For art prints and canvas, the Epson SureColor P900 suits artists who want 17-inch pigment prints and need to feed thick media, the Epson SureColor P700 suits 13×19 inch pigment work and canvas on a smaller footprint, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 suits maximum 17-inch quality, and the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 suits artists who print many copies and care about low ink cost. Poster-size output beyond 17 inches is a different class of machine, so decide your largest print size first.
- Art and Canvas Printers at a Glance
- Match the Ink to the Job
- Canvas: What the Printer Must Handle
- Print Size: Posters and Large Art
- Running Cost: Tiers, Not Numbers
- Digital Artists and Illustrators
- Setup and Compatibility
- Pick X If… Decision Table
- Alternatives
- Choosing Paper and Media
- Selling Prints: Practical Points
- Finishing and Display
- Frequently Asked Questions
The same shortlist answers searches for canvas printers, art printers, printers for digital art, artist printers and poster printers. Specs are attributed to makers or to the outlets that reported them, and no prices are given: costs are described in tiers.
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Art and Canvas Printers at a Glance
| Model | Ink type | Max width | Media notes | Best for | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor P900 | 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 pigment (maker) | 17 inch | Media up to 1.5 mm thick, roll and sheet (maker) | Fine-art papers, thick stock, canvas through the rear feed per one reviewer | Premium tier |
| Epson SureColor P700 | 10-color pigment | 13 inch | Roll feeder with 2-inch core; Art Side of Life picks it for canvas | Artists on a mid-range tier | Highest ink cost per print in one estimate |
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 | 11 pigment inks plus Chroma Optimizer (reviewer-reported) | 17 inch | Fine-art and photo media | Top print quality | Large and heavy, premium tier |
| Canon PIXMA PRO-200 | 8-color dye | 13 inch | Photo and art papers | Vivid color for digital art | Less archival than pigment |
| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 | 6-color Claria ET Premium dye, refillable | 13 inch borderless | Photo and some art papers | Low cost per print, limited editions | Narrower color range |
Match the Ink to the Job
Art prints sold to collectors usually use pigment inks, which sit on the paper surface and are marketed for longer display life. Epson states up to 200 years for color on the P900 under its own test conditions, which are not a guarantee for a sunlit wall. Dye inks give lively saturation, which suits digital illustration, posters and prints for portfolios. Museumlink still names the ET-8550 a top pick for working artists selling limited editions, which shows that for many buyers cost per print outweighs the archival argument. If you sell high-value originals or giclee-style prints, pigment is the lower-risk choice.
Canvas: What the Printer Must Handle
Printing on canvas needs a printer that tolerates thick, stiff media with a clear paper path. Reviewers cite the P900 and P700 for canvas because of their thick-media handling, and one P900 reviewer reports feeding Epson exhibition canvas through the rear feed. Sheet canvas for desktop printers usually comes pre-cut and sometimes with a coating that you should let dry before handling. Check the maker’s media guide for the exact canvas you want, because thickness limits differ between models. Most desktop printers do not do stretched, framed canvas; you print on a sheet and then mount or send it to a framer.
Print Size: Posters and Large Art
A 17-inch printer prints up to 17 inches wide, using sheet or roll media, so long panoramic prints are possible but wide posters beyond that size are not. The P900 and PRO-1100 are the largest consumer pigment models reviewers cover. For 24-inch or larger posters, reviewers point to wide-format machines or print labs; this guide does not cover them. Borderless printing sizes differ between models, so confirm supported sizes on the maker’s specification page.
Running Cost: Tiers, Not Numbers
One 2026 guide, using Red River Paper’s ink-usage figures, placed the Canon PRO-200S and Epson P900 in a lower per-print ink tier, the Canon PRO-1100 in the middle, and the Epson P700 highest, with the refillable ET-8550 reported as the cheapest. Paper is often the larger cost for art prints, since cotton and canvas media cost more than standard photo paper. Buying printers with multiple black inks (photo black and matte black) can reduce wasted ink when switching paper types; Epson says the P900 has dedicated nozzles for each so no switching is needed.
Digital Artists and Illustrators
Illustrators often value color vibrancy, so the dye-based PRO-200 gets attention, and pigment models handle fine line work well on matte papers. Soft-proof in your editing software, use the paper maker’s profile, and print a small test before a full run. Remember that screens are backlit; prints will look duller unless you use a calibrated monitor at a modest brightness.
