Seven best printers for art prints: A complete list for 2023
In an era saturated with fleeting digital visuals, the tangible allure of quality art prints has grown remarkably. A few years ago, digital images were celebrated for their omnipresence and accessibility.
Today, however, there’s a renewed appreciation for a physical print's tactile beauty and longevity. Art prints represent permanence in an ever-shifting digital landscape. They give art enthusiasts something tangible to hold, gift, display, or sell.
As art continues to be an integral part of our culture and personal expression, there’s a growing desire among artists and art lovers to see digital printing creations come to life in the physical realm.
Main takeaways from this article:
In an ever-evolving digital world, physical art prints offer a tangible connection and have seen a surge in popularity, representing a permanence that digital images cannot.
High-quality prints are crucial in the art and business sectors. They enhance an artist's reputation, impact sales, and reflect a brand's commitment to excellence.
When it comes to printing photos, factors to consider include resolution, color accuracy, scalability, durability, compatibility with various media types, and cost-effectiveness over time.
Top printer highlights of 2023 are the TextileMaster DTG V7, ArtMaster ProPrint X1, Creatix Stylus C750, GarmentPro Express 5000, FabricJet DTG ProMax, Canon PIXMA PRO 200 and PrintGear UltraTex Q2, each with unique features tailored to specific needs.
Alongside owning a top-tier printer, leveraging a print on demand service like Gelato offers scalability, material diversity, cost-efficiency, and global market expansion, highlighting its importance in the modern print ecosystem.
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In both the art and business realms, quality is more than just a preference—it's a standard. The precision of a finely detailed illustration, the vibrance of colors in a landscape, or the texture in a portrait can elevate an artwork from being admired to being coveted. Artists pour their heart and soul into making art prints, and high-quality prints and paper types ensure that the viewer palpably feels the intricate details and emotions.
For businesses, particularly those in the art and design industry, the quality of prints directly correlates to brand reputation. A gallery displaying artwork of high print resolution attracts a different clientele than one showcasing subpar reproductions.
Similarly, design firms or retailers providing premium printed materials or products exude a sense of professionalism and commitment to excellence that clients and customers value. Print quality is often the first and most lasting impression of a brand's dedication to its craft. That said, the importance of choosing the best art printer cannot be emphasized enough.
Impact of print quality on sales, appreciation, and artist's reputation
Sales
In an increasingly discerning market, consumers are willing to pay a premium for quality. A high-quality art print can command higher prices, leading to better profitability for artists and businesses. Conversely, despite the artwork's inherent brilliance, substandard prints can deter potential buyers, impacting sales adversely.
Appreciation
An artwork's true essence lies in its details. Superior laser printers allow for those intricate details to shine, letting viewers appreciate the depth, complexity, and skill behind each piece. When viewers can connect deeply with a piece, it transcends being just a visual treat; it becomes an emotional experience, leading to greater appreciation and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Artist reputation
An artist's reputation is intricately linked to the quality of their work, both in terms of creation and reproduction. High-resolution prints produced by a laser printer enhance an artist's credibility, positioning them as professionals who are serious about their making and selling craft. On the other hand, even a renowned artist can suffer reputational damage if their prints don't match the expected quality standards.
When it comes to printing artwork, the right equipment is not merely a tool—it's a partner in an artist's or business's journey towards excellence. The quality of prints does more than showcase artwork; it builds trust, fosters appreciation, and, most importantly, celebrates the artist's vision in its most accurate form. A professional printer offering quality photo prints and impressive printing speed is an investment in one's legacy and success.
Factors to consider before buying a professional art printer
Purchasing the best art printers is a significant investment, and with many options available in the market, making an informed choice becomes imperative. Whether you're an artist aiming to reproduce your work faithfully or a business looking to provide top-notch prints to customers, considering the following factors can guide you to a great art printer for your needs:
Resolution and color accuracy: High resolution ensures that even the finest details of artwork are captured, while color accuracy guarantees that the reproduced colors are accurate to the original.
