printers, including Epson, Sawgrass, and HP. You can use this Ink on various substrates, including Socks, tumblers, ceramics, polyester t-shirts, shoes, caps, banners, canvas, puzzles, wood, hoodies, mug cup, and cartoon block.
Compatible Printers:
This ink is compatible with all Inkjet printers including Sawgrass, Epson and Brother printers.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
This sublimation ink is compatible with most of the printers available on the market. I have created some gifts with this Ink for my family and friends, and it provides me with the best results. You can use it with all sublimation papers, but if you want a vivid outcome, I suggest you use it with the Hippo sublimation paper.
3: Sawgrass Sublimation Ink-Best Sublimation Ink for Sawgrass SG400, SG500, and SG1000
The sawgrass sublimation ink is one of the tops in the market. You can use it on both hard and soft substrates. It comes with four standard-size ink cartridges. Due to the unique design of the cartridges, it can save up to 6% of the Ink compared to the other inks. But unfortunately, we can only use this Ink with the Sawgrass SG400, SG500, and SG1000 printers.
If the warranty of your Sawgrass printer is still valid, then I suggest you use this Ink. It provides me with the best results and rich colors on all substrates. The transfer rate of this Ink is fantastic, almost the same as printer jack ink. While the ink drying time is not super fast but it is okay. The anti-UV protection increases its durability and storage time. The designs sublimated with this Ink can keep their colors long.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
I have used this Ink on both hard and soft substrates, and it surprises me with the fantastic results. While the ink dry time is not fast, the ink transfer rate is impressive. The only drawback is that we can only use this Ink with the Sawgrass Sublijet SG500/SG1000. If your Sawgrass printer warranty is still valid, I recommend you try this Ink; it will never disappoint you.
4: INKXPRO 4 X 100ml Professional True Color Sublimation Ink-Anti UV Sublimation Ink
Inkxpro is an excellent option if you are new to the sublimation business. This Ink comes in 4 X100ml standard sizes bottles. Very easy to install on the Epson eco tank or workforce printers. You can use it on different types of substrates. It is anti UV sublimation ink and specially designed for Heat Press Transfer on Mugs, Polyester Shirts, Plates, and Phone Cases.
Firstly when I printed with this Ink on the sublimation paper, I found dull colors, but after the heat transfer process, I was surprised with the final results. I have used this Ink on my Epson eco tank. And I have sublimated some mugs for my office, which give me beautiful and cheerful colors. The ink dry time is speedy, and the transfer rate is superb. You can also download the ICC profile for windows or mac free after purchasing this Ink.
It will help you a lot in color management. This Ink is compatible with all sublimation printers but gives you the best results on Epson printers. I have also sublimated some t-shirts for my customers with this Ink, and they loved it a lot.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
It provides me the rich colors on different substrates. This Ink is affordable and can be your best if you are newly starting the sublimation business. If you can set up your printer setting properly, it will give you outstanding results, even better than printers jack ink. The top of the ink bottles are exceptionally compatible and can fit easily with all brands of printers. You can quickly fill your printer ink tanks even if you are not an expert.
5: WOKOK Sublimation Ink-Top Sublimation Ink
The Wokok sublimation ink is suitable for all sublimation printers, including Epson, Ricoh, and Sawgrass. This Ink comes in 4 regular-size ink bottles. Four syringes and a pair of gloves are also included with the ink box, so you can quickly fill your printer ink tanks or cartridges without any trouble. The ink transfer rate is very high and suitable for mugs, t-shirts, mousepads, tumblers, etc. It’s very economical compared to the other inks, but the color precision and quality are incredible.
If you are using the Cannon or Hp Sublimation printer, please ensure that your printer has a Piezo print head. The Ink is water-resistant, so you can transfer your designs to washable things without hesitation. The UV light protection makes it fade-resistant. With a fast drying time, it will instantly stick to the printing surface without smudging.
This Ink doesn’t contain metal ions, making it environment-friendly and top sublimation ink in the market it is also safe for mugs and tumblers. If you are old in the sublimation business, then you know that It’s not easy to sublimate to the leather, but I have transferred some designs to the white leather, and this Ink provides me the vivid colors. I am very impressed with the outcome.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
It’s compatible with a wide range of the workforce, eco tank, super tank, and expression series. The ink particles are very smooth and can easily pass through the printer’s head without creating blockages. It delivers long-lasting, rich colors. Unfortunately, it can’t be used on glassy materials, but it allows you to transfer the design to a wide range of soft and rigid substrates.
6: Segol Sublimation Ink-Good Sublimation Ink
The Segol company adopted the new three-layer filtering technology and created the latest sublimation ink on the market. The Ink is clog-free due to the smaller size of the droplets. It gives me rich and realistic colors on various substrates. This Ink is suitable for shoes, pillows, t-shirts, mug cups, phone cases, ceramics plates, tumblers, etc. Most of the inks available in the market are not suitable for dark color fabric, but due to the latest three-layer technology, you can transfer the designs on dark fabric and substrates.
It is straightforward to refill the ink tanks using this Ink. The needles and gloves are provided with the ink box. I have sublimated some t-shirts and decorative clothes for my relatives, giving me an ultra-high transfer rate; the colors came out very bright and realistic. The ink dry time is fast, and the transfer rate is high and It is compatible with all types of sublimation printers.
