Epson ET-8550 :: An Artist's Review

Hi, I'm Blue, your resident art auntie/comic artist... and I use an Epson ET-8550 for my studio printing!
Let me tell you a about my experience using this printer for all my projects over the last year...time stamps and links below!
Artist's review 00:00
Price 02:35
Durability 02:55
Print speed 03:24
Design 04:10
Print size capability 04:31
Paper management/loading 05:10
Ink economy 06:07
Quality of prints 06:53
Issue with vinyl 09:01
My thoughts and recommendations 10:11
EPSON ET-8550:
epson.com/For-Work/Printers/I...
EPSON printing software:
epson.com/epson-print-layout
MY LINKS
Official website:
bluerabbitcomics.art
Read BLUE REMEDY right NOOOOW!!!
linktr.ee/webcomicsbybrc
Wanna join the Blue Crew?:
/ bluerabbitcomics
Hate my mic? Buy me a kofi:
ko-fi.com/bluerabbitcomics
PS. Still struggling with a crappy microphone ;_;

[@RobotAstroSquirrel]

The smudges on those particular areas is because the paper is curling up or sticking up and hitting the print head as the leading edge of the paper passes. As the paper is coming out, the weight of the paper will pull the end down and it won't hit the print head. Some papers will just hang down and not hit the head, others will pop up because of its stiffness or curl to the paper as it passes through. I had to troubleshoot varous issues on a very large format free standing Epson poster/photo printer with the 42" wide paper rolls that had many years of poster printing on it. The print head sponge where the print head rests when not in use was so gunked up, that any cleaning we did in house didn't completely eliminate the issue. We would add about two inches of clearance on the leading end of the print so we could trim off the smudge. Printer was eventually replaced because other mechanical issues happened and it was many years out of warranty and not worth an onsite printer tech to come out to troubleshoot and then replace internal parts.

[@fendibondie2545]

How to remove the light lines in the image? I’m using photo paper.

[@gageleighton7878]

I wonder if the vinyl is holding or picking up static charge and being attracted to the print head at the edges. Increasing humidity would help to dissipate the static. You could try wiping the sheet lightly with a dryer sheet. Best of luck and thanks for the video!

[@hecookshedraws]

This is by far the best review video I've watched, thanks! I'm getting ET-8550!

[@StonedustandStardust]

Thank you. You answered all the questions I had.

[@Cricutjunkie]

I am considering this printer for my Scrapbooking. Thank you for the great review very helpful.

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

For sure! I don't regret getting it! :^)

[@PaulWalesArt]

I've just watch your review for the 3rd time. In fact your review tipped the scales for me and I now have one sitting looking at me right now. FYI the Canadian cost is still well over $1K - I managed to get mine on sale for just below. So far I've just got it set up - haven't done but one print on crappy paper and of course it looks like junk. Have paper on order so anxious to see what that looks like. Genuinely appreciate your perspective. And although I'm not a comic book kinda guy, your images look fantastic -- and compelling... has made me want to know more! Be well and thanks for sharing your experience.

[@lorali1256]

Thank you this really helped me to make up my mind.

[@kayeashton2818]

Good to get an artists perspective. I’ve also been looking at Keith Cooper’s reviews which covers many issues raised in this thread.

[@kimberlymurillocastro9408]

Best video about this machine ever!! Thanks a lot for the information as an artist very exited to see what it is work and not.

[@xanderprendergast3953]

Great review! I would love to eventually see the paper video you spoke to.

[@chantelbenedict2780]

Your video was very informative, so thank you! After watching this and seeing the quality of your art I went ahead and purchased one. It should be arriving today, actually. I am curious if you ever did a video of the paper you use? I dont see it on your page unless. I missed it. 😊

[@AreDouble]

Thanks for this

[@ibashyougood]

The reason is humidity! The more moisture the paper/vinyl absorbs the more the ends curve. Then the printer head touches the material when it goes that close to the ends. This is a common issue with large format printing! When it comes to vinyls is often the backing papper. The more waxie it feels the less of a lift you get! :-)

[@avimah274]

thankbyou.. you also have a nice art :)

[@martehepburnart]

Infomative review. Thanks. Any thoughts on the scanning performance?

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

I havent used it for scanning any art pieces, only for regular documents- which it does fine with...so can't really speak on that one.

[@Gabriel-rr5vb]

Thank you.

[@MabsMakes]

Very good points! Thanks for this video. Definitely considering buying one to upgrade my art printing.

