What's the best printer for printing your artwork? What makes for the best art prints?

What makes the best printer for printing your artwork, whether scanned, photographed or digital art?
Why the specific choice of printer makes relatively little difference to print quality, once you get past a certain level. Pigment or dye inks are largely a matter of print permanence and marketing your work.
The key is understanding how best to get your image to the printer, both at the level of capturing and editing any images, and the need for colour management for accurate and high quality reproduction.
With a good printer (13" width minimum), good paper, and suitable print software, printing your art should not be difficult.
Try printing with cheap paper, cheap ink, a small printer and from something like an iPad and you are stacking up the odds against yourself.
For the printers mentioned in the video, check the detailed reviews from Keith. These contain links to many videos and articles covering printing on a variety of media from Fine Art Papers to Canvas.
www.northlight-images.co.uk/c...
www.northlight-images.co.uk/c...
www.northlight-images.co.uk/e...
www.northlight-images.co.uk/e...
As ever - questions are welcome!
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[@christinabrittain324]

Smiled at your hint about touching wet finger to corner of paper in determining print side. I was taught to touch tip of my tongue on corner. Works a charm. Different papers taste different, too. Some are stickier than others. Some are difficult to even tell which side is stickier. 😊 Great video.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I'll stick to the finger I think ;-)

[@janhudson505]

Thank you for all your information, I am a watercolour artist living in Australia and just bought a canon pro 300. You have been very helpful in understanding the process, I look forward to learning more from you. Cheers Jan hudson

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - if you've not seen it, do check the full [written] review - it has links to all my videos/articles for this printer www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-pro-300-printer-review/

[@woodencustomcars]

Great videos, I'm with you only for a week so far,..have made decision on purchasing my new printer..no regrets..now also getting great help understanding more about colour profiles etc...keep up the good work 👍. Happy printing

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks!

[@jedoka]

Keith - I thoroughly agree with your comments regarding printing directly from the iPad which although technically possible gives you variable colour correctness as well as image density. As a digital artist, I use the Procreate software on an iPad to create my artwork. This allows me to apply a colour profile to the file (e.g. sRGB IEC6 1966-2.1) for consistency. I would only print directly from my iPad to my printer to ‘rough proof’ an image. If I want accurate colour reproduction I would move the file over to Photoshop to do any colour correction, and using a colour calibrated monitor. Only then would I print to my printer, using a printer / paper-specific profile. Regarding your comment about enlargement and loss of clarity, I use a resize software which seems to give me good results (e.g. ON1 AI Image Resize). This also allows me to send my work out to an external printing lab for larger prints than I can do on my own printer. If I were to scan my physical work such as a working drawing, I would always scan at a far higher dpi rate (e.g. 600 -1200dpi) which helps, to overcome some of the loss of clarity issues when printing at a larger size. Hope that might help some out there working with these issues.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - you are right about resizing. However I should have clarified that I was considering the physical enlargement of the original artwork features - so very fine pencil lines become thick pencil lines, even if scanned at very high resolution. I noticed this when I scanned the original artwork and printed on a card. The reduced physical size made it look like my friend had used much finer brushes and gained a sharpness that the original watercolour didn't have. Now, it looked fine on the card (and she liked it) but I can imagine some artwork where the change of size might just look a bit 'wrong'

[@jedoka]

@@KeithCooper - what I do is adjust the exposure and contrast settings VERY slightly for resized images (emphasises fine lines for reduced images and burns-out for enlarged ones) - however this can compromise the image if you do too much. But I agree some images do look wrong when over-enlarged or over-adjusted. My digital work is created at the largest physical size file I can work with (e.g. typically A2 @ 300 dpi equal to 4961 x 7016 pixels), meaning I can still enlarge up to A1 or even A0 if needed, but also still reduce down to A4 without it looking over-blown either way! The other issue is resizing can tend to wash-out or over emphasise colour saturation and vibrancy - which again may need adjustment.

[@KeithCooper]

That's so, but for some actual physical art - there is a scale from the materials/techniques used. I might try scanning one of my old oil paintings some time to show the effect. Digital art is essentially scale free so easier to handle in some respects.

[@billb6685]

An outstanding job as always. Love your printer reviews on your website too! Helped me decide on the Epson P900 to replace my P800.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it's of interest!

