Sublimation Inks & Paper — Epson T49M, Inktec Sublinova G7 & Epson DS Transfer Paper

Three different garment-decoration technologies, each with different inks and substrate compatibility. Sublimation — dye is printed onto transfer paper, then heat-pressed at 380–400°F for 30–60 seconds onto polyester or polyester-coated substrates (mugs, phone cases, polyester apparel, ceramic tiles, sublimation-coated metals). The dye GASIFIES under heat and bonds with the polymer. Sublimation only works on poly-rich substrates — it will not adhere to 100% cotton. DTF (Direct-to-Film) — water-based pigment ink is printed onto a special PET film, dusted with adhesive powder, cured, then heat-pressed onto ANY fabric type (cotton, poly, blends, dark or light). DTF works on cotton; sublimation does not. See our DTF supplies. DTG (Direct-to-Garment) — water-based pigment ink printed directly onto cotton garments using a specialized inkjet printer (Epson SureColor F2100, Brother GTX). No paper or film involved. Works only on cotton/cotton-rich fabrics. Bottom line: sublimation for polyester and hard substrates; DTF for any-fabric transfers; DTG for direct cotton printing.

Not reliably. The Epson SureColor F170 and F570 are designed as closed-ink ecosystem machines, similar in concept to Sawgrass printers. Each ink bottle carries a chip that the printer reads on installation. Third-party "compatible" sublimation inks for F-series desktop machines either don't work at all (chip rejected) or work briefly and then cause head clogging, color shift, or warranty voiding. Save yourself the headache and use Epson T49M genuine ink — it's the only formulation guaranteed to maintain head life and color accuracy across the F170/F570 warranty period. The wide-format SureColor F-series machines (F6070, F7070, F9070) have less restrictive ink ecosystems and can run third-party inks like Inktec Sublinova G7 — but always check your specific machine's manual first.

Standard sublimation press settings are 380–400°F (193–204°C) for 30–60 seconds with firm pressure, but the exact recipe varies by substrate. Polyester apparel (light colors): 385°F, 45 seconds, medium-firm pressure. Polyester apparel (dark/sublimation-prepared): 400°F, 60 seconds, firm pressure. Ceramic mugs: 400°F, 180 seconds in a mug press. Polyester phone cases: 390°F, 60 seconds, light pressure (cases are delicate). Sublimation-coated metal photo panels: 400°F, 60–90 seconds, firm pressure. Always check the substrate manufacturer's spec sheet — sublimation-prepared products from different suppliers (FRP, ChromaLuxe, Vapor Apparel, etc.) have specific recommendations. Test on a sample first when switching substrate brands.

Sublimation inks and transfer papers are consumables. Sealed, unopened ink bottles and unopened paper rolls/sheet packs are eligible for store credit only, not a refund to the original payment method. Opened ink bottles cannot be returned or exchanged — once the seal is broken, the product is no longer resellable. Inspect your delivery on arrival; shipping damage (leaked or compromised bottles, water-damaged paper) must be reported within 48 hours with photo documentation. See our full refund and return policy.