[@SceneArtisan]

This wasn't a review! It was an opinion.

[@MabsMakes]

@@SceneArtisan cool

[@Alador.]

Wow, those prints are terrific. I was sure I wanted to save up for the Canon Pro 300, but now... But now o_o ...

[@tyfroom5151]

You should try the thick paper setting in the menues. its a little hard to find and resets after each startup but it really helps with the smudging.

[@Lotsotrouble2]

The thick setting is what I ended up using as well and it definitely helped along with cleaning around the sponge that captures extra ink as well.

[@Amylynnp777]

Would this printer be able to print on 100 lb cardstock

[@mariahtexas]

I want to know this as well​@@Amylynnp777

[@CrunchyWonton]

Great video TY! I just got this printer and it does the same thing with the smudge mark on glossy! Thought it was just the paper I chose >< Please do let us know if you find out about why lol. Glad the ink lasts for so long, I was worried about that, I print a lot of stuff :D I'll be sure to check out your comic book!

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

Maybe one of us will figure out the smudge issue! 😲

[@pseudonamed]

What’s the best papers for prints and stickers with this, in your opinion?

[@zuricooks1749]

What paper do you use to print stickers? Where do you purchase it from?

[@itsjessicahomann]

Hi, I just bought this and I’m wondering what setting would I sent it to you to print on printable vinyl and what is the software that I would download to do the edits that you spoke about?

[@agustinecheandia4854]

Which image did the printer output, the studio print or printhouse one?

[@evgeniyakuznetsova9532]

great video! did you calibrate it?

[@RTCDigitalS]

Those metallic prints looks really cool, i wish you liked the paper used for thise. I wonder if adding additional colors beisdes black is possible. Great video fhanks!

[@timothy790110]

you can feed cardstock from the back of the printer, so it goes in flat.

[@poke8ball99]

May I ask how you are able to print on sticker paper with the ecotank? I am not sure what setting to use. Just regular viynl Inkjet paper.

[@thiagorossi3860]

Hi! Thank you for the video. I am a bookbinder and I’m considering buying this print for my projects. I have a laser printer as I mostly bind novels or planners (5-15 a month), but considering adding some colours, maybe magazines or even photo albums, but probably my work will still be 70% just text, 30% graphs and photos. Is this printer good for that? Will I waste ink or printing books will take too long or make the black runs out super faster? I haven’t found anyone talking about text printing on this printer. It’s hard to find information online. Thanks a lot!

[@Ema25Henao]

Could you talk about what paper do you use in your prints??? You prints are stunning!!!

[@user-eg3ze3mt6o]

thanks

[@attieyag]

Can you define “print forever “. I do comic cons and it has not been my experience that it prints forever. I have gotten 263 prints out of a full tank before I needed to refill it. This is WAY better than the Workforce (the printer I had before) but I’m not seeing that I am able to get as many prints as you say. Is there a setting that will help me use less ink? I print 11x17’s and 8.5x11’s. I want to print my own comics as well, but I’m not sure that I will get your results. What settings do you use and what paper do you use. (I love the quality I am getting and as I said before, this is WAY more cost effective than the Workforce I had at first. Any help is appreciated. Thank you. )

[@viincreations]

I'm think of buying an ecotank or megtank canon to bring thousands of my phones photos, but a cheaper printer, I saw that one had lines on the printed images

[@fifagames2022byxyleneqatar]

Hi dear, it can print in blck paper with white ink?

[@gale9267]

What settings do you use for your stickers?

[@ARMA2ARMENIA]

Hi, what sticker paper is good for this printer?

[@pf1950]

how will this hold on vinyl decal on vehicle??

[@spudunit]

Thanks for showing sticker samples -+ that's one of my requirements. Looks fantastic! A photographer named Keith Cooper said he did a side-by-side of prints made at best quality vs. standard and could not see any practical difference, save for speed. Have you done the same? BTW Epson has refurbs on sale for $550.

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

I did that when I first got it, but for art prints! I definitely cannot tell a difference at all

[@thediymum925]

Would this be due to one black ink being pigment and the other blank ink and colours are dye based?

[@BASEDAFDESIGNS]

What program do you use to make your comic book?

[@icetea4345]

Thanks for the review! I'm thinking of getting one. Do you know or can you guess how many color prints I can get in A3 before refill and how many in Black and white? Thank you in advance.

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

I couldn't say, but I've printed 40+ colored BOOKS on this thing and still havent had to refill, not to mention the regular prints, stickers, etc. It'll take you far

[@icetea4345]

@@bluerabbitcomics2632 Thanks for the info, helps a lot!

