How to Choose the Right Genuine Sawgrass Ink for your SG500 and SG1000 Printers
Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 printers use a dedicated genuine Sawgrass sublimation ink system designed for current-generation Sawgrass hardware. These inks deliver accurate color, predictable transfers, and long-term durability on polyester and polymer-coated substrates. Most users start with a complete CMYK set, then replace individual colors as needed.
Sawgrass SG500 & SG1000 sublimation ink is engineered exclusively for Sawgrass’s current printer platform. This page is a practical buying and usage guide designed to help creators, small businesses, and production environments choose the correct ink configuration and avoid common compatibility mistakes.
Unlike legacy SG400 and SG800 printers, the SG500 and SG1000 use a newer ink delivery system optimized for modern workflows, improved color control, and consistent performance.
How SG500 & SG1000 Ink Is Different from Older Sawgrass Ink Systems
Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 printers use a different ink formulation and cartridge system than discontinued SG400 and SG800 models. Ink cartridges are not interchangeable between generations.
| Printer generation | Ink system | Status |
|---|---|---|
| SG500 / SG1000 | Genuine Sawgrass Ink (current platform) | Current models |
| SG400 / SG800 | SubliJet HD (legacy) | Discontinued |
If you are using an older SG400 or SG800 printer, you should follow a separate legacy ink guide. Using the wrong ink generation may result in printer errors or damage.
Why Choose Genuine Sawgrass Ink for SG500 & SG1000?
1. Engineered as a Complete Printer + Ink System
Sawgrass designs its printers, firmware, color profiles, and inks as a unified ecosystem. Using genuine ink ensures:
- Stable ink flow with fewer clogs
- Predictable color reproduction
- Reduced maintenance interruptions
- Reliable operation in production environments
2. Color Accuracy for Commercial Products
These inks produce deep blacks, vivid primaries, smooth gradients, and photo-quality detail. This is critical for products where color consistency matters, such as branded apparel, photo panels, and retail merchandise.
3. Durability on Approved Sublimation Substrates
- Excellent UV and wash fade resistance
- Long-term color stability
- Permanent bonding to polyester and polymer coatings
What Can You Create with SG500 & SG1000 Ink?
- Polyester apparel and performance wear
- Sublimation mugs, tumblers, and drinkware
- Metal photo panels and plaques
- Wall décor, ornaments, and gift items
- Print-on-demand and small business product lines
For growing sublimation businesses, the SG500 and SG1000 ink system offers an ideal balance between professional output quality and manageable operating costs.
How to Choose the Right Ink Configuration
| Your situation | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| New printer setup | Complete CMYK ink set |
| One color running low | Replace individual cartridge |
| High-volume SG1000 production | Extended-capacity cartridges (SG1000 only) |
FAQ – Sawgrass SG500 & SG1000 Ink
Do I have to use genuine Sawgrass ink?
Genuine Sawgrass ink is engineered specifically for SG500 and SG1000 printers. It ensures predictable results and protects long-term printer performance.
Are SG500 and SG1000 cartridges the same?
Yes. Both printers use the same standard-capacity cartridges. Extended-capacity cartridges are available for SG1000 users only.
What materials work best?
Polyester fabrics and polymer-coated sublimation blanks such as mugs, metal panels, and coated hard goods.
Tip: Always match ink generation to printer generation and follow substrate-specific heat press guidelines for best results.
Sawgrassinks.com is an authorized Sawgrass dealer for the USA and Latin America.. We have been in business since 1996.
