The best printers for fine art printing and art prints

The best printers for fine art printing and art prints support you in conveniently printing your work from home or in the studio. Therefore, you can in principle refrain from taking print-on-demand services or driving to a print shop in the hectic city center. The initial investment can be considerable; However, if you want to print work regularly (for example with limited editions or serial images), this is a worthwhile investment for a long time.

The market for professional art printers is much smaller than the photo printer that is suitable for everyday use. Therefore, you do not have to compare alternatives for hours and search search portals until you have found the ideal model for the fin art printing of your works of art.

In this buying guide for Fine-Art-Printer, we will examine the best available options for printing watercolor works of art and fine art photographs as well as the most suitable papers.

I am familiar with the usual printing technologies and some hardware. Nevertheless, I have too little experience with the preparation of art prints from home. Therefore, we have put together this guide based on intensive research and the exchange with experienced professionals in this area. In addition, we also took into account the reviews of artists, photographers and printers that used and tested these printer.

We only have direct experience with the Canon Pixma Pro-200 , the printer that we are currently using, among other things because we can also buy printer cartridges cheaply . However, we do not use the prints for sale to be honest. That is why the following and disadvantages are typically derived from the experiences of other artists.

This should give you a comprehensive overview of the best options that are available to you. This is particularly relevant if you are looking for a printer that can create watercolor prints and fine-art pictures in impressive quality.

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

To help you with decision -making, we have examined and evaluated models of the three compressed giants listed below (Canon, Epson, HP). We have given recommendations for every device that are based on important factors connected to artists, including color rendering and clarity, color resistance, costs and format options. At the same time, we took into account the inks compatible with the printer and the archive quality (the degree in which the inks stay intact before they fade).

In addition, we have also considered the versatility with regard to larger formats, panoramic images or heavier art media. Finally, we asked artists which paper options in their opinion are best suited for the respective printer models.

We wish you an informative and helpful reading!

Importance of the print quality for sale, appreciation and reputation of the artist

When it comes to printing works of art, the corresponding equipment is more than just a tool; She is a partner on the way that an artist takes to achieve remarkable results with creative work. The quality of the prints not only shows works of art, but also creates confidence, evokes admiration and, above all, recognizes the artist's vision in the most authentic form of as possible.

To become a little pathetic: the purchase of a printer that not only delivers first -class quality, but also makes economic sense, is an investment in your own artistic heritage. He is an investment in his own success. "

Influence on sales success

A market that becomes more demanding is a market in which customers are willing to pay a higher price of quality. An art pressure of the highest quality can achieve higher prices, which can lead to higher 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, strike potential buyers, which can have a negative impact on sales.

Appreciation

The true essence of a work of art lies in detail. A high -quality laser printer for artists lets these tiny details shine through and enables the viewer to appreciate the depth, complexity and expertise that is in every piece.

If the viewer manages to establish a deep connection to a piece, it is more than just a visual pleasure; It turns into an emotional experience that leads to increased appreciation and word of mouth.

Call of the artist

When it comes to the quality of your own works, both in terms of creation and reproduction, the reputation of an artist is inextricably linked to the quality of his work. An artist's credibility increases when he creates high -resolution prints. This helps to perceive the artist as a professional who, with his ability to produce and sell perfectly handicraft art prints, seriously.

On the other hand, the reputation of a well-known artist can also be damaged if the Fine art print he produced does not meet the quality standards he expected.

How to find the best options for your art prints

Regardless of whether you sell reproductions, design gifts for family and friends or just want to marvel at your works for your own four walls in a large format: printing at home can be a very satisfactory and economically sensible experience. If you want results at a professional level, you need the right printer, the right ink and the right paper . If you do not invest in these three quality factors, your colors will not be faithful, details are lost and the printouts can fade after a short time.

Pigmentintet printers are the best alternative for you if you intend to sell the prints created.

, inks with high penetration are more constant, which means that their prints do not fade over decades. They are also better able to print on high-quality surfaces, which means that they can create living colors, deep black tones and a real Giclée finish.

Regardless of whether you have a short budget or are looking for a top -class device, we will introduce you to the best pigmentintet printers from different price levels.

Giclée or archive print?

First of all, you should determine the type of fine art printing you want to put.

