The best printers for fine art printing and art prints

The best printers for fine art printing and art prints allow you to conveniently print your work from home or in your studio. This eliminates the need for print-on-demand services or trips to a busy downtown print shop. While the initial investment can be substantial, if you plan to print regularly (for example, limited editions or serial prints), it's a worthwhile investment in the long run.

The market for professional fine art printers is much smaller than that for everyday photo printers. Therefore, you don't need to spend hours comparing alternatives and scouring search portals until you find the ideal model for fine art printing of your artwork.

In this fine art printer , we will examine the best available options for printing watercolor artwork and fine art photographs, as well as the most suitable papers for this purpose.

While I am familiar with common printing technologies and some hardware, I personally lack sufficient experience in producing fine art prints at home. Therefore, we compiled this guide based on extensive research and discussions with experienced professionals in the field. We also incorporated reviews from artists, photographers, and printing companies who have used and tested these printers.

We only have direct experience with the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 , the printer we currently use, partly because we buy inexpensive ink cartridges . However, to be perfectly honest, we don't use the prints for sale. Therefore, the following pros and cons are typically derived from the experiences of other artists.

This should give you a comprehensive overview of the best options available to you. This is particularly relevant if you are looking for a printer capable of producing watercolor prints and fine art images of outstanding quality.

We believe that the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is the best choice for most artists; however, there are excellent alternatives depending on your individual requirements and available budget.

To help you decide, we've researched and evaluated models from the three printing giants listed below (Canon, Epson, HP). We've provided recommendations for each printer based on key factors relevant to artists, including color reproduction and clarity, color fastness, cost, and format options. We've also considered printer-compatible inks and archival quality (the degree to which inks remain intact before fading).

Furthermore, we also considered versatility with regard to larger formats, panoramic images, or heavier art media. Finally, we surveyed artists to determine which paper options they felt were best suited for the respective printer models.

We hope you find this an informative and helpful read!

The importance of print quality for sales, appreciation, and the reputation of the artist

When it comes to printing artwork, the right equipment is more than just a tool; it's a partner on the path an artist takes to achieve remarkable results through creative work. The quality of the prints not only showcases the artwork but also builds trust, inspires admiration, and, above all, honors the artist's vision in the most authentic way possible.

To be a little dramatic: Acquiring a printer that not only delivers top-notch quality but also makes economic sense is an investment in one's own artistic legacy. It is an investment in one's own success

Impact on sales success

A market that is becoming more demanding is a market in which customers are willing to pay a higher price for quality. A top-quality art print can command higher prices, which can lead to greater profitability for both artists and galleries.

On the other hand, fine art prints that do not meet the requirements, despite the inherent brilliance of the artwork, deter potential buyers, which can negatively impact sales.

Appreciation

The true essence of a work of art lies in the details. A high-quality laser printer for artists allows these tiny details to shine through, enabling the viewer to appreciate the depth, complexity, and expertise inherent in each piece.

When the viewer succeeds in establishing a deep connection with a piece, it is more than just a visual pleasure; it transforms into an emotional experience that leads to increased appreciation and word-of-mouth advertising.

The artist's reputation

When it comes to the quality of one's work, both in terms of creation and reproduction, an artist's reputation is inextricably linked to the quality of their work. An artist's credibility increases when they produce high-resolution prints. This contributes to the perception of the artist as a professional who is serious about their ability to produce and sell impeccably crafted art prints.

On the other hand, the reputation of a well-known artist can also be damaged if the fine art prints he produces do not meet the quality standards he expects.

Here's how to find the best options for your art prints

Whether you're selling reproductions, creating gifts for family and friends, or simply want to admire your artwork in a large format for your home, printing artwork at home can be a very satisfying and cost-effective experience. If you want professional-quality results, you need to the right printer, the right ink, and the right paper . If you don't invest in these three quality factors, your colors won't be true to life, details will be lost, and the prints may fade quickly.

Pigment ink printers are the best alternative for you if you intend to sell the prints you create.

High-penetration inks are more durable than conventional dye-based inks, meaning your prints won't fade for decades. They also print better on high-quality surfaces, producing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a true giclée finish.

Whether you're on a tight budget or looking for a top-of-the-line device, we'll introduce you to the best pigment ink printers from different price ranges.

Giclée or archival print?

First, you should decide what type of fine art printing you want to use.

An archival print is a museum-quality art reproduction designed to last for decades without deteriorating or fading. These prints are produced pigment-based inks and acid-free archival paper , guaranteeing their durability and color stability . Archival prints are preferred by museums, galleries, and collectors because they are resistant to fading, discoloration, and paper deterioration over their lifetime.