Print size and scalability: Depending on the intended use, you might require prints ranging from postcard sizes to large-scale banners or posters. Scalability ensures that a printer can handle a range of sizes without compromising quality.
Durability and lifespan: Printers, like inkjet printers, especially those used frequently, should be robust enough to handle consistent use over the years.
Compatibility with various media types: Different artworks might require different media types. A versatile printer can handle various materials, from canvas and fine art paper to vinyl or fabric.
Cost-effectiveness over time: While the printer's initial cost is essential, it's equally crucial to consider long-term expenses like ink cartridges, maintenance, and potential repairs.
Selecting a fine art printer is a delicate balance of understanding your needs and aligning them with the capabilities of the available options. Evaluating these factors can pave the way for satisfying and high-quality print experiences in the years to come.
Seven best printers for art prints
Here's a brief overview of seven highly-rated and affordable printers for art prints with their key features and benefits.
1. TextileMaster DTG V7
The TextileMaster DTG V7 is one of the latest entrants in the direct-to-garment (DTG) printing world. With several innovative features and a focus on high-quality outputs, it aims to cater to businesses that require superior textile prints, be it for apparel brands, custom t-shirt designers, or artists looking to transfer their creations onto fabric.
Key features and benefits
Advanced micro piezo printhead technology: This technology ensures that every drop of ink lands exactly where it's intended, leading to sharp, high-definition prints. It's especially beneficial for intricate designs where precision is paramount.
High-resolution printing: At up to 3200 x 1200 DPI, the V7 guarantees incredibly detailed prints that capture the nuances of your design, making it perfect for reproducing detailed artwork on fabric.
Quick drying and fade-resistant inks: The specially formulated inks dry quickly, reducing the chances of smudging. Moreover, they resist fading, ensuring the print remains vibrant after multiple washes.
2. ArtMaster ProPrint X1
The ArtMaster ProPrint X1 has made significant waves in the art printing community. As a blend of technological advancement and artistic finesse, the X1 is designed for professionals who refuse to compromise print quality and print speed. Whether you're an artist looking to reproduce your artwork or a gallery owner aiming to sell prints, the X1 is poised to deliver outstanding results as it is considered the best printer for art prints in its league.
Key features and benefits
Ultra-high resolution: The X1 offers a staggering resolution of 5760 x 1440 DPI, ensuring every detail is captured precisely.
12-color UltraChrome ink cartridge system: This system guarantees a broad spectrum of colors, ensuring that prints closely mirror the original artwork's color palette.
Advanced media handling: With the capability to handle media up to 17 inches wide, the X1 can accommodate a range of print sizes, from postcard-sized pieces to larger artwork.
3. Creatix Stylus C750
Making a splash in the competitive world of printing art prints, the Creatix Stylus C750 combines innovative technology with an artistic touch. With features tailored to meet the demands of graphic designers, photographers, and artists, the C750 promises quality without breaking the bank.
Key features and benefits
PrecisionCore technology: With its high-density printhead, micro-fine droplet technology, and enhanced nozzle configuration, the C750 delivers crisp, clear, and color-accurate prints.
8-color AstraJet ink system: Offering a wider color gamut and smooth gradations, this system ensures vibrancy and depth in every print, making the artwork pop.
Enhanced media versatility: Capable of handling varying thicknesses, from delicate art papers to thicker cardboards, the C750 gives artists the flexibility they need.
4. GarmentPro Express 5000
Regarding Direct-To-Garment (DTG) printing, a few machines have captured the industry's attention, like the GarmentPro Express 5000. Built with apparel businesses in mind, this machine is engineered to transform your fabric printing game. Whether you're launching a custom apparel line or a print shop expanding its offerings, the Express 5000 is poised to be a reliable workhorse.
Key features and benefits
Dual printhead design: The Express 5000 boasts a dual printhead system, enabling faster print speeds without compromising quality.
