Products at a Glance
How We Picked the Best Printer for Art Prints
For any kind of artwork or crafting printer, print resolution is one of the most important considerations. In order to properly realize your artwork, we chose printers with both high dots per inch (DPI, the measurement of print quality) and vibrant color recreation. In addition, we also considered a number of other factors such as connectivity options, ink type and ease-of-use, so that beginner artists or print sellers aren’t alienated. In order to be inclusive of all budgets, we settled on a number of products across the price range, so that everyone can find the best printer for their art prints.
Product Reviews
- Ink tank design
- Wide print size
- Poor input tray
When discussing the best printers for graphic design, we made mention of how the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is a stellar printer, but its size makes it less viable for general graphic design use. However, its size is why we’re so quick to name it the best printer for art prints!
The ET-8550 boasts an incredible image quality in prints up to 13″ x 19″ in size. Colors are reproduced vibrantly and accurately, without losing detail in the darker shades. The setup process for the Epson ET-8550 is also very straightforward, and in addition it supports multiple connection types, such as USB, WiFi, and Ethernet for quick and easy printing.
However, the large print size is both a blessing and a curse, as the ET-8550 is a lot harder to place in a small space. Additionally, the placement of the input tray for specialist media is below the print output, which makes it cumbersome to refill. These two design elements are hardly deal-breaking, however, and we still recommend this as the best printer for art prints!
- Large print size
- Purpose-built for canvas
- Premium price
For those willing to spend extra on quality, the Epson SureColor P900 is a commercial-grade printer that makes for stunning quality art prints. If you’re looking to make frequent high quality artworks on a business scale, then this is the ideal printer for you.
Purpose-built for art and canvas prints, the P900 can create huge prints 17” x 22” in size. It supports canvas paper coils with both 2″ and 3″ cores thanks to a dedicated media input. In using Epson’s UltraChrome PRO 10-channel ink system and MicroPiezo AMC printheads, the color depth is impeccable. Configure your prints manually from the LCD touchscreen, or use any other device connected wirelessly for great results.
However, you are unfortunately paying a premium for such a brilliant printer, as the generally four-figure price tag is out of reach for most print enthusiasts. It makes good on its cost, however, and the P900 is still a worthy investment as a top art printer!
- Affordable
- Varied media compatibility
- Expensive Epson ink
A more affordable printer for standard artworks, the Epson Expression Photo XP-970 does a lot with the little it demands. Boasting a great price and surprisingly greater print quality, Epson’s budget printer for art prints is ideal for those looking for an intermittent but impressive all-rounder.
Alongside your standard document or photo paper, the XP-970 comes with a specialist media tray for print options such as CDs, cardstock or other printable options. Suited for photos as well as artwork, it can print borderless images up to 11″ x 17″ in size. Smaller prints such as the standard 4″ x 6″ sized “postcard” print are done in a handful of seconds, with great color clarity and detail.
However, as with many budget printers, the initially low cost gives way to a higher ongoing cost: the “classic razor-and-blades” model of ink unfortunately applies here. Though the printer is affordable, the ink is less so. If you can handle a higher-than-average running cost, then the XP-970 still serves as a great budget printer for art prints!
- Large print size
- Great-quality prints
- High ongoing costs
For even larger-scale prints, consider the Canon PIXMA Pro-200, a printer for art prints capable of creating images up to 13″ x 39″ in size. Unassuming whilst retaining premium features, this printer is ideal for artists working across a range of art media – from full-scale prints down to greeting cards.
The Pro-200 employs an eight-cartridge ink system for fully realized and detailed prints. In spite of the possible print size, the model itself is fairly compact and easy to set up wherever necessary. In terms of software, the printer driver is intuitive and quick to install, and allows you to install custom ICC color profiles for your prints.
However, the major drawback of this otherwise stellar printer for art prints is the price you’ll pay to get it: with both high upfront and ongoing costs due to the expensive ink required, this printer may not be ideal for everyone. But for high-quality art prints at a top-dollar price, the Pro-200 is hard to beat!
- Industrial-grade model
- Giant print size
- Bulky
Today’s final pick for the best printer for art prints is Canon’s industrial-grade imagePROGRAF TM-300. Boasting a gigantic print size, this is ideal for businesses or creators wanting massive-scale artworks.
Though many similar models of art printer are difficult to install and assemble, the TM-300 manages to break the cycle with a quick and easy setup. It can also print wirelessly from phones or other devices thanks to a handy app. All this convenience gives way to killer print specifications: printing as large-format as 36″ with a resolution of 2,400 x 1,200DPI, this unit is a phenomenal asset to art businesses.
Whilst it is expensive – as expected from a business-minded printer – the TM-300’s bulkiness is also not to be dismissed out-of-hand. Be sure that you have the space for this otherwise excellent printer for art prints!
Features and Considerations
If you are buying a printer for art prints that doesn’t appear on our list, here are some other key factors to consider:
Paper Compatibility
Art prints aren’t produced on the same sort of standard-issue paper used in laser printers: whether you’re planning on making a canvas print or a simple framed artwork, make sure to check if your printer is compatible. Some units have very limited media adaptability, so you may be disappointed if looking to print on certain specialist material.
Printer Type
Generally speaking, ink tank printers are best suited for art prints of any variety, using large reservoirs of ink for vibrant and accurate colors. They tend to be more efficient and require less frequent ink refills compared to olfactory laser printers.
Print Resolution
As mentioned, print resolution is an essential for high-quality art prints. Ensure that your printer is capable of a minimum print resolution of 600DPI, to ensure the best results. Most of our recommendations today have higher resolutions in order to obtain the best value for money. Especially if you plan to be creating prints from photographs, a high resolution is essential in capturing the detail.
Print Speed
Whilst speed is not essential, it is helpful – especially for business-minded printing. Depending on the size and frequency of prints, make sure you opt for a printer that can supply as quickly as you demand. Be sure to factor in drying time, as ink prints can be smudged if immediately retrieved.
Connectivity
The final consideration is how you connect to your printer: most standard printers offer a wired connection for USB inputs such as computers or laptops, but the best printers offer wireless or Bluetooth connectivity for easier printing. If you don’t want to be right next to your printer when it’s in use, ensure that you have the option for wireless connectivity.
Are ink tank printers better than InkJet printers?
Yes: Ink tank printers use a large reservoir of ink in order to print, which is more efficient and require fewer refills. The units themselves tend to be more expensive, however.
What is the recommend resolution for photo prints?
Generally, a photo print will need to have at least 600DPI for the best quality, especially at larger sizes.
Our Verdict
For the best balance of cost and quality, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 takes the spot as our best printer for art prints! Though it can be frustrating reloading this printer, the results when you do speak for themselves, with stunning colors and great detail reproduction!
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