Brother Sublimation Printer: Setup, Playtest, & Comparison to Epson and Sawgrass!

Get the Brother SP-1 sublimation printer at jennifermaker.com/brothersubl... !
Get the Subliflower test sheet at jennifermaker.com/subliflower/
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Today we're going to set up and playtest a brand new Brother Sublimation Printer. This new sublimation printer just recently came out and this is my first time trying it out.
I got the Brother SP-1 printer for about $400. The main selling point of it is that you can get started right out of the box, as it comes four full-sized sublimation ink cartridges and 10 sheets of sublimation paper, and it works with Artspira, which is a design and crafting app from Brother. It also claims to have fast printing speed, high quality color designs, and a small footprint. Also, it has app support, so you can use this on your phone or tablet in addition to your computer.
Now the Brother Sublimation Printer is a purpose-built sublimation printer, and I think it is most comparable to the Epson F170 or the Sawgrass 500, as it does the same size prints as each one, so that's what we'll be comparing it to as I unbox and set this up. Of the three sublimation printers, the Brother Sublimation Printer is the least expensive -- the Brother SP-1 is $399, the F170 is $449, and the Sawgrass 500 is $574-$624.
Now let's see how hard or easy it is to set this up as I set this up with you LIVE, then test it by printing out my Subliflower and compare it to the Epson F170, Sawgrass 500, and even an Epson EcoTank with Hiipoo ink!
Ink Comparison
Brother Sublimation Ink comes in 47 ML Cartridges and it is $39/cartridge or $143 for a full set -- they are available on Amazon and I've seen them already in stock at my local craft store.
Epson Sublimation Ink comes in 140ML Bottles at $25/bottle or $100 for a full set - these are harder to get, they are not available on Amazon or in stores, you have to order from a specialty shop like HeatTransferWarehouse to get It.
Sawgrass Sublimation Ink comes in 20ML in starter cartridges and 31 ML in standard cartridges and is $80/cartridge, or $300 for full set -- this is pretty easy to get on Amazon and in craft stores
This video was recorded live during the 7th Annual Maker Maker Mingle virtual countdown to Christmas! Get on the free Gift List for free projects, files, tutorials, and our Giftaway Game at jennifermaker.com/25
Learn more about Sublimation at jennifermaker.com/sublimation...

[@user-ib5om3cf3p]

I finally gave up on my Epson ET-2800in November. I bought this printer and finally started using it today and the results are amazing. Sharp, clear, colorful prints. I love it!

[@JenniferMaker]

Great to hear! 😊🌻

[@rosepratt8263]

I am actually watching this because I was about to order this EXACT printer but was worried I couldn’t set it up, I have NEVER used a sublimation printer. I love your teaching quality. Totally trust you and anything you say about products. I owe most of my creative projects to watching your tutorials. Thank you again

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad I could help!🥰

[@josephinejacobs2159]

I absolutely appreciate these kind of videos. It isn’t edited and I really like this because we get to see everything without edits and I am sure a lot of us have similar set up questions as you were asking moving through. Like in this video, I was asking myself where the USB was and even Googled it and then you were looking and found it. I like how quiet this printer seems.

[@JenniferMaker]

I appreciate that!

[@carolemillsap9679]

A chilly day in Texas, but the sun is shining. Happy to be here and excited to learning something new! Thank you again for doing this every year!!!

[@jamiesamolej8317]

I love watching your videos. You are so smart, patient and down to earth. So glad I found you on KZbin!

[@radfam6071]

Such a cute idea!!! I don't have time today to watch the full video but will watch it later for sure! Thank you! You are darling! I'm from Michigan, too!

[@sheilalane1958]

Thanks for the showing us the machine & comparing them.

[@joycehowell5359]

Just got done putting up Christmas lights and jumped on to watch merry maker mingle

[@taniafisher2306]

Thank you so much! You saved me. I could not get my printer connected to wireless Lan and you had the same problem. You helped me so much I could not find support online without being charged. Your the best. And I am a fan for life!!!❤❤❤❤

[@JenniferMaker]

Yay! Thank you!

[@mjt4560]

Always enjoy these videos and connections.