For a print to be considered an archive print, it must meet the following conditions:

• Use of pigment inks instead of dye-based inks.
• The art print paper used for printing should be acid-free and pH-neutral.
• Lifespan of fifty to two hundred years or more (depending on storage and display conditions).

The term "giclée print" (pronounced "chee-klee") refers to a form of high-quality inkjet printing created with pigment inks on canvas or art paper. The name derives from the French word "gicler ," meaning "to spray" or "to squirt," and refers to the inkjet printing process used to produce these prints.

In order for a print to be called a true giclée, it must meet these requirements:

• Printed with a high-resolution inkjet printer (often 1,200 dots per inch or more)
• Use of pigment inks to ensure durability
• Archival-quality paper or canvas should be used for printing.
• Smooth color gradients, high-resolution details and accurate color reproduction

So what exactly is the difference?

Archival prints are giclée prints, but giclée prints are not automatically archival prints

Archival prints are characterized by their longevity; they can be produced offset lithography or screen printing

Giclée prints are inkjet prints that are of high quality and certified to meet archival standards.

When it comes to selling art prints, giclée printing is the method of choice for watercolor artists . This is because it is the most effective method for reproducing paintings that feature a wide color palette and complex details.

What you should consider before buying a printer

Pigment inks vs. dye inks (“dye” inks)

The fact that pigment inks are lightfast and have a longer lifespan makes them an excellent choice for art prints of all kinds.

Although they are less expensive and more color-intensive, dye-based inks tend to fade more quickly over time. It is strongly recommended to use a printer that uses pigment inks when selling art prints.

A dye ink printer could be useful for less critical applications where cost is a factor.

Print size and borderless printing

Consider what size the desired printouts should be:

The A3+ format (329 × 483 mm, 13 in x 19 in) is an excellent choice for most artists. For larger prints, a size of A2 (432 × 559 mm, 17 in x 22 in) or larger is required.

Borderless printing guarantees a clean and professional result.

We've observed that most artists who reproduce their own work have a model for A4 and/or A3+ format. For individual orders in other formats, they typically use a specialized printing company. This is an excellent compromise.

Depending on the intended use of your fine art print, you may need prints ranging from postcard size to large-format banners or posters. "Scalability" refers to the ability to accommodate a wide variety of sizes without any loss of quality. Photo printers like the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 can print various image formats up to A3+ size.

Considerations regarding the paper

If you plan to print on textured paper, you should ensure that your printer can handle paper weights of up to 350 g/m² or more. This is important because not all printers are capable of properly processing thicker art papers.

Resolution and color accuracy

High resolution ensures that even the smallest details of artworks are captured, while color accuracy ensures that the reproduced colors remain true to the corresponding hues in the original.

Durability and lifespan

This should be sufficient to withstand regular use over several years. Especially with frequently used models, wear and tear should be minimal. This makes the purchase worthwhile, as the cost per print decreases steadily.

Compatibility with a wide variety of media types

Depending on the type of artwork to be created, different media types may be required. There are many other types of materials that can be printed on with a versatile model, including canvas, textured artist paper, vinyl, fabric, etc.

Cost efficiency over time

Although the initial purchase price of the printer seems to be the most significant factor, one should also consider long-term costs, such as those for ink cartridges, maintenance, and the possibility of necessary repairs.

The best fine art printers – different applications and price ranges

Here they are: our top selection of professional models for the highest artistic demands. In making our selection, we also made sure to represent different application scenarios, artistic requirements, and price ranges… et voilà:

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 – the best all-rounder

In recent years, Canon models have made significant progress, contributing to their great popularity among photographers and artists.

the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is the best fine art printer overall (including price) because it boasts a multitude of strengths and delivers stunning results. The imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is a compact yet powerful printer capable of producing high-quality prints on a wide variety of media without requiring ink changes at any point during the printing process.

Technical data:

• Maximum paper size: borderless printing up to A3+
• Resolution: 4800 x 2400 dpi
• Inks: 10 separate LUCIA PRO pigment inks for deep black and impressive color gradients (reduced bronzing thanks to special chroma optimizer)
• Interfaces: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
• Size: 63.9 x 37.9 x 20 cm
• Weight: 14.4 kg
• Supports artist paper up to 380 g/m²
• Custom formats up to a length of 990.60 mm
• Unfortunately, there is no role option

With exceptional resolution and color quality, this model prints up to 13 inches and features a 10-color ink system. Its colors are vibrant and deep, and it excels at reproducing the original material.

Canon printers are equipped with technology that monitors the print job during creation to detect any printing errors and then attempts to make adjustments instantly to correct the problem. This new generation of Canon printers also features enhanced wireless printing capabilities, eliminating the need for cables.

