What is Sublimation? How do you convert inkjet printer to a sublimation printer? Step-by-Step Guide

[@vanessajadegallagher7150]

You’ve changed my life! I wanted to buy a sublimation machine but now I won’t have to woohoo!!

[@brandiquanrud3737]

This is awesome! No more individual sheets and painful weeding and inserting of other colors! This is so dang smart Karley!! I’m in craft with you 😍.

[@CyanDOTexe]

This was a big help. I got everything else I needed, but I couldn't decided whether to go with regular Heat Transfer or sublimation to start, but the printer was MUCH cheaper on Target then Amazon, and everything being laid out in the description was super. Thanks very much :D

[@amarrasao3614]

Thank you so much for this video! I had no idea I could convert my printer into a sublimation printer. I'm just starting to get into making my own shirts so this was a huge help!

[@johnnypopovich905]

Epson printers can be converted.

[@tiffanyl7611]

How do you empty a hp cartridge to refill with sublimation ink?

[@kimaustin5409]

Thank you!!!!! I would have never thought to use the top as a funnel. Very smart

[@cpaulette1]

The timing of this video is so funny as I spent last night not able to sleep as I was trying how to make one of my HP printers into a Sublimation printer. Even took notes of my thoughts. I was thinking that several people use refilled ink cartridges so why couldn't I try to find blank and fill with sublimation ink. I am surprised that the printer companies don't just come out with sublimation ink cartridges.

[@johnnypopovich905]

I dont think you can use your Hp printer...majority of them use thermal print head which does not work foe sublimation.

[@rlamar9149]

Paulette did you ever convert yours and it work?

[@cpaulette1]

@@rlamar9149 Yes I did. Conversion was simple and have started in my new hobby of sublimation now.

[@littlet125100]

@@cpaulette1 Where did you get the refillable cartidge and What HP printer do you have?

[@cpaulette1]

@@littlet125100 Epson 2720 and bought sublimation ink on amazon and filled the eco tank

[@ladygenteel1850]

thank you i hope you do more tutorial videos on different topic. you explain every thing so that we understand what we are doing, i would very much appreciate a tutorial on the silhouette.

[@michellecartwrightbruckner528]

The lid tip is THE BEST! Thank you!!

[@GamingWithMus]

Thank you so so much. I was stressing over getting a cricut for this function. You saved me the stress and the money. I didn't know this technology existed. You even provided a workspace (silhouette). Thanks once more. I'm ready to start selling. Times are rough :(

[@jrhodes3216]

Random sidebar... LOVE ❤️ your nails! 💅🏻

[@yamilettrevino1165]

Genius ! Obsessed with this idea 😍😍😍😍 Thank youuu... I have a printer collecting dust in it's box that my husband got me for Christmas.. now I will have gooood use with this idea 🥰🤗🤗

[@hefdhi]

not all printers can be converted to a sublimation printer, make sure yours is compatible

[@yamilettrevino1165]

@@hefdhi hmmm.. I shall do that.. I have a workforce wf-3640

[@bbjo787]

I just stumbled upon this video and purchases the printer and ink while my hubby was driving us to the store! Can't wait to get started.

[@najasstaslays3094]

This is seriously awesome...I’m just clicking around at 2am and happened to click on this video and I’m so blown away!! I have a HP OfficeJet Pro 8035 All-in-One Printer which doesn’t have the ink that can be refilled(I don’t think😂) wonder if this is possible on it..anyway u can take a quick peak and let me know if it’s possible I would seriously truly appreciate it! Oh and most definitely gained a new subscriber!

[@KarleyHall]

I personally wouldn’t recommend using a printer that has cartridges because some brands put sensors on their cartridges. If you put third party cartridges in them, they will reject them and won’t print. That’s why I ended up going with an eco tank! I’d recommend googling your printer type with sublimation and see if people have tried it!

[@omsingharjit]

7:16 what do you mean by regular paper .. Is it just plain A4 monochrome xerox paper Or Glossy paper ?

[@KarleyHall]

I used letter sized copy/ xerox paper! But any size copy paper that fits your printer will work. I have a video that compares sublimation paper to copy paper and I don’t see a difference.

[@omsingharjit]

@@KarleyHall how xerox paper transfer the ink instead of absorbing it !

[@KarleyHall]

@@omsingharjit kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4vVlIeandGjl6M You can see how here!

[@lucy23794]

This is too cool. I'm looking to do designs and sell shirts again and this is awesome!