[@kristena8442]

Hi! If you don't have time to answer that's totally understandable but I just had a quick question for someone who seems to be an expert on the printer as I am trying to decide if it's right for me. I hand-bind books and currently can only do so in smaller formats by printing on and folding letter size paper. I'd like to move to trade size books. This would be accomplished by printing on 9 x 12 paper and folding it, or on 6 x 9 paper and binding without folds or stitches. Both paper sizes mainly seem to be sold on artist paper types. So, my question do you know if the 8550 can print on either of these sizes and/ or on construction paper?

[@wasptt750]

Could you do a video on what paper you use. As I'm purchasing this print for a present for my daughter who's a perfectionist with her art so I like to get the paper choice right..

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

Definitely planning to do that soon! I have had to order more paper so still waiting on it to get in before I can record it... the paper is DEFINITELY SUPER IMPORTANT!!!

[@doen.8724]

I have this printer and have great results with Epson and RedRiver paper. BUT, as with any inkjet printer, if you use paper made by other suppliers than the printer company (Epson in this case), you NEED to get the printer profiles for each paper for best results. RedRiver supplies printer profiles for their papers. Other paper suppliers also do. Getting cheap paper on Amazon… expecting a good looking print… her mileage will vary. There are many KZbin channels who can help her with how to use printer profiles.

[@katiebrinck6132]

@@bluerabbitcomics2632 What paper do you use? I've been disappointed with the print quality even though the image looks great on my screen

[@natatron]

Please let me know what type of paper you use

[@shestylesit7480]

I can’t print large format designs with vinyl the vinyl keeps getting jammed. Do you know why that is?

[@jo2522]

How many 11x17 pages can that rear tray hold?

[@lisahillmann3268]

Have you ever tried printing on vellum paper with this printer?

[@jessicanieves1548]

Can print in clear sticker paper without transparency?

[@vincevasquez5841]

This printer is fast as hell when the standard print quality is used, and everything I've printed, using the best shows no visible difference in quality

[@lorali1256]

Please do a video about the different papers.

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

I swear I just have to do the voice over now >.

[@HouseRoy]

+ tell us how to edit our photos before printing

[@taylorwilson8404]

I have this printer but for some reason my prints and stickers never seem that high quality :/ I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. Wish I could return it honestly but it’s too late now.

[@laurenjwolf]

If anyone could help me with this printer and this particular problem I would be ever so grateful. This is the second ecotank ET-8550 I've had after sending the first one back as I thought it was faulty. I simply CANNOT get the rollers to pick up paper from casette 2. It says paper out/load paper. I've tried everything, pushing the paper in to the casette as far as it will go, just loading one peice, loading it with 25 etc. The feeder will just not pick up the paper (it's just basic A4 plain paper). Surely two printers cannot be faulty with exactly the same problem??

[@LazerB.]

Did you find a solution?

[@laurenjwolf]

@@LazerB. I ended up sending it back and getting a cheaper printer that actually worked.

[@user-vz8pb2fk5d]

could it do longer than 19 inch say 13 inch x 24 inch ?

[@vivekraj1169]

Can I print documents, pdf, etc, in a4 paper?

[@johngrant5749]

Does it scan A3 please?

[@marybeatty-brooks3272]

Do you have recommendations for this printer with card stock- what types of greeting or postcards do you use? Also the stickers you made- the non-rectangular. Did you cut them out? Thanks for the information!

[@rachelgodfrey7488]

Do you think maybe the sponges are full? I’ve been hearing that when borderless images are printed the sponges fill with ink and the printer needs to be returned to Epson for a cleaning/ replacement or sponges.

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

ooooooo I will look into that! It's definitely possible! Thanks for the advice :^))

[@jeansinervo4288]

EEek ... considering this printer and will be so disappointed if the sponges aren't user replaceable! Going to look into this.

[@alexanderpasnl]

@@jeansinervo4288 They are replaceable, they even provide you with one extra in the box, since the first setup of this printer pushes out liquid that is inside the hoses in the printer. Therefore not long after you start using the printer, the first maintenance box will be full. The second one last way longer, depending on your need definitely more than a year in most cases. And a replacement costs like 12 dollar or euro. Most people think the first time the box is full is due to expensive ink, but bare in mind it's the factory fluids to keep the hoses filled without air, so no harm done.

[@migranthawker2952]

One con that you missed si that despite the advertising blurb saying this is an A3 printer and scanner, the scanner is much smaller than A3!

