Sublimation Project & How to Convert Epson EcoTank Printers Into Sublimation Printer

Sublimation projects can be intimidating, but fear not, creative queens!

In this article, I will share a quick video demonstrating how I made this Family Collage mousepad using sublimation blanks and provide all the necessary links :) (Scroll all the way down to see the video)

I will also explain how I converted my Epson ET-4700 printer into a sublimation printer!

How To Convert Epson EcoTank Printer to Sublimation Printer

Before diving into a detailed step-by-step guide, let me provide you with some basics.

Firstly, you WILL NEED a brand-new printer (unless you want to follow the complicated process of emptying the regular ink). Essentially, what you are doing is discarding the regular ink that comes with the printer and replacing it with special sublimation inks.

These printers come with empty ink cartridges, so you fill them up with special sublimation inks to complete the conversion. Once it's converted, the only way to revert to a regular printer is to empty the sublimation ink, flush it out thoroughly, and fill the cartridges with regular ink—a somewhat messy process.

Additionally, you will need to print the sublimation ink on SPECIAL sublimation papers. Regular copy paper won't do the trick.

Having covered these basics, let's delve into a more detailed step-by-step process on how to convert Epson EcoTank printers to sublimation printers :)

Step 1: Verify Compatibility Before you start, ensure that your brand-new Epson EcoTank printer is compatible with third-party inks and has a Piezoelectric printhead. Common models like the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 and ET-3760 are often preferred for sublimation printing.

Step 2: Gather Supplies Collect all the necessary supplies for the conversion, including sublimation inks, syringes for ink transfer, and refillable cartridges compatible with your specific Epson EcoTank model.

Step 3: Initial Setup Follow the standard setup process for your brand-new EcoTank printer, but refrain from installing the included ink bottles. This ensures a clean start for your sublimation conversion.

Step 4: Remove Existing Inks Using the printer's utility software, initiate the ink removal process to clear out any residual traditional inks that may be present in the new printer.

Step 5: Load Sublimation Inks Fill the refillable cartridges with sublimation inks using the provided syringes. Ensure each color is loaded into the correct cartridge. Insert the cartridges into the printer and run a nozzle check to confirm proper ink flow.

Step 6: Adjust Printer Settings Access the printer settings to configure them for sublimation printing. Set the paper type to sublimation, adjust the color profile, and disable color management to allow your design software to handle color adjustments.

Step 7: Test Your Printer Print a test page on sublimation paper to verify color accuracy and clarity. Adjust printer settings or design software as needed to achieve the desired results.

Step 8: Calibration Perform any additional calibration recommended for your specific model to ensure optimal sublimation printing performance.

Step 9: Begin Sublimating With your brand-new Epson EcoTank now successfully converted into a sublimation printer, you're ready to embark on a creative journey of personalized printing. Start experimenting with various sublimation-friendly surfaces like mouse pads, mugs, shirts, and more.

Remember to consult your printer's manual and online resources for any model-specific details. With this conversion, you've transformed your brand-new printer into a versatile tool for unique and vibrant sublimation projects.

Quick Video on How I Made This Collage Mousepad

@caluyadesign Mousepad blank on my website now✨ "2023 Dump" family collage was one of the most therapeutic things to make 🥰  My sublimation printer definitely needed to be used, and I wanted to test out the sublimation blanks I added to the store (I have a mouse pad, metal bookmark, coaster now!) so here we go! I can't believe how vibrant the colors came out, and how big the mouse pad is :) Just don't forget to mirror it, ladies. List of materials I used: * Sublimation printer: Epson ET-4700 (I converted it to a sublimation printer, linked on my Amazon Store via bio)@epson * Sublimation mousepad blank (available on our website: Main Menu > Blanks > Sublimation) * Procreate on iPad for editing collage @Procreate @apple * Autopress from HTVront (via bio link > Amazon Pick) @HTVRONT * Sublimation Paper & Inks (via bio link > Amazon Pick) @Michaels Stores @btartboxofficial for press-on nail #sublimationforbeginners #sublimationprinting #diycraft #diygift #diychristmascrafts #holidaycrafts #2023dump ♬ A Day in My Life - Soft boy