Ink consumption is relatively low. Since the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 has a large number of pre-programmed profiles for a wide variety of papers, getting started after initial setup is quick and easy.

Thanks to support for Wi-Fi, USB and Ethernet connectivity, as well as a variety of third-party services that greatly simplify your printing process, it is easy to recommend the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 without reservation.

Cost: The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 costs between €700 and €850, and the recurring costs are relatively low thanks to its intelligent ink consumption. The annual operating costs are also quite low.

Best suited for: Artists looking for a compact and powerful printer for high-quality prints up to A3+. Excellent for black and white printing thanks to its special matte black ink.

Paper recommendation: The artists surveyed recommended Hahnemühle Matt FineArt 310 g/m² for watercolor and acrylic paintings – a smooth, museum-quality cotton fabric paper with incredible color accuracy.

Epson SureColor P900 – uncompromising image quality up to 43.2 cm image width

The Epson SureColor P900 sets new standards among professional photo printers. With outstanding image quality, user-friendly software, and competitive operating costs, it surpasses its predecessor, the P800.

Technical data:

• Maximum paper size: borderless printing up to 17 x 22 inches (431.8 x 558.8 mm)
• Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
• Inks: UltraChrome PRO10 pigment inks (including violet for improved blue and purple tones); no need to switch between photo and matte black ink.
• Interfaces: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
• Dimensions: 37.3 x 47.2 x 74.4 cm (D x W x H)
• Weight: 16 kg
• Supports artist paper up to a thickness of 1.5 mm
• Roll feed option for panoramas
• It creates prints that, according to the manufacturer, last up to 200 years in color and 400 years in black and white.

The P900 is capable of printing on single sheets measuring 17 x 22 inches (431.8 x 558.8 mm; for comparison: DIN A2 = 420 x 594 mm) as well as larger paper rolls with a width of 17 inches (43.2 cm). This allows for impressive banner and panoramic prints on roll media and is also more compact and lighter than comparable Canon models.

A standout new feature is the high-resolution color touchscreen, which significantly simplifies the configuration of print jobs. High-quality printing media is crucial for optimal results.

Despite the high initial investment costs, the SureColor P900 impresses with excellent photo and art prints and surpasses both Canon's PRO-1000 and the SureColor P5000 in black and white print quality and ease of use. 

It is designed to produce the highest quality prints over an extended period, provided it is operated properly and fed with high-quality data files and premium media. It's true that the purchase price, the various media options, and the cost of ink represent a significant investment. However, if you want to create reproductions of artwork and photographs of the highest possible quality, you will be hard-pressed to find anything better.

Cost: The Epson SureColor P900 costs approximately €1,250. Ink consumption is above average. Annual operating costs are relatively low.

Best suited for: serious artists who want museum-quality prints without compromise and require first-class color accuracy.

Paper recommendation(s): The artists interviewed recommended RR Palo Duro Softgloss Rag and RR Barytas, Hahnemühle Etching Paper and Marrutt Fine Art Paper.

Video reviews by artists

This is what artist Krystle Cole (@krystlecoleart) says about this model:

Canon PIXMA PRO-200 – ideal for small home studios and hobbyists

If you're not a professional, established artist and are more interested in selling art prints on platforms like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, etc., then the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 is recommended. It's less expensive than the top models, but has a few limitations (especially the lack of pigment inks).

Aside from using dye-based inks, the prints produced are razor-sharp and dry almost instantly. Furthermore, it can print on a wide variety of materials, from standard paper to heavier art media. It can handle paper sizes up to A3+, which, as the name suggests, is larger than A3 at 330 mm × 483 mm (13″ x 19″). Panoramic prints up to 99 centimeters wide are also possible.

Technical data:

• Maximum paper size: borderless printing up to A3+
• Resolution: 4800 x 2400 dpi
• Inks: High-quality 8-ink system with dye-based inks (not ideal for archival-quality prints, as colors fade faster)
• Interfaces: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
• Dimensions: 37.9 x 63.9 x 20 cm
• Weight: 14.1 kg
• Print speed: approx. 90 seconds per sheet
• Supports artist paper up to 380 g/m² (or paper thickness 0.1 to 0.6 mm)
• Custom sizes up to a length of 990 mm

Cost: The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 costs approximately €550–€650. Ink consumption is above average due to the somewhat small cartridges. Annual operating costs are relatively low.

Best suited for: (Hobby) artists who do not require archival quality.

Paper recommendation(s): The artists interviewed recommended Polar Gloss Metallic, UltraPro Satin, UltraPro Gloss, Polar Matte and Palo Euro Etching 315.

Video reviews by artists

What do photographer and fine artist Jarred Wilson (@jarredspec) and illustrator Emily ( @art_with_em_) say about this printer?