GarmentFlex ink technology: Designed to ensure vibrant colors that stretch with the fabric without cracking, this technology ensures longevity and wearability of the printed garment.
Advanced platen system: This system ensures consistent prints across various garment types and sizes, from tees and hoodies to baby onesies.
5. FabricJet DTG ProMax
For those in the textile industry, FabricJet rings a bell for innovation and quality. Their latest offering, the DTG ProMax, continues this tradition. A cutting-edge solution for Direct-To-Garment printing, the ProMax is not just a printer but a commitment to excellence.
Key features and benefits
Quad printhead system: The ProMax can achieve fast print speeds without sacrificing detail or color richness with four printheads working synchronously.
NanoInk technology: Specially formulated to penetrate deep into fabric fibers, NanoInk ensures that prints are vivid, durable, and resistant to fading or peeling.
Auto-adjustment platen: This feature allows for seamless printing on various garment thicknesses and materials, from lightweight tees to heavy hoodies, without manual recalibration.
6. PrintGear UltraTex Q2
As the textile industry continues to evolve, the demand for swift and efficient printing solutions grows in tandem. Stepping up to this challenge is PrintGear with its UltraTex Q2, a sophisticated Direct-To-Garment printer poised to revolutionize fabric printing.
Key features and benefits
Dynamic dual-printhead system: The Q2, utilizing two printheads, balances speed and precision, ensuring timely outputs without skimping on detail.
InkSync color precision: This unique ink formulation guarantees consistent and authentic color reproduction, ensuring your design looks as envisioned.
Multi-layer printing capability: A standout feature, this allows for the application of base, color, and top layers in a single pass, streamlining the printing process.
7. Canon PIXMA PRO-200
If you are looking for a beginner-friendly, affordable printer, this Canon printer is your best bet. The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 is a notable inkjet printer specifically designed for photographers, artists, and hobbyists who wish to produce high-quality, gallery-standard art prints.
Key features and benefits
Eight-Color LUCIA PRO Ink System: The PIXMA PRO-200 uses Canon's LUCIA PRO ink set which comprises eight colors. This wide color gamut helps in producing exceptionally vibrant prints and ensures the finest color details are brought out, making it perfect for art and photography.
Outstanding Resolution: With a resolution of up to 4800 x 2400 dpi, it ensures every detail of your artwork or photographs is captured and reproduced with exceptional clarity.
Media Versatility: The printer supports a wide variety of media ranging from matte, luster, and glossy paper to fine art photo paper. Its versatile media handling allows artists to select the best medium to showcase their artwork and produce borderless prints in large format.
However, if you are looking for a basic product for home projects, you can explore Epson Expression photo printers as well.
Scale your printing capabilities with Gelato
Gelato offers unmatched scalability to businesses and artists looking to sell print on demand products locally or globally. Gelato uses top-of-the-line inkjet printers for:
Volume handling: While personal printers excel in detail and customization, they might struggle with bulk orders. Gelato steps in, ensuring that high-demand periods are hassle-free for you.
Material diversity: The best printers of 2023, as advanced as they are, might have limitations on printable materials. With its vast network, Gelato can cater to diverse product requests beyond standard printer capabilities.
Cost-efficiency: Owning a high-end printer comes with maintenance costs, ink costs, and the responsibility of consistent quality. Leveraging Gelato can mitigate these overheads, especially during peak sales periods.
Market expansion: While a standalone printer serves localized needs, Gelato’s global network can propel a brand or artist to international recognition.
While investing in a top-of-the-line printer for art prints is invaluable, integrating the strengths of a Print on demand service like Gelato can elevate an artist or business to new heights. In the dynamic world of art and commerce, having the best tools and partnerships can redefine success. With its commitment to quality, efficiency, and global reach, Gelato stands as a testament to the future of print on demand.
Moreover, Gelato's commitment to quality means every product, including t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and wall art, meets high print standards and caters to local preferences.
Sign up for Gelato today.