How to Convert Epson EcoTank to Sublimation: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Updated: March 6, 2026

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Convert Epson to sublimation and save hundreds of dollars! In this guide, I share exactly how I converted my EcoTank printer – the supplies, the steps, and the mistakes to avoid.

Learning how to convert Epson to sublimation was honestly one of the best decisions I made when starting out. Instead of spending big money on a dedicated sublimation printer, I converted my ET-2800 for a surprisingly low total – and it’s been running perfectly for over a year now.

The process to convert Epson to sublimation is easier than you might think, but there’s one critical rule: you MUST use a brand new printer that’s never had regular ink in it. Trust me on this one – I learned the hard way when I tried to convert my old office printer. Spoiler: it didn’t work!

Which Epson EcoTank Models Can Be Converted?

Not every printer works for sublimation. You need one with a piezoelectric print head (not thermal like HP or Canon use). The good news? Most Epson EcoTanks have the right type of print head.

Here are the models I recommend based on what I’ve seen work well:

Model	Max Print Size	Who It’s Best For
ET-2800	8.5″ x 14″	Beginners – this is what I started with!
ET-2803	8.5″ x 14″	Budget-friendly option
ET-2850	8.5″ x 14″	Great if you also need scanning
ET-4800	8.5″ x 14″	Small business with fax needs
ET-15000	13″ x 19″	Large format – t-shirts and bigger projects
ET-8550	13″ x 19″	Photo quality, premium option

My recommendation: If you’re just starting out, go with the ET-2800. It’s affordable, reliable, and handles mugs, small items, and even letter-size t-shirt transfers perfectly. I still use mine daily!

Related: Full list of Epson printers that can be converted

What You’ll Need for the Conversion

Before you start, gather everything you need. There’s nothing worse than being halfway through and realizing you’re missing something – ask me how I know!

Here’s my shopping list with approximate costs:

Brand New Epson EcoTank Printer (check current price on Amazon) – I cannot stress this enough: it MUST be new and never used with regular ink. The Epson ink bottles that come in the box? Set them aside. Don’t even open them.

Sublimation Ink Set (4 colors included) – You’ll need all four colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. I use Hiipoo ink and it works great, but there are several good brands out there.

Sublimation Paper (at least 100 sheets) – A-SUB is my go-to. Get at least 100 sheets to start.

Syringes or filling bottles – Usually included with the ink, but good to have extras.

Gloves – Optional but highly recommended. Sublimation ink stains your hands for days!

Total investment is less than half the cost of a dedicated sublimation printer – the savings are real!

How to Convert Epson to Sublimation (Step by Step)

Okay, here’s exactly how I do it. The whole process takes about 30 minutes, and most of that is just waiting for the printer to do its initial ink charging.

Step 1: Unbox Carefully and Set Aside the Epson Ink

When you open your new EcoTank, you’ll find Epson ink bottles included. Here’s the critical part: do NOT use these! Set them aside completely. If you fill the tanks with regular ink even once, the print head is contaminated and you can’t convert it anymore. I know someone who made this mistake and had to buy a second printer.

Unbox everything, remove all the tape and packaging materials, but don’t plug it in yet.

Step 2: Prepare Your Sublimation Ink

Shake each sublimation ink bottle really well – I do about 30 seconds per bottle. Put on your gloves (seriously, this ink doesn’t come off easily!), and have some paper towels nearby just in case. Attach the syringe or nozzle to your ink bottle and you’re ready to fill.

Step 3: Fill the Ink Tanks

Open the ink tank cover on the front of the printer. You’ll see four separate tanks, each labeled with a color. Here’s my process:

Start with Black, then Cyan, then Magenta, then Yellow. Open each cap, insert your sublimation ink bottle into the fill port, and let gravity do the work – don’t squeeze the bottle. Fill until the ink reaches the upper line on the tank, then close the cap securely.

Pro tip: Double-check your colors before filling! Cyan and magenta bottles can look surprisingly similar, and mixing them up will cause major headaches with your prints.

