For years, my craft room was a battlefield of compromises. I was deep into personalizing everything from mugs for friends to custom t-shirts for family reunions, but the process was a constant struggle. My journey started, like many others, with a converted inkjet printer—an old workhorse repurposed for a new life in sublimation. It worked, but it was temperamental. I spent countless hours battling clogged print heads, wrestling with third-party ink profiles that never seemed quite right, and wasting expensive paper on prints where the colors were just… off. There was always a nagging feeling that I was forcing a tool to do a job it was never truly designed for. This frustration is what sends creators and small business owners on the hunt for a dedicated, purpose-built machine, leading them directly to products like the Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer.
- Print high-quality, richly pigmented designs on specialized paper for heat transfer to a variety of items
- Easily create customized accessories, clothing, home décor, and more.
What to Consider Before Buying a Sublimation Printer
A sublimation printer is more than just a device that puts ink on paper; it’s the heart of a creative enterprise, whether that’s a hobby or a burgeoning business. It’s a key solution for transforming digital designs into vibrant, permanent creations on a vast array of items. Unlike traditional printing, dye-sublimation uses heat to turn ink into a gas that bonds directly with polyester or polymer-coated surfaces. The result is a professional-quality, scratch-resistant finish that won’t crack, peel, or fade. The main benefit is the ability to produce high-margin, personalized goods from the comfort of your home or studio, opening up a world of creative and commercial possibilities.
The ideal customer for a dedicated sublimation printer like this is someone who is tired of the unreliability of converted inkjets or is just starting their sublimation journey and wants to avoid those initial headaches altogether. This includes hobbyists who demand quality, Etsy sellers, and small businesses creating custom apparel, drinkware, and home décor. It’s for the creator who values ease of use, consistent results, and a system designed to work seamlessly out of the box. Conversely, this type of printer might not be suitable for those who need to produce prints larger than standard letter or A4 size. If your business focuses on large items like full-bleed XL t-shirts, blankets, or large metal prints, you would need to invest in a wide-format sublimation printer, which occupies a different category and price bracket entirely.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The Brother SP1 boasts a compact footprint (43.5D x 34.3W x 15.9H cm), making it a perfect fit for a desktop or a crowded craft room. Before buying any printer, measure your intended space, ensuring you have enough room for the printer itself, plus clearance for loading paper and accessing ink cartridges. Remember that you’ll also need space for your designs, sublimation blanks, and a heat press.
- Performance & Print Size: The primary performance metric is print quality and color accuracy. Look for a printer designed specifically for sublimation to ensure its drivers and hardware are optimized for the inks. The maximum print size is a critical limitation; the Brother SP1 handles up to 8.5 x 11 inches, which is perfect for mugs, coasters, phone cases, and most standard t-shirt designs, but insufficient for larger projects.
- Inks & Consumables: Dedicated sublimation printers often use proprietary ink cartridges. While this can feel restrictive, it guarantees compatibility and consistent color output. We investigated the cost and availability of Brother’s sublimation ink packs and found them to be reasonably priced, removing a major barrier for many users. Also, consider paper compatibility; while Brother offers its own paper, we found, as other users have, that it performs well with other quality sublimation paper brands.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: This is where purpose-built printers truly shine. Look for features like Wi-Fi connectivity, an intuitive user interface, and, most importantly, automatic maintenance cycles. The Brother SP1’s self-cleaning feature is a game-changer, preventing the dreaded print head clogs that plague converted printers, saving you time, ink, and immense frustration in the long run.
While the Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition in the broader crafting printer market. For a comprehensive look at top models that excel in various creative tasks, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Print, Copy, Scan: The PIXMA TS3720 is a true colour printer scanner copier all in one that is compact, versatile and easy-to-use with a 60 sheet rear tray that reduces the need to refill paper as...
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (2)
- FROM CANADA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The DeskJet 2855e is perfect for homes printing to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes. Print speeds up to 5.5 ppm colour, 7.5 ppm black.
First Impressions: A Purpose-Built Powerhouse
Unboxing the Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer felt like a breath of fresh air. After years of dealing with DIY solutions, handling a machine designed from the ground up for one specific task was immediately gratifying. The packaging was secure, and inside the box, we found everything needed to get started: the printer, a set of four initial CMYK sublimation ink cartridges, a starter pack of letter-size sublimation paper, a power cord, and a USB cable. Including the USB cable was a nice touch, as many manufacturers omit it these days. The printer itself is compact, sturdy, and has the clean, white aesthetic typical of Brother products. It feels well-built, not flimsy. One peculiar observation, echoed by other users, is the presence of a glass scanner bed under a permanently affixed instruction sheet on the lid. This suggests the chassis is based on one of their all-in-one models, but it has no impact on functionality and feels like a harmless manufacturing quirk. The setup process was incredibly straightforward, a stark contrast to the complex driver installations and profile configurations required for converted printers. It was a true plug-and-play experience that had us ready to print our first test design within minutes.
Key Benefits
- Truly simple, beginner-friendly setup process
- Vibrant and accurate color reproduction on final products
- Automatic self-cleaning feature prevents print head clogs
- Compact design is perfect for small workspaces or craft rooms
Limitations
- Maximum print size is limited to 8.5 x 11 inches
- Accompanying Artspira app is mobile-only and lacks robust design features
Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Brother SP1 to the Test
A sublimation printer lives and dies by the quality of its final output. It can be the easiest machine in the world to set up, but if the colors are dull and the transfers are blotchy, it’s nothing more than an expensive paperweight. We put the Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer through a gauntlet of tests, from intricate, multi-color graphics on polyester apparel to full-color photos on ceramic mugs and coasters, to see if it truly delivered on its promise of professional-quality results.
Setup and Software: From Box to First Print in Under 20 Minutes
Our experience with setting up the Brother SP1 was overwhelmingly positive, confirming reports from numerous users who praised its simplicity. The process is guided by clear on-screen instructions on the printer’s LCD touch display. After plugging it in, you simply install the four ink cartridges into their clearly marked slots. The printer then runs through an initial priming cycle, which takes a few minutes. While it’s doing that, you can install the Brother software on your computer or connect it to your Wi-Fi network. We tested both USB and Wi-Fi connections, and both were stable and reliable.
The software side is a tale of two options. Brother heavily promotes its free Artspira app, which is available for iOS and Android. For absolute beginners, it offers a simple way to access built-in designs, add text, and print directly from a phone or tablet. However, we share the sentiment of many experienced users: the app is limiting. It’s not a full-fledged design program, and its library feels more geared toward Brother’s embroidery machines. The real power of this printer is unlocked when you bypass the app entirely. We used professional design software (Adobe Photoshop and Canva) on a PC, and printing was as simple as with any standard office printer. You just select the Brother SP1, ensure your color settings are correct, and send the job. This workflow is ideal for anyone serious about creating custom designs. The fact that it works so seamlessly with standard programs is a feature that really sets it apart for users who have outgrown mobile apps.
Print Quality and Color Vibrancy: The Moment of Truth
This is the most critical aspect of our Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer Review. We saw a handful of user complaints about dull colors, which initially gave us pause. However, our testing revealed a different story, one that aligns with the vast majority of positive feedback praising its “fabulous” and “vibrant” colors. Our first test print onto the sublimation paper looked, as it should, somewhat muted and pale. This is normal for sublimation; the magic happens under heat. When we pressed our design onto a 100% polyester t-shirt, the colors exploded with life. Reds were rich and fiery, blues were deep and true, and blacks were a solid, dark neutral—not the muddy gray some users reported.
So, why the discrepancy in user experiences? Our expert assessment points to user error in the sublimation process, not a fault of the printer itself. Sublimation requires three things: the right ink/paper (which the SP1 provides), the right substrate (100% polyester or polymer-coated), and the right combination of time, temperature, and pressure from a heat press. If a user presses a design onto a 50/50 cotton-poly blend, or uses incorrect heat settings, the result will inevitably be a dull, faded, or washed-out image. When used correctly, we found the SP1’s output to be consistently brilliant. We also confirmed that while Brother’s sublimation paper works well, the printer is not finicky and produces excellent results with other high-quality third-party sublimation papers, offering users flexibility and potential cost savings.
Reliability and Maintenance: Curing the Clogging Headache
Anyone who has used a converted Epson printer for sublimation knows the constant fear of clogged print heads. If the printer sits unused for even a few days, the thicker sublimation ink can dry in the delicate nozzles, leading to banding, color gaps, and hours of frustrating cleaning cycles that waste a tremendous amount of ink. This is arguably the single biggest advantage of the Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer. As one savvy user pointed out, “it cycles on its own to keep the print heads from clogging.”
This automated maintenance feature is a true game-changer for hobbyists and small businesses who may not be printing every single day. The printer periodically circulates the ink internally, preventing it from drying and solidifying in the print head. Throughout our multi-week testing period, which included deliberately letting it sit idle for several days, we never experienced a single clog or instance of banding. Every print was perfect from the first sheet. This built-in reliability removes the biggest pain point of entry-level sublimation, making the entire process more enjoyable and cost-effective. You waste less ink on cleanings and less time on troubleshooting, allowing you to focus on what matters most: creating. This feature alone justifies the investment for anyone who values their time and sanity.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the feedback for the Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer paints a picture of a product that excels for its target audience: beginners and hobbyists. The most common praise, which our testing confirmed, is its incredible ease of use. One user summed it up perfectly: “I am absolutely loving this sublimation printer! I’m a beginner so this was all new for me but was all totally straightforward.” Another noted, “It is simple to set up and to use. It prints beautiful images.” This sentiment of it being a fantastic entry point into the world of sublimation is a powerful, recurring theme.
The main points of criticism are equally consistent. The 8.5 x 11-inch print size limitation is the most frequently mentioned drawback, with multiple happy customers stating, “I only wished I could print bigger images.” The Artspira app is another common source of frustration. As one detailed review explained, “The Artspira app left a little to be desired as I am not someone who wants to design anything on my phone so I do wish they had a desktop version.” On the more negative side, a small but notable number of users reported receiving units that were dead on arrival or had quality control issues like glue residue or ink leaks. While our test unit was flawless, these reports suggest some inconsistency in manufacturing or shipping, which is an important consideration when purchasing.
How Does the Brother SP1 Compare to the Alternatives?
The Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer carves out a unique niche as a purpose-built, entry-level sublimation machine. However, the market is also filled with versatile photo printers that are often converted for sublimation use. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular Epson models that crafters frequently consider.
1. Epson Expression Photo XP-970 Wireless Photo Printer
- Epson printing system is specifically designed to be used with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty.
- Brilliant, borderless photos up to 11" x 17" — 6-colour Claria Photo HD Inks deliver smooth gradations and amazing skin tones
The Epson XP-970 is a fantastic all-in-one photo printer that offers more versatility than the SP1. Its key advantages are the built-in scanner and copier and its ability to print on a wider variety of media, including directly onto CDs/DVDs. It also supports a slightly larger print size of up to 11 x 17 inches. However, to use it for sublimation, you must go through the conversion process: purchasing third-party refillable cartridges or a CISS, sublimation ink, and installing custom color profiles. This adds complexity and potential for error that the Brother SP1 completely avoids. The XP-970 is a better choice for a crafter who needs a versatile machine for photos, scanning, and occasional sublimation, and is comfortable with the technical DIY conversion process.
2. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Wide-Format Printer
- Epson printing system is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer's ltd. wnty.
- Professional ultra HD photo quality get brilliant border less prints upto 13 inches X 19 inches
The Epson XP-15000 is the go-to choice for creators who need to go big. Its ability to print borderless up to 13 x 19 inches directly addresses the single biggest complaint about the Brother SP1. This makes it suitable for producing larger t-shirt designs, tote bags, and all-over prints that are impossible on the SP1. It uses a six-color ink system, which can produce stunning photographic quality. Like the XP-970, it requires a full conversion for sublimation, which is an added cost and technical hurdle. We would recommend the XP-15000 for a serious hobbyist or small business owner who has identified large-format printing as a core business need and is willing to manage the conversion process to achieve it.
3. Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 Wireless Color Photo Printer
- Epson strongly recommends the use of genuine epson inks for a quality printing experience non epson inks and inks not formulated for your specific printer may cause damage that is not covered by the...
- This printer is designed for use with epson cartridges only, not third party cartridges or ink; cartridges described as compatible, re manufactured, refilled or refillable may not work properly or at...
The Epson XP-7100 is another strong “all-in-one” competitor, offering printing, scanning, and copying in a compact package with a 30-page auto document feeder. It’s a highly capable machine for general crafting and photo printing. Its five-color ink system provides excellent photo quality. When comparing it to the Brother SP1 for sublimation, the same core difference applies: the XP-7100 must be converted. It’s a jack-of-all-trades, whereas the SP1 is a master of one. The XP-7100 is for the user who needs a primary home office printer that can also be adapted for a sublimation hobby. The Brother SP1, on the other hand, is for the user who wants a dedicated, hassle-free sublimation station.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer is an outstanding choice for anyone new to sublimation or any experienced crafter seeking a reliable, low-maintenance machine for standard-sized projects. Its greatest strengths lie in its simplicity and dependability. The plug-and-play setup, vibrant out-of-the-box color, and the game-changing automatic self-cleaning feature eliminate the three biggest barriers to entry in the sublimation world. While it’s limited to an 8.5 x 11-inch print area and the Artspira app is underwhelming, these are known trade-offs for a device that delivers such consistent, high-quality results with virtually zero hassle.
If you’re a hobbyist, an Etsy seller, or a small business owner focusing on items like mugs, coasters, phone cases, and t-shirts, this printer is a fantastic investment that will save you time and frustration. For those who want to skip the headaches of converted inkjets and get straight to creating beautiful, professional-quality products, the Brother SP1 is a definitive recommendation. If you’re ready to unlock your creative potential with a printer that just works, we highly encourage you to check the latest price and availability for the Brother SP1 and start your sublimation journey on the right foot.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API