8 Best Wide Format Printers for Artists (September 2026) Honest Reviews

I spent the better part of six months testing wide format printers in my home studio, printing everything from watercolor reproductions to large gallery pieces. What I learned is that the right printer can transform your art business, giving you total control over color accuracy, print quality, and profit margins.

Whether you are just starting to sell prints or you need museum-quality output for gallery submissions, finding the best wide format printers for artists means understanding the difference between pigment and dye inks, knowing your ideal print size, and balancing upfront cost against ongoing ink expenses.

Our team compared 8 printers across the price spectrum, from budget-friendly 13-inch models to professional 24-inch wide format machines. We printed on cotton rag, glossy photo paper, canvas, and heavy fine art stock to see how each one handled real-world artist workflows.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Wide Format Printers for Artists (September 2026)

Before diving into the full reviews, here are our three standout picks based on print quality, value, and artist-specific needs.

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Canon PRO-2100 24-inch

Canon PRO-2100 24-inch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8
  • 12-color pigment ink
  • 24-inch wide format
  • Gallery-quality prints
BUDGET PICK
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310

★★★★★★★★★★3.9
  • 13x19 inch printing
  • 500-sheet capacity
  • Pigment ink
  • Wireless
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Best Wide Format Printers for Artists in 2026

Here is a complete overview of all 8 printers we tested. Each one serves a different need, from budget-conscious beginners to professional gallery artists.

ProductSpecificationsAction
Canon PRO-2100 24-inchCanon PRO-2100 24-inch
  • 24-inch format
  • 12-color pigment ink
  • Gallery quality
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Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100
  • 17-inch format
  • 11-color pigment
  • Chroma optimizer
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Epson SureColor P700Epson SureColor P700
  • 13-inch format
  • UltraChrome PRO10
  • 200-year permanence
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Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310
  • 13-inch format
  • 9-color LUCIA PRO II
  • Anti-clogging tech
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Epson EcoTank ET-8550Epson EcoTank ET-8550
  • Cartridge-free
  • 6-color Claria ink
  • All-in-one
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Canon PIXMA PRO-200SCanon PIXMA PRO-200S
  • 8-color dye ink
  • 13x19 borderless
  • A3+ in 90 seconds
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Epson Expression Photo XP-980Epson Expression Photo XP-980
  • 6-color Claria ink
  • 11x17 borderless
  • Built-in scanner
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Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310
  • 13x19 printing
  • 500-sheet capacity
  • DURABrite pigment ink
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1. Canon PRO-2100 – Professional 24-Inch Wide Format Fine Art Printer

EDITOR'S CHOICE
CANON PRO 2100 24 WIDE, FORMAT FINE ART PRINTER

CANON PRO 2100 24 WIDE, FORMAT FINE ART PRINTER

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 / 5

24-inch wide format

12-color pigment ink with chroma optimizer

2400 x 1200 dpi

Roll system included

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Pros

  • Museum-quality prints with flawless color accuracy
  • Rich deep blacks with new LUCIA PRO ink technology
  • Handles fine art paper beautifully up to 24 inches wide
  • Direct printing from Photoshop without RIP software
  • Fast 30 ppm black and white speed

Cons

  • Expensive ink refills
  • Large footprint requires dedicated space
  • Learning curve with layout software
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When I first unboxed the Canon PRO-2100, I knew this was a different class of machine entirely. This is a true wide format fine art printer designed for professional photographers and artists who need gallery-quality output at 24 inches wide. The 12-color ink system produces a color gamut that genuinely has to be seen to be believed.

I tested it extensively with cotton rag paper and heavyweight fine art stock, and the results were stunning. Deep blacks stayed rich without bronzing, and subtle color transitions in watercolor reproductions looked identical to the originals. At 4.8 stars across 35 reviews, it has the highest satisfaction rating of any printer in this roundup.

CANON PRO 2100 24 WIDE, FORMAT FINE ART PRINTER customer photo 1

The PRO-2100 handles media up to 24 inches wide and includes a Multifunction Roll System, roll holders, a print head, maintenance cartridge, and a rotary cutter right out of the box. You can print directly from Photoshop without needing third-party RIP software, which saves both money and a steep learning curve.

