The sublimation ink is the heart of the printer. It will help you print a good volume of designs and patterns seamlessly and will also decide the quality of the designs on your products. As your products heavily depend on the ink you have to put in thought and effort to select your ideal sublimation ink.
With several options in the market, it becomes difficult to decide on a particular sublimation ink. Here we have listed some basic features that you need to consider when selecting a sublimation ink.
- Compatibility: The sublimation ink must be compatible with the printer that you own. If the compatibility does not match between ink and printer then the printing is not possible and you will waste your money.
- Application: Before investing in a sublimation ink, you need to see how many products can the sublimation ink be applied to. You should go for that sublimation ink which can be applied on maximum products with minimal price.
- Performance: The quality of the aim should be such that the colours are bright and vivid and it does not fair under strong light.
In this article, we have listed the best 10 sublimation inks for you with their best features, advantages and limitations. Read on to get a detailed description of the sublimation inks in our detailed “Buyer’s Guide” which makes your selection easy.
Best Sublimation Ink Table
| Best Sublimation Ink Refill | Compatible with | Colours | Brand | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Printers Jack Sublimation Ink Refill | Printers | Black, Magenta, Cyan, Yellow | Printers Jack | Check On Amazon |
| Hiipoo Sublimation Ink | Printers | Black, Magenta, Cyan, Yellow | Hiipoo | Check On Amazon |
| E-Z Ink Autofill Sublimation Ink | Printers | Black, Magenta, Cyan, Yellow | E-Z Ink | Check On Amazon |
| MERRYWORK Sublimation Ink | Printers | Black, Magenta, Cyan, Yellow | MerryWork | Check On Amazon |
| Tonha Sublimation Ink Refill | Printers | Black, Magenta, Cyan, Yellow | Tonha | Check On Amazon |
| HAPPYTONER Sublimation Ink | Printers | Black, Magenta, Cyan, Yellow | Happytoner | Check On Amazon |
| WOKOK Sublimation Ink | Printers | Black, Magenta, Cyan, Yellow | Wokok | Check On Amazon |
| ORDTBY Sublimation Ink Refill Kit | Printers | Black, Magenta, Cyan, Yellow | Ordtby | Check On Amazon |
| Poschink Sublimation Ink | Printers | Black, Magenta, Cyan, Yellow | Poschink | Check On Amazon |
| HTVRONT Sublimation Ink | Printers | Black, Magenta, Cyan, Yellow | Htvront | Check On Amazon |
Best Sublimation Ink Reviews
1. Printers Jack Sublimation Ink Refill
Ordinary inks are easily irradiated if out in the sun or under strong light. However, these Printer Jack Sublimation Ink refills boast professional UV protection. They stand the test of time and are one of the most durable inks.
Print Jack has been in the business for a long time and they have brought their A-game with these ink refills. The triple-layer filter technology thrives for bright and vivid colours and smooth texture without any clogging of the printer heads. Another huge bonus of these ink refills is that you don’t need to go through the hassle of an ICC profile.
This means an incorrect colour scheme is nowhere to be found in the case of these inks. The upgraded nozzles make it simple to fill each colour in the inkjet printers without any assistance from syringes. Further, the auto-stop feature of the nozzle prevents mess and spillage.
They are compatible with all Epson ET series printers. The wide range of applications means that the ink can be applied to everything from banners and flags to mugs and caps which is less than 30% cotton.
Best Features
- Compatible with: Printer
- Colours: Black, Magenta, Cyan, Yellow
- Special Features: Ink Tank
Pros:
- Anti-UV protection. Durable print.
- Upgraded nozzles. No syringe is required.
- Triple-layer filter technology.
- ICC-free printing.
Cons:
- Some users received expired products.
2. Hiipoo Sublimation Ink
Tired of dull prints on your mugs of t-shirts, these Hiipoo water-based sublimation ink boasts of the most intense and vibrant colours that stand out in all situations. The colours from these sublimation ink bottles are resilient and long-lasting and do not fade even under strong light.
These sublimation inks are of the superior gradient and texture that assures a smooth coat for each print. Strong colour reduction coupled with anti-clog printer heads prints vibrant and intense vivid images. After rigorous quality checks and scrutiny, these inks have acquired the MSDS and ISO-9001 certification for delivering durable, stable, best-quality and highly potent colours in the market. They are compatible with the Stylus series, EcoTank or ET series and the WorkForce or WF series of printers.