[@MelanieMaguire]

Thanks Keith. Artist here, just an addendum to this, in case it's useful to anyone else. I've been doing a lightfast test comparing my Epson Ecotank (dye based 4 cartridges) with my Epson SC P900 (pigment based 10 cartridges). It's early into the test, but already the Ecotank ink is fading significantly (unacceptably), especially the reds (magenta ink). The P900 looks to be completely unchanged, but I'll compare with the original at the end of the test. The other thing I've noticed is that the P900 prints seem to be waterproof - useful if I want to print onto canvas then varnish with a water-based varnish.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks for that Could I ask which media and what model of ecotank printer? The four ink ones are very much at the 'basic' end of printing

[@peachdreams]

Thank you! I've been trying to find a user experience of how easily dye based inks fade. Pigment printers are a bit more costly but I do not want to sell art prints that will fade on my customers! Thanks :)

[@soniagibbs3366]

Fantastic video as always. Super informative. Just wondering, do you do reviews on scanners too? Probably not if you use digital cameras but thought it worth the ask

[@KeithCooper]

www.northlight-images.co.uk/category/articles-and-reviews/scanner/ Predates my making of videos - that said, any scanner review would [like my printer reviews] be primarily a written one, with the video as a supplement / quick overview. I find video completely unsuitable for more technical articles. Videos are stuck as recorded - articles go through drafts/editing/refinement (and updating)

[@huggyhuggsbears1265]

Wow this printer really is so quiet!! Another brilliant & informative review Keith as always. Im going to be purchasing a printer (finally) to help me with my artwork and i would really appreciate your advice Keith, if you could spare the time. I will have to go through the vast library of videos you've done to see if you have reviewed the printer that i want to buy.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks If you've not seen it, this page includes all my printer reviews. The main [written] reviews then have links to all related videos/articles. Note that the videos are supplements to my written printer reviews, not the other way round ;-) www.northlight-images.co.uk/photography-articles-and-reviews/printing-paper-reviews-articles/

[@huggyhuggsbears1265]

@KeithCooper Cheers Keith, Thankyou so much for taking the time to reply, I really appreciate it, when it comes to printers.... you're the man to ask. Thankyou once again, I hope you have a great weekend, take care 👍

[@simpletim]

Thanks!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks for that!

[@johnvaleanbaily246]

Thanks Keith... I initially thought you were going to say 'it depends...'. I wonder how many people actually use an iPad for serious colour editing? I've never considered it for the reasons you explain. Great reviews and explanations. Thank you.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - quite a few use iPads with assorted digital art software

[@tdm19991999]

Hi Keith, thank you for all your videos, I have learnt so much from them! I’m digital artist and have been looking (on the back of your reviews) to get a Canon Pro300 printer. However, I am also now considering getting the Pro1000, mainly because I’m thinking the additional purchase price is going to be more than offset by the amount of ink left in the larger capacity cartridges after the initial setup. With the Pro300 only having 14ml cartridges I’m estimating needing another 2 full sets to come to where the PRO1000 will be in terms of inks left after initial set up? -Plus I would also have the ability to produce A2 prints of course in the future which is another additional benefit over the Pro300

[@KeithCooper]

The PRO-1000 is a good printer - my very detailed review comes from when it first came out which long predates me making videos www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-pro-1000-printer-review/ Be warned though that with light use, it eats up ink in cleaning cycles - a search on pro-1000 ink use should help...

[@messylaura]

another great informative video Keith something i was wondering, when it comes to doing a test print for the colours would it be a reasnoble thought to do a copy and paste of a section(s) of the image covering the different colours and just printing a small strip of an image to save on ink and paper? which brings me to the question can you reuse a sheet of paper if you only print on 10th of it or do any rollers degrade the printable surface?

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - I do still use test strips when I'm checking colour. You do need to be careful with some media since the ink needs to be properly dry. Some printers (with paper end detection) can also get confused with the already printed part.

[@GerbenVanDyk1]

Thanks Keith. Your videos are very helpful. I am looking to upgrade from an Epson XP-960. The printer after several years of use, developed severe nozzle clogging. Does Canon suffer from this less than Epson? I know you have to print regularly, but sometimes with extended trips that hasn't always been possible. I'd love to hear your take on this.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks Not much difference with current printers - the problem is that some people with clogs make a lot of noise and stuff becomes 'perceived wisdom' whether based on any facts or not ;-) When I used to travel more, I got the person watering my plants to turn on the the printers, when they were in the house ;-)

[@kerrylandeck7576]

good morning, I like your video and style of delivery. I'm creating digital art on an iPad with Procreate with the hopes of selling. I don't really want to go to a print-on demand service, but some people I know like it. Do you have any tutorials regarding transfer of iPad art to computer with the goal of getting it to a good quality image to print? All are 300 ppi and cmyk . Thanks so much!

