Finding the best printer for art prints is crucial for artists, photographers, and creatives who want to showcase their work with vivid color, fine detail, and long-lasting quality. Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, choosing the right printer can make a significant difference in how your art looks and feels.
Table of Contents
In this guide, we’ll cover the best printers for art prints, essential features to look for, and practical tips to help you find a printer that meets your needs.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Printer for Art Prints
Print Quality and Resolution
Print quality is paramount for art prints, where fine detail and clarity are essential. When choosing a printer, look for one with a high DPI (dots per inch) rating, typically above 1200 DPI for sharp, detailed prints. High-resolution printing ensures every brushstroke, line, and shade is captured accurately.
Color Accuracy and Ink Types
Color accuracy is essential for art prints, especially if you’re creating pieces with vivid hues or subtle color gradients. The type of ink used plays a significant role. Dye-based inks offer vibrant colors and are ideal for glossy prints, while pigment-based inks provide better color accuracy and longevity, making them perfect for archival-quality fine art prints.
Media Compatibility
Different types of paper—such as matte, glossy, canvas, or fine art paper—affect the look and feel of art prints. Choose a printer compatible with a variety of media types and sizes, from smaller prints to larger, borderless options, allowing you to experiment and find the best paper for your artwork.
Print Speed and Efficiency
Print speed might not be as critical for occasional art prints, but for studios or artists printing in bulk, a faster printer can save time without compromising quality. Look for a balance between speed and quality, especially if you’re printing high-resolution images.
Cost of Ink and Overall Maintenance
Ink can be a significant ongoing expense. Some printers use more ink than others, so it’s essential to consider ink cost, cartridge longevity, and maintenance requirements. Eco-friendly or high-capacity ink systems can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially for high-volume printing.
Top Printers for Art Prints
| Printer Model | Print Resolution | Ink Type | Media Compatibility | Best For | Notable Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 | 2400 x 1200 dpi | Lucia Pro Pigment Inks | Wide range (fine art, photo, canvas) | Professional artists, photographers | 12-color ink system, excellent color accuracy | $1,300 – $1,500 |
| Epson SureColor P800 | 2880 x 1440 dpi | UltraChrome HD+ Pigment Inks | Fine art papers, canvas, photo papers | Fine art prints, professional photographers | 8-color ink system, wide media support | $1,000 – $1,200 |
| Canon PIXMA Pro-100 | 4800 x 2400 dpi | Dye-based inks | Glossy, semi-gloss, fine art paper | Hobbyists, amateur artists, photographers | 8-color dye-based ink system, wireless printing | $500 – $700 |
| Epson SureColor P900 | 2880 x 1440 dpi | UltraChrome PRO10 Pigment Inks | Fine art, glossy, matte, canvas | Professional artists, photographers, print studios | 10-color ink system, advanced black-and-white prints | $1,295 – $1,495 |
| HP DesignJet Z9+ | 2400 x 1200 dpi | Vivid Photo Inks (9 colors) | Fine art paper, photo paper, canvas | Large-scale art prints, photographers, galleries | 9-color ink system, built-in spectrophotometer | $2,700 – $3,000 |
| Epson SureColor F570 | 2400 x 1200 dpi | Sublimation inks | Polyester-based media, fabric | Custom fabric printing, art prints on textiles | Ideal for fabric and merchandise printing | $650 – $800 |
| Roland VersaStudio BN-20 | 1440 x 1440 dpi | Eco-Sol Max Inks | Vinyl, film, canvas, paper | Small businesses, artists creating custom designs | Print and cut capabilities, versatile media support | $2,500 – $3,000 |
| Xerox Phaser 7800 | 1200 x 2400 dpi | Toner-based | High-quality paper, art stock | Artists, print shops looking for high-speed prints | Fast printing, high-volume output | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Epson SureColor T3170 | 2400 x 1200 dpi | Dye-based inks | Roll and cut-sheet media | Architects, graphic designers, artists | Wireless printing, compact design | $500 – $600 |
| Brother HL-L8360CDW | 2400 x 600 dpi | Toner-based | Paper, art stock, card stock | Office and small print jobs, occasional art prints | Reliable, high-speed prints, cost-effective | $250 – $350 |
Canon image PROGRAF PRO-1000
Key Features and Advantages
The Canon PROGRAF PRO-1000 is a top choice for professional-quality art prints. This printer uses pigment-based ink for excellent color accuracy and longevity, supporting large-format prints up to 17 inches wide. Its built-in color calibration ensures consistent, accurate colors from print to print, making it ideal for artists who require precise color reproduction.
Best For
Professional artists and photographers who need superior color accuracy and larger print sizes.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Exceptional color accuracy, large print size, excellent build quality.
Cons: Higher upfront cost, larger size may require dedicated space.
Create and sell personalized merchandise from Today!