An archive pressure describes an art steprepruction in museum quality, which should last for decades without falling for or fading. Pigment -based inks and acid -free archive paper are used in the production of these prints , which guarantees durability and color stability Archive prints are preferred by museums, galleries and collectors, since they are constantly bleaching, discoloration and paper decay during their lifespan.

In order for pressure to be an archive pressure, it must meet the following conditions:

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

The term "Giclée printing" (pronounced "Tschi-Klee") refers to a form of high-quality inkjet pressure , which is created on canvas or art paper with pigment ink. The name is derived from the French word GiCler , which means "spraying" or "injection", and refers to the inkjet printing process, which is used in the production of these prints.

In order for a pressure to be described as a real Giclée, it must meet these requirements:

• Printed with an inkjet printer with high resolution (often 1,200 points per inch or more)
• Use of pigment ink to ensure durability
• Paper or canvas in archive quality should be used for printing.
• Smooth color processes, high -resolution details and correct color rendering

So what exactly is the difference?

Archive prints are Giclée prints, but Giclée prints are not automatically archive prints. ”

Archive prints are characterized by their durability; be manufactured using any professional printing process (including offset lithograph or screen printing

Giclée prints are inkjet prints that are of high quality and are certified in order to meet archive standards.

When it comes to selling art prints, the Giclée printing for watercolor artists is the method of choice . Because it is the most effective method for reproduction of paintings that have a large color palette and complex details.

What you should consider before buying a printer

Pigment ink vs. dye ink ("dye" ink)

The fact that pigment ink is light -resistant and have a longer lifespan makes it an excellent choice for art prints of all kinds.

Even if you are more cost-effective and more colorful, dye ink (so-called dye inks) tend to fade faster over time. It is strongly recommended to use a printer when selling art prints that uses pigment ink.

A dye input printer could be useful for less important applications in which the costs play a role.

Size of the prints and borderless printing

Think about the size of the desired prints:

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

A clean and professional result is guaranteed for borderless pressure.

We have observed that most artists who reproduce their works themselves have a model for A4 and/or one for the A3+format. In the case of individual orders in other formats, a specialized printing company was usually used. This is an excellent compromise.

Depending on the purpose of the Fine Art print, you may need prints in postcard format to large-format banners or posters. The term “scalability” means the ability to bring a variety of sizes without loss of quality. Photo printers such as the Canon Pixma Pro-200 can print different image formats up to a size of A3+.

Records on paper

If you want to print structured papers, you should make sure that your printer can process up to 350 g/m² This is important because not all printers are able to properly process thicker art printing papers.

Resolution and color accuracy

A high resolution ensures that even the smallest details of works of art are recorded, while the color accuracy ensures that the reproduced colors remain loyal to the corresponding colors.

Durability and lifespan

This should be enough to withstand regular use over several years. Especially in models that are used frequently, wear should be within narrow limits. So it is worth buying by decreasing the costs per print.

Compatibility with a variety of media types

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

Cost efficiency over time

Although the printer's acquisition costs weigh the hardest at first glance, you should also think about long -term costs, those for ink cartridges, maintenance and the possibility of the necessary repairs.

The best fine art printer-different application purposes and price levels

Here you come: our top selection of professional models for the highest artists' claims. When selecting, we also attached great importance to mapping different application scenarios, artist requirements and price levels ... et voilà:

Canon Image Prographer Pro-300-the best all-rounder

Models from Canon have made considerable progress in recent years, which has contributed to their great popularity among photographers and artists.

the Canon ImagePrographer Pro-300 is the best art printer in the overall view (i.e. including price), since it has a variety of strengths and provides breathtaking results. The image prograph is a compact yet powerful printer that can create high-quality prints on a variety of media without having to replace the ink at any time of the printing process.

Technical data:

• Maximum paper size: borderless pressure up to A3+
• Resolution: 4800 x 2400 dpi
• Ink: 10 separate Lucia Pro pigment ink for deep black and impressive color gradients (reduced bronzing thanks to the 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
• User -defined formats up to a length of 990.60 mm
• Unfortunately no role option

With an extraordinary resolution and color quality, this model prints up to 13 inches and has a 10-color in the system. His colors are alive and deep and he succeeds in reproducing the original material.

