Converting your EcoTank printer into a sublimation printer has never been easier, here I will hold your hand along the process and teach you how simple it is do it with just two changes!
I sat on the fence for a long time, researching, reading and watched many videos about EcoTanks and how to convert them into Sublimation Printers. I just recently decided it was time to invest into buying my own and giving it a go.
Some of the videos I had watched had implied it was very difficult and made it feel daunting to try but it’s actually very simple and like me you will kick yourself that you didn’t do it sooner!
Epson EcoTanks are pretty reasonable price for you to start Sublimating on a budget. A great way to test the water before you dive right in and invest all your savings into a more advanced printer that comes with its own software like a Sawgrass.
–Disclaimer: This blog post contains some affiliate links. If you purchase through them I do receive a small commission, but this is at no extra cost to you.–
How Much Does It Cost To Convert An Epson To A Sublimation Printer?
The overall cost of converting my printer was $520.
Costing breakerdown;
Printers Jack Ink $79.55 – Buy HERE
A-Sub Sublimation Paper $41.45 – Buy HERE
Epson EcoTank Printer $399 – Buy HERE
Which EcoTank Can I Convert To A Sublimation Printer?
Any EcoTank is a good choice, we have the ET-2810. All of Epson EcoTank printers are suitable as they all have the same fillable ink wells.
The only condition to converting is that you can add liquid ink to the ink compartment. You cannot convert a printer that uses cartridges.
On unboxing you printer, the first thing you do is take the bottles that come with the printer and pop them away. You won’t be needed them at all for this printer.
In the box will also be your cords, a CD and of course your printer!
Can I Use My Epson Printer For Sublimation And Regular Printing?
No, once you have put sublimation ink into your Ecotank it must remain a sublimation printer only. There are ways you can flush the printer but I wouldn’t recommend it.
What Sublimation Ink Do I Use?
First things first, you have to use Sublimation specific ink in your EcoTank. We have been recommended Printers Jack or Hippoo inks. We chose to go with Printers Jack for our ink. Do your research and find an ink that works well for you. Please bear in mind that sticking with the same brand of sublimation ink is advised. Different companies may have different additives in their ink ingredients that could react with the current ink you have in there. So to save you having to buy a new printer, stick to just the one brand.
The way you have to add your ink to your printer is one you need to note. When looking for an ink brand make sure the bottles have the push valve in them. This is the same valve that the original bottles that come with the printer will have. They interlock with the deposit hole of the printer itself. When the bottle meets the deposit hole it opens up the flow of ink releasing it into the printer tank. If you order ink and it doesn’t have the correct top you will have no way on getting the ink into the printer. It also could be labelled as an ‘Auto Refill’ bottle.
What Paper Do I Need To Sublimate?
High quality sublimation specific paper is a must. The paper is your vehicle for a perfect, seamless application. We have gone with A-Sub, a premium sublimation print paper. And so far it has been fantastic. There are different GSM you can get but we brought the A-Sub 120g A4 Sublimation Paper.
One thing to note about the paper is that it does absorb moisture and will make the corner of the sheets roll and this can cause problems and jams when you put it in your printer.
Being summer in Australia right now we have our evaporative aircon on, I left my paper in the printer and it absorbed the moisture in the air and rolled the paper. So for that reason I do recommended any paper that isn’t being printed on that minute, that it is to be put back into its box. Luckily the A-Sub comes in a luxe rigid box to keep your paper safe.
Be aware that when you print onto your sublimation printer it will look very dull compared to what your used to seeing from an inkjet printer, but once its sublimated it will be beautiful and vibrant.
How To Convert Epson To A Sublimation Printer?
There are a few VERY important things to note before you do anything with your printer. Do not switch it on straight away, you must wait until you have filled it up with sublimation ink.
So step by step;
- Open and unbox your printer
- Chuck printer ink to one side
- Open your sublimation ink
- Fill each colour individually
- Pop the CD into your computer and follow the prompts
- Only turn the printer on when prompted
- Load sublimation specific paper
- Buy a design/make a design
- Mirror your printer settings.
- Print!
If you would like to know the next steps such as using your prints to sublimate onto materials you can find a tutorial HERE.
Until the next craft,
The Craft Chaser x