Instructions Brother sublimation printer

On this page, you will learn how to use the Brother Sublimation Printer SP1. You will find information about designing, printing, sublimation paper, the Artspira app, suitable materials and useful tips for a clean final result. The Brother SP1 is a compact sublimation printer that lets you create personalised gifts, clothing, home accessories, drinking cups, bags and more with vibrant colours and a professional finish.

What is the Brother Sublimation Printer SP1?

The Brother Sublimation Printer SP1 is a compact printer that prints designs with sublimation ink. You can then transfer these prints onto suitable materials using heat, such as polyester textiles or products with a special polymer coating.

With sublimation, you can create colourful and personal designs for items such as T-shirts, tote bags, mugs, tumblers, coasters, home décor and gifts. The printer is suitable for creative hobbyists, designers, makers and small businesses that want to personalise products.

You can create designs in your favourite software and print via the printer driver. You can also connect the Brother SP1 to the Brother Artspira app. In this app, you can create and edit designs and send them wirelessly to the printer.

What is included with the Brother Sublimation Printer SP1?

With the Brother Sublimation Printer SP1, you receive:

• Brother Sublimation Printer SP1
• 4 Brother Genuine sublimation ink cartridges: black, yellow, magenta and cyan
• A few sheets of sublimation paper
• Manual and installation information

This allows you to get started with your first sublimation projects straight away. To transfer your design onto a product, you will also need a heat press. This is not included and must be purchased separately.

Basics: how does sublimation work?

Sublimation is a technique in which a printed design is transferred onto a suitable surface using heat. First, you print your design in mirror image on sublimation paper. Then you place the print on the product and transfer the design with a heat press.

Important:

• Always use sublimation paper and sublimation ink.
• Print your design in mirror image, especially when using text.
• Use materials that are suitable for sublimation.
• For textiles, sublimation works best on polyester or polyester-blend materials.
• For hard products, such as mugs or coasters, you need a polymer coating.
• Use a heat press with the correct temperature, pressure and time.
• Allow the product to cool properly after pressing before using it further.

Creating designs and printing

With the Brother Sublimation Printer SP1, you can create designs up to 8.4 x 14 inches (21.5 x 35.5 cm). This makes the printer suitable for both smaller designs, such as labels and coasters, and larger designs for shirts, bags or home décor.

You can work in two ways:

1. Via your own design software
   ⁠Create your design in your favourite software programme and print directly from your computer via the printer driver.
2. Via the Brother Artspira app
   ⁠Use the Artspira app to create designs, edit existing designs or use creative functions. You can then send your design wirelessly to the Brother sublimation printer.

The Artspira app offers extra creative possibilities, such as ready-made sublimation designs, editing options, image conversion and poster-style effects. This means you can get started quickly, even if you have little experience with digital design.

What can you use the Brother Sublimation Printer SP1 for?

With the Brother SP1, you can easily create personal and colourful projects. Think of:

• T-shirts and other polyester clothing
• Tote bags and fabric accessories
• Ceramic mugs with sublimation coating
• Metal tumblers and drinking bottles
• Coasters
• Home décor and decorative signs
• Personalised gifts
• Products for small creative businesses

The printer is compact and therefore fits easily in a craft room, studio or small workspace. Thanks to the vibrant colours and high print speed, you can work quickly and efficiently on multiple projects.

Frequently asked questions about the Brother Sublimation Printer SP1

Which materials can I use with sublimation?

Sublimation works on polyester materials and on hard products with a polymer coating. Think of polyester shirts, bags, mugs, tumblers, coasters and special sublimation blanks. Regular cotton fabrics or untreated mugs are usually not suitable for sublimation.

Do I need a heat press?

Yes. After printing, you need to transfer the design onto the product using heat. For this, you need a heat press. The correct temperature, time and pressure vary depending on the material and product.

Do I need to print my design in mirror image?

Yes, usually you do. Especially with text, it is important to print the design in mirror image. This ensures that the image appears correctly on the final product after pressing.

Can I use the printer with the Artspira app?

Yes. The Brother Sublimation Printer SP1 can be connected to the Brother Artspira app. In this app, you can create and edit designs and then send them wirelessly to the printer.

Can I also print from my computer?

Yes. You can create designs in your favourite software and then print via the printer driver. This is useful when working with your own files, logos or designs created in another programme.

How large can my design be?

With the Brother Sublimation Printer SP1, you can create designs up to 21.5 x 35.5 cm. This size is suitable for many popular sublimation projects, such as shirts, bags, mugs, drinking cups and home accessories.

Why are my colours less bright after printing?

Sublimation prints may look a little less bright on paper. The colours usually become more vibrant after the design has been transferred with heat onto the correct material. Always use suitable sublimation paper, sublimation ink and a suitable sublimation product.

Can I use regular printer ink?

No. For sublimation, you need special sublimation ink. Preferably use Brother Genuine sublimation ink cartridges that are suitable for the SP1. This helps maintain good print quality and protects the print head.

Can I use regular copy paper?

For the best result, use sublimation paper. This paper has been specially developed to transfer sublimation ink properly during pressing.

Maintenance and storage

Place the Brother Sublimation Printer SP1 on a flat, stable surface and use the printer regularly to keep the print head in good condition. Always use suitable sublimation ink and sublimation paper. Store paper and cartridges according to the instructions in the manual and avoid dust, moisture and direct sunlight.

Switch off the printer using the normal shutdown procedure and move the printer carefully. In case of messages, errors or uncertainty, always consult the Brother manual supplied with the printer.

Get started with your Brother Sublimation Printer SP1

With the Brother Sublimation Printer SP1, you can easily create personalised gifts, clothing, home décor, mugs, drinking bottles, bags and accessories. By using the right sublimation paper, suitable materials and a heat press, you achieve colourful and durable results. Design via your computer or the Artspira app, print your creation and transfer it with heat onto your chosen product.