On top of that, these inks bring out your creative side by having a wide range of applications. They can be applied to banners, flags, cloths, quilts, bags, caps, ceramics, shoes, pillowcases, t-shirts, mugs and everything which is less than 30% cotton. The product box contains 4 different colours of sublimation ink bottles, 2 gloves, 4 needles and 1 tape to make the process user-friendly.
Best Features
- Compatible with: Printer
- Colours: Magenta, Yellow, Black, Cyan
- Special Features: Refill Ink
Pros:
- Vibrant and bright prints.
- Professionally certified for high quality.
- Great range of applications.
- Compatible with a wide range of printers.
Cons:
- Some users did not like the tape.
3. E-Z Ink Autofill Sublimation Ink
If you are a beginner in using sublimation ink, then these E-Z Ink products are the right choice for you. The auto-fill design of these sublimation ink bottles allows you to get easily introduced to the world of customisation.
E-Z Ink has been a trusted brand since its inception for sublimation inks. The triple-layer filter ink guarantees high-quality heat press transfer for each print. Further, the vibrant colours and non-fade quality ensure the durability of the prints. A high heat transfer rate means less time for the print while the anti-clog feature of the print heads allows smooth and uninterrupted printing. The specifically designed nozzles of the ink bottles make the refilling simple and easy for you. These ink bottles are compatible with all EcoTank or ET series printers and also WF series printers.
A wide range of applications enables you to use the inks for personalised room decor to DIY gift items. They are also capable of souvenir designs. These inks can be applied on mugs, boxes, bags, quilts, shoes, cloth, ceramics, decorative items and so on.
Best Features
- Compatible with: Printer
- Colours: Yellow, Magenta, Blue, Black
- Special Features: Refill Ink
Pros:
- Great for beginners.
- Triple-layer ink filter.
- Anti-fade and long-lasting.
- Wide range of compatibility and applications.
Cons:
- Some users received badly packaged products.
4. MERRYWORK Sublimation Ink
Are you confused regarding the time to refill the and need a reminder to do so? These Merrywork inks come with an automatic ink filling status recognition which ensures easy refill of the ink.
The revolutionary L&C interface provides bright and vivid colours with a smooth and clear flow of the ink. It is also eco-friendly and requires no plugging. These anti-UV sublimation inks feature the auto-stop design which makes them easy to use and refill by not staining your hands and preventing mess by avoiding spillage. The ISO-9001 certification ensures high efficiency, better durability and stability. They are compatible with a wide range of printers like the EcoTank series and the WorkForce series.
This helps design your stuff and gifts with a personal touch. This ink transfer is suitable for cross-stitch shoes, mugs, cloth, pillow cases, canvas bags, phone cases, mouse pads, t-shirts etc.
Best Features
- Compatible with: Printer
- Colours: Black, Blue, Magenta, Yellow
- Special Features: Ink Tank
Pros:
- L&C interface.
- Better stability and durability.
- ISO-9001 certified.
- Wide range of applications and compatibility.
Cons:
- Colours are not very bright.
5. Tonha Sublimation Ink Refill
Tonha has brought premium Sublimation inks of 4 colours to bring out your creativity to life. The environment-friendly nature of the inks makes them rated so highly on our list.
These sublimation inks are easy to install, refill and use. Besides, the stability and durability are increased with the help of water resistance, quick transfer and no fading properties. The ICC-free printing Technology makes these inks the correct choice for heat transfer as they can be used without any hassle of ICC intervention. These things have wide compatibility with eco tank printers, stylus printers, WF series and all other sublimation printers.
Further, these things also possess high application and can be applied on cloth, pillowcases, shoes, caps, boxes, bags, banners, flags etc with a thermal sublimation coating. They are also highly regarded as one of the best DIY gifts.
Best Features
- Compatible with: Printer
- Colours: Magenta, Yellow, Black, Blue
- Special Features: Refill Ink
Pros:
- Durable and stable.
- ICC free printing.
- Easy to install, use and refill.
- Environment-friendly.
Cons:
- Sone users thought that black colour came out as brown.
6. HAPPYTONER Sublimation Ink
Want new Sublimation Ink refills tailor-made for your Epson printers? These Happytoner sublimation ink refills are just the right ones for you.