[@KeithCooper]

First up - don't ever work in CMYK, unless you know _exactly_ why [for commercial repro for example, where you have a specified CMYK profile to use ]. Export as a full quality JPEG, or preferably a TIFF file. File xfer - no idea [I don't use phones or tablets for anything image related] Open the file in an editor such as Photoshop or Affinity As to the printing - depends on the printer

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

Very interesting as usual. Is it worth sending the scan through an upscaler such as Gigapixel ai?

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks. The use of upscaling depends very much on the original image and how you want it looking. I would prefer to capture/scan at high enough resolution, but any technique I'd use on a photo should work. With scanned artwork, the real test for me is whether the original image 'works' at the new size in a way I'm happy with. This is very much dependent on personal choice/taste... Print a small watercolour at A2 and the feel of the work will change, no matter how accurately it is reproduced - it's just a matter of scale and whether you think it looks OK.

[@patmat.]

The print's colors look warmer than the ones on the screen to me. I guess it's the room lighting as you mentioned.

[@KeithCooper]

If it's in this [older] video, then yes - there is no significant accuracy in colour for prints viewed in my kitchen... For my current videos, I've much better controlled lighting. KZbin is not somewhere I'd go to show subtle colour related material ;-)

[@SellinMaryKay]

Hello Keith! You've helped me before picking a printer! I am so glad to have the Epson SC-P900! I'm trying to figure out the ICC profile for 110lb cardstock. It seems like it should be so simple, but I cannot figure it out. I am trying to make baseball cards for my son's team. If you could help, I'd be so grateful!

[@KeithCooper]

Ah the dreaded '110 lb' this terminology is only still used in the US and I'm afraid means nothing elsewhere... However, what is often called 'cardstock' is often not coated for proper use with desktop inkjet printers. Unless it is specifically made for such use it can give very poor printing - profiles will make no difference. Find a card meant for inkjet use and experiment with some of the Epson (matt/art) profiles and media settings. It may even be worth trying to use 'printer manages colour' in settings The key is finding a card that is meant for such inks.

[@SellinMaryKay]

@@KeithCooper Thank you so much. It will save me so much time. It's been difficult to find the correct weight of the paper as well as printing nice photos for the cards also. I so appreciate your help!

[@KeithCooper]

All the cards I've tested (see other printers as well - I don't duplicate content if possible) were specifically produced for inkjet use - I have a test (can't remember with which printer) using a generic card someone sent me - it looked awful :-)

[@dolores4015]

Thank you for the review. Can this printer be used for t shirt printing? (Iron on Transfers) Thank you!

[@KeithCooper]

None of the printers I've looked at take sublimation inks. Epson do some transfer papers, but I'm afraid I've no knowledge of this sort of printing whatsoever

[@matthewbrown9844]

Hi Keith, do you have any recommendations for a printer to use for my illustration degree, not so much for selling prints but to see how things are looking, reference photos etc

[@KeithCooper]

Ah, I have a 20 year policy of not making recommendations I'm afraid... The answer is always 'it depends' My only note is that for many basic (G550/650 etc) Canon printers on Macs, colour management is effectively broken. Since understanding and using colour management is vital for any commercial illustration work - avoid these if Mac based

[@theinkydeer]

Hi :) I’m very torn between the pro-200 and the pro-300. I sell prints of my watercolours and I need to upgrade my epson xp-970. I’m really interested in printing on matt textured papers, something like Hahnemühle german etching for example. Which printer gives better results on matt paper? And is borderless possible with the art papers? Thanks so much!

[@KeithCooper]

I'd go for pigment ink if I was selling prints (a marketing 'feature') Yes, borderless is possible - see my actual [written] PRO-300 review www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-pro-300-printer-review/

[@andysmith1270]

hi keith, im starting out in the printing world and im struggling to find a printer that i could use to print posters of different sizes also, in terms of ink usage, how i would make the process more cost effective. i was wondering if you could give me any advice, many thanks.

[@KeithCooper]

Ah, it depends... See some of my 'business of photography videos... How big do you want to go? What sort of paper? What 'level' in the market?

[@rocketsackcreations]

Thank you very much for your video! I try to find the Canon Print Software but it is not clear to me which one it is (many results appear). My printer is pixma ix6850 and I was not sure if I can product good quality watercolour prints but after watching your video I am going to give it a go!

