HANG TIGHT THIS IS A LONG ONE LOL 

Stop me if this sounds familiar: You’re passionate about crafting and ready to take your designs to the next level with sublimation printing. You’ve seen other crafters making beautiful, professional-quality mugs, t-shirts, and tumblers, and you’re excited to do the same. But then you start researching sublimation printers, and suddenly, you’re overwhelmed. Should you go for a budget option? Is the Epson SureColor F570 worth the investment? Will it make a difference in your projects?

Choosing the right sublimation printer is one of the most important decisions for any crafter. A high-quality printer can mean the difference between crisp, vibrant prints that wow your customers—or faded, blotchy designs that leave you frustrated. That’s where the Epson SureColor F570 comes in.

In this article, you’ll discover exactly why the Epson SureColor F570 is the perfect sublimation printer for crafters. We’ll break down its features, compare it to other models, address common concerns, and explain why it’s a smart investment for both hobbyists and small business owners. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to decide if this is the right printer for you.

What is the Epson SureColor F570?

The Epson SureColor F570 is a professional-grade 24-inch dye-sublimation printer designed for crafters, small businesses, and anyone looking to produce high-quality sublimation prints. Unlike traditional inkjet printers, this printer is specifically built for sublimation, meaning it’s optimized to deliver sharp, vibrant, and long-lasting prints on a variety of materials.

Key Features & Specifications:

• Large Format Printing: Prints up to 24 inches wide, making it ideal for everything from small craft projects to larger designs like banners and fabric prints.
• PrecisionCore® Technology: Ensures crisp, detailed, and vibrant prints with consistent color accuracy.
• High-Capacity Ink System: This uses Epson’s genuine dye-sublimation inks, which provide rich colors and long-lasting durability without frequent ink replacements.
• Roll & Sheet Printing: Supports both roll-fed and sheet-fed media, offering flexibility for different crafting needs.
• Built-in Cutter: Automatically trims prints, saving time and effort.
• Easy-to-Use Software: Comes with Epson Edge Print software, making it simple to manage and adjust print settings.
• Compact & Space-Saving: Despite its large print capacity, it has a sleek, desktop-friendly design that fits well in craft rooms and home studios.

This printer is designed with both beginners and experienced crafters in mind, offering a balance of professional-grade quality and user-friendly operation.

Why Crafters Love the Epson SureColor F570

When it comes to sublimation printing, not all printers are created equal. The Epson SureColor F570 stands out as a top choice for crafters, small business owners, and DIY enthusiasts. Here’s why:

1. Professional-Quality Prints Every Time

No more faded colors or blurry edges! Thanks to Epson’s PrecisionCore® technology, this printer delivers vibrant, sharp, and consistent prints. Whether you’re working on t-shirts, tumblers, or ceramic tiles, your designs will look crisp and professional.

2. Larger Print Capabilities for Bigger Projects

Unlike many other sublimation printers that max out at 8.5 or 13 inches, the SureColor F570 prints up to 24 inches wide. This means you can tackle larger projects like blankets, banners, and oversized t-shirts without piecing together multiple prints.

3. Easy to Use – Even for Beginners

Many crafters worry about the learning curve when investing in a new printer, but the F570 is surprisingly user-friendly. It comes with:
✅ A 4.3-inch color touchscreen for intuitive controls
✅ Preloaded print settings to simplify the process
✅ Plug-and-play setup, so you can start printing right away

4. Cost-Effective with High-Capacity Ink Bottles

One major downside of some sublimation printers (like Sawgrass models) is their expensive ink cartridges. The Epson F570 uses large-capacity ink bottles, which last longer and reduce your overall printing costs.

5. Works with a Variety of Sublimation Blanks

This printer is perfect for customizing:
✔️ T-shirts & hoodies
✔️ Mugs & tumblers
✔️ Mousepads & coasters
✔️ Phone cases
✔️ Tote bags
✔️ Keychains & more!

With the right sublimation paper and heat press, you can print on any polyester-coated or polyester-blend material.

6. No Need for Printer Conversions

Many crafters attempt to convert Epson inkjet printers into sublimation printers, but this often leads to clogging, warranty issues, and unpredictable results. The SureColor F570 is built for sublimation from the start, eliminating the hassle and risks of conversion.

How It Compares to Other Sublimation Printers

If you’re considering the Epson SureColor F570, you might also be looking at other sublimation printers like Sawgrass SG500/SG1000 or converted Epson inkjet models. Here’s how the F570 stacks up against the competition.

Epson SureColor F570 vs. Sawgrass SG500/SG1000

Epson SureColor F570:

✔ Prints up to 24 inches wide – Ideal for larger projects.
✔ Uses high-capacity ink bottles – More cost-effective than cartridges.
✔ Professional-quality prints – Epson’s PrecisionCore® technology ensures sharp and vibrant colors.
✔ Beginner-friendly – Features an intuitive touchscreen and preloaded print settings.
✔ Higher upfront cost, but lower ink cost over time – Saves money in the long run.

Sawgrass SG500/SG1000:

✔ Smaller print size – SG500 prints up to 8.5 inches, and SG1000 prints up to 13 inches.
✔ Uses ink cartridges – More expensive per refill compared to Epson’s ink bottles.
✔ Good print quality, but limited size – Works well for smaller projects.
✔ Beginner-friendly – Sawgrass printers are also easy to use.
✔ Lower upfront cost, but higher ink expenses – Can be pricier over time.