Epson EcoTank ET-8550 – a budget-friendly option with low ink costs

The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ photo printer, a dye-based inkjet printer, is in the same league as the Canon PIXMA PRO-200. It is easy to set up and user-friendly. A mobile app is included for managing print jobs and ink orders.

Thanks to its use of photo-quality gray and deep black inks, the EcoTank ET-8550 is capable of producing prints that meet artistic standards. It can even print large-format photos up to 13 x 19 inches (A3+). While color accuracy isn't quite as high as that of premium models from Canon and Epson (see above), it's perfectly adequate for hobbyists.

The economical ink usage with the EcoTank system and the fact that this art printer has an integrated scanner and copier are particularly positive features. The ink tanks are refillable, which further reduces printing costs significantly.

Technical data:

• Maximum paper size: borderless printing up to A3+
• Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
• Inks: 6 color ink tank system
• Interfaces: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
• Dimensions: 52.3 x 37.9 x 16.9 cm
• Weight: 11.1 kg
• Print speed: up to 16 pages/min black and white, 12 pages/min color
• Supports media up to 1.3 mm thick
• Custom formats up to a length of 2 m.

Cost: The EcoTank ET-8550 costs approximately 650 euros. Its ink consumption costs are the lowest of all the models listed here. Annual operating costs are also very low.

Best suited for: (Hobby) artists who do not require archival quality.

Paper recommendation(s): The artists interviewed recommended Polar Gloss Metallic, UltraPro Satin, UltraPro Gloss, Polar Matte and Palo Euro Etching 315.

How to prepare your artwork for printing

When it comes to ensuring your art prints look exactly as you envision, one of the most important steps is preparing your artwork for printing by scanning or digitizing . Below are some helpful tips from international watercolor artist Louise De Masi to help you prepare your print file for optimal results.

resolution

Ensure your artwork has a high resolution, at least 300 dots per inch (dpi). This will guarantee that your prints are crystal clear and detailed, capturing all aspects of your watercolor artwork. To achieve this, you will also need a high-quality art scanner to scan your artwork.

Color mode

It is recommended that you convert your artwork to the CMYK color mode , which stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. You should use this color mode for printing, as it is the standard color mode and helps ensure that your colors are accurate and vibrant in the final fine art print.

File formats

It is recommended that you save your images in a file format compatible with your printer. Some examples of such formats are TIFF and PNG (JPEG is a compressed file format that is already lossy). These file types are widely accepted by most printers and will ensure that the quality of your printed image is preserved.

Post-production / post-processing

Your artwork should be edited before submission to ensure it is free of flaws or imperfections. To ensure your art prints look their best, brightness, contrast, and color balance can be optimized. To achieve this, you will need image editing software such as Photoshop . Most printers have their own printing software that may allow for minor color adjustments (though with limitations).

Quality control / final inspection

Before printing your artwork at full size, you should check it for flaws at a smaller scale. This will help you identify any errors or imperfections before they become a problem, ultimately saving you both time and materials in the long run.

If you are producing a new print, it is recommended to do a small test print beforehand to compare the colors of the printed result with the originally created artwork.

Recommended paper for printing watercolors and fine art photography

Choosing the right paper is just as crucial as choosing the right printer. The pigment inks used for fine art printing on art papers for inkjet printers have unique coatings that allow them to remain on the surface without bleeding. This ensures that details are crisp and colors are vibrant.

Highest quality cotton paper (ideal for perfect color gradients and details):

• The Hahnemühle Matt FineArt paper with 310 g/m² has a subtle texture and is a high-quality paper made entirely of cellulose, making it ideal for watercolor-style prints.
• Canson Infinity Rag photo paper – a smooth cotton paper that highlights the depth and richness of the colors and is therefore ideal for paintings with intricate details.
• Epson Hot Press Dazzling is a sheet of paper that is dazzlingly white and smooth, and capable of capturing small details with pinpoint accuracy.
• Hahnemühle William Turner 310 g/m² is the most textured fine art paper ever produced, mimicking the look of watercolor paper. This cold-pressed, textured paper has a highly absorbent surface, making it ideal for creating a true watercolor effect.
• Canson Infinity Aquarelle Rag, 310 g/m² . Cotton paper with a natural white color and rough texture, perfect for the aesthetics of classic watercolor paintings.
• Epson Cold Press Bright is an acid-free, relatively thick paper with a slight roughness. It is a great choice for archival printing.

The best fine art papers at an affordable price:

• Canon Premium Fine Art – Canon pigment printers are compatible with this paper, which is both smooth and inexpensive.
• Epson Signature Worthy Cold Press Natural is a cost-effective and durable solution and is ideal for printing textured art prints.