Setup and Compatibility
- Connectivity: the P900 supports wireless, with USB and Ethernet cables sold separately according to Epson. The PRO-200 lists Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB.
- Space: weight and depth vary; reviewers describe the PRO-1100 as much larger than the P900.
- Software: both Epson and Canon supply drivers for Windows and Mac, and the P900 supports printing from iOS devices per Epson.
- Handling: allow pigment prints to dry or outgas as the paper maker advises before framing behind glass.
Pick X If… Decision Table
| Pick this | If you want |
|---|---|
| Epson P900 | 17-inch fine-art and canvas prints with thick media support |
| Epson P700 | 13×19 pigment prints and canvas with a smaller body |
| Canon PRO-1100 | Top Canon quality and have the desk space |
| Canon PRO-200 | Vivid dye color for digital art on a modest tier |
| Epson ET-8550 | Many copies at a low ink cost and a scanner in the same unit |
Alternatives
- Online print services: upload files for canvas wraps and large posters without buying a printer.
- Local print shops: useful for one-off oversize posters and stretched canvas.
- Canon PIXMA PRO-310 and Epson P706 models: variants some comparison guides list in the 13-inch class; availability differs by country.
Choosing Paper and Media
The printer is only half the result. Matte cotton rag papers suit illustration and watercolor reproductions, with deep matte blacks that depend on the printer’s matte black ink. Luster and baryta-style papers suit photographic work. Inkjet canvas comes in matte and satin finishes and in sheet or roll formats; sheets suit desktop printers, while rolls need a roll feeder, which Epson lists on the P700 per Propel RC. Heavier media needs the straight paper path, and thickness limits are stated by makers, such as 1.5 mm on the P900. Buy a sample pack before committing to a large box, and always use the paper maker’s printer profile.
Selling Prints: Practical Points
- Consistency: print every edition from the same profile and paper batch so buyers get matching work.
- Labelling: sign and number prints in line with local practice, and keep a record of paper, ink and date.
- Packaging: use rigid mailers or tubes for shipping, with acid-free tissue for protection.
- Volume: once you sell regularly, running cost per print becomes the biggest lever, which is why refillable-tank models appeal to some artists.
Finishing and Display
Canvas prints are often finished with a protective spray or varnish made for inkjet output; read the product label and test on a spare print first. Works on paper look best in a mat and frame with UV-protective glazing, and a gap between the print and the glass avoids sticking. Hanging prints away from direct sun and bathrooms helps them last. If you plan to sell, keep the file, profile and paper details so that you can reprint a matching copy later.
One last point on budgeting: add the cost of paper samples, a calibration tool and spare ink sets to the printer itself, because these often decide whether a first month of printing feels smooth or wasteful. Buying the right size and ink type once is cheaper than upgrading after a season of limited prints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a home printer print on canvas?
Yes, if the model accepts thick media and the canvas is made for inkjet. Reviewers recommend the Epson P900 and P700 for this. Always confirm media thickness and feed path in the maker’s guide.
Is pigment or dye better for selling art prints?
Pigment is usually preferred for archival-minded buyers. Dye can look more vivid but is described as less long-lasting. Reviewers also note that many working artists use dye-based models with success when cost matters.
What is the best printer for posters?
For posters up to 17 inches wide, the P900 and PRO-1100 are the main consumer choices. Larger posters require wide-format equipment or a print service. Decide your biggest size before buying.
What printer should a digital artist choose?
The Canon PRO-200 for vibrant color, the Epson P700 for pigment quality at 13 inches, or the ET-8550 for economy. Pick based on how many prints you make and whether you sell them. Calibrate your monitor and use paper profiles.
Are refillable-tank printers good enough for art?
The ET-8550 is described by reviewers as a strong value pick, though its dye inks give a narrower color range than dedicated photo printers. It is a good fit for editions and prints for sale where cost per copy matters. For archival pigment work, step up to a P700 or P900.
How should I store finished prints?
Let them dry as the paper maker advises, then store flat in acid-free sleeves or frame under UV-protective glass. Avoid humidity and direct sun. Follow the paper manufacturer’s guidance for handling.
