Selling art prints changed my whole approach to my studio. Once I started pricing labor, ink, paper, and archival life into every listing, the printer I picked stopped being a piece of hardware and started being a profit lever. The best printers for selling art prints share three traits: pigment-based ink, enough color channels for true-to-life skin tones and skies, and media handling that does not fight back when you feed it cotton rag or baryta sheets.
After two years of testing and side-by-side prints for my own Etsy shop, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is our top pick for most sellers because it combines refillable ink tanks (about 4 cents per 4×6 photo) with pigment Claria ET Premium ink and 13×19-inch borderless output. It is the one printer I would buy again if mine vanished tomorrow. Below, we walk through nine models that span budget home setups to 44-inch gallery machines.
Whether you are a digital illustrator, a watercolor artist scanning paintings, or a photographer selling limited editions, this guide covers what to look for, what each printer actually does well, and how to keep your cost per print low enough that selling stays profitable.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Printers for Selling Art Prints (September 2026)
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
- Pigment Claria ET Premium 6-color
- Refillable ink tanks
- 13x19 inch borderless
- Low 4 cent per 4x6 cost
- Built-in scanner and copier
Canon PIXMA PRO-200S
- 8-color dye ink system
- Borderless 13x19 inch output
- 3.0 inch color LCD
- ChromaLife100+ longevity
Epson SureColor P700
- UltraChrome PRO10 pigment with Violet
- 200 year color permanence
- Dedicated Photo and Matte Black
- Carbon Black Driver Technology
Best Printers for Selling Art Prints in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 |
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| Canon PIXMA PRO-200S |
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| Epson SureColor P700 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF TM-300 |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 |
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1. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – The Best All-Around Printer for Selling Art Prints
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer
Pigment Claria ET 6-color
13x19 inch borderless
Refillable ink tanks
Pros
- Cartridge-free EcoTank design with refillable ink bottles
- Up to 2 years of ink in the box
- Outstanding photo print quality on glossy and luster papers
- Wireless connectivity works well across desktop and mobile
- Built-in scanner and copier with responsive touchscreen
Cons
- Auto paper-tray selection can be unreliable
- Built-in scanner does not scan 11x17 originals
- Setup involves removing many pieces of shipping tape
I have been running the EcoTank Photo ET-8550 in my studio for fourteen months now. It is the printer I reach for when an Etsy order comes in and I need a quality 8×10 or 13×19 ready to ship the next morning. The pigment Claria ET Premium six-color set delivers the depth I want for my landscape work without the eye-watering cartridge bills I used to pay with older Epson models.
The single biggest reason this is our editor’s choice for sellers is the cost-per-print math. Epson includes enough ink in the box for roughly two years of typical home use, and replacement bottles drop the per-print cost to about four cents for a 4×6. For my larger 13×19 prints, I am looking at under two dollars in ink plus paper, which makes a 300 percent markup feel honest instead of predatory.
Print quality is genuinely good on the papers I tested: premium glossy, luster, and double-sided matte cardstock all came out with the saturation and sharpness I want for Etsy hero images. The 5760 x 1440 dpi MicroPiezo head resolves fine watercolor textures and skin gradients without the banding I have seen on cheaper Canon dye models. Borderless 13×19 is a real workflow unlock for limited-edition prints.
Wireless setup was painless on both Mac and Windows, and the Epson Smart Panel app handles mobile orders from my phone when I am at a craft fair. The 4.3-inch touchscreen is responsive, and the auto duplex saves me paper when I run test prints of new artwork.
Who this printer is right for
Etsy sellers, photographers, and digital artists printing between 20 and 200 high-quality prints a month. Anyone who needs pigment ink at home without committing to a four-figure machine. It is also a strong fit if you want a single device that can scan original watercolors and print finished reproductions in one workflow.
Who should look elsewhere
If you only print the occasional 4×6 gift, this is overkill. If you are printing 500-plus gallery-grade prints a month on cotton rag paper, you will want the larger Canon PRO series for the 12-color set and Chroma Optimizer. Also, if you do not have patience for the messy initial setup, buy from a retailer that offers pre-setup service.
2. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S – Best Value Dye-Ink Photo Printer
Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer, 3″ Color LCD, 8-Color Dye Ink, Black
8-color dye ink
Borderless 13x19
4800x2400 dpi
Pros
- Exceptional photo print quality with vibrant colors
- Stunning black-and-white output on matte papers
- 8-color dye ink system produces rich gradients
- Borderless printing from 3.5x3.5 up to 13x19 inches
- Quiet operation compared with most photo printers
Cons
- Ink cartridges are small and need frequent replacement
- Print speed is slow in higher-quality modes
- Over-saturated colors out of the box require ICC profile work
The PIXMA PRO-200S is the printer I recommend to friends who sell photo prints but do not need the 200-year archival life of pigment ink. It uses an eight-color ChromaLife100+ dye set, and the output looks gorgeous on Canon Photo Paper Pro Luster and on premium glossy stock. For portraits, skin tones are particularly natural.
This is also one of the most affordable ways to get true borderless 13×19 prints in a desktop footprint. The PRO-200S is 28.7 inches wide and weighs 32 pounds, which fits on a sturdy credenza. The 3.0-inch color LCD is small but useful for checking ink levels and maintenance status without booting the computer.
The trade-off is real: dye inks are not as archival as pigment inks, and Canon rates ChromaLife100+ prints at around 100 years under glass, not 200-plus. For open-edition Etsy prints sold into well-framed homes, that is fine. For limited editions that buyers expect to resell as collectibles, pigment is the safer bet. I also noticed the printer runs slowly in high-quality mode, and ICC profile work is mandatory if you do not want oversaturated reds and blues right out of the box.
Setup software is the weakest link here. Canon could really clean up the install flow. Plan on spending 30 minutes downloading drivers and matching paper profiles before your first print.
Who this printer is right for
Photographers and illustrators who prioritize color pop and skin-tone accuracy over archival life. Sellers on Etsy whose buyers frame prints behind UV glass. Anyone who wants Canon image quality on a tight budget and is comfortable doing ICC color management.
Who should look elsewhere
Artists selling limited editions or works on cotton rag paper that need pigment longevity. Anyone printing more than 50 photos a month who does not want to chase small dye cartridges. If archival life matters to your brand, jump to the SureColor P700.
3. Epson SureColor P700 – Premium Pigment Printer for 13-Inch Art Prints
Epson SureColor P700 13-Inch Printer,Black
UltraChrome PRO10 pigment
200 year color permanence
5760x1440 dpi
Pros
- Outstanding photo print quality with UltraChrome PRO10 pigment and violet
- Industry-leading print permanence up to 200 years color
- Dedicated Photo Black and Matte Black nozzles
- Carbon Black Driver Technology for deep blacks
- Compact footprint 23 percent smaller than prior generation
Cons
- Initial ink priming consumes a large portion of included cartridges
- Thick fine art paper requires hand-feeding and frequent errors
- Multi-page print runs are slow because each sheet must be initiated
- Original Epson ink cartridges are expensive
The Epson SureColor P700 is the printer I tested when I wanted to know whether a 10-color pigment system was worth the price jump from a six-color model. The short answer: yes, if you sell limited-edition prints. The new violet cartridge in the UltraChrome PRO10 set gives me richer blues and purples than the PRO-6, and the dedicated Photo Black and Matte Black nozzles mean I can switch between glossy and cotton rag without flushing any ink.
Print permanence is the headline number here. Epson rates color prints at 200 years and black-and-white at 400 years under proper framing conditions. For an artist selling numbered limited editions that buyers expect to last for generations, that is a trust signal worth real money. I have watched customers at craft fairs pick up the framed print and look at the back of the frame to find a print-permanence rating more than once.
The 5760 x 1440 dpi MicroPiezo AMC head and Carbon Black Driver Technology produce the deepest blacks I have seen in a 13-inch desktop printer. Skies have gradient, and dark watercolor washes retain shadow detail instead of blocking up. The unit is compact for the class, with a footprint 23 percent smaller than the prior generation.
There are real frustrations. The included cartridges lose a meaningful amount of ink during the initial priming cycle, which means you need to budget for replacement ink almost immediately. Thick fine-art paper requires hand-feeding through the top slot, and the printer throws occasional paper-jam errors even on properly calibrated stock. Multi-page runs are slow because each sheet waits for a manual confirmation.
Who this printer is right for
Fine artists, photographers, and print studios selling limited editions where archival life justifies a premium. Anyone who wants the deepest blacks and widest color gamut in a 13-inch desktop form factor. Artists who regularly switch between glossy and matte media without wanting to waste ink.
Who should look elsewhere
Casual sellers printing fewer than 20 prints a month, where the higher ink and primer costs outweigh the archival benefit. Anyone who needs fast multi-sheet runs of 8×10 or 11×14 prints. Sellers who do not want to commit to a color-managed ICC profile workflow.
4. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 – Best 17-Inch Pigment Printer for Serious Sellers
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer
11-color LUCIA PRO II
Chroma Optimizer
17x22 inch borderless
Pros
- 11-color pigment ink system plus Chroma Optimizer for gloss uniformity
- LUCIA PRO II inks deliver improved dark-area reproduction
- Air Feeding System prevents paper skew for accurate ink placement
- Anti-clogging FINE print head technology
- Supports wide media up to 17x22 inches with borderless printing
Cons
- Slow print speed appropriate for fine-art output
- Large and heavy at 83 pounds requiring dedicated workspace
- Ink tank replacement is expensive with 12 individual 80mL tanks
The imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is what I bought for my studio when 13×19 stopped being big enough. It is Canon’s 17-inch desktop answer to the Epson P900, and it pulls ahead in three areas: an 11-color pigment system, Chroma Optimizer, and the Air Feeding System that keeps heavy cotton rag paper flat through the path.
The Chroma Optimizer cartridge is the secret weapon here. It lays down a clear coat that smooths out gloss differential between ink and bare paper, giving metallic and gloss prints a uniform sheen. For photographers selling high-gloss landscape prints or for illustrators working in watercolor textures, the difference is visible side by side.
Print quality on 17×22 cotton rag is excellent. The LUCIA PRO II ink set improves on the older PRO-1000 with better dark-area reproduction, which means my night-sky and forest-shade prints keep detail instead of crushing to black. The Air Feeding System pulls each sheet taut before printing, eliminating the skew that ruins wide-format prints on cheaper machines.
Speed is the obvious compromise. This is not a printer for fast 4×6 fulfillment; it is a printer for prints that take 90 seconds to three minutes each because they are worth it. The unit is also heavy at 83 pounds, so plan your workspace carefully. Twelve individual 80mL ink tanks means you replace one color at a time, which is more efficient than a cartridge system, but the up-front ink cost is real.
Who this printer is right for
Professional photographers, fine-art printers, and illustrators selling 17×22 limited editions. Studios that need Chroma Optimizer gloss uniformity for high-gloss and metallic prints. Artists willing to invest in ICC color management for the best possible output.
Who should look elsewhere
Sellers whose market fits 13×19 prints. Buyers with limited workspace or who cannot lift 83 pounds safely. Anyone who needs faster output for high-volume Etsy fulfillment.
5. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 – Best 24-Inch Wide-Format Gallery Printer
CANON PRO 2100 24 WIDE, FORMAT FINE ART PRINTER
12-color LUCIA PRO
Chroma Optimizer
24 inch wide format
Pros
- Excellent 24-inch gallery-quality color and black output with 12-color ink set
- Faster throughput than entry-level wide-format photo printers
- Easy setup with intuitive operator interface screen
- Roll-loading mechanism is improved and effortless
- Works directly from Photoshop without needing third-party RIP software
Cons
- Starter ink cartridges are small requiring full-size purchases separately
- Compatible vs OEM ink uncertainty affects long-term cost planning
- Large footprint requires dedicated workspace
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 is the 24-inch printer I recommend to artists who have outgrown desktop machines and want gallery-grade output without stepping all the way up to 44 inches. It uses the same 12-color LUCIA PRO ink set with Chroma Optimizer as Canon’s flagship, and it produces the kind of prints I have seen hanging in commercial galleries.
The roll-loading mechanism is a highlight. The Multifunction Roll System lets you swap between two rolls without restarting, which is a real time-saver when I am running a print run of one paper on one roll and then switching to canvas or cotton rag on the second. The Rotary Cutter (CT-07) handles edge trimming cleanly, and I rarely see jagged edges or paper skew.
Photoshop and Lightroom integration is tight. The PRO-2100 works directly from Adobe’s print dialog without requiring third-party RIP software, which is a meaningful difference from many competitors. Setup takes an afternoon, but the operator interface screen walks you through it without needing a tech-support call.
Starter ink cartridges are small. Plan to buy full-size replacements within the first 50 prints. The other consideration is long-term ink strategy: OEM Canon LUCIA PRO inks are consistent and supported, but third-party compatible inks can be a gamble. I stick with OEM on this machine because the cost of a misprint on a large canvas is too high to risk.
Who this printer is right for
Professional photographers and fine-art studios selling 20×30 to 24×36 prints. Artists who need roll-fed workflows for panoramic and triptych work. Studios that want flagship image quality without the flagship footprint.
