Imagine holding a piece of your art, perfectly reproduced, every color vibrant and every line sharp. Does that sound like a dream? For many artists, getting their creations off the screen and into the real world as stunning prints feels tricky. Choosing the right printer can feel like navigating a maze. You worry about ink smudging, colors looking dull, or spending too much money. It’s frustrating when your beautiful digital work doesn’t translate well onto paper.
This is where the right printer makes all the difference. We know you want prints that truly capture your vision and impress your buyers or just look amazing on your wall. Forget the guesswork and the wasted paper! In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the best printers for art prints. You will learn exactly which features matter most, what kind of ink to look for, and how to find a machine that fits your budget and your art style.
Ready to unlock gallery-quality prints right from your desk? Keep reading as we explore the top contenders that will turn your digital files into tangible masterpieces!
Top Printers For Art Prints Recommendations
- Print at home like a Pro.
- Reliable technology uniquely built to work at home.
- Print from your couch with the best print app.
- Always be ready to print. Never run out of ink.
- Print dynamic photos, worksheets, brochures and informational flyers from anywhere with this all-in-one photo printer from Epson. At print speeds up to 16 pages per minute, you can quickly tackle large jobs. This ink tank printer is cartridge-free, using ink bottles to create highly visible colors and images.
- Wireless (802.11b/g/n/a/ac) connectivity allows you to print from virtually anywhere. Also supports Ethernet and USB connections.
- Utilize Epson Connect Solutions to use e-mail print, remote print or Scan to Cloud functions from your mobile device.
- Mobile printing support lets you use Epson Smart Panel, Epson Print Layout, Epson Creative Print, Apple AirPrint and Android printing from your smartphone or tablet. Supports Mopria Print Service.
- Take advantage of your voice assistant with voice-activated printing supported by Siri, Epson Connect and Amazon Alexa.
![Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer [Print, Copy, Scan], Works with Alexa](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21-0hP0b2eL._SL160_.jpg)
- Print, copy, scan and navigate the features you need using the clear, brightly lit 44" OLED screen
- Easy setup for smartphone and computer
- Built-in Wi-Fi lets you print from any room
- Print from your favorite mobile devices using the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint and Mopria
- Download the Easy-Photo Print Editor App or Canon Creative Park App for creative printing options
- BEST FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Get all your work done with an all-in-one multifunction printer. Print, copy, and scan on one compact printer for home use and home offices. Brother inkjet printers produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED PRINTING FEATURES: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- THE BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6) .
- Epson printing system is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty. .What's in the box : Expression Photo HD XP-15000 printer, CD-ROM for product setup, Power cord, 4x Claria Photo HD 312-I ink cartridges (1x Black, 1x Cyan, 1x Magenta, 1x Yellow), 2x Claria Photo HD 314-I ink cartridges (1x Gray, 1x Red), 1 Cleaning Sheet
- Professional ultra HD photo quality get brilliant border less prints upto 13 inches X 19 inches
- Individual 6 color Claria photo HD ink includes red and gray inks for an ultra wide color gamut and enhanced black and white prints. Sound pressure level: Pressure: 49 dB(A)
- Professional projects: Made easy features a 50 sheet rear tray for specialty media, including cardstock (1); Accommodates a variety of paper finishes and border less sizes from 4 inches X 6 inches To 13 inches X 19 inches
- Ultra compact wide format A3 plus printer 30 percent smaller than its predecessor (2); Easily fits on your desktop
- CES Imaging is a Canon Platinum Reseller
- 1 year on-site warranty by Canon
- Never run out of ink. Connect your printer to Alexa and receive notifications when you’re running low. Alexa can even place a smart reorder from Amazon on your behalf, if you enroll in smart reorders
- Enrolling in Smart Reorders with Alexa ensures that you never have too much or too little ink supplies. No subscription needed.
- Wireless 4-in-1 (Print | Copy | Scan | Fax)
- 15 / 10 ipm Print Speed
- 200 Sheet Capacity (100 Cassette, 100 Rear Feed)
- Don't get stuck in an 8 inches x 10 inches world; Print your favorite photos up to 13 inches x 19 inches
- With a 6 color ink system including gray ink and 9600 x 2400 maximum color dots per inch, the results are incredible quality and amazing detail in your black & white and color photos. Noise level: Approx. 43.5 dB(A)
- Print wireless from any Wi-Fi enabled computer around the house; Ink droplet size: 1, 2 and 5
- Note: Kindly refer to the user manual provided as a PDF manual in the product description section
- Ink compatibility : PGI 250 Pigment Black XL, CLI 251 Cyan XL, CLI 251 Magenta XL, CLI 251 Yellow XL, CLI 251 Gray XL, CLI 251 Black XL , PGI 250 Pigment Black, CLI 251 Cyan, CLI 251 Magenta, CLI 251 Yellow, CLI 251 Gray, CLI 251 Black
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Printer for Your Art Prints
Making beautiful art prints at home or in a small studio needs the right tool. A good printer can turn your digital art into stunning physical pieces. This guide will help you pick the perfect machine for your artistic needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for an art print printer, some features matter more than others. Focus on these to get the best results:
1. Print Resolution (DPI)
- What it is: Dots Per Inch (DPI) measures how much detail the printer puts onto the paper.