Step 4: Run the Initial Printer Setup

Now plug in the printer and turn it on. Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language and preferences. The printer will then start its initial ink charging cycle – this takes 10-15 minutes and you’ll hear it working.

Whatever you do, don’t interrupt this process! Go make yourself a coffee and let it finish. The printer is filling all the internal tubes with ink, and stopping it halfway through can cause problems.

Step 5: Print a Test Page

Once the setup is complete, load some sublimation paper (printable side DOWN for most EcoTanks) and print a nozzle check pattern. You want to see solid lines in all four colors with no gaps or missing sections. If you see streaks or missing lines, run the head cleaning function once or twice.

I also like to print a color test image at this point – something with lots of different colors – just to make sure everything looks right. Remember, the colors will look dull on paper but will be vibrant after you heat press them!

Print Settings I Use for Sublimation

Getting your print settings right makes a huge difference. Here’s what works for me:

Setting	What I Use
Paper Type	Matte Paper or Premium Photo Paper
Quality	High (not draft!)
Color Mode	Adobe RGB if available
Mirror/Flip	YES – always!

The mirror setting is crucial – if you forget to flip your image, all your text will be backwards after pressing. I still almost forget sometimes!

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

After converting multiple printers and helping friends with theirs, I’ve seen all the mistakes. Here’s what to watch out for:

Using a printer that already had regular ink: I mentioned this already, but it’s the #1 mistake. Once regular ink touches the print head, it’s game over. Always start with a brand new, never-used printer.

Forgetting to mirror the image: Your design transfers in reverse, so you need to flip it before printing. Most design software has a mirror or flip horizontal option. Set it and forget it!

Printing on the wrong side of the paper: Sublimation paper has a coated side that accepts the ink. It’s usually the brighter, whiter side. In most EcoTanks, this side should face DOWN in the paper tray.

Mixing up ink colors: Take an extra second to verify each color before you fill. Trust me, troubleshooting color issues is not fun.

Using the converted printer for regular documents: Once it’s a sublimation printer, it’s ONLY a sublimation printer. Regular paper won’t work right, and you’ll just waste ink.

Troubleshooting Tips

Colors look faded on the paper: This is totally normal! Sublimation prints always look dull before pressing. The magic happens when heat activates the ink.

Green is printing as blue: This is super common and drove me crazy at first. The fix is usually to install an ICC color profile for your specific ink brand, or adjust your color settings. I have a whole guide on fixing green printing blue if you’re dealing with this.

Streaks or lines in prints: Run the head cleaning function from your printer menu. If it persists after 2-3 cleanings, make sure your ink levels are good and the tanks are filled properly.

What Can You Make With Your Converted Printer?

Once your EcoTank is converted, you can sublimate on so many things! Here’s what I make most often:

Mugs and cups – probably my bestseller. A converted EcoTank handles mug-size prints perfectly.

T-shirts and apparel – stick to polyester or poly-blend fabrics for best results.

Tumblers – these are hugely popular right now.

Phone cases, mouse pads, coasters – all the small items that make great gifts.

Acrylic items like keychains and ornaments.

Glass items for that premium look.

FAQs

Ready to Get Started?

Converting an Epson EcoTank to sublimation is easier than most people think. The most important things to remember: use a brand new printer, fill with sublimation ink (not the Epson ink in the box!), and always mirror your prints.

I’ve been using converted EcoTanks for years now and couldn’t be happier with the results. The cost savings compared to dedicated sublimation printers are significant, and the print quality is excellent.

If you’re new to sublimation, check out my beginner’s guide to sublimation printing for more tips on getting started!

Related Articles

Want to learn more? Check out these guides:

Best Epson Printers for Sublimation – detailed comparison of all compatible models.

Pros and Cons of Converting Your Epson Printer – honest look at whether conversion is right for you.

My Review: Converted Epson ET-2800 for Sublimation – after a year of daily use.

6 Cheapest Sublimation Printers – if you want to compare all your options.