Starting a personalization business has never been simpler. Dye-sublimation printing has allowed many creators, makers, and entrepreneurs to build profitable companies online selling high-quality personalized products.
Let's take a look at the top 5 things you must have to begin your sublimation business!
1. Sublimation Printer
The most crucial piece of tool and the most significant investment is a sublimation printer. You can choose to buy a regular printer that requires conversion or those specially meant for sublimation printing. Epson desktop printers are the most popular and most accessible. There are many helpful videos online on choosing the best printer for you and converting a printer for sublimation. We recommend the Epson Workforce and the EcoTank series. If you are an advanced crafter or would like to print even more oversized products, choose the Epson F570. The F570 is the biggest desktop sublimation printer on the market and can print up to 24" paper rolls.
If you want to save the hassle of converting a regular printer, go for the Sawgrass printers. The Sawgrass systems are the most spontaneous and user-friendly printers for beginners, and you can get up and running in no time. In addition, the SG500 and SG1000 are powerful, versatile, and affordable printers that allow you to customize a wide array of merchandise such as mugs, coasters, plaques, T-shirts, mousepads, and so much more.
2. Sublimation Ink
Choosing the suitable sublimation ink is the key to your success. Look no further as Lotsa Style has got you covered! Our Premium Anti-UV Sublimation Ink Easy Refill has got the latest ink technology. Enjoy bright and vivid results and a high heat transfer printing rate with our smooth anti-clog ink.
3. Heat Press
The other primary tool to invest in is a heat press (or a mug press if your personalization focus is drinkware). You can use a regular iron for your clothes, but you must invest in a heat press to produce high-quality, vibrant, and consistent prints.
There are more heat presses to prefer, each with different features, and you can be quickly overwhelmed by the options. But don't panic! The primary consideration for starters is the platen size (the size of the surface where you place your products). An enormous press allows you to customize more oversized products.
4. Sublimation Blanks
Now you need some sublimation blanks to start customizing. We offer various sublimation tumblers at Lotsa Style, including the latest UV color changing and glow-in-the-dark sublimation tumbler. You will also require transfer papers, shrink wraps, and heat tapes.
5. Computer and software
The last thing you need to begin your sublimation business is computer and design software. Your computer does not have to be super elegant; it just requires you to run whichever design software you use. Examples of design software include Adobe Photoshop, Corel DRAW, Illustrator, and Sawgrass Creative Studio.
If you are waiting for the right moment to start your sublimation printing, then you won't start at all. Instead, start slowly, one step at a time. You will make mistakes along the way, but you will learn and grow and benefit in the long run. So start your journey and get help along the way. There are plenty of Youtube videos and a massive community of sublimation printing out there to connect with, learn from, and bounce ideas.
Good luck!