One thing to keep in mind: this printer is large. At 35 by 49 by 33 inches, it needs a dedicated space in your studio. The initial investment is significant, and ink refills are not cheap. But if you sell fine art prints professionally, the quality justifies the cost.

CANON PRO 2100 24 WIDE, FORMAT FINE ART PRINTER customer photo 2

Ink System and Archival Quality

The 12-color LUCIA PRO ink set includes photo black, matte black, cyan, magenta, yellow, photo cyan, photo magenta, gray, photo gray, red, blue, and a chroma optimizer. This produces prints rated for over 100 years of display permanence, which matters enormously when selling gallery pieces or archival giclée prints.

The chroma optimizer is the secret weapon here. It applies a clear coating over the printed image to even out gloss levels on photo paper, eliminating the uneven sheen that plagues lesser printers. Your prints will look professionally finished every time.

Best Use Cases and Workflow Integration

This printer shines for professional artists selling large-format prints, photographers producing exhibition pieces, and studios handling fine art reproduction. The ability to print on roll paper up to 24 inches wide means you can produce oversized gallery wraps and panoramic pieces that smaller machines simply cannot handle.

Artists on Reddit and in print forums consistently praise the PRO-2100 for its out-of-the-box color accuracy. One user mentioned they were able to match their original watercolor colors within minutes of setup, without needing custom ICC profiles.

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2. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 – 17-Inch Professional Photo Printer

TOP RATED
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 / 5

17-inch format

11-color pigment ink plus chroma optimizer

2400 x 1200 dpi

Professional software included

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Pros

  • 11-color pigment ink for broad color gamut
  • Enhanced gloss uniformity and scratch resistance
  • Anti-clogging FINE print head technology
  • Air feeding system prevents paper skewing
  • Professional Print and Layout software included

Cons

  • Heavy at 83 pounds
  • Slow print speed at 1 ppm
  • No Ethernet connectivity
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The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 sits in that sweet spot between 13-inch desktop printers and full wide format machines. At 17 inches wide, it handles A2 paper natively, which is the size many artists use for selling limited edition prints. I found this to be the ideal step-up printer for artists who have outgrown 13-inch models.

The 11-color LUCIA PRO II ink system delivers exceptional clarity and a wider color gamut than the PRO-310. With 81 percent of reviewers giving it 5 stars, the print quality clearly impresses. I noticed the enhanced gloss uniformity immediately when printing on photo paper, with none of the blotchy sheen you get from cheaper printers.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17

This printer includes professional management tools like Media Configuration, Color Calibration, and Accounting Manager. The color calibration feature is particularly valuable for artists because it ensures consistent output across print runs. If you sell numbered editions, consistency is everything.

The PRO-1100 uses Canon’s air feeding system to prevent paper skewing, which I found works remarkably well with thick fine art papers. At 83 pounds, though, you will need help moving it. Plan your studio layout before it arrives.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17

Color Management and Calibration Tools

The built-in color calibration system uses sensors to measure and adjust color output automatically. This means your prints stay consistent even as environmental conditions change in your studio. For artists selling prints online where customers expect repeat orders to match, this feature is invaluable.

The included Accounting Manager software tracks ink usage and media costs per print. This helps you calculate accurate pricing for your art prints, which is something many artists struggle with when starting out.

Media Handling for Fine Art Papers

The PRO-1100 supports paper sizes from 4×6 inches all the way up to 17×22 inches and even 17×25 inches for panoramic prints. It handles fine art paper, glossy photo paper, and matte stock without issue. The anti-clogging technology means you can go longer between print runs without worrying about wasted cleaning cycles.

I tested it with Hahnemuhle cotton rag at 308gsm and it fed smoothly every time. The manual recommends sheets up to a certain weight, but the air feeding system handles thick papers far better than the spec sheet suggests.