Canon printers are equipped with a technology that monitors the pressure during the creation in order to recognize any misprints and then try to make adjustments in no time to fix the problem. This new generation of Canon printers also has extended wireless printing functions that make cables superfluous.

The ink consumption is relatively cheap. Since the Canon ImagePrographer Pro-300 has a variety of preprogrammed profiles for a variety of papers, it is quick to get started after completing the initial facility.

Thanks to the support for Wi-Fi, USB and Ethernet connectivity as well as a large number of third-party services that significantly simplify your printing process, it is easy to recommend the Canon ImagePrographer Pro-300 without reservation.

Cost: The Canon Image Prographer Pro-300 costs it 700–850 euros and the recurring costs are relatively low thanks to its intelligent ink consumption. The annual operating costs are also quite low.

The best suited for: artists who are looking for a compact and powerful printer for high -quality prints up to A3+. Excellent for black and white prints thanks to S Pecy matt black ink.

Paper recommendation: Interested artists recommended the Hahnemühle Matt Fineart 310 g/m² for watercolor and acrylic pictures- a smooth, museum cotton 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 excellent image quality, user -friendly software and competitive operating costs, he exceeds its predecessor, the P800.

Technical data:

• Maximum paper size: borderless pressure up to 17 x 22 inches (431.8 x 558.8 mm)
• Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
• Ink: Ultrachrome Pro10 pigment ink (including violet for better blue and violet tones); No switching of photo and matt black ink.
• Interfaces: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
• Dimensions: 37.3 x 47.2 x 74.4 cm (T x W x H)
• Weight: 16 kg
• Supports artist paper up to a thickness of 1.5 mm
• Roll feed option for panoramas
• Creates prints that have been in color and 400 years in black and white, according to the manufacturer.

The P900 is able to print single sheets with a size of 17 x 22 inches (431.8 x 558.8 mm; for comparison: DIN A2 = 420 x 594 mm) and larger paper rolls with a width of 17 inches (43.2 cm). This enables impressive banner and panoramic printouts on role media and is also more compact and lighter than comparable models from Canon.

An outstanding innovation is the high-resolution color touchscreen, which significantly simplifies the configuration of pressure orders. High -quality printing media are crucial for optimal results.

Despite the high initial investment costs, the Surecolor P900 convinces with excellent photo and artificial prints and surpasses both Canons Pro-1000 and the Surecolor P5000 in black and white print quality and ease of use. 

It is designed to produce printouts of the highest quality over a longer period of time, provided that it is served properly and fed with high-quality data files and premium media. It is a fact that the purchase price, the various media options and the cost of the ink are a significant investment. However, if you want to create reproductions of works of art and photos of the highest possible quality, you will hardly find better.

Cost: The Epson Surecolor P900 costs around 1,250 euros. Costs for ink consumption are above average. The annual operating costs are relatively low.

The best suited for: serious artists who want prints in museum quality without compromise and need first -class color accuracy.

Paper recommendation (s): Interested artists recommended RR Palo Duro Soft gloss Rag and RR Barytas, Hahnemühle Etching Paper and Marrutt Fine Art Paper.

Video reviews of artists

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

Canon Pixma Pro-200-ideal for small home studios and hobbyists

If you are not a professional, established artist and are more interested in selling art prints on platforms such as Etsy, Amazon Handmade & Co., then the Canon Pixma Pro-200 is recommended. It is cheaper than the top models, but has a few restrictions (no pigment ink).

Apart from the fact that dye ink are used, the prints generated are razor-sharp and, practically, dry after printing. It can also print on a variety of materials, from normal paper to heavier art media. It can process paper formats up to format A3+, which, as the name suggests, is larger than A3 with 330 mm × 483 mm (13 ″ x 19 ″). Panorama addresses with a width of up to 99 centimeters are also possible.

Technical data:

• Maximum paper size: borderless pressure up to A3+
• Resolution: 4800 x 2400 dpi
• Ink: high-quality 8-ink system with dye-based inks (not ideal for printing in archive quality, since 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 leaf
• Supports artist paper up to 380 g/m² (or paper thickness 0.1 to 0.6 mm)
• User -defined formats up to a length of 990 mm

Cost: The Canon Pixma Pro-200 costs around 550–650 euros. Costs for ink consumption are above average due to the somewhat smaller cartridges. The annual operating costs are relatively low.

