Quickly start sublimation with a compact, low-spill printer that delivers reliable, vibrant transfers for shirts, mugs, and small gifts.
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Turn blank shirts, mugs, and small gifts into vibrant, professional-looking transfers without the headaches of DIY printer conversions. The Epson F170 is a compact, ready-to-run sublimation printer built for consistent results and clean, low-spill ink refills.
🆕 2026 Product Update
In 2026, the Epson SureColor F170 remains a sensible entry point for crafters and small shops that want straightforward, consistent sublimation without converting a standard inkjet. It’s still best suited to smaller-format projects, while higher-volume users may prefer stepping up to a larger EcoTank-based sublimation model for faster throughput and bigger prints. Ink availability and setup remain strong, and the low-mess refill system continues to be a practical perk.
Design and Build
The F170 has a compact footprint that fits easily on a craft table or small office shelf. The rear feed and front output tray keep paper handling simple. Epson’s dedicated sublimation inks are formulated for the printer, which helps improve reliability and lowers clog risk compared with many converted printers.
Setup and Ink System
- Initial fill: The bottles lock in place and gravity-feed into the tanks, so spills are uncommon and the process is beginner-friendly.
- Firmware and drivers: Install the latest Epson driver, then run a nozzle check. Do a head cleaning only if the nozzle check shows gaps.
- First prints: Start with Epson’s ICC profile or a trusted profile from your paper manufacturer for more accurate color. Print a small test on plain paper first, then switch to sublimation paper to confirm saturation and blacks.
Print Quality and Color
The F170 can produce crisp text, smooth gradients, and solid fills that work well for apparel graphics, mugs, coasters, mousepads, and other sublimation blanks. With the right profile and press settings, skin tones look natural and colors stay vibrant. Blacks are strong for logos and bold type. You’ll get the best results when you:
- Use the correct ICC profile and rendering intent for your paper and workflow
- Print on the coated side of quality sublimation paper
- Match temperature, time, and pressure to your blank and follow the recommended peel method
Speed and Max Size
Small prints finish quickly, while larger, full-page designs can take a few minutes. The F170 supports letter and legal media, which covers many popular projects like left-chest graphics, youth and small adult shirt designs, mug wraps, and a variety of tumbler panels. If you regularly need oversized full-front prints or larger sheet goods, a wide-format sublimation printer is a better fit.
Paper Handling and Media
The F170 works well with common sublimation papers in letter and legal sizes. Choose a paper that pairs well with your blanks. For fabric, higher polyester content typically produces brighter, more durable results. For hard goods (mugs, metal, hardboard, etc.), use blanks specifically rated for sublimation and follow the manufacturer’s temperature and time recommendations.
Color Management Workflow
- Software: Design in your preferred program, then export as PNG or PDF at 300 dpi (or your project’s required resolution).
- Printer driver: Avoid double color management. Either let your design app manage color using the correct ICC profile or let the printer manage color—don’t do both.
- Test chart: Keep a one-page color chart and a sample photo on hand. Reprint them whenever you change paper, blanks, or update drivers.
Maintenance
- Print a nozzle check or small color swatch once or twice a week to keep ink flowing.
- Cover the printer when it’s not in use to reduce dust buildup.
- Store ink bottles upright and away from heat and direct sunlight.
Running Costs and Value
OEM sublimation ink typically costs more than third-party options, but it often pays off in fewer clogs, fewer ruined prints, and less wasted time. In most cases, your biggest costs will be blanks and pressing time. As a general ballpark, ink for a letter-size transfer is usually well under a dollar—often just a few dimes depending on coverage. Paper costs vary by brand. If you’re making gifts, team apparel, or small-shop orders regularly, the F170’s low-maintenance workflow can earn back the investment quickly.
Epson F170 Bundle: Craft Express Combo Heat Press & Elite Sublimation Oven
What the bundle adds
- Craft Express combo heat press: A flat press for tees, totes, and fabric blanks. Some bundles also include attachments (such as caps or mugs). Consistent heat and a timer make transfers far more reliable than a household iron.
