Sawgrass Learning Center
Sawgrass SG500 & SG1000 Printing Systems Guide
Compare the SubliJet UHD and VersiFlex ink systems, see exactly which materials each one decorates, avoid the costly compatibility mistakes, and find the right printer, supplies, and setup guides in one place.
Jump to: Quick Answer · UHD vs VersiFlex · ChromaBlast & EasySubli · SG500 vs SG1000 · Compatibility Rules · Guides · FAQs
Quick Answer: Which Sawgrass Ink Should You Use?
Choose SubliJet UHD for traditional sublimation on polyester apparel and polymer-coated hard goods (mugs, tumblers, metal panels, coated ceramics, photo gifts). Choose VersiFlex if you need to decorate cotton, blends, uncoated wood, and other natural surfaces — it pairs CMY + a clear Expander cartridge with VersiFlex transfer paper. Because there is no white ink, VersiFlex performs best on white and light-colored materials.
Both run in the SG500 and SG1000, but a printer must stay dedicated to one ink system for its life. Decide before you buy.
SubliJet UHD vs VersiFlex
These are the two main Sawgrass ink systems for the SG500 and SG1000. Here is the specific, side-by-side breakdown.
SubliJet UHD
Method: Traditional dye sublimation
Best surfaces: Polyester fabrics and polymer-coated blanks
Typical products: Mugs, tumblers, metal panels, coated ceramics, photo gifts, polyester apparel
Cartridges: CMYK; 31ml standard (SG500 & SG1000), 70ml extended (SG1000 only)
Cotton? No — sublimation will not bond to untreated cotton
Best for: Classic sublimation businesses and gift makers producing coated goods at scale
VersiFlex
Method: Transfer-media decorating (plus sublimation when paired with sublimation paper)
Best surfaces: Cotton, blends, natural fabrics, uncoated wood, ceramics, and poly-coated blanks
Typical products: Cotton apparel, tote bags, wood signs, plus traditional sublimation items
Cartridges: CMY + clear Expander; uses VersiFlex Light paper for natural surfaces, sublimation paper for coated goods
White ink? No — best results on white and light-colored substrates
Best for: Creators who want one compact system spanning cotton and hard goods without a powder-and-curing DTF workflow
Go deeper: Which Sawgrass system is right for you, the SG500 & SG1000 ink buying guide, or VersiFlex vs DTF.
Also Available: ChromaBlast & Siser EasySubli
Two more genuine Sawgrass-compatible systems run in the SG500 and SG1000 for specific cotton workflows.
ChromaBlast
Engineered for direct transfers onto light-colored 100% cotton using ChromaBlast paper. A simple route into cotton apparel.
Siser EasySubli
Developed by Sawgrass and Siser to print full-color designs onto Siser EasySubli HTV, decorating cotton and dark garments that sublimation cannot handle directly.
SG500 or SG1000: Choosing Your Printer Size
Both printers run the same ink systems and the same Sawgrass software. The difference is print width and capacity. The SG500 prints up to 8.5" wide — compact and ideal for startups, mugs, and standard apparel transfers. The SG1000 prints up to 11" wide and accepts 70ml extended cartridges — built for larger designs and higher-volume production.
Critical Compatibility Rules (Avoid Costly Mistakes)
Never mix ink systems
Switching between SubliJet UHD, VersiFlex, EasySubli, or ChromaBlast requires a full ink flush, voids your Sawgrass warranty, and wastes significant ink. Run each system in its own dedicated printer.
SG500/SG1000 ink is not SG400/SG800 ink
The SG400 and SG800 use the older SubliJet HD in a different cartridge. SubliJet UHD for the SG500/SG1000 will not fit them. Confirm your exact model before ordering.
70ml cartridges are SG1000 only
Extended 70ml cartridges are sized for the SG1000's larger ink bay and cannot be installed in the SG500.
Buy genuine, from an authorized dealer
Sawgrass ink has roughly a two-year shelf life. Gray-market or improperly stored ink can shift color, clog print heads, and void your warranty. Always buy factory-sealed from an authorized dealer.
Guides & Resources
Which Sawgrass System Is Right for You
Match the ink system and printer to the products you plan to sell.
SG500 vs SG1000
Compare print size, capacity, and ideal use cases.
SG500 & SG1000 Ink Buying Guide
Choose the correct genuine cartridges and avoid compatibility errors.
VersiFlex vs DTF
Compare workflow, complexity, cost, and ideal materials.
VersiFlex Printing Guide
Media, settings, and best practices for clean VersiFlex transfers.
VersiFlex Heat Press Settings
Press settings and pressing tips for cotton, fabric, and uncoated wood.
What Can You Make?
Popular products and project ideas made with Sawgrass systems.
Official VersiFlex Materials Guide
Sawgrass's own resource for choosing compatible products and blanks.
Shop Genuine Sawgrass by System
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the SG500 and SG1000 use the same ink?
Both run the same Sawgrass ink systems — SubliJet UHD, VersiFlex, ChromaBlast, and Siser EasySubli. The SG1000 also accepts 70ml extended cartridges the SG500 cannot use. Note these all differ from the older SG400 and SG800, which use SubliJet HD.
Should I choose SubliJet UHD or VersiFlex?
Choose SubliJet UHD for traditional sublimation on polyester and polymer-coated blanks such as mugs, tumblers, and metal panels. Choose VersiFlex to decorate cotton, blends, uncoated wood, and natural surfaces using VersiFlex transfer paper. VersiFlex has no white ink, so it performs best on white and light materials.
Can I switch ink systems in one printer?
No. Switching between SubliJet UHD, VersiFlex, EasySubli, or ChromaBlast requires a full ink flush, voids your Sawgrass warranty, and wastes a significant amount of ink. Each system should run in its own dedicated printer, so choose before you buy.
Will SG500 or SG1000 ink fit my SG400 or SG800?
No. The SG400 and SG800 use SubliJet HD, a different formulation and cartridge. SubliJet UHD cartridges for the SG500 and SG1000 will not fit older models. Always confirm your exact printer model before ordering.
Why buy genuine Sawgrass ink from an authorized dealer?
Genuine, factory-sealed Sawgrass ink is engineered for SG printers and Sawgrass color profiles, giving consistent color and reliable flow. Sawgrass ink has roughly a two-year shelf life, and gray-market or improperly stored ink can shift color, clog print heads, and void your warranty.
Where do I buy printers and supplies?
Shop SG500 & SG1000 printers, SubliJet UHD ink, and VersiFlex inks and media, or call our team for help choosing the right system.
Why Buy From SawgrassInks.com
SawgrassInks.com is operated by Southtrend Corp., an authorized Sawgrass dealer serving the professional printing and customization industry since 1996. We supply 100% genuine, factory-sealed Sawgrass products and help SG500 and SG1000 users choose the right ink system with confidence.
Based in Miami, Florida. Free shipping on orders over $99 (continental USA). Questions before you order? Call 305-653-0037.