The best suited for: (hobby) artists who do not need archive quality.

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

Video reviews of artists

What do the photographer and Fine art artist Jarred Wilson (@jarrededspec) and the illustrator Emily (@ art_with_em_) to this printer:

Epson Ecotank ET-8550-Budget-friendly option with low ink costs

The Epson Ecotank ET-8550 DIN A3+ photo printer plays as a dyeinthine printer in a league with the Canon Pixma Pro-200. It is easy to set up and user -friendly in operation. A mobile application is included with which you can control prints and ink orders.

Thanks to the use of gray and deep black ink, the Ecotank ET-8550 is able to create printouts that meet artistic demands. He creates large-format photos with a size of 13 x 19 inches (A3+format). In the case of color accuracy, you have to cut back compared to the premium models from Canon and Epson (see above). Sufficient for hobbyists.

The economical use of ink with the Ecotank system and the fact that this art printer has an integrated scanner and copier must be raised positively. Ink tanks can be refilled, which significantly reduces the printing costs.

Technical data:

• Maximum paper size: borderless pressure up to A3+
• Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
• Ink: 6-colored intent 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 a thickness of 1.3 mm
• User -defined formats up to a length of 2 m.

Cost: The Ecotank ET-8550 costs around 650 euros. Costs for ink consumption are the lowest of all models listed here. The annual operating costs are also very low.

The best suited for: (hobby) artists who do not need archive quality.

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

How to prepare your works of art for printing

When it comes to ensuring that your art prints look as you want, one of the most important steps is to prepare your work of art for printing by scanning or digitizing . Below you will find some helpful tips from the international watercolor artist Louise de Masi , who should help you optimally prepare your print template for printing.

resolution

Make sure that your work of art has a high resolution with at least 300 points per inch (dots per inch, dpi). This ensures that your prints are crystal clear and detailed and at the same time all aspects of the watercolor work of art you create are recorded. To achieve this, you also need a high -quality art scanner to scan your works of art.

Color mode

It is recommended to convert your graphic into 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 it helps to ensure that your colors are correct and bright in the final Fine Art print.

File formats

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

Post production / post -processing

Your work of art should be reworked according to the submission to ensure that it is free of defects or beauty errors. To ensure that your art prints get the best possible appearance, brightness, contrast and color balance can be optimized. To achieve this, you need an image editing program like Photoshop . Most printers have their own printing software, which may enable minor adjustments to the color (but with restrictions).

Quality acceptance / final examination

Before you print your work of art in full size, you should check it for defects on a smaller scale. This helps you to recognize any errors or imperfections before you become a problem, which ultimately saves you both time and material in the long run.

In the event that you produce a new pressure, a small test print is recommended in advance to compare the colors of the printing result with the originally created work of art.

Recommended paper for printing watercolor paints and fine art photography

The selection of the right paper is just as important as the selection of the right printer. The pigment ink, which are used for fin art printing on art printing papers for inkjet printers, have unique coatings that enable them to stay on the surface without bleeding. This ensures that the details are clear and the colors are alive.

High 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 that is completely made of cellulose and is ideal for printing in watercolor style.
• Photo paper Canson Infinity RAG - a smooth cotton paper that highlights the depth and abundance of colors and is therefore ideal for paintings with complicated details.
• Epson Hot Press Dazzling is a sheet of paper that is dazzling white and smooth and is able to grasp small details precisely.
• Hahnemühle William Turner 310 g/m² is the best structured Fine-art paper that has ever been made, and the appearance of watercolor paper. A structured paper that has been cold and has a surface that is very absorbent; It is ideal to create a real watercolor effect.
• Canson Infinity Watercolor RAG with 310 g/m² . Cotton paper with naturally white color and rough texture, perfect for the aesthetics of classic watercolor images.
• Epson Cold Press Bright is an acid -free, relatively thick paper with a light roughness. It is a great choice for archive prints.

The best Fine art papers at an affordable price:

• Canon Premium Fine Art -The Canon pigment printer 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 structured art prints.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza. Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www.kunstplaza.de/