Easy conversion process.
I recently got an Epson EcoTank ET-2400 specifically to convert into a sublimation printer. The process was easy, and my first sublimation print project turned out well!
In case it's helpful, below are the topics covered in this post:
Package Contents
My Epson EcoTank ET-2400 came from Amazon.com, but it is available through various retail stores for $179.99 USD at the time of writing this post.
The package contents included:
"Start Here" guide
Power cable
Set of 4 inks (black, yellow, magenta, and cyan)
EcoTank printer
Disposable gloves (not pictured)
The parts of the printer that could open were taped in place. The tape strips were folded at the ends making it convenient and easy to pull the tape off.
Although I am sure this makes a great "all-in-one cartridge-free supertank printer" as-is, I got this with the intent of converting it into a sublimation printer.
The new printer with clean ink tanks ensured that there would be no ink contamination. I put the set of four inks aside and used sublimation inks instead.
Sublimation Supplies
To convert the printer into a sublimation printer, I filled the ink tanks with Hiipoo Sublimation Ink.
The sublimation ink package contents included:
Set of 4 sublimation inks (black, yellow, magenta, and cyan)
Heat resistant tape
Set of 4 syringes with dull tips
Disposable gloves (not pictured)
Although I got a set that included syringes, there are sets designed specifically for Epson EcoTank printers that fit the ink tank filling ports. Those are designed to be squeezed directly from the bottle into the ink tank, but I heard that it could be a messier process than using a syringe.
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER: If you have a latex allergy like me, you may consider discarding the disposable gloves and wearing a pair you know for sure does not contain latex. I learned this the hard way a few years ago.
I also got a pack of A-SUB Sublimation Paper to use with the converted sublimation printer. It was suggested by Amazon.com.
Printer Setup
There are three parts to completing the printer setup process: filling the tanks, charging the ink tanks, and installing the app.
Filling the Ink Tanks
Below are a few tips for filling the ink tanks:
Place a towel under or surrounding the ink tanks to catch accidental spills or splatters.
Have isopropyl alcohol nearby to clean any ink spills or splatters immediately to minimize staining on various surfaces.
Hold the bottle at an angle while extracting ink with a syringe to minimize air bubbles.
Expect a few drips of ink after filling the syringe.
Insert the syringe tip into the ink tank filling port and hold it upright while filling the tanks.
Fill slowly into the tank to prevent bubbles from forming and ink from spilling over.
Label the syringes to avoid color contamination in the future.
I colored the ends of the syringes with paint markers to know which syringe I used for which color.
Minutes after I filled the ink tanks to the max fill lines, the ink settled, and I was able to add more ink to reach the max fill lines again.
It took approximately 50ml of ink to fill an ink tank. However, I had to add more ink after I charged the ink tanks.
Charging the Ink Tanks
As directed by the "Start Here" guide, I turned on the printer and held the stop button until the power light began flashing. The charging process began immediately and lasted over ten minutes. It reduced the ink levels.
Installing the Software
I opted to install the software via PC, but the "Start Here" guide provides a QR code to download an app for mobile for mobile devices. I have not tried the mobile app at the time of writing this post.
I went to epson.com/support/et2400 (or epson.ca/support/et2400 for Canada) to download the software. This took approximately fifteen minutes, but timing may vary depending on your internet connection. Fortunately, the setup process was easy thanks to clear directions and prompts during the installation process.
My 1st Sublimation Print Project
Using an image editing program, I created a simple design that included images of my dogs and text that read, "Life is good with dogs." I made sure to reverse the image before printing.
Within the printer properties, I selected "presentation paper matte" and "standard" quality color. The images on the paper appeared faded, but it transferred with vibrant colors in the end.
I used a Cricut Ceramic Mug Blank that was already primed for sublimation. I recently got a few mugs from my local Walmart store, but I have also purchased them from my local Michaels. It depended on which store had the better price at the time of purchase.
After cleaning my mug, I wrapped the image tightly onto the mug's surface using heat resistant tape and parchment paper. The parchment paper ensured none of the ink bled through and stained the inside of my mug press during the heating process.
I used my VivoHome Sublimation Mug Press to press the image onto the mug. Using an automated mug press was much easier than using a heat gun as I did with my "Happy Holidays" snowman and other mugs I gifted last year.
I expected the first attempt to be a failure, but was pleasantly surprised with the sharp, vibrant details of my dogs' images. I cannot wait to make more mugs to gift to others!
What's Next?
With several holidays around the corner, I will make several sublimation projects to give to others. Hopefully, having this converted sublimation printer will prove to be convenient soon enough.
Comment below to share why converting a printer into a sublimation printer is appealing to you!
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam