Sawgrass Ink Guide
Which Sawgrass Ink System Is Right for You?
Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 printers support multiple ink systems, each designed for specific materials and product types. Use this guide to choose the best workflow: SubliJet UHD, VersiFlex, EasySubli, or ChromaBlast.
Quick Answer
If you print mostly polyester and polymer-coated blanks, choose SubliJet UHD. If you want a hybrid system that can do traditional sublimation and expand to additional materials with the right media, choose VersiFlex. If you want heat transfers on cotton (including darks) using EasySubli HTV, choose EasySubli. If you want durable transfers on light cotton using ChromaBlast transfer paper, choose ChromaBlast.
Ink System Comparison
Use this chart to match the ink system to your materials and product lineup.
| Ink System | Best For | Top Materials | Needs Special Media? | Typical Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SubliJet UHD (Sublimation) | Classic dye sublimation | Polyester, polymer-coated blanks | Sublimation paper + coated substrates | Poly shirts, mugs, photo panels, metal prints |
| VersiFlex (Hybrid Decorating) | Sublimation + expanded applications | Polyester (traditional) + expanded options with VersiFlex media | Yes — uses VersiFlex media for expanded surfaces | Multi-surface personalization, craft/decor workflows |
| EasySubli (for EasySubli HTV) | Printable HTV workflow | Cotton (including darks) via EasySubli heat transfer vinyl | Yes — EasySubli HTV required | Cotton tees, dark garments, fashion HTV looks |
| ChromaBlast (Pigment Transfer) | Cotton transfer printing | Light cotton and cotton blends | Yes — ChromaBlast transfer paper | Light cotton tees, totes, textile goods |
Pick Based on What You Make
✅ Choose SubliJet UHD if…
- You print on polyester and performance apparel
- You sell polymer-coated blanks (mugs, panels, metal prints)
- You want the classic sublimation look and permanence on polyester
✅ Choose VersiFlex if…
- You want a hybrid system that can do traditional sublimation plus more
- You want to expand into additional surfaces using VersiFlex media + settings
- You want a streamlined “one printer platform” approach for diverse products
✅ Choose EasySubli if…
- You want a printable HTV look on cotton (including dark garments)
- You prefer an HTV-based workflow using EasySubli Heat Transfer Vinyl
- You want vibrant prints on cotton without sublimation coating requirements
✅ Choose ChromaBlast if…
- You mainly decorate light cotton tees and textiles
- You want a proven cotton transfer workflow with ChromaBlast paper
- You want strong wash durability on cotton (workflow dependent)
Important: One Printer = One Ink System
Sawgrass printers should be dedicated to a single ink system. Avoid switching ink types in the same printer. Ink system changes can contaminate lines and negatively impact output and reliability.
Related Guides
- SubliJet UHD vs VersiFlex (comparison)
- SG500 vs SG1000 printer comparison
- VersiFlex vs DTF (comparison)
- Back to the Sawgrass Printing Systems Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Sawgrass ink is best for polyester?
For traditional sublimation on polyester and polymer-coated blanks, SubliJet UHD is typically the best choice.
Which Sawgrass ink is best for cotton?
For cotton workflows, your best choice depends on the look you want: EasySubli (printable HTV) or ChromaBlast (cotton transfer paper workflow). VersiFlex can also support expanded applications with the correct media and settings.
Why does VersiFlex not use black ink?
VersiFlex uses a different ink configuration designed around its workflow: CMY + Expander. The Expander plays a role in how the transfer is built and released with VersiFlex media.
Can I switch ink systems in my SG500 or SG1000?
It’s strongly recommended to dedicate one printer to one ink system. Switching inks can contaminate lines and reduce output quality and reliability.
Are you an authorized Sawgrass dealer?
Yes. SawgrassInks.com is operated by an authorized Sawgrass dealer serving the professional printing industry since 1996.
Why Buy From SawgrassInks.com?
We’re an authorized Sawgrass dealer serving the professional printing industry since 1996. We supply genuine, factory-sealed Sawgrass products and support real-world production workflows.