[@gabrielagarceau4444]

AWESOME! you literally saved my life! I’ve been searching for an understandable explanation and details on products for this type of sublimation, you are a genius! Thank you so much

[@ladygenteel1850]

THIS IS THE BEST TUTORIAL I HAVE SEEN RE SUBING , THANK YOU. I TOO HAVE A HP BUT NOT REFILLABLE. I AM AWAITING YOU ANSWER TO THE OTHER 2 COMMENTS RE THE HP PRINTER.

[@KarleyHall]

I personally wouldn’t recommend using a printer that has cartridges because some brands put sensors on their cartridges. If you put third party cartridges in them, they will reject them and won’t print. That’s why I ended up going with an eco tank! I’d recommend googling your printer type with sublimation and see if people have tried it!

[@johnnypopovich905]

HP printers are not for sublimation. They use thermal print heads whoch do not work with sublimation ink. Epson printers can be converted. Epson printers will say the ink is not genuine Epson brand but it will still print like normal it just voids your warranty...who cares...if youre sublimating the printer will pay for its self in no time. Know what youre doing before you start its not as simple as you think. The girl who made this video doesnt even know what shes talking about ifs shes telling you yoir HP printer can be converted.

[@sheliabailey9216]

Thanks you made this so easy and economical.

[@RondaRed0777]

I feel so lucky to have found this thank you so much. I just learned how to sublimate in minutes! Gooo Me* You are a GODDESS! I'm a beginner beginner just purchased a circuit air 2 tonight! Now I'm looking for a affordable jet ink under $150.00

[@jodygirou9926]

Genius! Thank you! Just ordered the printer and the inks! Looking forward to next week when I can try it out! :)

[@kimknight1019]

How did it workout?

[@Jean-gc6pr]

This was really helpful to me - exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you so much!

[@MRSWEITZ-jw1md]

Wonderful information thank you so much. This really is a huge help.

[@Yaaspassions]

You are amazing for making this video. Thank so much, it is by far the best explaind video on converting a printer for sublimation that I have viewed.👍

[@misssocialdeb3777]

OMG! I have learned so much from this video! Thank you, I am just starting to try sublimation. You have answered so many of my questions! :)

[@BriSandz]

Thank you SO much for the video, I cant wait to try this out. I really didn't want to pay for the sublimation printer lol

[@anjahofmann6480]

Great video! Could you link the ink bottles with the right cap for that printer, please? I can’t find it

[@haftners]

This was awesome, not only was it immensely helpful and informative you also provided some extreme cost saving measures. Thanks I wonder how it would work for textured fabrics or wraparound designs though.

[@Harraway843]

Would you suggest two printers. I am really only wanted to do my son’s custom artwork on shirts and other things for him and family. Would the sublimation be the best for that reason. I know it is best to get another printer for all regular work and not having to flush it everytime.

[@islandjohn9486]

Thank you so much. Any idea of it can be done with an Epson ET2700 series?

[@omsingharjit]

Is it possible to use Thermal inkjet printer like Hp or cannon deskjet based printers for this Hack ? I think thermal inkjet Technology is not suitable for Sublimation based ink because these technologies use tiny strings of heating nozzle to sprey ink and these ink can clog by the heated nozzle !! What you think about it?

[@angelasalas5038]

Your video was extremely helpful as I just opened my Epson printer and started to fill it with sublimation ink. Question - do you have any recommendations for websites to get tshirts from for sublimation projects?

[@jaymelynn9835]

Jiffy shirts is a great resource! They will let you search by material too to ensure the sublimation design is compatible.

[@099bmac]

Thank you very much! , I wasn't sure what sublimation was all about.

[@deazsagibson8177]

Hello can i use a epson xp 5100 printer as a sublimation printer?

[@tiannaalexander472]

Hello, what if you have already used the ink that came with the printer.. can you still change if to sublimation ink?

[@503usspittsburgh]

Thank you so much for the idea. I am trying this!

[@KarleyHall]

Yep! I just flip them inside out and peel out the resin!

[@lenzyluv]

Best tutorial ever!!! Thank you for sharing your ideas.

[@sammyblue20]

Hii, thank you for sharing 🙏🏻💖 can you share what paper you use? . Thank you!! 💖

[@KarleyHall]

Everything is linked in the video description! You can also find everything on the sublimation list at www.amazon.com/shop/karley.hall its regular copy paper!

[@jameschristianrosas5534]

Very helpful video. Thankyou. I have a question..Can i also make subli printer the canon mx497?with ciss thankyou..

[@ManchesterIsBlue]

Great Video, how many washes would it take before it starts to fade?