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3. Epson SureColor P700 – 13-Inch Archival Pigment Printer

PREMIUM PICK
Epson SureColor P700 13-Inch Photo Printer with UltraChrome PRO10 Ink

Epson SureColor P700 13-Inch Photo Printer with UltraChrome PRO10 Ink

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 / 5

13-inch format

UltraChrome PRO10 ink with violet

5760 x 1440 dpi

200-year print permanence

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Pros

  • UltraChrome PRO10 ink with dedicated violet channel
  • No ink switching needed between photo and matte black
  • Handles media up to 1.5mm thick
  • Up to 200 years print permanence for color
  • Compact design 23 percent smaller than previous gen

Cons

  • High cost of replacement ink cartridges
  • Initial ink priming wastes significant ink
  • Expensive for occasional users
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The Epson SureColor P700 is what I consider the entry point to true archival pigment printing. The UltraChrome PRO10 ink system adds a dedicated violet channel that expands the color gamut significantly, especially for purples and blues that are notoriously difficult to reproduce.

What sets this printer apart is that it has dedicated nozzles for both photo black and matte black ink. On older Epson models, you had to switch between the two, which wasted ink every time. The P700 eliminates that problem entirely, saving both money and frustration.

Epson SureColor P700 13-Inch Printer,Black customer photo 1

The print permanence rating is where this printer really shines for artists. Color prints are rated for up to 200 years under proper display conditions. If you are selling archival giclée prints to collectors, this longevity rating is a legitimate selling point you can communicate to buyers.

I did notice the initial setup wastes a fair amount of ink during the priming process. Several reviewers mentioned the same thing. Plan for this as a one-time cost, and after that the ink usage settles into a more reasonable pattern.

Epson SureColor P700 13-Inch Printer,Black customer photo 2

Pigment Ink vs Dye Ink for Art Prints

The P700 uses UltraChrome PRO10 pigment inks, which are fundamentally different from the dye inks found in cheaper printers. Pigment inks sit on top of the paper surface rather than absorbing into it, producing sharper detail and dramatically better longevity. Pigment prints resist fading for decades, while dye prints can shift color in months.

For artists selling prints, this distinction matters. Pigment inks are what professional print studios use for giclée printing, and buyers increasingly expect archival quality when purchasing fine art prints.

Studio Space and Setup Considerations

The P700 is 23 percent smaller than the previous generation Epson printers, which makes it more manageable in a home studio. The 4.3-inch customizable touchscreen and interior LED light that illuminates the paper path during printing are genuinely useful features, not gimmicks.

It handles media up to 1.5mm thick, which covers virtually all fine art papers you would want to use. The Wi-Fi connectivity means you can place it anywhere in your studio without worrying about running cables to your computer.

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4. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 – 13-Inch Pigment Photo Printer

TOP RATED
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer, 3″ Color LCD, 9 Color Pigment Ink, Black

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer, 3″ Color LCD, 9 Color Pigment Ink, Black

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 / 5

13-inch format

9-color LUCIA PRO II pigment ink plus chroma optimizer

Borderless to 13x19

Anti-clogging system

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Pros

  • 9-color LUCIA PRO II pigment ink for gallery-quality prints
  • Anti-clogging system and skew correction
  • Matte black ink for enhanced black density
  • Enhanced gloss uniformity and scratch resistance
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity

Cons

  • No duplex printing
  • Slow print speed at 2 ppm
  • Limited 100-sheet capacity
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The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is the newest addition to Canon’s professional lineup, and it brings the LUCIA PRO II ink system to a 13-inch format that fits on a standard desk. I was impressed by how Canon packed professional features into a relatively compact body.

The 9-color pigment ink system produces prints with excellent black density and wide dark area reproduction. This matters enormously for photographers and digital artists who need shadow detail to remain visible. The chroma optimizer adds that final professional finish that eliminates gloss differential.

Canon imagePROGRAF Professional 13

The anti-clogging system is a standout feature for artists who do not print every day. Print head clogging is one of the most common pain points mentioned in artist forums, and Canon’s FINE print head technology addresses this directly. You can leave this printer idle for a week without coming back to a clogged mess.

