SubliJet UHD — Complete buying guide 2026
Sawgrass SG500 & SG1000 ink buying guide: SubliJet UHD cartridges explained
Everything you need before buying — which cartridges fit which printer, 31ml vs 70ml, CMYK color options, shelf life, starter ink explained, and how to avoid the most common purchasing mistakes. Genuine ink from an authorized dealer.
By Sawgrassinks.com · Authorized Sawgrass dealer - Since 1996 · Updated May 2026
Since 1996Authorized Sawgrass dealer
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Quick answer
Both the Sawgrass SG500 and Sawgrass SG1000 use Sawgrass SubliJet UHD sublimation ink in four CMYK colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. The standard 31ml cartridges fit both printers. The extended 70ml cartridges fit the SG1000 only — they do not fit the SG500.
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What ink do the Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 use?
Both the Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 use SubliJet UHD — Sawgrass's current-generation, professional sublimation ink system engineered exclusively for SG-series printers. It is a high-viscosity gel formulation designed for vibrant, permanent sublimation transfers on polyester fabrics and polymer-coated hard goods.
SubliJet UHD works seamlessly with Sawgrass Print Manager and Sawgrass color profiles, delivering accurate, consistent color reproduction from screen to substrate. It is not the same as the older SubliJet HD ink used in SG400/SG800 printers, and it must not be mixed with VersiFlex, EasySubli, ChromaBlast, or third-party inks in the same printer.
Critical compatibility note: SubliJet UHD cartridges designed for the SG500/SG1000 are not compatible with the older SG400 or SG800 printers (which use SubliJet HD — a different formulation and cartridge form factor). Always confirm your exact printer model number before ordering.
How sublimation ink works — and why it must be genuine
Unlike standard inkjet ink, sublimation ink does not sit on the surface of a material. When heat and pressure are applied with a heat press, the ink converts into a gas and permanently bonds into the molecular structure of the substrate — a process called dye diffusion. The result is a print that cannot crack, peel, wash off, or fade in the same way as surface-applied inks. This process only works correctly when the ink formulation, printer hardware, color profiles, and press settings are all working together — which is exactly what the SubliJet UHD system is engineered to deliver.
31ml vs 70ml: which SubliJet UHD cartridge size do you need?
Choosing the right cartridge size is entirely determined by your printer model — not print volume or preference. The 31ml standard cartridges fit both the SG500 and SG1000. The 70ml extended cartridges are physically designed for the SG1000 only and will not fit the SG500.
| Cartridge type |
Size |
SG500 |
SG1000 |
Best for |
| Standard SubliJet UHD |
31ml |
Compatible |
Compatible |
Home studios, Etsy sellers, small businesses, everyday sublimation printing |
| Extended SubliJet UHD |
70ml |
Not compatible |
Compatible |
Higher-volume SG1000 production, fewer cartridge changes, lower cost per print at scale |
SG500 owners: You must order 31ml standard cartridges only. The 70ml extended cartridges are physically larger than the SG500 ink bay and cannot be installed under any circumstances.
Starter ink, setup ink, and the first cartridge set — what you need to know
New Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 printers ship with a starter/setup ink set of approximately 20ml per cartridge. These are included in the printer bundle to allow initial setup and first production runs — they are not full-capacity cartridges.
When you install the starter inks for the first time, the printer performs an automatic ink-feed priming cycle that uses approximately 16ml of ink to fill the print head and ink lines. This means your starter cartridges will show low ink levels shortly after setup — this is completely normal and is not a sign of a defective printer or counterfeit ink.
What to do after setup: Order your first set of 31ml standard SubliJet UHD cartridges before you begin production printing. The starter ink is sufficient for setup, testing, and a small number of initial prints — but for regular production you need full-capacity 31ml cartridges ready to install.
Sawgrass SubliJet UHD cartridges have a shelf life of approximately 2 years. The expiration month and year are printed on the thin side of each cartridge. Using ink past its expiration date can cause gradual color shift and increased risk of print head clogging. If you do not see an expiration date on a cartridge, it may be third-party ink — not genuine Sawgrass.
Shop SG500 & SG1000 SubliJet UHD — 31ml standard cartridges
These standard 31ml SubliJet UHD cartridges fit both the SG500 and SG1000. Buy individual colors for easy cost-efficient reordering, or choose the complete CMYK set for a full replacement.
Complete CMYK set — 31ml Best value
All four cartridges — Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. Fits both SG500 and SG1000. Best choice for new setups and full restocks.
Shop set →
SubliJet UHD Black — 31ml
Deep, rich blacks for text, outlines, shadows, and fine design detail. Fits both SG500 and SG1000.
Shop Black →
SubliJet UHD Cyan — 31ml
Vibrant cyan for blues, greens, water tones, sky colors, and full-color gamut output. Fits both SG500 and SG1000.
Shop Cyan →
SubliJet UHD Magenta — 31ml
True-to-life reds, pinks, skin tones, warm gradients, and accurate branded color reproduction. Fits both SG500 and SG1000.