[@Aljobritt]

Thank you for the video! I too have a Mac and was wondering did you download the ICC Profiles for the Printer Jack ink? If so how do you select it? My printer is in transit. I am trying to learn as much as I can now! Thank you

[@KarleyHall]

I didn’t! I just sent up the printer and printed! I planned to have to download color profiles, but didn’t need to!

[@hefdhi]

You really will see a huge difference when using ICC profile. Follow this link, sublimationstudies.com/2019/03/20/how-to-install-a-sublimation-icc-printer-profile/ then set your preferences on your printer settings ; 1- on COLOR MATCHING, select COLORSYNC and set the ICC profile that you installed. 2- on PRINT SETTINGS, set PREMIUM PRESENTATION PAPER MATTE as MEDIA TYPE , and PRINT QUALITY to BEST. ..........You are welcome.

[@ebjoylove]

Yup, I’m sold. This was so cool 🤯😌😂

[@TobiosArt]

I am not sure if you answered it already i am thinking since a while to get into sublimation inks but the question is can i still do normal prints with it since i want to do A3 sized stuff w shirts and a3 art prints

[@malagontania]

Did you ever do a comparison of paper

[@KarleyHall]

Tania Malagon yep!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4vVlIeandGjl6M

[@nicolejones3851]

you kinda just blew my mind with the regular paper!! my question is about the fabric that this works on. is 100% cotton totally out of the question? i am only transferring to shirts, so i'm curious what fabric is optimal for this process. that video was awesome! i'm super excited. thanks!!

[@KarleyHall]

Unfortunately-- the ink will wash right out of 100% cotton! Anything with high polyester content is key! I like to choose fabrics with 80% or higher but you can get away with around 60%. Your image will just not be as vibrant.

[@marisolcelestial254]

Will this work on any polyester shirt ?

[@gogostorres4913]

You’re a genius!!!❤️❤️ Well explain!! Easy to understand 100000!!! Plus

[@iOvercome2024]

Thank you for the video. Can all epson printers be converted to sublimation printers? Would like to get the epson expression printer but am unsure if I can convert to sublimation printer?

[@KarleyHall]

Technically yes- but I only recommend epson eco tanks so you don’t have to worry about cartridge compatibility.

[@peteyakasquarebear]

Wow!!! Thank you so much. I wonder if this would work on dark colored shirts as well. And if so, can white be used in the design?

[@KarleyHall]

It won’t work well on dark colors. Think of the ink like watercolors. If you painted on a black sheet of paper, you’d barely see any colors. “White” isn’t an option to add- it would just be the negative space or lack of color.

[@peteyakasquarebear]

@@KarleyHall thank you so much for the reply.

[@almesharobinsonl344]

Does their printer size limit the project size? Will it make a template for a 2x shirt?

[@KarleyHall]

It’s limited to 8.5” by 43” so you can print pretty good sizes!

[@IzikGraphics]

Hello, would we need to inject ghost white sublimation ink into the black (BK) slot or is the ink able to print on black shirts

[@KarleyHall]

You’d need a printer compatible with white ink toner. Sublimation ink is translucent so white is just the negative space. Don’t replace the black with white in a standard inkjet printer :)

[@KarleyHall]

You cannot sublimate on black unfortunately.

[@tiffanyl7611]

How do you empty the hp cartridges to put sublimation ink in?

[@notrisandays]

So a few questions I don't if they have been asked. How can I make the designs stick to darker clothing? Is there a way to darken the colors as well because a white t shirt looks pale with this process?

[@cierrapapademetriou5393]

Hello! Question.. what fabric do you think works best for doing this ? 100% cotton ? Polyester ?

[@KarleyHall]

I like 95% poly 5% spandex. It will not fuse to cotton since it cotton is a natural fiber :(

[@emily-wz1rk]

Hi! Does it have to be polyester blend? I have mostly 100% cotton shirts

[@KarleyHall]

Check out this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmPRfKmQbp2qh5I

[@hallisutton2441]

Could you let me know if you had two sets of inks one for regular and another set just for using sublimation ink could you still use the epson eco tank system interchangeably ? Didn’t know if the sublimation ink would clog the printer heads

[@KarleyHall]

You cannot use them interchangeably. I recommend one printer for sublimation and one for regular ink :)

[@JoeJoe-wp1vv]

Can you use this technique to print on Heat Transfer Paper?

[@KarleyHall]

You can use a regular printer to print on printable htv! You don’t need sublimation ink :)

[@piersidemafia450]

Can I use hp 3700 for printing t shirt with out using sublimation Inks? Only printable htv?