- Elite Sublimation Oven: A countertop oven designed to heat cylindrical items like tumblers and mugs using shrink sleeves. It can help reduce uneven seams and makes full-wrap designs easier than many basic press setups.
- Starter consumables: Many bundles include sublimation paper, heat tape, and a few blanks so you can start making projects right away.
Who benefits most
- Gift makers and side hustles: The oven helps with tumblers and curved items, while the flat press covers a wide range of apparel and fabric projects.
- Schools and clubs: It’s a practical setup for batch runs of spirit wear, fundraiser mugs, and seasonal merch once settings are dialed in.
- Beginners: A matched setup reduces the trial-and-error of mixing equipment from different brands.
Quick heat guide (always check your blank manufacturer’s instructions first)
| Blank | Temp | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poly T-shirt | 385–400°F | 40–60 sec | Medium pressure, protective sheet, warm peel |
| Ceramic mug in oven | 380–400°F | 180–240 sec | Shrink sleeve or wrap for even contact; rotate if needed |
| 20 oz tumbler in oven | 350–375°F | 4–6 min | Shrink sleeve; check seam; cool on a rack |
| Poly-coated hardboard | 380–400°F | 50–70 sec | Light to medium pressure; avoid shifting |
Bundle verdict
If you want a turnkey sublimation setup for both flat items and full-wrap drinkware, pairing the F170 with a heat press and a sublimation oven can be a convenient way to get started. Buying a bundle may also cost less than piecing together separate equipment, depending on current pricing.
Comparisons
- F170 vs converted EcoTank: The F170 is built specifically for sublimation, with matched inks and profiles. Conversions can work, but they can add clog risk and usually come with limited support. For most users, the F170 is the more dependable choice.
- F170 vs Sawgrass SG500: Sawgrass is known for strong color tools and an active user community, but consumables can cost more. The F170 is a solid value if you want a straightforward workflow in Epson’s ecosystem.
- F170 vs Epson F570: The F570 is wide-format, designed for larger shirts and bigger sheet goods. It costs more and takes more space. Choose the F170 if you focus on mugs, tumblers, smaller apparel graphics, and gifts.
Value for Money
For small to medium runs of apparel graphics and drinkware, the F170 delivers consistent results without a lot of troubleshooting. If you pair it with a heat press and sublimation oven, you can handle many popular projects without needing to upgrade right away. If you plan to sell finished items, the time saved on setup and maintenance can make it worth the price versus going the conversion route.
Pros
- Factory-built sublimation printer with matched inks and profiles
- Compact size with a beginner-friendly setup process
- Strong print quality for common sublimation projects with proper settings
Cons
- Limited to letter and legal sizes (not wide format)
- OEM sublimation inks can cost more than third-party alternatives
- Best results require correct ICC profiles and consistent pressing settings
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Do I need the bundle, or can I start with the printer alone?
You can start with the F170 and do small tests, but a real heat press provides even heat and pressure, which noticeably improves quality and durability. If you want to make mugs or full-wrap tumblers, a sublimation oven with shrink sleeves is one of the easiest ways to get consistent results.
Will sublimation work on 100% cotton?
Not by itself. Sublimation dye bonds best with polyester, so 100% cotton won’t hold the transfer unless it has a special sublimation coating. For apparel, use high-polyester garments; for hard goods, use blanks rated and coated for sublimation.
How often should I print to avoid clogs?
Printing a nozzle check or a small color swatch once or twice a week is usually enough to keep ink flowing.
What paper should I use?
Use a reputable sublimation paper that works well with your blanks. While you’re learning, sticking with one paper brand helps you get consistent results; later, you can test other papers for cost savings or different color output.
Can I profile it for exact brand colors?
Yes. Use the correct ICC profile and keep your press settings consistent. For strict brand matching, consider having a custom ICC profile made for your specific paper and workflow.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Score: 4.5/5 — The Epson F170 is a strong pick for crafters, schools, and small shops that want dependable sublimation in a compact printer. It’s easy to set up, stays consistent once you’re dialed in with the right profile and press settings, and pairs well with a heat press and sublimation oven if you want to expand into apparel and full-wrap drinkware.
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