Epson SureColor P800
Key Features and Advantages
The Epson SureColor P800 delivers high-resolution prints with a wide color gamut and advanced black-and-white modes, making it a fantastic choice for fine art photographers. This printer’s pigment-based ink provides fade-resistant prints, and it can handle a variety of media types, from canvas to thick art paper.
Best For
Fine art photographers and artists looking for black-and-white printing and vivid color reproduction.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Wide color range, excellent for black-and-white prints, archival-quality ink.
Cons: Slower print speed, moderate cost.
HP DesignJet Z9+
Key Features and Advantages
The HP DesignJet Z9+ is a large-format printer ideal for high-volume studios. It boasts precision color management with a 9-color ink system and can print up to 44 inches wide. The fast print speed and advanced color control make it perfect for artists or studios producing prints in bulk without compromising on quality.
Best For
Studios and professional artists who need fast, large-format printing with reliable color accuracy.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Large format, fast printing, advanced color management.
Cons: High initial investment, may require dedicated space.
Canon PIXMA PRO-200
Key Features and Advantages
The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality. It’s compatible with a variety of paper sizes and finishes and uses dye-based ink to produce vibrant colors. This printer is an excellent choice for beginners or hobbyists looking for high-quality color prints without the high price tag.
Best For
Beginners and hobbyists who want vibrant color prints on a budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Affordable, versatile paper compatibility, vibrant colors.
Cons: Dye-based ink may fade over time, smaller print size.
Epson EcoTank ET-7750
Key Features and Advantages
The Epson EcoTank ET-7750 is known for its cost-effective, eco-friendly ink system. Instead of traditional cartridges, it uses refillable ink tanks, reducing waste and making it ideal for high-volume printing. It can produce borderless prints up to 11 x 17 inches, making it a good choice for artists who need affordable printing for medium-sized prints.
Best For
Artists who want affordable, eco-friendly printing with a focus on smaller to medium-sized prints.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Cost-effective ink system, eco-friendly, great for bulk printing.
Cons: Limited to medium-sized prints, not as vibrant as some other options.
Comparison of Printers for Art Prints
Print Quality and Color Accuracy
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 and Epson SureColor P800 excel in color accuracy, while the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 offers vibrant colors at a lower price point, ideal for beginners.
Cost Efficiency and Ink Usage
Epson EcoTank ET-7750 stands out for its eco-friendly, refillable ink system, making it the most cost-effective choice for high-volume printing.
Versatility and Media Support
HP DesignJet Z9+ and Epson SureColor P800 provide excellent media compatibility, supporting everything from canvas to fine art paper.
Print Speed and Workflow
The HP DesignJet Z9+ is the fastest among these options, making it suitable for studios or artists producing large volumes of prints.
Tips for Choosing the Right Printer for Art Prints
Determine Your Print Size Needs
Consider the size of the art prints you’ll produce. If you need large-format printing, options like the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 or HP DesignJet Z9+ may be ideal, while smaller formats can be handled by more compact printers like the Canon PIXMA PRO-200.
Consider the Type of Ink
Choose between dye and pigment-based inks based on your needs. Pigment-based inks, like those in the Epson SureColor P800, are better for longevity, while dye-based inks, like those in the Canon PIXMA PRO-200, offer vibrant colors but may fade faster.
Plan for Long-Term Cost and Maintenance
Factor in the cost of ink and maintenance. EcoTank models, like the Epson ET-7750, are cost-effective for high-volume printing, while traditional cartridge printers may have higher ongoing costs.
Look for Color Calibration Options
If color accuracy is essential for your art, look for printers with color calibration, like the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, to ensure consistent and accurate color reproduction.
Review User Feedback and Professional Recommendations
Reading reviews and user feedback can provide insights into real-world performance, helping you understand each printer’s strengths and limitations.
FAQs
What is the best printer resolution for art prints?
A resolution of 1200 DPI or higher is ideal for capturing fine details and producing professional-quality art prints.
What type of ink is better for art prints: dye or pigment?
Pigment inks are better for longevity and color accuracy, while dye inks offer vibrant colors that are ideal for smaller, high-saturation prints.
How do I choose the right paper for art prints?
Choose paper compatible with your printer and suited to your artwork style. Fine art paper is ideal for rich textures, while glossy or matte finishes are great for vibrant color prints.
Are there affordable options for high-quality art printing?
Yes, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 and Epson EcoTank ET-7750 are both affordable choices that still provide quality prints.
Can I use a regular printer for art prints, or do I need a special model?
While a regular printer can work for casual prints, a high-quality art printer is recommended for professional work due to better color accuracy, media compatibility, and ink quality.
Conclusion
Choosing the best printer for art prints depends on your specific needs—whether it’s color accuracy, print size, or cost-efficiency. For professional artists, models like the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 and Epson SureColor P800 offer top-tier color reproduction and print quality. For beginners, options like the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 provide excellent results on a budget. Investing in a high-quality printer can elevate your artwork, helping you create prints that are both beautiful and long-lasting.
Sign up