5 Best Sublimation Printers for Tumblers (November 2026)
The best sublimation printers for tumbler wraps include the Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer. for a starter wrap setup, the Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer for standard-size wrap printing, and the Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer for long tumbler wraps.
On this page (7 sections)
- The best sublimation printer for tumblers by wrap size
- How we chose sublimation printers for tumbler wraps
- Compare paper size, feed path and ink
- How do you match a printer to your tumbler wrap?
- Should you choose a printer bundle or separate ink?
- Which printer fits a small tumbler business?
- Which sublimation printer should you choose for tumblers?
The best sublimation printer for tumblers is the Epson SureColor F170 for standard wrap designs, with genuine Epson ink, an 8.5 in media width and a 150-sheet tray. For a long wrap, the Sawgrass SG500 bypass tray handles prints up to 8.5 x 51 in.
A tumbler wrap needs a printer that can feed the design at its intended size. Measure the printable area, then match the template to the printer's paper width and feed path before choosing a model.
If you’re new to the process, start with what printer you need for sublimation. Our guide to what a sublimation tumbler is explains the blank and coating that let the transfer work.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a starter wrap setupJohnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer.
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for standard-size wrap printingJohnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Best for app-based designsCheck it - 5
Check itPinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink
Best for all-in-one functions
The best sublimation printer for tumblers by wrap size
The Epson F170 suits standard wrap sheets, while the Sawgrass SG500 and Pinckney support longer media through their stated feed options. Choose by the size of the actual template you plan to print.
Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer.: Best for a starter wrap setup
- 8.5 in maximum media width
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray
- Genuine Epson sublimation ink
- Starter kit, 8.5 x 11 in and 8.5 x 14 in paper, and thermal tape included
A compact dye-sublimation printer with genuine Epson ink and a bundle that includes paper and thermal tape. Its 8.5 in media width suits many standard wrap layouts, but check your template dimensions before printing.
Pros
- Genuine Epson sublimation ink included
- 150-sheet closed auto-feed tray
- Starter paper and thermal tape included
Cons
- Maximum media width is 8.5 in
- Mobile device connection is not supported
The F170 bundle is a practical fit when you want to begin with a dedicated dye-sublimation printer and basic wrap supplies together. It includes genuine Epson ink, 8.5 x 11 in and 8.5 x 14 in paper, and thermal tape, so you can start laying out standard-size transfers without sourcing those items separately.
Its 150-sheet auto-feed tray keeps paper enclosed between print jobs. The printer has an 8.5 in maximum media width, so measure the narrow dimension of your wrap and make sure the template fits before sending it to print.
Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead uses Precision Droplet Control for image clarity, and the printer is described for soft and rigid materials. The compact body may also suit a craft table where workspace is limited.
Choose this bundle if its included paper sizes match your current tumbler templates. It supports Mac and Windows, while mobile device connections are not supported.
Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer: Best for standard-size wrap printing
- 8.5 in maximum media width
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray
- Genuine Epson sublimation ink
- Mac and Windows print software
This F170 bundle includes genuine Epson ink and a 150-sheet tray in a compact body. It fits standard-width wrap work when the design stays within 8.5 in.
Pros
- Genuine Epson sublimation ink included
- 150-sheet tray
- Mac and Windows software
Cons
- Maximum media width is 8.5 in
- Mobile device connection is not supported
This F170 option shares the 8.5 in maximum media width and 150-sheet tray, making it suitable for standard wrap layouts that fit its paper path. The bundle includes genuine Epson sublimation ink, a user guide and a power cable.
It is a compact print-only device with Mac and Windows print software. Ethernet and USB are listed as hardware interfaces, giving you wired connection choices for a home craft setup.
The main decision is whether you want the added starter materials included with the other F170 pick. This version is a straightforward option when you already have sublimation paper and thermal tape that fit your design workflow.
Measure the narrow side of your template against the 8.5 in media width. If the full wrap needs a longer sheet, consider a printer with long-media support.
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer: Best for long tumbler wraps
- Prints on media up to 8.5 x 14 in
- Bypass tray supports prints up to 8.5 x 51 in
- CMYK SubliJet UHD ink set included
- MySawgrass platform and Sawgrass Print Utility
The bypass tray supports long prints up to 51 in, which can suit extended wrap layouts. Check the printer's 110/120V North American outlet requirement before choosing it.