- Why it matters: Higher DPI means sharper, clearer images. Aim for at least 2400 x 1200 DPI for professional-looking art prints. Low DPI makes prints look blurry or pixelated, especially when viewed up close.
2. Ink System Type
- Dye-Based vs. Pigment-Based Inks: Dye inks give very bright colors but fade faster when exposed to light. Pigment inks are more durable and resist fading for many years, making them the standard for archival art prints.
- Number of Colors: More ink cartridges mean better color mixing. Printers with 6, 8, or even 12 separate ink tanks produce smoother gradients and a wider color gamut (range of colors).
3. Paper Handling Capabilities
- Media Width: Do you plan to print small photos or large posters? Standard sizes are 8.5×11 inches, but serious artists need 13-inch or 17-inch wide printers.
- Media Weight Support: Art prints often use thick, heavy paper (like cardstock or canvas). Check the printer’s manual to ensure it safely handles paper weighing 300 gsm (grams per square meter) or more.
Important Materials and Components
The quality of the printer’s build and its consumables directly impact your prints.
Ink Quality
Always choose printers that use high-quality, archival pigment inks. These inks are chemically stable. This stability ensures your prints look the same years from now as they do today. Cheap, standard inks will quickly yellow or fade.
Print Head Technology
Most good photo printers use either Piezoelectric (Epson) or Thermal Inkjet (Canon/HP) technology. Both methods accurately spray microscopic droplets of ink onto the paper. Ensure the print head is robust, as clogging can ruin print quality and cost time to fix.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a print look amazing, and what ruins it?
Quality Boosters
- Color Management: Look for printers that work well with color profiles (ICC profiles). These profiles help the printer accurately translate the colors on your screen to the paper.
- Borders: Printers offering “borderless printing” let you print right to the edge of the paper, which looks very professional for display.
Quality Reducers
- Ink Mixing/Dithering: If the printer uses poor techniques to create a color it doesn’t have a dedicated ink for, you might see tiny dots or patterns in smooth areas (like a blue sky). This is called dithering, and good printers minimize it.
- Slow Speed: While not directly a quality issue, very slow printing can sometimes lead to ink drying issues or smudging if you handle the print too soon.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how often and for what purpose you will use the printer.
For the Hobbyist Artist
If you print occasionally for personal display, a standard 4-color or 6-color desktop photo printer is usually enough. Focus on ease of setup and affordable ink replacement costs.
For the Professional Seller
If you sell your art, speed, large format capability (13 inches or wider), and excellent archival longevity are critical. You need a printer with a large ink set (8+ colors) for the best color accuracy across different paper types.
User experience also includes maintenance. Does the printer clean its nozzles easily? Is the software intuitive? A user-friendly interface saves frustration when you are trying to meet a deadline.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Art Print Printers
Q: Do I need a special printer just for art prints?
A: Yes, dedicated photo printers are much better than standard office printers. They use more ink colors and higher resolution settings for superior color and detail.
Q: What is the most important ink type for art prints?
A: Pigment-based ink is the most important type. It resists fading much better than dye-based ink, keeping your art vibrant for decades.
Q: Can I use regular paper in these printers?
A: You can, but you should use high-quality art paper, like matte, luster, or fine art watercolor paper. Standard paper absorbs too much ink and looks flat.
Q: What DPI should I aim for when printing?
A: Aim for a printer that supports at least 2400 DPI. This high resolution ensures sharp details, especially in fine line work or detailed illustrations.
Q: What is “color gamut,” and why should I care?
A: Color gamut is the range of colors a printer can produce. A wider gamut means the printer can match the vibrant colors you see on your computer screen more accurately.
Q: Is borderless printing necessary?
A: It is highly recommended if you plan to frame your prints without white edges. It gives a modern, professional look.
Q: How do I prevent my prints from smudging?
A: Use pigment inks and allow the print to air dry completely before touching or stacking it. Always use paper designed for inkjet printing.
Q: Should I buy a printer with 4 or 8 ink cartridges?
A: For serious art prints, 8 or more cartridges are better. More colors lead to smoother color transitions and richer blacks and grays.
Q: How big of a printer do I need?
A: If you only make small prints, an 8.5×11 inch printer is fine. If you want to sell larger pieces, look for 13-inch or 17-inch wide models.
Q: Are large format printers very expensive to run?
A: Yes, large format printers often have higher initial ink costs, but buying larger, high-capacity cartridges often lowers the cost per print over time.