Discover the best sublimation printing starter kits that help beginners and small businesses achieve professional-grade transfers. This guide compares five top All-in-One bundles, covering printers, ink sets, paper, and starter blanks. Each option is evaluated for ease of use, compatibility, and value, so you can choose the kit that fits your needs and growth plans.
| Product | Brand | Printer Type | Included Inks/Paper | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Starter Kit | makerflo | All-in-One Sublimation Printer | CMYK ink set, sublimation paper, 10 tumblers | Hobbyists and small businesses |
| CenDale DTF Sublimation Kit | CenDale | DTF/Sublimation Starter Kit | DTF film, powder, paper | Beginner to intermediate transfers |
| Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer | Johnson Plastics Plus | Dedicated Sublimation Printer | Full ink set, starter paper | Professional beginners and small shops |
| Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle | Brother | Subli Printer Bundle | Full inks, blanks, paper | Comprehensive starter setup |
| Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle | Sawgrass | Professional-grade sublimation | SubliJet UHD inks, paper | Serious hobbyists and small businesses |
Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Starter Kit
The Epson SureColor F170 Starter Kit from MakerFlo provides an all-in-one sublimation solution tailored for beginners and small businesses. It features a Precision Core microTFP printhead and precise droplet control for vibrant colors and sharp details on tumblers, shirts, mugs, and more. The bundle includes a CMYK ink set, sublimation paper, heat tape, and a 10-pack of sublimation tumblers. It is compatible with Mac and Windows desktops/laptops, with internet access required for setup. Note that the printer is not compatible with mobile devices, and once ink is added, returns may be limited; manufacturer support is included.
Why it matters for beginners: An integrated starter bundle reduces the usual step-by-step sourcing tasks, helping you verify workflow from design to final transfer. The included tumblers offer a ready-made product line to test market demand and build early confidence in pricing and fulfillment.
CenDale DTF Sublimation Kit
The CenDale DTF Sublimation Kit is marketed as an all-in-one starter that blends DTF transfer film, powder, and printing prep. The kit includes 30 A4 matte DTF papers, 14 oz/400 g DTF powder, parchment paper, and sensor recognition stickers to ease film handling. Its upgraded formula emphasizes strong ink absorption, vibrant colors, and reduced sticking during peeling. The kit is designed for compatibility with most DTF and sublimation printers, making it a flexible choice for creators who explore both transfer methods and mixed media projects.
Considerations: This kit leans toward DTF-first workflows, which can be appealing for producing textiles with durable transfers. However, buyers should verify printer compatibility and confirm substrate suitability for their target products before committing to large-scale runs.
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer
This Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer from Johnson Plastics Plus emphasizes professional-grade color saturation and a closed paper tray for clean operation. The bundle includes a full set of Epson sublimation ink, user guide, power cable, starter blanks, and thermal tape along with 8.5″ x 11″ and 8.5″ x 14″ paper. Key features include PrecisionCore printhead technology for high-quality results and a dust-resistant print area to minimize setup time. A 150-sheet auto-feed tray improves workflow efficiency for small runs.
Best for: Those who want a robust, Epson-supported workflow with reliable color consistency across a variety of substrates, from light textiles to hard surfaces.
Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle
The Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle delivers a comprehensive sublimation setup with a full ink set, 160 sheets of sublimation paper, 50 blanks, heat-resistant tape, and more. The bundle also includes Monograms, SVGs, and commercial-use designs, along with ProSub sublimation paper and additional blank items. This option is designed for users who want a broad assortment of ready-to-print substrates and design resources, reducing the need to source components separately. The included paper and blanks provide a straightforward path to launching product offerings quickly.
Pros: Strong value for those who plan to produce a range of items such as shirts, mugs, and tumblers, with plenty of design assets to experiment with from day one.
Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Deluxe Bundle
This Deluxe Starter Bundle extends the basic Brother SP-1 offering with even more blanks, additional paper, and extra decorative elements for sublimation projects. The kit includes two tumblers, two wine tumblers, two mugs, and more design cards for quick marketing and customization. It’s aimed at buyers who want to scale up production and maintain variety in their catalog while keeping a compact, desktop-friendly footprint.
As with any bundle, verify substrate compatibility with your chosen projects and ensure you have a compatible heat press to maximize the equipment’s potential.
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle
The Sawgrass SG500 Starter Bundle offers professional-grade sublimation at a compact desktop size. It includes a full starter set of SubliJet UHD inks and TruePix sublimation paper, with Wi-Fi connectivity for convenient setup. The SG500 is designed for versatility, supporting prints up to 8.5″ x 14″ and a bypass tray for larger formats. This option is well-suited for small businesses looking for reliable color accuracy, a strong software ecosystem, and scalable production capabilities.
Considerations: Sawgrass is a strong ecosystem for customization and design, though initial cost and ongoing ink expenses should be weighed against expected monthly output and product mix.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Print technology and substrate compatibility: Decide between general sublimation, DTF-forward workflows, or a mixed approach. Consider whether you’ll work primarily with textiles, drinkware, or harder substrates.
- Ink and paper ecosystem: Look for bundles that include reliable ink sets and appropriate paper to minimize setup friction. Inks should be compatible with your printer model to ensure color accuracy and print longevity.
- Printer size and footprint: Desktop-friendly units like SG500 and most Brother and Epson F170 bundles suit home studios or small shops; larger format needs may require dedicated space.
- Software and design assets: Some bundles include monograms, SVGs, and marketing designs. Evaluate whether these resources save time and help you monetize quickly.
- Maintenance and support: Check warranty terms, availability of customer support, and whether starter kits require non-returnable ink after installation.
- Future scalability: Consider whether the kit offers upgrade paths, additional blanks, or expansion into new product lines as demand grows.
- Total cost of ownership: Compare ink consumption, replacement parts, and the cost of additional blanks to determine true long-term value.
- Ease of setup: Bundles with clear instructions and active support can shorten the learning curve, particularly for newcomers to sublimation.