[@user-jt5vm3mi1w]

good

[@BigbyGralla]

I have this printer and I'm so happy with it, but I'm struggling with the paper. What is the exact paper you use? I have Epson Matte Archival and it does not work :( thank you!

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

you can use the premium presentation matte!! Thats what I use for my 8x10

[@diannebdee]

Does this printer print 8 1/2 by 11 documents? I'm wanting to get this to print my manuscripts for editing and for my external binder. I plan on getting this in April so if you could answer my question before then, I would really appreciate it.

[@SteviePaints]

Yes, it prints 8-1/2 x 11.

[@Alanrpw]

Do you know that there is a setting that allows you to set the printer for thick paper and avoid smearing on the borders? Also, you can set custom paper sizes in the printer driver, directly, no need for another software... Maybe you should do a little more thorough research beforehand... ;-) Also, this printer has a hybrid ink system. The black ink is a pigment ink, the photo black (PB ink) is dye ink, as are the other colors. So it is possible to use the 2 blacks when using the special B&W printing mode in the driver. With a little work, this printer can produce some real nice B&W art prints. Of course, some other printers may be faster and better quality, but this one is *very* good at this price point. I've had the smaller version (ET-8550) for 3 months now, and the photos I print are just fantastic. As other mentioned, some paper may curl with the humidity of the ink and make contact with the print head, hence the smudges. Try different paper brands and/or weight to find the one that is best for this usage. So far, I've never had any issues regarding smudges. Anyway, that's a good choice of a printer and your comics look really cool!

[@mommarl729]

Hi and thank you for this video can you use this printer for T-shirt paper

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

Yep, I've used it to make t-shirts and totes using heat transfer paper. That is NOT sublimation, though, so make sure you get the transfer paper made for inkjet printers

[@GR8FLMD3AD]

❤

[@Silivrenwolfie]

Have you had any experience with the smaller/cheaper EcoTank printers?

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

this is my first and only ecotank! From my research, I think one big difference is having the addition of grey ink

[@tomkat3998]

Try head cleaning before printing hopefully that would fix your bleed on the print.

[@Irbhxo2539]

Where is the screen shot from with the $100 savings?

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

That's the epson website! Link is in the description. It may have changed by now though

[@gloriawhitlatch1004]

Can you print on fabric with this printer?

[@youugly8841]

What are your color settings?

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

I don't have any particular settings on it, just the standard.

[@dreamerher2]

Would love a video of paper types thats best for prints!

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

Definitely on my radar, but gotta get this baby out first lol!

[@scottyboy6269]

Didn't get the aftermarket pigment inks?!

[@iamoteesports]

Does it print on card stock? If so is the quality good?

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

it does print on card stock, but the issue with that- the card stock itself soaks up the ink and makes the image look dull. For a bright and vivid picture, it's not about the ink/printer...its all about the paper!!

[@mary_mx]

is it worth to buy?

[@PHOENIX2001]

When you said that it prints slow, I thought it would be like a hour plus. 20 mins is normal for a printer

[@Xanderful209]

What kind of paper do you use for your prints 🥺I looked for an update and didn’t see anything about that

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

I know, I'm sorry!!! I had the video all prepared but have had 0 time to edit or put in audio. I use a photo finish matte paper. I wish I had something thicker to be honest, but if I dont have the kind of matte treated for pictures, it sucks up the ink and just looks dull.

[@Xanderful209]

@@bluerabbitcomics2632 thanks for the response :)

[@Xanderful209]

@@bluerabbitcomics2632 I I ended up getting the matte photo paper epson Carries and it made my digital art look amazing :) what brand do you use ?

[@junniornavarro]

I just bought it but the printer prints in dull colors and not so vibrant. What can I do? I was using print on demand for my artwork but I wanted to have my own printer for my local people. :( help

[@adso5555555]

100% this.. I have tested hundreds of settings and a range of papers, im doing business documents, but they come out so gross on this printer.. unreadable text when printed on dark backgrounds also (without a lot of tweaking). The solution will be that you 'have' to use coated inkjet paper, which is actually quite hard to find in some countries, as it has to be inkjet specific (trust me on that one, what a mess trying something intended for laser in desperation..), and you need need double sided for booklets etc.. photo paper is no use, but you can use it just to see what the printer is capable of.. and its ok if just 1-sided is all you need.. also expensive though.. I suspect its because of the dye inks, as the BLK one actually pops if you use a test image.. its the others that dont.. like you im just really bummed, I couldnt find this info before.. everyone raves about this printer.. but I realise they are all producing photos as their main goal.