[@tucsonairbrush3233]

How is the Epson printer to work with? any issues? clogging etc...? Do you print a lot? Thank you

[@connectthedots03]

Can you use a regular iron to transfer into stuff??

[@KarleyHall]

No- an iron isn’t hot enough and the heating element isn’t consistent enough to transfer like this.

[@meetyounever6923]

What a space/money saver!! Thanks for all the tips. 🤗

[@conniemcclain2366]

Thank you for confirming this will work! I told my husband I think this might work as it's similar to hooking up with CISS.

[@benbenhomeandlifestyle5122]

Is that regular paper?

[@jenniferzieger66]

If I have an old canon printer with cartridges can I make it a sublimation printer or not because I’ve had regular ink cartridges in it previously?

[@KarleyHall]

Canon printers will not work. They do not have the correct print heads and their systems use heat.

[@andrearamireztovar4354]

I have a used hp ink jet printer can I convert that into a sublimation printer ?

[@jennr591]

Hi Karley. Thanks so much for the helpful info! Have you tried any family photos as yet? Curious to know how that picture quality came out. Thank you!

[@KarleyHall]

Yes! I just made my sister in law a phone case! It turned out so cute!!

[@HappyGnoux]

that's amazing! Is there any type of ink that would work on other materials (like cotton fabric ?)

[@LaJuneYevette]

i just empted the epson ink, rinsed the bottle out and put the sub ink in it

[@pantinosm]

it worked?

[@jayblizzard8828]

Did it work

[@garciafamilyaccount6766]

Is there a difference in quality with the printer you have compared to other epson printers?

[@ktgreenhill]

Hey! What kind of paper do you use in the printer when printing the sublimation image ?

[@KarleyHall]

Everything is linked in the video description! Most people use sublimation paper, but I’m too cheap and use copy paper!

[@vernenarussell4970]

Do I have to buy, and change out, different colors for each project.

[@KarleyHall]

Nope! Put the ink in once and print any color you want :)

[@Tygerlily77]

Karley- what size did you use for the rainbow on the onesie?

[@cliettr]

Do you know if any Ecotank will work with this method?

[@KarleyHall]

Any epson ecotank will work!

[@puppetmasterr666]

i want to know if this works on red shirts. i work at target. i wonder if i screen print then sublimate if it would work

[@KarleyHall]

It will work but think of it like water coloring. If you were to paint water color onto a red piece of cardstock, the colors would not pop like they do on white. The red would show through since the ink isn’t opaque.

[@jamiezamora2577]

What paper are you using?

[@tiffanymatthews7656]

How does the regular print paper work compared to the sub paper when it come to washing the garment.

[@KarleyHall]

It’s 100 percent permanent! There is no difference :)

[@mechanicalenginer]

It was a great work. helped me with many issues. I have a few questions, I would be glad if you answer. Has the printer been used with regular ink before? Have you used the ink tanks for the first time, have you used them with normal ink before?

[@KarleyHall]

This printer never had regular ink in it. I have the same printer with regular ink and one with sublimation ink.

[@mechanicalenginer]

I have an Epson Wp 4535 series printer. I have been using this for about 2 years. with normal ink. I want it to work with sublimation ink. Will it work with a new ink tank?

[@erikagonzalez-qh4bq]

HI THANK YOU FOR THIS AWESOME VIDEO! Would a Epson Workforce Pro WF-3730 work for sublimation?

[@superLPS888]

Do you think it can work on denim too?

[@KarleyHall]

Most denim is made from cotton fibers. So it will not work. You’d need to find denim coated for sublimation.

[@MrFadingGray]

Hi can a hp deskjet ink advantage 3635 be used to do sublime printing

[@KarleyHall]

I don’t recommend Hps! I’d say go with a true sublimation printer like sawgrass or an epson eco tank like the one in this video! rstyle.me/cz-n/et9eq9c85vp

[@MrFadingGray]

@@KarleyHall thank you

[@jessiiet7757]

Will this work on a Canon Ts3320 all in on inkjet Printer??

[@KarleyHall]

I don’t recommend canons. They have heated rollers and their print heads clog up when sublimation ink is used.

[@michaelabonta2796]

Thank you so much for all of the information! Where do you get your onesies?

[@KarleyHall]

I get them from Cricut! I have them linked in the video description! 🥰

[@crystalmartinez4296]

Great video! Now I’m really thinking about going about my shirt creating process this exact way. I do have one question so hopefully you can answer it for me. Would this same process work for dark fabrics? Or will special sublimation paper need to come into play?

[@KarleyHall]

The ink is translucent so it won’t show on dark fabrics. You can sublimate onto products like easy subli to make them appear, but at that point I feel like it’s kind of just like printable iron on.