[@rosepratt8263]

I’m so happy you are doing this video…..it will help me set up and realize it isn’t ALWAYS SMOOTH!

[@2Bs_scrapsNcrafts]

I live that you did this live. It will help a lot of people. I have been looking at this printer.

[@LindaYoung208]

Thank you for these videos showing us new items and how to setup

[@karenf.6367]

YAY!! So happy to see this! As soon as I heard about this printer I was hoping you would do a review/tutorial! I have watched Angie and Cory's videos but like that you did set up "live" so we could see what "issues" we might encounter when setting up. Thank you so much! 😊

[@Cagal08]

Did you see the price of the ink? ;o

[@karenf.6367]

Yes, but cheaper than Sawgrass inks. Since only using as a hobby tool to make gifts for friends/family so don't expect to go through ink super fast which is the reason I wanted a lower priced sublimation printer. The fact that it does it's own maintenance so I don't have to use it everyday was a plus.

[@Cagal08]

So the ink won't dry up if you don't use the printer in a week? I have had this happen with the Epson eco tanks. If it don't I am going to best buy first thing Monday morning to buy it @@karenf.6367

[@rlucio8365]

Thank you Jennifer you are my 'go to guru for all things crafting'. thanks

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks so much!

[@lindawilkes1658]

Hi from Reading MA. Love your videos. very helpful!! Cutting out the star lanterns as we speak!

[@osewhoopy9253]

I grew up in Reading...in Wakefield now!😀

[@jaymieoliphant3366]

I just bought this printer on Amazon and I am BEYOND excited to try sublimation!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@nancygonzalez2740]

Hello, and thank you for all you do

[@nezzie5071]

I was debating as to which Sublimation rout I would take, I am getting a brother. It seems to be the easiest to work with as a sublimation printer. Thank you so much for doing these, I am sure I will come back and watch again to make sure I do it all right.

[@user-co4kt9ud9r]

Thanks for sharing your gift to us.

[@teddys1641]

Very cute idea. Will definitely give this a try later. Thanks

[@wileydog222]

The paper tray does accommodate a legal size stack. Pull out the tray, push down on square button on the left labeled Legal and extend the tray towards you. Confirm on the screen that you have put in legal sized paper. The tray will protrude from the front but it's fine. Im not sure why Brother does not tell us this works but I did hear it was because Brother does not make legal sized sub Paper and wants to sell the letter sized. . I use HTV Ront paper with no problems.

[@JenniferMaker]

Good to know!

[@wileydog222]

@@JenniferMaker I was experimenting with 4 X 9.5 sub paper yesterday and was also able to stack it in the tray. I used the sliders to put the stack in the center and touching the back of the tray. I indicated letter size on the screen but set the custom size on the app. My mug designs printed perfectly! I appreciate your videos so much, Thank you 💝

[@janjeffers3462]

Thank you for the info on the Brother sublimation printer. Great video.

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad it was helpful!🥰

[@CFillers21]

Hellooo from Tn. So happy to see you today

[@kathyduge3199]

I learn something everytime I listen

[@grannyma1948]

Thank you Jennifer

[@PreschoolPlay]

Ahhh!!! Just saw you had broken 1,000,000 subs!!!!! Congrats!! Been a long time follower!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you🥰

[@donnamiller9578]

Get a field camera to capture photos of the animals on your new farm to use for sublimation.

[@treah9875]

Beautiful review I appreciate it so much

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@Cagal08]

I just hooked mine up and ran a test on it and I LOVE IT! Beautiful print out. Their sublimation paper is quite a bit more expensive than A-Sub but I bought a package of 100 , It works very well with Cricut Design Space.

[@JenniferMaker]

Good to know!

[@Suereifschneider]

Good afternoon from Missouri ❤❤❤❤

[@mjt4560]

I have made coasters with these tiles, and a foam, felt or cork back works well

[@pamlumpkin1829]

I really need that cookbook.

[@JenniferMaker]

Here you go. books.jennifermaker.com www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-c673d212

[@user-co4kt9ud9r]

I love the ideal of a map!

[@lindabradford9591]

Map is the bonus word if you missed the continuation of this video. She had to go to a new one!