[@e2niceace174]

The ink is getting on the rolling wheels

[@ANoteWeaver]

How much do you think the ink is costing you per page?

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

pennies. I did the math when I got it, I don't remember the actual number now, but it was maybe 3 cents?

[@impkt4371]

How can you print sticker on this printer? Thank you for your review ❤

[@WhenInTurkey]

All you need to do is get sticker paper! It will go through your printer just like regular paper.

[@SceneArtisan]

So, a whole section on paper loading and all I got was an opinion,. no actual showing us how to load paper. I wanted to see how A4 paper is loaded into the front tray,.. I ask, because the actual trays are too small for A4. The user's manual that can be found online is hardly helpful in that regard (loading A4 paper into front tray). So,. yeah,.. any help appreciated.

[@ebayseller6040]

13x19 borderless print?

[@itsjessicahomann]

Does it print on printable vinyl

[@itsjessicahomann]

I saw just now you mentioned vinyl I think I’m sold

[@grafixnetz]

Thanks!!! It's nice to hear a human', personal review as opposed to a scripted, general one. Have you printed any photographs? I see here that you print your great graphic designs. I only print photos. (I am NOT graphically gifted🤗 like you are)

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

YES I printed pictures of my baby on this printer, matte paper- they look great!!

[@markk3948]

Could the problem be the rollers?

[@reubenpickering7777]

Mine was nonfunctional garbage with an incurable phantom paper jam appearing within 5 minutes of first turning it on. Epson really doesn't do much in the way of tech support or honoring their warranty. I would strongly suggest not purchasing this printer. I have now gone 1 for 3 with Epson products, and I think it might be best to avoid the brand entirely.

[@luisacero5453]

i didnt know that you have printers made out steeel

[@stephen-wahl]

Going to have to interject after 5 minutes of watching this before you give your final conclusion: Yes it's expensive and yes it's slow. However, the ink is cheap and the quality is very very good. You must know by now that you can't have every side of a triangle in one single purchase, right? And as far as it feeling cheap? I don't know, my office had an HP printer in the '90s, you know a laser printer when those were super super expensive... they were all made of plastic back then as well. It's sort of endemic to the product, except perhaps at times maybe the base, but that's about it for the most part. Even the most expensive TVs and monitor panels now most often have a plastic screen rather than a glass one now. Everything these days is optimized for not only being cheaper, but also durability and lighterin order to ship-yes you got it-less expensively! Kind of the nature of the beast of our supply chain economy. To consider something feels cheap because it's plastic and not metal is not a fair criticism, especially in this sector. Anyways, I look forward to the positive lol.

[@Marjolein_C]

I have 3 scanner & printers and I totally agree with her on the cheap flimsy plastic! There are toys for kids made from better plastic than this printer shit plastic. 🤣🤣 If I compare it to camera equipment that cost the same, it’s made from high quality plastic. It’s just like Ikea furniture, if they can put carbon inside, to make the production costs cheaper and lighter for shipping, they totally will.

[@Stephanii213]

This is 100% a very cheep feeling printer. Especially for the price. There’s just no way around it. Doesn’t mean the printer isn’t good. Hope you stuck around to hear about how much she loves the printer. It would be really unfair for you to have jumped in after only listening for 5 mins with your conclusion.

[@HouseRoy]

im still waiting for the paper video 🫣

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

sorry, I had a baby and been pretty busy~ I will TRY

[@therecycle1332]

idk why you sound like some spoiled rich girl doing a review lmao you funny. especially that "sooo slow" part. thanks for the review. and btw, did find a fix for the ink spilling problem on the glossy paper? I don't know if it might be the case but did you try to change the input paper type setting both in the printer and the computer software?

[@poocky100]

You should call Epson the bleeding isn’t normal

[@brandonspiterig]

Jesus whats with the sound affectation

[@necooo]

Thanks for the info but downvoting this for the annoying vocal fry.

[@MarS-dc2qx]

Canon is better

[@bluerabbitcomics2632]

love that for you~

[@randygarrard7585]

Made it to 7 min that was enough

[@Stephanii213]

You missed the best part!

[@lewiswashingtond]

Voice drove me crazy I could only do a couple of minutes. That dragging on each word.

[@GR8FLMD3AD]

Maybe turn volume down and turn captions on instead of complaining about someone’s natural voice?

[@heyhassanmedia]

The misogyny JUMPED out.