💡 Verdict: If you need larger prints and want to save money on ink, the Epson SureColor F570 is the better option. However, if you prefer a smaller, more compact printer, the Sawgrass SG500 might be a good alternative.

Epson SureColor F570 vs. Converted Epson Inkjet Printers

Some crafters try to convert Epson EcoTank printers into sublimation printers by using third-party inks. While this is a budget-friendly option, it comes with risks:

❌ Ink clogging issues – Converted printers aren’t designed for sublimation, leading to frequent printhead clogs.
❌ No warranty support – Epson won’t cover any issues if you’ve used third-party sublimation ink.
❌ Less consistent print quality – Colours may not be as vibrant or accurate compared to a true sublimation printer.

💡 Verdict: The SureColor F570 is built specifically for sublimation, meaning less maintenance, better color accuracy, and no risk of voiding your warranty.

Final Comparison: Why Choose the Epson SureColor F570?

✔ Prints up to 24 inches wide – More flexibility for different project sizes.
✔ Uses cost-effective, high-capacity ink bottles – Lower long-term printing costs.
✔ No conversion needed – Designed for sublimation printing from the start.
✔ Professional-quality prints – Epson’s PrecisionCore® technology ensures sharp, vibrant colors.

Cost vs. Value – Is It Worth the Investment?

One of the biggest concerns crafters have before purchasing the Epson SureColor F570 is the price. At around £2,000–£2,500, it’s a significant investment compared to budget sublimation options. But is it worth it? Let’s break it down.

1. Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Savings

While the initial cost is higher than some smaller sublimation printers, the long-term savings on ink and efficiency make up for it.

• SureColor F570 uses high-capacity ink bottles, which cost significantly less per millilitre than Sawgrass ink cartridges.
• Less ink waste and fewer refills mean you save money over time.
• No need for printer conversions, avoiding costly mistakes and maintenance issues.

2. Professional Quality = Higher Selling Prices

If you’re using sublimation for a business, quality matters. Crisp, vibrant, and long-lasting prints allow you to charge higher prices for your products, increasing your profit margins.

• Better print quality = Fewer reprints and less wasted material.
• Bigger prints (up to 24 inches) mean you can expand your product range (e.g., large banners, oversized t-shirts, and custom fabrics).

3. Time-Saving Features = More Productivity

• Built-in cutter eliminates manual trimming.
• Fast print speeds let you complete more orders in less time.
• Roll and sheet-fed printing gives you flexibility for different projects.

4. Reliability & Durability

Many budget sublimation printers suffer from printhead clogs, inconsistent ink flow, and frustrating maintenance issues. The Epson SureColor F570 is built to last, with fewer technical problems and a reliable performance that saves you time and frustration.

Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

✔️ If you’re a serious crafter or small business owner, the F570 is an excellent investment. It saves you money on ink, reduces maintenance hassles, and delivers professional-quality prints.
❌ If you’re a casual crafter just getting started, a smaller, more affordable sublimation printer (like the Sawgrass SG500) might be a better option.

Common Concerns and Misconceptions

Before making a big purchase, it’s natural to have some doubts. Let’s clear up some of the most common concerns about the Epson SureColor F570 and set the record straight.

1. “It’s Too Expensive.”

Yes, the upfront cost is high, but let’s break it down:
✔ Lower ink costs – The high-capacity ink bottles last longer and cost less per print than traditional cartridges.
✔ Larger print size – You won’t outgrow this printer as quickly as you might with a smaller one.
✔ Fewer maintenance issues – Less time wasted on troubleshooting means more time printing.

💡 Reality: If you’re running a small business, the printer pays for itself in higher-quality products, faster production, and long-term savings on ink.

2. “Epson Printers Clog Easily.”

This is a common issue with converted inkjet printers, but the SureColor F570 is built for sublimation. It has:
✅ Optimised ink flow, reducing the risk of clogs.
✅ Auto-cleaning features to keep printheads clear.
✅ High-quality Epson dye-sublimation ink, specifically formulated for this printer.

💡 Reality: As long as you use the printer regularly (at least a few times a week), clogging is minimal.

3. “I’m a Beginner – Is It Too Complicated?”

Many crafters assume that professional-grade printers are difficult to use. However, the F570 is designed with beginners in mind. It features:
✔ A 4.3-inch colour touchscreen for intuitive navigation.
✔ Preloaded print settings to make setup easy.
✔ Step-by-step software to guide you through printing.

💡 Reality: Even if you’re new to sublimation, the F570 is user-friendly and easy to learn.

4. “Are There Cheaper Alternatives?”

If you’re on a tight budget, you might consider:

• A Sawgrass SG500 or SG1000 – Good for smaller projects, but has expensive ink.
• A converted Epson EcoTank printer – Cheaper upfront but prone to clogging and warranty issues.

💡 Reality: While alternatives exist, the SureColor F570 provides the best balance of quality, efficiency, and long-term savings.

Final Thoughts on Common Concerns

🔹 The upfront cost is worth it for serious crafters and business owners.
🔹 Clogging is not an issue if you use the printer correctly.
🔹 It’s beginner-friendly, even if you’re new to sublimation.
🔹 Alternatives exist, but they come with trade-offs in print size, ink costs, and reliability.