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What Ink Does the Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Use?

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Quick answer: The Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer uses Brother Genuine Sublimation Ink cartridges — SP01BKS (black), SP01CS (cyan), SP01MS (magenta), and SP01YS (yellow) — each holding 47ml of dye-sublimation ink.

Brother SP-1 Ink Cartridges at a Glance

Cartridge Color Size
SP01BKS Black 47ml
SP01CS Cyan 47ml
SP01MS Magenta 47ml
SP01YS Yellow 47ml

Unlike standard inkjet ink, sublimation ink prints in muted tones on paper and only becomes vibrant once heat-pressed onto a polyester or polymer-coated item. You'll also need Brother SP01PL sublimation paper (sized for 8.5" x 11" prints) — a 100-sheet starter pack ships with the printer.

Is There Compatible or Third-Party SP01 Ink?

Not from Castle Ink, and not widely from other retailers as of this writing. The SP-1's SP01 cartridges are a newer, proprietary Brother sublimation format, so genuine Brother ink is currently your most reliable option. Some reviewers report success using third-party sublimation paper with genuine Brother ink, which can reduce overall project cost even without alternative cartridges.

How to Replace Ink in the Brother SP-1

  1. Open the ink cartridge cover on the printer.
  2. Remove the empty cartridge by releasing its latch and pulling it straight out.
  3. Unbox the new Brother Genuine SP01 cartridge — don't shake it.
  4. Insert it into the matching color slot until it clicks into place.
  5. Close the cover. The printer will run an automatic priming and cleaning cycle.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Colors look muted straight off the printer: This is normal — sublimation ink only shows true color after heat pressing.
  • Streaky or inconsistent prints: Let the printer complete its self-cleaning cycle, and make sure you're using genuine Brother sublimation paper for the most predictable results.
  • Wi-Fi/Artspira connection drops: Keep the printer close to your router — the SP-1 is Wi-Fi only with no wired connection option.
  • Ink seems to run low quickly: Dense, full-page designs use significantly more ink than text-style designs — plan cartridge budgets around your typical print size.

Official Brother SP-1 Resources

For setup help and the Artspira app, see the Brother support site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any ink in the Brother SP-1? No — it's designed specifically for Brother Genuine SP01 sublimation ink cartridges.

Does sublimation ink work on cotton shirts? No — you need light-colored fabric with at least 65% polyester content, or a polymer-coated hard good like a mug or coaster.

How long does one set of cartridges last? It depends heavily on how much ink coverage your designs use — full-bleed, photo-style designs use far more ink than simple text or line art.

Do I need special paper? Yes — sublimation paper is different from regular printer paper and is required for the ink transfer process to work.

Bottom Line

The Brother SP-1 uses Brother Genuine SP01 sublimation ink cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, yellow) and Brother SP01PL sublimation paper. There's no mainstream compatible cartridge yet, so budget for genuine Brother ink as an ongoing cost alongside your heat press and blanks.

Shop Ink for Your Other Printers at Castle Ink

Castle Ink doesn't currently stock SP01 sublimation cartridges, but if you also own a standard inkjet or laser printer, we can save you 50–70% off OEM pricing on those:

Brother ink cartridges · HP ink cartridges · Canon ink cartridges · Epson ink cartridges

Buy the Brother SP-1 on Amazon: Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer on Amazon

See also: Our full Brother SP-1 review | Best Sublimation Printer for Tumblers & Mugs

Written and reviewed by — Founder of Castle Ink, 20+ years in the printer & imaging supplies industry.

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