[@jomoreland702]

Good morning, Sandpoint Idaho and another day of Snow!

[@RVincents]

You have got to be the sweetest person ever! I love your outfits and your vibe...

[@meddy2381]

Hello All! From NY

[@devnull3278]

Amazon is listing the page yeild per cartridge as 48 for the Brother. Is the page yield per cartridge really only 48 sheets? That seems excessively low compared to even a Sawgrass 500 (which yes, has a significantly higher ink cost). I just picked up the Brother printer (as my Sawgrass is down right now while I move). I'll be curious to see how many pages I actually get printed with the brother (I primarily do mugs - 2 mugs per sheet of standard letter-sized paper).

[@ModelbuchMuse]

Fabric roll is for the Brother PrintModa Studio, their new desktop fabric printer

[@annrosie1803]

There are High Capacity 70ml Sublijet ink cartridges available for the Sawgrass too (at least here in the UK).

[@sm-journey8281]

Cool! I'd love a long term usage review

[@JenniferMaker]

Noted!

[@debbiezuehlk9622]

I did not know you were in Ann arbor! I'm in Rochester Hills!

[@carijohnson2626]

Great review! I love this printer. It is my first sublimation printer. I have searched the web to find any information about it having a scanner, but I have not found any info. I have tried the iprint&scan but it will not find the printer and says it's not supported. I thought about contacting Brother, but I was wondering if anyone knows anything about it having a scanner.

[@nugreatgrandma]

Hello from California

[@bevmason2292]

Thank you

[@JenniferMaker]

You're welcome!

[@brttywithrow562]

Hello from WA state.

[@dustie56]

Hi from Ontario Canada

[@baronsmom]

Do you have a favorite sub paper for the Brother Sub printer? I just ordered one & want to eliminate ordering a bunch of different papers. Thanks!

[@Gailsshow-me-ec6iq]

Love your cookbook, Does brother have a large format printer?

[@199traxxas]

This is an awesome video! My question is can you transfer onto any fabric?

[@JenniferMaker]

You will want to use as high of a polyester count as possible for sublimation

[@merrymacmurphy]

I had trouble connecting my Brother Skitch to the wifi also. often it would not connect to my phone- so I could not use it. . this is why I dont like that Brother is now making use use Artspira. I ended up giving away my Skitch since half the time it would not connect. I wonder if the printer is the same way. brother needs to fix this issue. Your video is really helpful thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad it was helpful.

[@Mamawtesa]

It’s been three weeks now since you’ve had the brother, do you still recommend the brother? I saw grass has bit the dust and I’m on the hunt. Ugh Thank you

[@MrAnujathavamani]

Thank you for the review, I'm will be traveling for 6 to 7 weeks, at that time if I leave the printer plugged in will it be alright I'm worried about ink drying. Any suggestion?

[@JenniferMaker]

The SP1 Sublimation Printer automatically cleans the print head when needed if the machine is plugged in and turned on.

[@user-ib5om3cf3p]

LOL did you ever look at the right side of your printer??? It shows you where to hook up the usb which I had to do. OK, I saw you figured it out. I couldn't get my drivers to install until after I connected via USB

[@josephinejacobs2159]

Your videos are so helpful. Does this work from a regular desktop computer? I really don’t want to use my phone - though properly easier, all of my images are saved on an external hard drive and I upload them on the desktop. Thanks

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes

[@kodegyrl]

Thank you so much for this and all of your videos! I had heard that you need to use a ventilation system with most sublimation printers since they give off fumes. Do you have any idea if the Epson or Brother needs one?

[@JenniferMaker]

I recommend good ventilation when sublimating in general 🥰

[@kodegyrl]

@@JenniferMaker I totally agree. I have seen some printer companies sell additional ventilation systems that hook up to the printers or they recommend running a purifier right beside the printer as well as opening a window. I was just wondering if there were any such instructions, equipment recommendations or suggestions from Epson or Brother. I can't find anything online.