[@crystalmartinez4296]

@@KarleyHall got it! thanks so much for the response.

[@frankyjayy9325]

This is amazing!! I am just learning to do shirts. Using white paper it’s an amazing idea of you are in a budget, but my question is, What kind of paper do you use when you are transferring an image to a dark color shirt? Would you used your “print and cut” in your Cricut? Or is there another alternative that you suggest?

[@KarleyHall]

Unfortunately you can’t sublimate on dark shirts since the ink is translucent. I would recommend printable HTV printed using an inkjet printer :)

[@KH-kg9em]

Can you link the iron on Craftivist picture you have on the T-shirt?

[@KarleyHall]

It’s linked! It’s the yay day link 🥰

[@KH-kg9em]

@@KarleyHall You’re awesome, Thank you!

[@callisto9]

Thank you so much for this video! I was all set tonight to do my first sublimation puzzle! I didn't realize you had to have a sublimation PRINTER, too! After 60 seconds, I lifted my sublimation paper and... blank puzzle. LOL Question: if I put in the sublimation inks, how will that affect all the other printing I do? Will it look the same?

[@KarleyHall]

callisto9 I have a different printer for regular printing!

[@dpr4820]

Will you ever be able to use the printer for regular printing if desired?

[@johnnypopovich905]

You cant convert any printer. Epson printers csn be converted because they do not use thermal print heads. If you put sublimation ink into your thermal head printer. You will ruin your printer and it will not work.

[@v9044]

Does it have to be polyester or could it be any other type of material?

[@KarleyHall]

It has to be a high content of polyester. That’s what the ink fuses to.

[@KimmieJ1920_LNC]

Can you use the printer as a regular printer after using it for aublimation

[@KarleyHall]

I don’t recommend switching back and forth!

[@KimmieJ1920_LNC]

@@KarleyHall thanks. I didn't think that would work out. I'll have to purchase another 1 for subbing

[@estefaniig9884]

When making these can the picture be any picture or does it have to be a special design for it to work?

[@KarleyHall]

Any picture will work :)

[@elizabethsanchez5001]

I have a question can i use other paper heat transfer other than submilation paper ?

[@KarleyHall]

I don’t use sublimation paper in this video. If you want to use printable heat transfer vinyl, you don’t need a sublimation printer.

[@dpr4820]

Can you use a regular iron or do you need an Easy Press? Thank you!

[@KarleyHall]

You need something that can heat up to at least 385 degrees fahrenheit. Most irons can’t get that hot and don’t have even enough heating!

[@adam-7147]

Wow, great info in this one. Very grateful. I guess this should save a lot of money when you don't have to buy transfer papers. One question though, do they wash well? Durability?

[@KarleyHall]

So long as you use a polyester blend (these are 95%), they will never fade!!

[@dellarhoads723]

Also can you covert a printer after its already been used as a regular printer

[@KarleyHall]

You can-- but it is very difficult. You would have to empty all of the ink, and then clean the print heads until they were free of any ink.

[@Coolangel214]

Question can I use this printer for regular heat press paper? I want to be able to use Cotton shirts instead of sublimation? Thank you in advance.

[@KarleyHall]

Yes you can! You just would want to put the regular ink it comes with in it :) and print on printable HTV

[@Coolangel214]

@@KarleyHall okay I see thank you again for the response! 😊👍

[@BVNGVRVNG]

I take it this process only works on white fabric/material?

[@KarleyHall]

It works on any light color! The ink is translucent so the color underneath will show through :)

[@nathanielmcbride8838]

did you use regular print paper?

[@KarleyHall]

Yes :)

[@REELLIFETVPROD]

Wait just regular paper? That's awesome!

[@KarleyHall]

Yep! Copy paper and sublimation ink!

[@haydnwintersvlogs9946]

How do I commit one of cartridges not an ego ink

[@maleahtei]

Can you use sublimation ink to a canvas tote?

[@jessicazeise5407]

Where did you get the Craftivist image. I love it and want it. :)

[@KarleyHall]

It’s linked in the video description :)

[@jessicaheras3309]

Once you convert it, can you go back and use it as a regular printer? Can you go back and forth from regular printing and sublimation?

[@KarleyHall]

Technically yes. But it is so difficult to empty out. So I say no :(

[@jessicaheras3309]

@@KarleyHall thank you so much for the quick reply!

[@allisonmitchell2139]

Would the Epson L3110 inkjet 4 color tank system 5760 work?! I’m wanting to get into sublimation so bad but all the other Epson printers are completely sold out! :(