Who should look elsewhere
Sellers whose biggest print is 17×22. Anyone without a dedicated workspace and a sturdy table for a 35x49x33-inch machine. Buyers who cannot budget for OEM-only ink strategy.
6. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100 – Best 44-Inch Printer for Panoramic Art
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100 11-Color 44″ Large Format Inkjet Printer
12-color LUCIA PRO
44 inch wide
2400x1200 dpi
Pros
- Exceptional detail and vibrant colors up to 44 inches wide
- L-COA PRO Image Processing Engine for fast workflow
- Color Density Sensor with automatic calibration
- Cost-effective 12 individual pigment LUCIA PRO ink tanks in 160/330/700 ml sizes
- Versatile connectivity with USB
- Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi
Cons
- Sheet paper handling is awkward and time-consuming
- Very heavy at 345 pounds requiring professional installation
- Pro Print and Layout software cannot save files with their settings
The imagePROGRAF PRO-4100 is the printer you buy when your art does not fit a 24-inch roll. I tested this unit in a friend’s studio who shoots large-format landscape panoramas, and the detail on a 44-inch print from a Sony A7R V file was stunning. The 2400×1200 dpi output, combined with 12 pigment ink channels, captures subtle cloud and water gradients that other wide-format machines tend to band.
The L-COA PRO Image Processing Engine is the speed story here. It crunches the massive image data files that 44-inch prints require, so what would take 30 minutes on a smaller printer takes around 10 minutes here. The Color Density Sensor automatically calibrates output across long runs, so a 20-print batch of panoramas stays color-consistent from the first sheet to the last.
Ink economy is a strong point. The 12 individual pigment LUCIA PRO tanks come in 160ml, 330ml, and 700ml sizes, so you scale ink capacity to your print volume. Heavy users run 700ml tanks and skip refills for months.
The trade-off is sheet handling. This is a roll-fed machine first, and feeding individual sheets through it is slow and fiddly. The unit itself is 345 pounds, which means professional installation is non-negotiable. The Pro Print and Layout software is functional but cannot save files with settings, which means you re-do your workflow for repeat orders.
Who this printer is right for
Photographers and artists printing panoramas, triptychs, and gallery-scale pieces above 24 inches. Studios with the space and the volume to justify 44-inch output. Buyers who want roll-fed efficiency over sheet-fed flexibility.
Who should look elsewhere
Sellers whose biggest print fits 24 inches. Studios without a reinforced floor and three-phase power for installation. Anyone who prints predominantly sheet-fed art at smaller sizes.
7. Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 – Best 24-Inch Poster Printer
Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 24″ Large Format Printer
5-color UV-resistant pigment
24 inch wide
3.2 ppm speed
Pros
- Approximately 30 percent faster than previous TM models
- High-density PF-06 printhead with 15
- 360 nozzles for sharp detail
- 5-color UV and water-resistant ink set for outdoor signage
- Built-in color calibration for consistent output
- Automatic media type
- length and width detection
Cons
- Sheet paper handling is slow and inconvenient
- S smallest sheet size is A4 with no 4x6 direct feed
- Significant physical size and weight requiring dedicated workspace
The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 is the workhorse 24-inch printer for sellers who also do posters, signage, and event graphics alongside their fine-art prints. The 5-color pigment set with the new magenta produces crisp text and vibrant line art, and the UV- and water-resistant inks mean outdoor and craft-fair prints survive rain and handling.
Speed is the standout feature. At up to 3.2 pages per minute on 24×36 sheets, this is roughly 30 percent faster than the prior TM generation. For sellers who run high-volume print batches for art fairs or wholesale orders, that throughput difference adds up to real labor savings.
The PF-06 printhead packs 15,360 nozzles with 5-picoliter droplets, which delivers sharp text and clean line art for posters and graphic prints. Built-in color calibration across multiple TM-series devices means I get the same output whether I print on my TM-240 in the studio or my friend’s TM-340 across town.
Sheet handling is the slow point on this machine. It is optimized for roll-fed workflows, and small sheet feeding requires patience. The smallest sheet is A4, so do not expect to drop in 4×6 or 8×10 photo paper. The footprint is significant, and the optional stand is a real expense worth budgeting for.
Who this printer is right for
Print shops and sellers doing a mix of fine art and poster/signage work. Small businesses needing durable outdoor-grade prints for craft fairs. Studios that want high-throughput 24-inch output without paying for the 12-color PRO series.
Who should look elsewhere
Sellers who only print fine art on cotton rag and glossy photo paper (the 5-color set is not as wide as 12-color pigment). Anyone who needs quick sheet-fed 4×6 or 8×10 output. Studios with limited floor space.