[@angela0037]

I've been binge watching your videos and love them! I'm currently shopping for a sublimation printer. Do you know a good one that prints larger than 8.5" wide?? I've realized a lot of the design on shirts are larger than that but can't seem to find a printer that won't break the bank...and I'm scared to convert one as well since I wouldn't have a warranty or support and I've heard when you do that, it wears out the print heads quickly??

[@JenniferMaker]

You can search the web for results. Here are a few that I found. www.bestproductsreviews.com/wide-format-sublimation-printer Check out the Epson 15000 and Sawgrass.

[@angela0037]

@@JenniferMaker Thanks. I've been searching the web for days, just doesn't seem to be an option for what i need. Looks like my only option is to piece together or convert. I was just hoping there was a true sub printer that would print 13x19 without spending thousands as it will be my first printer.

[@mrs.g2113]

I’m sorry I may have missed it….the biggest size the printer can print is 8x11 please advise and super thanks in advance

[@JenniferMaker]

The Brother Sublimation can print on 8.5 x 11 sublimation paper with a max print dimension of 8.27” x 10.75”.

[@renaerobinson5828]

Will this work with cricut design space

[@ednamcwilliams1761]

hello from Edna in Jasper Texas

[@teridraper7785]

Good afternoon!

[@christineconley7903]

The differences in the images from all the different printers could also have to do with using different papers.

[@carlaorozco1639]

Does it clean itself so it doesn't get clogged? and I also want to know if there is a price for a softer if needed, or if I have to make monthly payments? to use it like the hp I hate that

[@JenniferMaker]

From Brother: Your Brother machine will perform maintenance purges of the print head at regular intervals. The cleaning is to ensure consistent print quality and prevent damage to the print head. These purges remove any air or debris that may have gotten into the print head manifold. help.brother-usa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/85399/~/machine-performs-regular-cleaning-cycles#:~:text=Your%20Brother%20machine%20will%20perform,into%20the%20print%20head%20manifold.

[@gracebeaufort4426]

Its a snow day here in Maine

[@countycitybeach]

Which one was the best colours?

[@JenniferMaker]

Here is part 2. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZnIe3x7e91mb6c

[@user-on3tq6sd2j]

Hi from Colorado

[@user-tp1mn5xk6b]

I can't wait to try this,! Can you use a picture from your phone

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes! 😊🌻

[@jenniferherrera7633]

hi- I'm thinking about buying this since my ET clogged again :/ but can you use any brand of sublimation paper? or does it have to be brother brand?

[@JenniferMaker]

We use A SUB sublimation paper in our projects with great results 😊🌻

[@amandawillover1254]

❤

[@MoonyBVT]

Any chance the Ink Cartridges can be refilled using other brands Ink?

[@JenniferMaker]

I have not tried it. I have only used what Brother supplies for their own printers. Their inks are made for their printers.

[@katherineplaza5734]

Do we only need to use Brother paper? Or we can use other brand?

[@JenniferMaker]

The paper is specialized for the printer for the best results. You can alway test other brands if you are curious.

[@sharonmeyer7467]

hi jennifer from sunny queensland australia

[@lindabradford9591]

Go back out and type Jennifer maker and look for day 3 continued.

[@Jojosbags3840]

Does it do a periodic cleaning of the printer heads on it's own? I have an Epson converted printer. Edit**Just bought it :)

[@JenniferMaker]

No, the Epson EcoTank does not.

[@ednamcwilliams1761]

Watching now Edna

[@kathewitt7913]

Hi Jennifer, live in Lawton Ok

[@charlottearns2027]

Can you use any kind of sublimation paper in the Brother sublimation printer?

[@JenniferMaker]

You can only use Brother sublimation paper if you want to get any kind of ink density. As quoted from the Brother website.

[@illysesheaffer8858]

The brother printer, can you try with subs paper. Maybe it’s a paper differential??

[@bettyanncornwall4982]

Do you have to buy the ink separately or the brothers?

[@savvaschris2412]

I have a question. When comparing the different printer printouts, why would you use Truepix paper on the sawgrass then use A-Sub paper on the Epson, ecotank and brother. Surely you should use the same paper to compare correctly. Truepix is a very good match for the sawgrass printer, so why didn't you use Epson paper for the Epson printer? Why you not comparing apples to apples?