We can expect dependable performance from these water-based dye inks due to the heat printing transfer rate. It also ensures vivid and bright colours with no fading, quick-drying, high permeability and high transfer. The unique nozzle is the USP of the product as they enable auto-fill and auto-stop procedures. With these bottles, you don’t need a bottle valve or syringe as the ink can be transferred directly to prevent staining or spillage.
The latest version has pre-loaded ICC technology and is resistant to UV rays. The high technology ensures that it prevents clogging of the printer heads and does not contain impurities. It has a wide application on products like masks, shoes, phone covers, mugs, pillows, caps, t-shirts and stickers.
Best Features
- Compatible with: Printer
- Colours: Magenta, Yellow, Blue, Black
- Special Features: Refill Ink, Waterproof
Pros:
- Reliable performance.
- No impurities.
- Advanced technology.
- Unique bottle nozzles.
Cons:
- Only suitable for Epson printers.
7. WOKOK Sublimation Ink
Want a high-quality sublimation ink that is suitable for all sublimation printers? Well, Wokok has responded positively to your needs. They have launched these powerful sublimation inks perfect for the workplace and suitable for all kinds of printers.
Apart from being compatible with all printers, these inks are resistant to the sun or strong light and do not fade. Moreover, they are also easy to use and refill and are waterproof. Through the heat press on sublimation paper, they can be applied to a wide range of products starting from keychains, mouse pads, coasters, ceramics, cloth, bags etc. All in all, they give great value to your money.
The ICC file can be activated by contacting customer service. The kit comes with a pair of gloves, four needles and four syringes for convenience of use.
Best Features
- Compatible with: Epson and other sublimation printers
- Colours: Black, Blue, Yellow, Magenta
- Special Features: Waterproof
Pros:
- Suitable for all Sublimation Printers.
- Additional materials for convenience.
- Fade-resistant.
- Wide application.
Cons:
- Cannot be used on 30% cotton or more.
8. ORDTBY Sublimation Ink Refill Kit
Looking for sublimation ink which can beat the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun? Ordtby has just presented you with the perfect solution. They are waterproof and they are here to stay.
These inks look natural and delicate with the use of technologies like ICC colour management and are perfectly suitable for Epson inkjet printers. This water-based dye sublimation ink with a high reduction rate delivers vivid and bright colours. The durability and stability are enhanced with the use of three-layer filters. This also makes the transfer smooth and prevents clogging. Additionally, this feature ensures resistance to the strong light, waterproof nature, fast drying and high saturation. The inks possess high compatibility with all Epson printers and CISS printing systems.
These sublimation inks are ISO-9001 MSDS certified and are made of eco-friendly material. They are suitable for printing designs on panels, canvas tumblers, flip flops, banners, ceramic, caps, shoes, phone cases, mugs, t-shirts and so on.
Best Features
- Compatible with: Printer
- Colours: Black, Yellow, Cyan, Magenta
- Special Features: Waterproof
Pros:
- ICC colour management technology.
- Triple Filter Technology.
- No clogging of printer heads.
- MSDS and ISO-9001 certified.
Cons:
- Not applicable on fabrics with more than 30% cotton.
9. Poschink Sublimation Ink
Want to give your boring face masks a custom design? This Poschink sublimation ink can be your perfect partner in the process. If you are doing it personally or professionally, these inks can make all the difference.
The in-built ICC-free printing technology allows you to convert your eco tank to the heat press ones. The ink bottles are uniquely modelled so that the ink can easily be filled to your inkjet printers without any spillage. It is compatible with all the Ecotank ET series printers and also with Surecolor printers. The innovative nano-sub technology ensures high saturation transfer with smooth gradation and bright colours.
The inks can be applied on various products like t-shirts, mugs, phone covers, frames and masks.
Best Features
- Compatible with: Printer
- Colours: Blue, Black, Yellow, Cyan
- Special Features: Refill Ink
Pros:
- ICC-free printing.
- Unique bottle design.
- Compatible with Ecotank and Surecolor printers.
- Economical use.
Cons:
- Some users felt that the colour is not very bright.
10. HTVRONT Sublimation Ink
Htvront has come up with vivid and bright colours that have good permeability, high saturation and great thermal transfer rate. They are also resistant to the sun which protects them from discolouring and being non-dull.
The three-layer technology adopted by these inks saves the printer head from clogging or blocking. This makes the performance of the inks better and makes the process enjoyable. Another astonishing feature of this ink is that it prevents leaks with the advanced nozzle. The upgraded nozzle allows the ink to be filled through a syringe automatically without pressing the bottle which prevents spillage. It has high compatibility as it can be used with all ET series printers.