Shop Magenta →
SubliJet UHD Yellow — 31ml
Bright, clean yellows for highlights, warm tones, vivid color transitions, and full-color sublimation output. Fits both SG500 and SG1000.
Shop Yellow →
Shop SG1000 SubliJet UHD — 70ml extended cartridges
The 70ml extended cartridges are for the Sawgrass SG1000 only. They hold more than twice the ink of a standard 31ml cartridge, making them the preferred choice for production workflows and businesses with higher daily print volumes. They do not fit the SG500.
Complete CMYK set — 70ml SG1000 only
Extended-capacity Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow — best value for high-volume SG1000 production. Does not fit SG500.
Shop set →
Black extended — 70ml SG1000 only
Extended-capacity black for long production runs, dark graphics, sharp outlines, and fine text detail.
Shop Black 70ml →
Cyan extended — 70ml SG1000 only
Extended-capacity cyan for high-volume apparel, gift, and hard-goods production on the SG1000.
Shop Cyan 70ml →
Magenta extended — 70ml SG1000 only
Extended-capacity magenta for vibrant reds, pinks, skin tones, and warm color ranges at production volume.
Shop Magenta 70ml →
Yellow extended — 70ml SG1000 only
Extended-capacity yellow for bright highlights, vivid graphics, and long uninterrupted SG1000 production runs.
Shop Yellow 70ml →
SG1000 pro tip: You can mix 31ml and 70ml SubliJet UHD cartridges in the same SG1000 printer. Many production businesses install 70ml cartridges for their highest-use colors (typically cyan and magenta) and keep 31ml cartridges for lower-use colors.
Why genuine Sawgrass SubliJet UHD ink matters
Sawgrass printers are engineered as complete, integrated sublimation systems. The printer hardware, ink chemistry, color management software, ICC profiles, and automatic maintenance routines are all designed to function together. Introducing non-genuine ink breaks this chain and introduces risks at every level.
| Feature |
Genuine SubliJet UHD |
Third-party sublimation ink |
| Ink formulation |
High-viscosity gel, purpose-built for SG print head |
Standard liquid dye — not matched to SG hardware |
| Color management |
Full ICC profile integration via Print Manager |
Manual calibration required — inconsistent results |
| Warranty impact |
3-year / 100,000-print warranty maintained |
Warranty voided |
| Clog risk |
Auto-maintenance cycles matched to ink viscosity |
Higher clog risk — viscosity mismatch |
| Expiration date |
Printed on cartridge — approximately 2 years |
Often absent — unknown storage history |
| Print consistency |
Predictable, repeatable production results |
Variable — batch-to-batch color drift common |
What can you print with Sawgrass SubliJet UHD?
SubliJet UHD is optimized for polyester fabrics and polymer-coated hard goods — any substrate where heat and pressure cause the sublimation dye to permanently diffuse into the material at a molecular level. Prints produced with SubliJet UHD cannot crack, peel, or wash off because the ink has become part of the substrate itself.
Mugs & drinkware Sublimation-coated mugs, tumblers, water bottles, travel cups — using a mug press or tumbler press.
Polyester apparel White and light-colored polyester t-shirts, jerseys, activewear, hoodies, uniforms, and performance fabrics.
Photo panels & metal Polymer-coated aluminum panels, metal signs, plaques, and framed photo prints.
Accessories Phone cases, mousepads, keychains, lanyards, luggage tags — any polyester or polymer-coated surface.
Tiles & coasters Sublimation-coated ceramic tiles, hardboard coasters, MDF boards, and photo slates.
Promotional products Branded merchandise, corporate awards, team gifts, custom signage, and trade show materials.
Want to print on cotton, wood, or ceramics? SubliJet UHD requires polyester or polymer-coated surfaces. For cotton, uncoated wood, natural ceramics, and broader substrate flexibility,
Sawgrass VersiFlex is the correct ink system — it uses a dedicated CMY + Expander formulation with specialized transfer paper. See the
Sawgrass ink system comparison guide for a full breakdown.
5 common mistakes when buying Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 ink
Mistake 1: Buying SG400 or SG800 ink for an SG500 or SG1000
The SG400 and SG800 use SubliJet HD — a completely different cartridge generation. SubliJet UHD cartridges for SG500/SG1000 are not the same product and will not fit older printers. Always confirm your printer model number — SG500 or SG1000 — before ordering.
Mistake 2: Ordering 70ml cartridges for an SG500
The 70ml extended cartridges are physically designed for the SG1000's larger ink bay. They cannot be installed in the SG500 under any circumstances. SG500 owners should order 31ml standard cartridges only — every time.
Mistake 3: Switching ink systems inside the same printer
Switching between SubliJet UHD, VersiFlex, EasySubli, or ChromaBlast in the same printer requires a full ink flush, voids your Sawgrass warranty, and wastes several hundred dollars in ink. Each ink system must run in its own dedicated printer. If you want both workflows, invest in a second dedicated printer.