Pros
- Long bypass tray media support
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Design templates through MySawgrass
Cons
- North American 110/120V outlet design
- Longer prints need a bypass tray
The Sawgrass SG500 is the clearest fit among these picks for a wrap that needs more length than standard letter or legal paper. Its bypass tray supports prints up to 8.5 x 51 in, while the standard maximum media size is 8.5 x 14 in.
It includes a full CMYK set of SubliJet UHD inks. The MySawgrass platform offers design templates, and Sawgrass Print Utility provides print controls and Smart preset features for color settings.
Wi-Fi connectivity and print head auto-maintenance are included features. The printer is designed for standard 110/120V North American outlets, so check compatibility with your power supply before buying.
Choose this model if you need a long transfer and want its software and connectivity features. For standard wraps, compare its media options with the simpler F170 setup.
Hiipoo is sublimation ink rather than a printer, so it belongs in this comparison only as an ink option for a compatible converted printer. Its bottles are compatible with a range of Epson EcoTank and WorkForce models, including ET-2800, ET-2760 and ET-4800.
The set includes 127 ml of black ink and 70 ml each of cyan, magenta and yellow. Hiipoo describes it for DIY projects including mugs, shirts and other items, and notes that sublimation ink is intended for fabrics containing less than 30% cotton.
Compatibility matters more than the bottle size. Use this only with a printer model named as compatible, and confirm the setup is appropriate for sublimation before filling the tanks.
This is a possible ink choice for a compatible existing printer, not a complete printer recommendation. If you want a ready-to-use printer bundle, compare the dedicated Epson, Sawgrass and Brother options above.
Brother Sublimation Printer: Best for app-based designs
- Artspira app access to over 100 sublimation designs
- Maximum media size 8.5 x 11 in
- Brother Genuine sublimation ink included
- Heat press required separately
Brother pairs with the Artspira app for creating and printing designs from a phone or tablet. Its 8.5 x 11 in maximum media size works for wrap templates that fit that sheet.
Pros
- Artspira includes over 100 sublimation designs
- Genuine Brother ink and paper starter pack included
- Designed for projects including metal tumblers
Cons
- Heat press required separately
- Intended for sale and use in the US at 120 volts
Brother’s SP1 is a useful choice if you prefer building designs in an app on a phone or tablet. Artspira offers access to over 100 sublimation designs, and Brother says the printer can create projects such as metal tumblers.
The maximum media size is 8.5 x 11 in, so it suits templates designed for that sheet size. Brother genuine sublimation ink and a paper starter pack are included, but the heat press is a separate purchase.
Brother says the ink prints in muted tones on paper and brightens when heat activates the transfer. That makes the paper preview a poor guide to the final color, so follow the printer and blank instructions when preparing a transfer.
The SP1 is intended for sale in the US at 120 volts. Check your power and app compatibility needs before choosing it.
Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink: Best for all-in-one functions
- Converted ET-2800 or ET2803 all-in-one printer
- Sublimation ink bundle included
- Supports media up to 8.5 x 47.2 in
- Built-in scanner and copier
This converted super-tank printer includes sublimation ink and supports several paper sizes, including up to 8.5 x 47.2 in. It also adds a scanner and copier for a mixed-use workspace.
Pros
- Long media size support
- Scanner and copier built in
- High-capacity sublimation ink tanks
Cons
- Converted ET-2800 or ET2803 setup
- Confirm the wrap layout fits the selected paper size
The Pinckney bundle combines sublimation printing with scanning and copying in a converted ET-2800 or ET2803 all-in-one. Its supported paper sizes include up to 8.5 x 47.2 in, which can work for longer wrap templates if the selected feed path supports the required layout.
The included ink set has 127 ml of black and 85 ml each of magenta, cyan and yellow. The tanks use an auto-fill nozzle, and the bundle includes a manual, setup CD-ROM and power cord.
This printer is a fit for a workspace that also needs scanning and copying. Because it is a converted printer setup, confirm the exact model and paper handling details before you build a wrap workflow around it.
For frequent tumbler work, compare your template length with the maximum sheet size and test the alignment on plain paper first. Correct sizing helps keep the seam where you planned it.
How we chose sublimation printers for tumbler wraps
We compared the stated media sizes, ink setup, included supplies and features that affect wrap preparation. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
A printer’s maximum width is only one part of the decision. A wrap can fit the width and still exceed the printer’s sheet length or feed path, so match both dimensions to the template.
