10 Best Sublimation Inks 2026 in the United States

The Sawgrass SubliJet UHD Sublimation Ink Cartridge in black is a solid choice if you own a Sawgrass SG500 or SG1000 printer, as it’s specifically designed for these models, ensuring smooth compatibility. This ink uses a gel-based formula that helps reduce clogging and keeps ink flow steady, which means fewer interruptions during printing. Its black color is deep and vivid, delivering sharp text and detailed images with good fade resistance, which is important for keeping your prints looking fresh over time. Because it is water-based and solvent-free, this ink is safer to handle and is made in small batches in the USA with quality control, so you can expect consistent color quality. It works well on polyester fabrics and hard surfaces like mugs and tumblers, covering a range of sublimation projects.

The product details don’t specify drying time, which can be important if you need to handle prints quickly after production. While the ink is described as long-lasting and high-viscosity, it’s specifically optimized for Sawgrass printers, so it may not perform as well in other machines. If you’re using a Sawgrass SG500 or SG1000 printer and want reliable, high-quality black sublimation ink that produces vibrant, durable prints on various substrates, this cartridge is a fitting option.

The Hiipoo Sublimation Ink 522 is an excellent choice for those using specific inkjet printers like the ET-2720, ET-2760, and others listed in the product brief. One of its standout features is the high color quality, producing bright and vivid prints that are fast-drying, waterproof, and resistant to fading. This ink is especially beneficial for creative projects such as customizing mugs, t-shirts, pillows, and phone cases.

The ink is designed to be ICC-free, which simplifies the printing process without compromising on quality. The syringe-free refilling system is another user-friendly feature, making it easy to refill without mess or spills. This can greatly save time and reduce cleaning efforts. Compatibility is broad but limited to specific models, so it’s important to check if your printer is supported. Durability seems strong, with the ink holding up well over time and through various uses.

On the downside, it’s worth noting that the ink works best with fabrics containing less than 30% cotton, limiting its use on certain materials. If you are looking for high-quality sublimation ink that is easy to use and offers excellent color and durability for a variety of creative projects, Hiipoo Sublimation Ink 522 is a strong contender.

The Printers Jack 580ML Sublimation Ink is a solid choice for those using compatible Epson models like ET2400, ET2720, ET2760, and others listed. It stands out with good color quality that supports vibrant and detailed prints, especially useful for heat press projects on mugs and T-shirts. Users generally praise its consistency and the water-based formula ensures it’s safer and easier to handle. The ink offers a high page yield of around 5800, which means you can produce many prints before needing a refill, making it cost-effective for hobbyists or small businesses. Drying time is reasonable, helping prevent smudging and speeding up the transfer process.

Compatibility is a strong point since it fits a broad range of Epson inkjet printers, but it’s important to confirm your model is listed to avoid issues. While the ink is durable on fabric and hard surfaces, like most sublimation inks, it requires proper heat pressing to ensure lasting prints. Some users note that refilling can be a bit messy if you're not careful, so a steady hand helps. This makes it a reliable, good-quality sublimation ink kit best suited for users who want affordable, effective ink for personal or light commercial heat transfer projects on various materials.