[@JenniferMaker]

You can request that. jennifermaker.com/projectrequests/

[@ayananicholas3998]

Hi how u got cook bind together

[@user-xp7tz1sr6n]

What is the largest paper size it will take

[@wileydog222]

The paper tray does accommodate a legal size stack. Pull out the tray, push down on square button on the left labeled Legal and extend the tray towards you. Confirm on the screen that you have put in legal sized paper. The tray will protrude from the front but it's fine. Im not sure why Brother does not tell us this works but I did hear it was because Brother does not make legal sized sub Paper and wants to sell the letter sized. . I use HTV Ront paper with no problems.

[@katielentz1015]

I see you are using your phone for Artspira. Can you use your iPhone AND your iPad?

[@JenniferMaker]

AnswerThe Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer is compatible with Safari, Google Chrome, and the Artspira app for iOS.

[@cathyhall7457]

Can you tell us by chance how much are the replacement ink???

[@JenniferMaker]

That could depend on where you live. You can do an internet search for your location.

[@Graceandfiredesignz]

Whats the highest paper size please? Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

Letter size.

[@johnandlani8685]

Can the hippo sub ink refills be used on this printer?

[@JenniferMaker]

You can only use Brother sublimation paper if you want to get any kind of ink density. Quoted from the Brother site.

[@kimrussell6081]

861$ in Canada amazon i'm a beginner so i'll pass for now but thank you for all you do

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you!

[@laurielasley6568]

Hi does canvas workspace talk with brother sublimation printer? thanks

[@JenniferMaker]

Here is CanvasWorkspace from Brother. canvasworkspace.brother.com/en#:~:text=CanvasWorkspace%20-%20a%20FREE%2C%20cloud%2D,original%20cutting%20and%20drawing%20designs.

[@jamesharvey446]

Those cartridges are very expensive $140 plus for a set. Makes the Epsons attractive in the long term. ,

[@brandyadams2468]

Is there a way to use dtv paper in this printer? I have had zero luck so far using all hacks

[@JenniferMaker]

That is not something that we tested to give you an answer. You can ask in the group to see if anyone has done this. facebook.com/groups/sublimationmadeeasy brotherdtg.com/downloads/GTX_Direct_To_Film.pdf

[@karenmariebowen4921]

I am trying to set up my brother sublimation printer..all went well until I tried to sign into the artspira App and it is the input account info won' let me go any further..

[@JenniferMaker]

You can ask in our group for help with this. facebook.com/groups/sublimationmadeeasy

[@user-mn4vn8ix4k]

I'm not vert techie and had problems where she started a video and we had to go to a new video to complete the class so I had to email to get help.

[@brendanugent1849]

Hi from Starke Fl

[@THS-gq4tw]

I for one prefer the real time "live" videos, yours are wonderful and appreciated. I don't like the edited ones so much because they make it look like there were no issues, You do fabulous and I appreciate you. Thank you. All the best and God bless.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks so much! ❤️

[@kittdeverville9630]

Where can I get the sublimation cookbook?

[@JenniferMaker]

It's available at sublimationcookbook.com 😊🌻

[@juanitaharris1994]

Does the Brothers ink last as long and Epson ecotank

[@JenniferMaker]

Once the ink is in both printers it basically lasts for 6 months on average.

[@brttywithrow562]

Jennifer do we have to sign up every day to be entered for prizes?

[@JenniferMaker]

🎄Get on the Gift List at jennifermaker.com/25 🎄

[@drayemerson5167]

Thinking of buying a printer for my wife. Would you go with the Brother SP1 or Sawgrass SG500?

[@JenniferMaker]

I have more experience with the Sawgrass so I would suggest asking or searching for other opinions in my Sublimation FB Group, facebook.com/groups/sublimationmadeeasy

[@Terrie812]

Can you print on 100% cotton shirts with the brother?

[@JenniferMaker]

Sublimation needs a high polyester count to work well. jennifermaker.com/how-to-sublimate-on-cotton/

[@illysesheaffer8858]

Why do you use cardstock on the bottom and not butcher paper?

[@JenniferMaker]

To protect the pressing mat 😊🌻