[@KeithCooper]

I'm not sure which Canon software works with that printer. The key to reproducing watercolours is in the scanning and preparation of the file A different printer, but see the art repro part of my ET-8550 review [a watercolour print] www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@rocketsackcreations]

@@KeithCooper Thank you for replying so thoroughly, it's rare! I am going to watch the video and follow the steps and get back here for an update. I am so glad you decided to offer your tips for watercolour artists, too 🙏

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - whilst there is a video, see the written article for the real detail about the art repro - my videos are supplements to the written articles, rarely the other way round ;-)

[@Parkook]

Great video. Thank you so much.👌🏼🙏 I want to be able to print borderless on A4 Watercolour paper with 300gsm. Which affordable printer do you think is the best? My budget is between £200-£300. I know I’m asking too much, but I would very much appreciate it if you could help me out.💙🙏

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks, but I couldn't say I'm afraid. I don't keep track of prices or make specific recommendations.

[@wizsc]

Where can I find profiles for ET-8550 on Keith’s page?

[@KeithCooper]

by emailing me at Northlight - see the list in the main [written] review There is no download link on the page [licensing issues]

[@melaniebaynes2730]

Thanks for all your really helpful and informative videos. I bought the Canon Pro-300 but I am struggling to get to grips with it. I tried to find a hard copy of the manual, but none seem to be available. I am not very tech savvy, but would like to learn how to make the best use of the printer. I would like to find someone who could come to my home and set it up, and show me how to get it to print greetings cards for example, but I don't know how to find such a person. I wasted a fair few cards, before giving up. Part of the problem is having the right software on my laptop. And again, my learning how to use it! I work in watercolour and want to be able to sell prints and greetings cards from my paintings. I would be very grateful for any advice, thank you! 🙏💖

[@KeithCooper]

Have you seen my main [written] review of the 300? It links together all of my PRO-300 info www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-pro-300-printer-review/ The manual is on-line ij.manual.canon/ij/webmanual/Manual/All/PRO-300%20series/EN/CNT/Top.html

[@melaniebaynes2730]

@@KeithCooper Thank you, yes, I have opened the link to your information on the Pro-300. Not had time to read it yet, but I will! And I know the manual is online, but that's no use to me, I am someone who needs to have it in my hand, to flick backwards and forwards through, as and when I need to. Constantly trying to flick to and fro onscreen drives me insane. Not to mention how exactly are we supposed to do that, when we need the screen to do what we are doing with the printer?! I had a similar issue with my new car a couple of years ago. The manual was online, but at least I was able to obtain a hard copy from the manufacturer. An online manual for the car is useless when you are sitting in the car and needing to go through all the ins and outs! It's all well and good these companies putting everything online, and it obviously suits some people, but I am sure I am not unique in needing a hard copy. I am really annoyed that Canon don't produce one. All that money for the printer, and I can't obtain a hard copy. If I cannot find the kind of help I need, I will end up selling it and having to pay out at the printers in future. I will take a good look at all the information in your article and reviews. Thanks for your reply. 🙏💖

[@knns.roomss]

I’m planning to get canon pixma ts5320. What is the best ink and paper for my art prints 😭💕

[@KeithCooper]

I've not reviewed that model printer I'm afraid. I tend to review dedicated photo printers rather than the more basic 'home office' types. The best ink is the one that comes with the printer... 'Best' paper is one that suits your images...

[@flaviasorrentino7196]

Hi , I recently bought a Canon Pro 300, but I'm having problems with color rendering. The software is for macOS. On matte paper the colors are low contrast and dark. I set the screen and correct wording such as selecting colorsync and selecting the paper type, but nothing. I would need help. thank you so much

[@KeithCooper]

Setting 'colorsync' is not something I normally come across - are you using the Airprint driver? Can you select profiles - Can you test printing using the free Canon PPL software? See my main [written] review of the 300 for all of these... www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-pro-300-printer-review/

[@HelmetVanga]

what is the brand and thickness of the watercolor paper???

[@KeithCooper]

It's an HP sourced one from several years ago - listed as Hahnemuhle Watercolour 210

[@ladycoco4066]

Can anyone recommend a printer that can print art sizes up to 24x36 inches, please?

[@KeithCooper]

Ones I've looked at in recent years Epson P7000, Epson P7500, Canon PRO-2000 [2100 is virtually the same] Detailed reviews on the Northlight site www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-surecolor-p7000-printer-review/ www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-surecolor-p7500-printer-review/ www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-imageprograf-pro-2000-printer-review/

[@cliffdariff74]

If an image is already scanned, with a good scanner, does it matter about which computer the scan is stored? ( you were saying an iPad is not good)

[@KeithCooper]

True, a file is just a file - it's only when you try and do something like print or edit it, that the uselessness of phones and tablets pops up