What’s the Best Sublimation Printer for Canadian Entrepreneurs in 2025?
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If you're starting or scaling a custom print business in Canada, your sublimation printer will be the heart of your operation. Whether you're pressing tumblers, mugs, shirts, or coasters, choosing the right printer impacts your image quality, turnaround time, and profit margins.
In this guide, we break down the best sublimation printers for Canadian entrepreneurs in 2025 — and pair each with the right blanks to help you start strong.
🎯 What to Look for in a Sublimation Printer
Before we dive into specific models, here’s what Canadian crafters should consider:
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🖨️ Print size – 8.5x11" is enough for mugs and tumblers; go larger for shirts and signs.
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💧 Ink quality – Dye-sublimation ink must be vibrant and heat-reactive.
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💡 Ease of setup – Some models require converting, others come sublimation-ready.
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🇨🇦 Availability in Canada – Make sure you can buy ink refills, parts, and support locally.
🥇 1. Sawgrass SG500 – Best All-In-One for Beginners
The Sawgrass SG500 is a popular plug-and-play sublimation printer designed specifically for small businesses.
✅ Built-in support for CreativeStudio
✅ Easy setup, great color output
✅ Ideal for mugs, tumblers, onesies & coasters
Pair it with:
👉 11 oz Two-Tone Sublimation Mugs
👉 20 oz Skinny Tumblers
🖨️ 2. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 / ET-2850 – Best for Budget-Conscious Crafters
These affordable EcoTank printers are convertible to sublimation with refillable dye-sub ink.
✅ Low entry cost
✅ Easily found at Canadian retailers
✅ Great for mugs, tumblers & beginner apparel projects
Pair it with:
👉 Sublimation Baby Onesies
👉 Sublimation White Shirts
🖨️ 3. Epson F170 – Best Professional Compact Option
The F170 is Epson’s official dye-sublimation printer made for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
✅ High-resolution output
✅ Optimized for Epson sublimation inks
✅ Trusted performance for daily production
Perfect for:
👉 Acrylic Photo Frames
👉 Ornaments, Keychains & Small Giftables
🧠 Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Maintenance
Converted printers (like the EcoTank series) need regular cleaning and ink flow checks. Invest in:
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✅ A test print schedule
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✅ Good-quality sublimation paper
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✅ Heat-resistant accessories like gloves and tape
🛒 Shop Blanks That Match Your Printer
Choosing the right printer is just one half of the puzzle — the other half is using high-quality sublimation blanks that are tested and press-ready.
At WestCoastCraft.ca, we offer:
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Over 400 sublimation blanks in Canada
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Fast, local shipping with no duties
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No minimum orders