Mistake 4: Buying from unauthorized marketplace sellers
Gray-market, expired, incorrectly stored, or counterfeit Sawgrass ink is a real problem on third-party marketplaces. Ink sold without proper storage conditions degrades before its printed expiration date. Always purchase from an Authorized Sawgrass Dealer to guarantee genuine, factory-sealed cartridges handled per manufacturer standards.
Mistake 5: Printing with expired ink
SubliJet UHD has a shelf life of approximately 2 years. Using expired ink causes gradual color shift and increases clogging risk. Check the expiration date printed on the thin side of each cartridge before installing. At Sawgrassinks.com we maintain fresh inventory with long expiration dates, stored per Sawgrass manufacturer standards.
Frequently asked questions
What ink does the Sawgrass SG500 use?
The Sawgrass SG500 uses Sawgrass SubliJet UHD sublimation ink in four colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. The SG500 uses 31ml standard cartridges only — the 70ml extended cartridges do not fit the SG500.
What ink does the Sawgrass SG1000 use?
The Sawgrass SG1000 uses Sawgrass SubliJet UHD sublimation ink. It supports both 31ml standard cartridges and 70ml extended cartridges. Both sizes use the same ink chemistry — the extended cartridge simply holds more ink for higher-volume production.
Can I use the same 31ml cartridges in both my SG500 and SG1000?
Yes. The 31ml SubliJet UHD standard cartridges are fully compatible with both the SG500 and SG1000. If you own both printers, you can order the same 31ml cartridges for both.
Do the 70ml extended cartridges fit the SG500?
No. The 70ml extended cartridges are physically designed for the Sawgrass SG1000 only. They do not fit the SG500 ink bay and cannot be modified to do so. SG500 owners must use 31ml standard cartridges.
Why is my ink showing low right after setting up my new SG500 or SG1000?
New Sawgrass printers include starter-size ink cartridges (approximately 20ml). When you first install them, the printer runs an automatic priming cycle that uses approximately 16ml to fill the print head and ink lines. This is normal — your printer is not defective. Order full 31ml standard cartridges to begin regular production printing.
How long do SubliJet UHD ink cartridges last?
SubliJet UHD cartridges have a shelf life of approximately 2 years from manufacture. The expiration date is printed on the thin edge of each cartridge. Print yield per cartridge varies significantly based on image size, color saturation, coverage, and daily maintenance cycles — a specific print count cannot be guaranteed.
Can I use third-party sublimation ink in my Sawgrass SG500 or SG1000?
It is technically possible to install third-party ink, but it is strongly not recommended. Third-party inks void your 3-year Sawgrass warranty, are not supported by Sawgrass Print Manager's ICC color profiles, and may cause clogging or permanent print head damage due to viscosity mismatches. The cost savings rarely outweigh the risk of production failures and repair costs.
What is the difference between SubliJet UHD and VersiFlex?
SubliJet UHD is Sawgrass's traditional sublimation ink for polyester and polymer-coated substrates. VersiFlex is a completely different ink system using CMY + Expander cartridges designed to print on cotton, uncoated wood, ceramics, and more. The two systems are not interchangeable — each requires a dedicated printer. See the
Sawgrass ink system comparison for a full breakdown.
Are sublimation ink cartridges returnable?
No. Once ink cartridges have been removed from their original factory packaging they are non-returnable. Please verify your exact printer model and cartridge size requirements carefully before placing your order. Our support team is available by phone, chat, and email to confirm compatibility before you buy.
Is sawgrassinks.com an authorized Sawgrass dealer?
Yes. Sawgrassinks.com is operated by Southtrend Corp., an officially Authorized Sawgrass Dealer for the USA and Latin America, serving the printing industry since 1996. All products sold are 100% genuine, factory-sealed Sawgrass ink — never gray-market, counterfeit, or improperly stored.
Related Sawgrass guides and resources
SG500 vs SG1000 — full comparison
Compare print sizes, ink capacity, production volume, and which printer is right for your business.
Read the guide →
Which Sawgrass ink system is right for me?
Compare SubliJet UHD, VersiFlex, EasySubli, and ChromaBlast in one complete decision guide.
Compare ink systems →
Sawgrass printing systems guide
SubliJet UHD vs VersiFlex, printer setup, compatible media, and workflow resources in one place.
View guide →
Sawgrass VersiFlex inks & bundles
Print on cotton, wood, ceramics, and more. Shop genuine VersiFlex CMY + Expander cartridges.
Shop VersiFlex →
Ready to order genuine SubliJet UHD ink?
Fresh inventory with long expiration dates, stored per manufacturer standards. Genuine Sawgrass, factory-sealed. Ships from Miami, FL. Free shipping on orders over $99. Authorized Sawgrass dealer since 1996 — real support from real printing industry experts.
Sawgrassinks.com is owned and operated by Southtrend Corp., an independent authorized Sawgrass dealer. We are not affiliated with or owned by Sawgrass Technologies, Inc. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Ink cartridges are non-returnable once removed from original packaging. Compatibility and warranty information is based on Sawgrass documentation current as of May 2026 — always verify with your printer documentation before purchase. Shelf life and yield estimates are approximate and may vary by storage conditions, usage patterns, and print settings.
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