Like the WOKOK sublimation ink, this is also ISO 9001 and MSDS Certified, making it reliable, safe and good sublimation ink for all kinds of materials. The ICC profile is free with this Ink; tell them the model number of your printer, and they will send you a suitable ICC.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
This sublimation ink is for those who are new or want to expand their business because it can transfer the designs beautifully on a wide range of substrates. This is the best option if your customers are demanding you to sublimate the dark-colored fabric, including the black t-shirts. While testing this Ink, I found significant results and outcomes. But there is a drawback you can only store this Ink for up to six months after the starter date. You can use it within six months if you have a lot of work.
7: Lucky Sublimation Ink-Best Sublimation Ink for Epson 2720
Like the other sublimation inks, this also comes in four different colors. After mixing these colors in the printer, they will provide you with bright and accurate colors for your designs. Compatible with most of the regular sublimation printers and very easy to refill. A pair of gloves and four syringes are provided with the Ink bok. Although the syringes are small, they can help you refill the ink cartridges. This Ink provides the appropriate transfer rate and is suitable for mouse pads, cups, tumblers, puzzles, aluminum plates, fabrics, and many more products.
In the past few years, I have used a lot of sublimation printers, and I noticed that some printers create grey shades while printing the pink color, but thanks to this, Ink has solved this problem for me. If you face the same issue, I suggest you try this Ink with proper printer settings. The transfer rate is also high; Using the heat transfer machine with appropriate adjustments can give outstanding results. The designs printed with this Ink can keep their original colors for several years indoors and one year outdoors.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
Lucky sublimation ink is capable of printing on a wide range of substrates. If you can set up your printer’s setting accordion to the ICC, then this Ink can give you excellent results, even better than the Sawgrass sublimation ink. It is compatible with more than 31 sublimation printers. Like all other Ink, it is ISO 9001 certified, which makes it suitable for coffee mugs and ceramic plates.
8: Koala Sublimation Ink-Best Sublimation Ink for Epson 2803
The Koala paper brand offers high-quality sublimation ink suitable for T-shirts, DIY personalized mugs, mousepads, hats, mats, caps, phone cases, pillows, ceramics, flags, and many more materials. A pair of gloves, four syringes, and heat-resistance tape is also included with the ink box. The team of gloves and needles will aid you during the ink refilling process. The print results on sublimation paper don’t look great, but after the heat transfer, it surprises me with the bright colors.
Some companies have poor packaging, and their Ink creates leakage during transit, but thanks to the Koala, they have upgraded their packaging and sealing to fix the issue. The nozel of the ink bottle is made with rubber, and it is straightforward to refill the ink cartridges & tanks with it.
This Ink shows me good results on light-colored substrates and polyester fabric, but it is not suitable for dark-colored materials. The Ink is light weighted, but still, it is durable and scratch-proof. The anti-UV protection and water-resistant ability make this Ink best for most outdoor products.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
Most people don’t want to mess up with the ICC & printer settings because it takes time. Fortunately, this is the only link available in the market that doesn’t need specific Printer settings and an ICC profile. It is easy to fill the refillable ink cartridges with it, even if you are new. A roll of heat-resistant tape is also provided with this Ink.
9: Merrywork Sublimation Ink-Best Sublimation Ink for Epson 8550
Merrywork Sublimation Ink comes in thoroughly vacuumed sealed bottles. Each bottle contains 100ml Ink. It is an effortless peasy to fill up your printer ink tank or refillable cartridges. The syringes and plastic gloves are not required to extract and refill the ink cartridges. These Ink bottles are compatible with all types of sublimation printers. The viscosity of this Ink is very low, and it is filtered with three microns to avoid print head clogging.
This Ink could be used on ceramics, flags, polyester, PVC, cups, mugs, and many other materials to make customized gifts easily for your family and friends. It provides me the rich and natural colors on both hard and soft substrates. The Ink’s quality is superior because it is manufactured with high-quality raw materials. The ink transfer rate is not high compared to the Sawgrass subject or printer’s Jack ink, but it is okay. I tested it with the A sub sublimation paper, providing a good ink dry time. You can easily refill this Ink with your original ink cartridges.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
The ink particles of this Ink are very fine, and printing is smooth and difficult to block. It is compatible with most standard sublimation printers. Ink dry time is very fast, but the transfer rate is not very good compared to the other inks. It gives me realistic colors. No color profile is needed to set up the printer setting with this Ink. Very easy to refill without the needles.
10: XCInkjet Sublimation Ink-Best Sublimation Ink for Epson 2800, C88, and C88+
XCInkjet Sublimation ink combines smooth printing with a wide range of striking colors. It is compatible with many Ecotank, Workforce, and Supertank printers. There is no need for the syringes to fill out ink tanks, simply squees out the Ink onto the tanks or cartridges. This Ink is suitable for t-shirts, mugs, ceramics, processing fonts, cartoon block patterns, etc. This Ink can only be used on fabrics with less than 30% of cotton. Most of the sublimation inks available in the market have a short storage time, but you can store this Ink for more than six months after opening.
In addition, no need to worry about leakage because this Ink comes in air-tight bottles. The ink transfer rate is high. I have printed different types of vector art on my Hippo Sublimation paper, which surprises me with its highly accurate colors. The Ink is entirely environment-friendly and non-toxic, so you confidently sublimate the design with it. A free ICC profile is also available with this Ink; you can find the most suitable printing data for your printer.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
Although this Ink has all the significant features, professional ultraviolet protection is unavailable. The sublimated designs with this Ink may lose their original colors more quickly than the other inks. If you plan to design some DIY gifts for functions, then it is the best option. It will surprise you with its realistic and vivid colors.