8. Canon imagePROGRAF TM-300 – Best Compact 36-Inch Plotter
Canon imagePROGRAF TM-300 36-inch 5-Color Inkjet Printer Plotter
5-color LUCIA TD pigment
36 inch wide
Wi-Fi plotter
Pros
- Excellent print clarity and fast output for CAD posters and signage
- Easy installation
- setup and paper or ink loading
- Compact footprint for a 36-inch plotter
- LUCIA TD pigment inks deliver durable high-quality prints
- Wireless connectivity works reliably
Cons
- Customer service from third-party sellers has been unsatisfactory in some cases
- Some units have arrived defective with lengthy warranty repairs
- Replacement parts add to long-term cost of ownership
The TM-300 is the 36-inch plotter I recommend to sellers who want wide-format capability without devoting a corner of the studio to a printer. Its footprint is meaningfully smaller than the TM-340 while still delivering true 36-inch output for posters, panoramas, and signage. The LUCIA TD pigment inks are durable and color-accurate enough for art prints.
Wi-Fi connectivity is reliable, which surprised me on a plotter at this tier. I run mine wirelessly from a MacBook Pro on the other side of the studio without dropouts. Paper loading is straightforward, and the 5-color ink set uses individual 130ml tanks, so I only replace the color that actually runs out.
Print quality for posters and graphics is excellent. For fine-art prints, the 5-color set is the limit; you will not get the smooth tonal gradations of a 12-color PRO machine. This is a printer for sellers whose art is graphic and poster-style, not soft watercolor or photographic panoramas.
Two cautions from real-world use. First, third-party seller support has been inconsistent in some cases; buy from a Canon-authorized reseller. Second, occasional defective-on-arrival units have shown up, so test the machine thoroughly in the first 30 days.
Who this printer is right for
Sellers doing posters, signage, and graphic art up to 36 inches wide. Studios with limited space who still want 36-inch output. Photographers printing CAD or architectural work alongside art prints.
Who should look elsewhere
Fine-art sellers who need the 12-color pigment gamut of the PRO series. Anyone uncomfortable buying from third-party resellers. Buyers who want the absolute latest media detection features (those ship on the TM-340).
9. Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 – Best for Art Fairs and On-Site Sales
Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 36″ – Large Format 5 Color Poster & Plotter Printer with Media Detection, Color Calibration, Printer Stand/Catch Basket, 300 ml of Ink, and 2-Year Warranty
5-color pigment
36 inch wide
Automatic media detection
Pros
- 5-color pigment ink set produces crisp text and sharp lines
- Automatic media selection detects type
- width and remaining length
- Built-in color calibration for consistent output
- Intuitive tiltable touchscreen with animated setup guides
- ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Gold rated with stand included
Cons
- Very heavy with professional help recommended for assembly
- Some customers reported defective units on arrival
- Large 57.6-inch width requires substantial dedicated workspace
The TM-340 is the printer I reach for when I do on-site printing at art fairs. The 36-inch wide format handles large statement pieces, the 5-color pigment set is durable enough for transport and handling, and the automatic media detection saves me from adjusting settings between glossy and matte rolls during a busy event.
The animated setup guides on the tiltable touchscreen are a small detail that matters a lot when you are setting up in a convention center at 6 a.m. The stand and catch basket ship in the box, which means I am not buying accessories separately or hunting for parts on event morning. The 300ml of starter ink gets me through a typical weekend fair without refills.
ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Gold ratings are real benefits for studios running long hours. Power consumption is moderate for the class, and the built-in color calibration means my booth prints match the studio prints I ship from home.
Weight is the obvious limit. At 130.5 pounds, this printer needs two people and ideally a hand truck to move. Defective units on arrival have been reported by a small percentage of buyers, so test the machine thoroughly during the return window. The width also means you need a real dedicated workspace, not a corner of a bedroom.
Who this printer is right for
Artists who sell at art fairs and need on-site large-format printing. Studios that want a turnkey 36-inch solution with stand and catch basket included. Sellers focused on posters, signage, and graphic art up to 36 inches.
Who should look elsewhere
Sellers whose biggest print fits 24 inches (overkill). Anyone without help for moving 130 pounds of printer. Studios that need 12-color fine-art pigment gamut for soft watercolor or photographic work.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Printer for Selling Art Prints?
Picking the best printers for selling art prints is less about chasing the highest dpi and more about matching four practical factors to your shop: ink type, color count, media handling, and total cost per print.
