How to Convert an Epson EcoTank Printer for Sublimation

Video Tutorial – Sublimation Printer

Supplies You’ll Need:

Epson EcoTank Printer 2803, I used the EcoTank from Walmart – $179
Sublimation Ink, Hiipoo Sublimation Ink from Amazon
Sublimation Paper, I used HTVRONT Sublimation Paper
Heat Press Machine, Mine is the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press
Sublimation Blank, 100% to 65% Polyester: tote bag, t-shirt, pencil pouch etc
Heat Resistant Tape
Gloves, Lint Roller, Teflon Sheet

Unboxed Epson EcoTank printer with all accessories laid out, including ink bottles, cords, and instructions.

Step 1 – Unboxing Your Epson EcoTank Printer

What Comes in the Box?

Epson EcoTank Printer
Power cord
CD driver (optional for setup)
Standard ink bottles (do NOT use these)

⚠️ Important: Do not install the standard ink. You’ll be using sublimation ink only. Please be aware that when you convert an Epson EcoTank with sublimation ink, it voids the warranty of the printer with Epson.

A sublimation setup with Epson EcoTank printer, Hippo ink bottles

Step 2 – Adding Sublimation Ink

I used Hiipoo sublimation ink 100ML, which came with:

1x black
1x cyan
1x magenta
1x yellow

Filling the Ink Tanks

Wear gloves
Open the color hatch
Insert matching ink bottle until it clicks
Fill slowly and stop at the top fill line

Close-up of Hiipoo sublimation ink bottles and gloves while filling Epson EcoTank tanks.

Step 3 – Powering On and Initial Setup

Remove all tape
Plug in printer (but don’t turn it on until after filling)
Turn on and follow on-screen setup prompts
Skip the smart app if not needed
Select language and allow printer to initialize (takes ~11 minutes)

That is all it takes to convert the Epson EcoTank Printer into a Sublimation Printer!

Step 4 – Load Sublimation Paper & Print Your Design

Use premium presentation matte setting
Quality: High
Always mirror your image before printing
Load paper snugly using the blue tray guides
Connect via Wi-Fi or use a USB cable
Print your design and double-check for mirror setting

Now we are ready to make our first sublimation project!

Printer settings, Always double-check your design is mirrored before printing.

Epson EcoTank printer printing mirrored sublimation design onto HTVRONT paper.

Step 5 – Prep Your Blank and Heat Press

Prepare Your Surface

Use 100% polyester or at least 65%
Remove tags, lint roll the surface
Measure and test fit your design
Pre-press your blank for 5 seconds to remove moisture

Pressing Instructions

Temp: 385°F
Time: 55 seconds
Firm pressure
Use heat-resistant tape to hold the design in place
Place Teflon sheet over your print

HTVRONT heat press with sublimation pencil pouch under Teflon sheet mid-press.

Need to find an affordable heat press? Check out my honest review of the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press!

Final Reveal & Results

Close-up of completed sublimated pencil pouch with vivid teal and hot pink design of 80s cassette tape, Made to Worship.

I was honestly shocked at how vibrant and professional it looked for my first try! The HTVRONT paper worked perfectly and captured all the teal and hot pink colors from my design.

✅ Pro Tip: Always double-check your design is mirrored before printing. I accidentally printed one the wrong way the first time!

You CAN Start Sublimation Today

I put off sublimation for way too long thinking it would be complicated, but honestly—it’s just like setting up a regular printer, with a few extra steps. Now that I’ve done it once, I can’t wait to create more sublimation projects with mugs, shirts, and totes.

Epson EcoTank 2803 for Sublimation printer, Beginner's Guide

Don’t Forget to Share to Pinterest

Please share this post to Pinterest, by using the images below, to help other crafters like you find my Free SVG Files, DIY Crafts and product reviews!

Beginner's Guide How to Convert a Epson Eco Tank Printer for Sublimation

Most affordable printer for sublimation, Beginner's Guide

FREE files LICENSE agreement:

ALLOWED

NOT ALLOWED

small businesses:

If you want to use my FREE SVG designs on your products, just purchase a Commercial License for each free download.

Or join my SVG Membership and be cover by an unlimited use commercial license. Check out the benefits below!

single license

pay for license as you go.

SVG Membership

save more with membership.

comments:

2 Responses

Deb Pope says:

May 2, 2025 at 11:22 am

Love your video on converting a printer to a sublimation printer. This is something I have wanted to do for some time now. I have been hesitant because I heard you have to print something with your printer every week, unlike a sublimation printer, it will get clogged. What has your experience been?

Reply
1. Gina Creates says:
  
  May 5, 2025 at 8:45 am
  
  I just started out but I will keep you guys updated. So far no issues.
  
  Reply