This sublimation ink can be applied on several products: hats, mugs, t-shirts, coated or polyester fabrics, and sublimation paper.
Best Features
- Compatible with: Printer
- Colours: Black, Yellow, Cyan, Magenta
- Special Features: Refill Ink
Pros:
- No clogging of the printer head.
- Bright colours.
- Anti-spill.
- Wide application and compatibility.
Cons:
- They cannot be used on cotton fabrics.
Things to Consider When Buying a Sublimation Ink
Many times the buyer ignores the features of the sublimation ink before buying it. But this can end up wasting your money and balming the ink in the end. Before investing in any sublimation ink, you can go through the features listed in the following section.
1. Compatibility
The most basic feature while buying the sublimation ink is that it must be compatible with the printer you own. If the ink is not compatible with your device then you cannot use it and the money will be wasted. The compatibility can be checked easily; you just need to note if the ink bottle fits perfectly in your printer’s inkjet. The compatible ink will also improve the quality and performance of your printer.
2. Application
The next thing that you need to consider is which kind of paper or materials the ink can be applied. You have to make sure that the ink is suitable for application on the material you want the print to be on. For instance, there are some sublimation inks which are not capable of printing patterns or designs on fabrics that are 60% cotton or more. So, if you want to print on those fabrics you have to look for an ink which is suitable for application on those fabrics.
3. Performance
The sublimation ink should increase the performance and longevity of the printer rather than exhausting and clogging it. The higher-end sublimation inks offer great performance and are better in quality and durability. The basic feature of the ink should be its exceptional quality where colours are vivid and bright and it is resistant to strong light. This feature will help you make a choice which is result-oriented and make the printing journey enjoyable.
4. Ease of Use
Setting up, replacing and refilling some bottles of the inkjet printer is very difficult. So the next factor you need to consider is the ease of use of the sublimation ink as hiring a professional to set up the ink of the printer can be very expensive. Additionally, you should make sure that the ink bottles do not get messy while you are trying to change them as most of the time you are at your workplace while changing the ink.
5. ICC Profile
All printers have an ICC profile that needs to be changed a bit for getting the best results of printing. You need to make sure that this sublimation ink allows you to download ICC profiles so that you can carry on your printing experience without any hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: The water-based inks that are used in dye-sublimation printers or heat presses to print designs, colours, pictures or factors on various materials are known as sublimation inks. For example, it can be used to print designs on bags, mugs, plates, metal, wood, phone covers etc using heat press transfer.
Ans: No, the sublimation ink is not compatible with all printers. Firstly, you should look for the sublimation ink for the given printer. And secondly, the printer must feature a heat press system for the desired results. For instance, thermal printers are not compatible with sublimation ink and you cannot mould them in any way.
Ans: There are some factors on which the durability of the sublimation ink depends. The quality, the manufacturer and the performance of the printer influence the durability of these inks. However, usually, the sublimation ink lasts for 6 months or more if all the basic conditions are maintained. The longevity of the ink also depends on the material it is being printed and its quality.
Ans: The final design or print of the sublimation ink is waterproof. However, the ink in its form is water soluble and hence not waterproof.
Ans: Mixing sublimation inks of two different brands can mess up the colour corrections of the printer. So, the sublimation inks of the two brands should not be mixed without considering the purge cycle or running the cleaning kit.
Final word
With this guide at your disposal, choosing the best sublimation ink for your printer will be a walk in the park. You just need to put in the knowledge you have gained from the article while selecting the best sublimation ink for you. If you still have queries, then you can write to us in the comment section below.
- People can have different opinions while selecting their sublimation ink. However, if you ask for our opinion, we have the top three recommendations. Our first recommendation from our list is Printers Jack Sublimation Ink Refill. They offer durable print with UV rays protection. The upgraded nozzles for easy refilling make it suitable for beginners and experts.
- Our second suggestion from our list is Hiipoo Sublimation Ink with Heat Tape Refill. They boast of professional certification for high-quality, vibrant and bright prints. They offer a wide range of compatibility and applications
- Our final recommendation from the list is E-Z Ink (TM) Autofill Sublimation Ink. They are ideal for beginners as they allow easy refill with anti-fade and long-lasting prints.