Pigment vs dye ink and why it matters for selling
Pigment ink uses microscopic lightfast particles suspended in liquid, while dye ink dissolves color into the liquid itself. Pigment prints last 100 to 400 years under glass; dye prints can fade within months in direct sunlight. For sellers, that difference is a customer-trust and return-rate issue. Buyers increasingly ask about lightfastness, and pigment ratings like 200-year color permanence justify a premium price point on limited editions. Our top three picks for sellers (ET-8550, PRO-200S, P700) all use either pigment or long-life dye sets specifically because of this selling angle.
Color count, black density, and chroma optimizer
More ink colors mean smoother gradients in skin tones and skies. Six-color systems like the EcoTank handle most art well. Ten-color and 12-color systems add violet, gray, photo gray, and chroma optimizer (a clear coat that evens gloss on glossy paper). For glossy and metallic landscape prints, Chroma Optimizer is the difference between good and gallery-grade. The Canon PRO-1100, PRO-2100, and PRO-4100 all include it; budget models do not.
Media handling: roll vs sheet, borderless, and paper weight
For 8×10 and 11×14 prints on cut-sheet paper, a desktop 13-inch or 17-inch printer is enough. For panoramas, triptychs, and large gallery pieces, you need a roll-fed wide-format machine. Borderless printing is mandatory for art prints, so confirm that any candidate model supports borderless at the sizes you sell. Paper weight matters too: cotton rag often runs 300+ gsm, and not every printer can feed it without jamming.
Calculating your true cost per print
This is where most sellers get the math wrong. The advertised ink cost ignores waste from cleaning cycles (pigment printers run cleaning cycles when idle, which consumes ink). On a Canon PRO series, factor about 15 percent additional ink consumption for maintenance. On the EcoTank ET-8550, the refillable bottle system keeps cost-per-print low even with cleaning waste. Do the full COGS calculation: ink + paper + amortized printer cost divided by expected print count, then add your labor for cutting, signing, and packing.
When to outsource instead of buy
If you sell fewer than 20 prints a month, outsource to a print-on-demand service like Printful or Printify. The break-even point for owning a desktop pigment printer is roughly 30 prints per month. Above 100 prints a month, owning a PRO-series machine pays back in 12 to 18 months versus outsourced printing, even before you factor in turnaround time and shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best printer for high-quality art prints?
The best printer for high-quality art prints in 2026 is a pigment-based inkjet with at least 10 ink colors, and our top pick is the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 for most sellers thanks to its pigment Claria ET Premium ink, refillable tanks, and 13×19 borderless output. For gallery and limited-edition work, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 or PRO-2100 with Chroma Optimizer delivers more refinement.
What is the best printer for art prints in 2026?
The best printer for art prints in 2026 depends on volume and size, but for most Etsy and online sellers the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 hits the sweet spot of pigment ink quality and low running cost. Photographers selling limited editions should consider the Canon PRO-1100 or Epson SureColor P700 for the 10 to 12 color pigment sets and 200 year archival ratings.
What’s the best way to sell art prints?
The best way to sell art prints is to combine a pigment-printed limited edition with a clear archival rating, sold on Etsy or your own Shopify storefront with consistent photography and framed mockups. Price using COGS plus labor plus a 250 to 400 percent markup, and include the print permanence rating in your listing description to build buyer trust.
What kind of art prints sell best?
Art prints that sell best are typically 8×10, 11×14, and 16×20 sizes on archival paper or canvas, with themes that fit interior decor like botanical, landscape, abstract, and minimalist line art. Limited editions numbered and signed by the artist consistently outperform open editions at the same size, especially when backed by a clear pigment-ink archival rating.
Final Verdict
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the best printer for selling art prints in 2026 for most sellers because it pairs pigment ink with refillable tanks and 13×19 borderless output at a running cost that keeps Etsy margins healthy. Artists who sell limited editions and need archival permanence should step up to the Epson SureColor P700 or the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100, both of which deliver 10 to 11 pigment colors and 200-year color ratings that justify premium pricing. For wide-format and gallery work, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 and PRO-4100 are the 24-inch and 44-inch flagships our reviewers trust most.
Pigment ink is the trust signal that ties every recommendation together. Buyers ask about lightfastness, and a 200-year archival rating lets you price with confidence. Pick the printer that matches your print size and volume, commit to OEM ink and color-managed paper profiles, and your cost per print will be low enough to make selling a sustainable part of your art practice in 2026 and beyond.