We also considered whether each option is a dedicated sublimation printer, a converted printer bundle or an ink refill. Those setups have different requirements, especially around compatible hardware and ink.
Compare paper size, feed path and ink
The most useful comparison is the largest media size each printer supports and whether it includes sublimation ink or paper. Use these details to screen out models that cannot print your chosen template.
| Product | Best for | Maximum media width | Paper tray | Included wrap supplies | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer. | a starter wrap setup | 8.5 in | 150 sheets | 8.5 x 11 in and 8.5 x 14 in paper, thermal tape | 9.7 |
| Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer | standard-size wrap printing | 8.5 in | 150 sheets | 9.5 | |
| Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer | long tumbler wraps | 9.4 | |||
| Brother Sublimation Printer | app-based designs | 9.2 | |||
| Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink | all-in-one functions | 9.1 |
For projects that also involve a cutting machine, see our guide to the best sublimation printers for Cricut. If you are printing onto more than drinkware, compare the best printers for sublimation and heat transfer.
How do you match a printer to your tumbler wrap?
Match the printer to your wrap template’s full dimensions, then check the paper path that can feed that size. A printer that accepts 8.5 in paper width may still be too short for a full wrap.
Measure the straight printable section of the tumbler and use the wrap template recommended for that blank. Leave room for the seam and any overlap your pressing method needs.
Before printing transfer paper, print the design on plain paper at its final size. Wrap it around the tumbler to check the fit, seam placement and alignment.
Should you choose a printer bundle or separate ink?
A printer bundle is easier to plan when it includes sublimation ink and compatible supplies. A separate ink set can make sense only when you already have a printer model that the ink maker names as compatible.
The Hiipoo bottles work with select Epson EcoTank and WorkForce printers, but they are not a printer. Confirm your exact model and understand its conversion requirements before filling it with sublimation ink.
For a lower-cost starting point, browse our budget-friendly sublimation printer guide. If photo projects are part of your work, see the best dye sublimation photo printers.
Which printer fits a small tumbler business?
For a small business, choose based on the wrap sizes you sell and how often you print them. The F170 offers a 150-sheet tray and a compact dedicated setup, while the SG500 supports long bypass tray prints and includes design software.
A printer does not determine the full production workflow. You also need compatible blanks, transfer paper, a heat press and a way to check size and alignment before using transfer sheets.
Our guide to the best sublimation printers for small businesses covers broader production needs. For drinkware-specific options, compare these recommendations with our best sublimation printers for mugs.
Which sublimation printer should you choose for tumblers?
Choose the Epson SureColor F170 if your templates fit within 8.5 in width and you want genuine Epson ink with paper and thermal tape included. Pick the Sawgrass SG500 for a long wrap that needs its bypass tray, or Brother if app-based design is central to your workflow.
Before buying, measure the tumbler’s printable area and confirm the whole template fits the printer’s paper path. Then choose the setup that matches your wrap dimensions, ink needs and workspace.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a starter wrap setup
Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer.
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for standard-size wrap printing
Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
What size printer do I need for tumbler sublimation?
Choose a printer that can handle the width and length of your wrap template. Many picks here support 8.5 in wide media, while the Sawgrass SG500 bypass tray supports prints up to 8.5 x 51 in.
Measure the printable area of the tumbler and compare it with your design before printing.
Can an 8.5 x 11 in printer print tumbler wraps?
Yes, if your wrap design fits on an 8.5 x 11 in sheet. A full wrap may need a longer sheet or a printer with a bypass tray, depending on the tumbler and template.
Check both dimensions in your design software and leave room for trimming and alignment.
Do I need special ink for tumbler sublimation?
Yes. Sublimation requires sublimation ink and compatible sublimation paper, followed by heat and pressure to transfer the design to a polymer-coated blank.
Use ink intended for your printer setup, and confirm the blank is made for sublimation.
Can I use a tumbler printer with a heat press?
A printer makes the transfer design, while a compatible heat press applies it to the tumbler. The Brother SP1 requires a heat press, which is an additional purchase.
Check the press and blank instructions for the correct setup and transfer steps.
What should I check before printing a tumbler wrap?
Check the tumbler's printable area, wrap template dimensions, paper size and printer feed path. A long design may need a bypass tray or a printer that supports longer paper.
Print a correctly sized test on plain paper first to check the fit around the tumbler.
