Once you can make high-quality prints, you’ll have a whole new way to make money as an artist.
Printing your own art printscan become a key income source for you.
Ultimately, there are three things you should look for in a printer for your art:
- It should be an inkjet printer
- It should be able to use archival inks
- It can print on archival paper
Top pick: The Canon Pixma Pro-100 Wireless Color Professional Inkjet Printer.
With this printer you can use archival dye-based inks and a museum quality, acid-free paper.
Which will offer added longevity and more durability to your work.
For paper, always use Hahnemühle brand of paper and canvas for your art printer.
There are other printer options, let's dive into the details below.
What are the best printers for artists?
If you're an artist looking to print your work professionally and with ease, printers specifically designed for artists are a great option.
With their high-quality prints and wide range of paper types and ink refills, these printers can help you create beautiful art that you can be proud of.
First, you have to know I am partial to Canon printers.
They have more experience in research and development in color and image creation.
They’re dedicated to helping artists make great images.
Through their inks, cameras, and printers.
The list of the printers for art below is in order of the least expensive to most expensive.
Also in order of smallest print size to largest.
The 5 Best printers for artists
1. Canon Pixma IX6820 Wireless Business Printer ($130)
For those just starting out, the Canon Pixma IX6820 is a great option.
When it comes to choosing the best printer for your art prints, you'll want to take a few things into consideration.
The type of paper you'll be using, the quality of the printer, and your budget.
It's an inexpensive printer that still offers great quality printing, up to 13″ x 19″.
And if you find that making art prints is something you enjoy, you can always upgrade to a higher-quality printer later on.
So if you're looking for the best printers for artists, keep the Canon Pixma IX6820 in mind.
It's a great way to get started without breaking the bank.
2. Canon Pixma Pro-100 Wireless Color Professional Inkjet Printer ($298)
If you're an artist looking for a great printer to produce high-quality prints, the Canon Pixma Pro-100 is a great option.
I currently use this printer for making art prints.
I think this is also one of the best printers for digital art as well – the colors can be printer nice and bright.
It's slightly more expensive than the IX6820, but it can print up to 13″ x 19″ – perfect for art prints.
Plus, it uses a more archival dye-based ink system, which will produce prints that last longer without fading.
So if you're looking for a great printer to get started with, the Canon Pixma Pro-100 is a great choice.
3. Epson SureColor P600 Inkjet Printer ($690)
The Epson SureColor P600 Inkjet Printer is a great option for making art prints at home.
It can print on rolls up to 19″ wide, and uses eight ink cartridges to produce vibrant, detailed prints.
Plus, it's one of the best printers for artists available on the market today.
So if you're looking to take your art to the next level, the Epson SureColor P600 is a great choice.
Large format printers for artists
If you're an artist looking to print your work in large format, you'll need to invest in a large-format printer.
Large format printers are designed to handle wider rolls of paper, making them ideal for printing larger pieces of art.
However, large format printers can be expensive to buy and maintain, so it's important to do your research before making a purchase.
Below are two of the best large-format printers for artists, both of which offer excellent print quality and durability.
I have never owned these.
Only used them at my friend's studio who was nice enough to let me use them when I was offering larger prints of my artwork a while ago.
Honestly, if you're printing art prints large, I would just order them from a professional printing company.
4. HP Designjet T120 Inkjet Large Format Printer ($799)
If you're looking for one of the best printers for artists, the HP Designjet T120 is a great option.
It's able to print on rolls of paper up to 24″ wide, so you can make prints in a wide variety of sizes.
Plus, it's very affordable for a roll-fed printer – you can find it for under $800.
So if you need a versatile and affordable printer that can handle large format prints, the HP Designjet T120 is definitely worth considering.
5. Canon ImagePROGRAF Inkjet Printer with Sub-ink Tank System
The Canon ImagePROGRAF printer has a Sub-ink Tank System that allows you to print your art on paper rolls up to 36″ wide.
This is a great feature for those of you who want to be able to print your art on larger paper sizes.
The Sub-ink Tank System also allows you to print your art on thicker paper stocks, which is ideal for those of you who want to create high-quality prints.
The Canon ImageProGraf is also one of the best printers for artists because it offers a variety of different connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi.
This means that you can easily connect this printer to your computer or other devices, making it easy to print your art.
If you are looking for a printer that offers the best value for its size capabilities, the Canon ImageProGraf is the best option for you.
What makes a printer ideal for an artist?
There are three things qualities in a printer you need it you're if you're going to buy a printer for your art studio.
1. High-quality prints
Printers for artists should produce high-quality prints that look great when displayed.
2. Variety of paper types
Printers for artists offer a variety of paper types, so you can choose the best one for your project.
3. Affordable ink refills
Printers for artists often have affordable ink refills, so you can keep printing without breaking the bank.
If you are an artist looking for a reliable and high-quality printer to print your work, look no further than these printers for artists.
These printers are specifically designed to give you the best results when printing your art, with features like high-quality prints, easy printing software, and customizable settings.
What kind of printers do artists use?
Art-specific printers are considered the best for high-quality art prints. They offer features like superior print quality, user-friendly software, and customizable settings. These printers come in various models and price ranges, starting from around $100. Printing your art can be a great opportunity for a side business. Building an inventory of prints is essential for selling art online. Over the years, I've created a wide range of limited edition prints, from postcard size to two meters wide.
Is laser or inkjet better for art prints?
Most art prints require an inkjet printer for optimal color and detail reproduction. Laser printers offer speed and reliability, while inkjet printers excel in producing high-quality prints with accurate colors and details. The decision between a laser or inkjet printer depends on the artist's specific needs and preferences.
How do I choose an art printer?
Budget is a major factor when choosing an art printer. Consider print quality, paper type, size, speed, and other features. Factors to consider include printer cost, compatible paper types, and ink refill expenses. Research online and seek advice from artists or printers in your area. The ideal printer depends on your unique needs and preferences. With careful consideration, you can find a printer that suits your art creation and printing requirements.
Can you use a regular printer for art prints?
Regular printers vs. art-specific printers. Regular printers may have lower print quality, while art-specific printers use archival inks. Art-specific printers can be pricier with additional features. Your choice depends on your needs and preferences. For high-quality prints, investing in an art-specific printer is recommended.
Is inkjet or laser better for art prints?
Two types of printers are commonly used: laser printers and inkjet printers. Laser printers excel at black and white text printing, while inkjet printers are better suited for art prints. Inkjet printers, especially those with archival inks and high-quality paper, deliver superior print quality for artwork.
Should you even buy a printer for art?
Starting out in art printing can be costly with upfront expenses for printers, ink cartridges, and paper supplies. Instead of purchasing a printer, a print-on-demand approach is recommended. Print-on-demand services, like Printful, handle orders, printing, packaging, and shipping. While convenient, the downside is the inability to sign or hand-embellish prints.