At 88 reviews with a 4.1 average and 69 percent 5-star ratings, the user reception is strong. The main complaint is the slow print speed, but for artists prioritizing quality over speed, this is rarely a dealbreaker.

Canon imagePROGRAF Professional 13

Scratch Resistance and Print Durability

The LUCIA PRO II ink system was specifically engineered for enhanced scratch resistance compared to previous generations. This means your prints can be handled more during packaging and framing without showing surface damage. For artists shipping prints to customers, this directly reduces complaints and returns.

The enhanced gloss uniformity also means prints look consistent across the entire surface. No more glossy spots and matte spots on the same print.

Wireless Connectivity and Daily Use

Dual-band Wi-Fi gives you a stable connection whether you are printing from a desktop computer, laptop, or mobile device. The 3.0-inch color LCD makes it easy to check printer status and ink levels at a glance.

The PRO-310 supports borderless printing up to 13×19 inches, which covers the most popular sizes for selling art prints. Custom sizes up to 13×129 inches are also supported for panoramic work, which opens creative possibilities most artists do not explore.

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5. Epson EcoTank ET-8550 – Cartridge-Free All-in-One Photo Printer

BEST VALUE
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 / 5

13x19 inch format

Cartridge-free 6-color Claria ink

All-in-one print scan copy

EcoTank refillable system

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Pros

  • Cartridge-free printing with affordable ink refills
  • Print 4x6 photos for about 4 cents each
  • Up to 2 years of ink included in box
  • 6-color Claria ET Premium inks for vibrant photos
  • All-in-one with scanner and copier

Cons

  • Limited stock availability
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
  • 100-sheet paper capacity
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The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is the printer I recommend most often to artists who are tired of spending a fortune on ink cartridges. The refillable tank system cuts your cost per print dramatically, making it the best value option in this roundup for artists who print frequently.

With over 2,500 reviews and a 4.1-star rating, this is one of the most battle-tested printers on this list. The 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system produces vibrant photos that look professional, though it uses dye-based inks rather than the pigment inks found in the SureColor line.

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with High Resolution Scanner, Ethernet, USB, and Color Touchscreen customer photo 1

The cost savings are real and significant. Epson claims you can print a 4×6 photo for about 4 cents, compared to 25 to 40 cents on cartridge-based systems. If you sell prints regularly, these savings add up to hundreds of dollars per year. The box includes enough ink for up to 2 years of typical use.

This is also an all-in-one machine with a built-in scanner and copier, which is useful for digitizing original artwork before printing reproductions. The flatbed photo scanner produces high-quality scans that work well for art reproduction purposes.

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with High Resolution Scanner, Ethernet, USB, and Color Touchscreen customer photo 2

Cost Per Print Comparison

The EcoTank system eliminates cartridges entirely. You buy bottled ink and pour it directly into the tanks. A full set of replacement bottles costs significantly less than a set of cartridges for any other printer in this roundup.

For artists running a print-on-demand business from home, this translates to profit margins that are simply not possible with cartridge-based systems. You will recoup the higher initial purchase price within months of regular printing.

All-in-One Functionality for Art Digitization

The built-in photo scanner is genuinely useful for artists. You can scan original artwork at high resolution, then reproduce it at sizes up to 13×19 inches. The color touchscreen makes the scanning and copying process straightforward even for non-technical users.

The 48-bit color depth scanner captures subtle gradations in original artwork that cheaper scanners miss. While it is not a replacement for a dedicated flatbed art scanner, it handles the digitization needs of most working artists perfectly well.

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6. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S – 8-Color Professional Photo Printer

TOP RATED
Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer, 3″ Color LCD, 8-Color Dye Ink, Black

Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer, 3″ Color LCD, 8-Color Dye Ink, Black

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 / 5

13-inch format

8-color dye-based Chromalife100 Plus ink

Borderless to 13x19

A3+ in 90 seconds

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Pros

  • 8-color dye-based ink system for vibrant prints
  • Borderless printing from 3.5 inches to 13x19
  • Fast A3+ printing in just 90 seconds
  • Multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi
  • Energy Star certified

Cons

  • Print-only with no scanner or copier
  • Higher ongoing ink costs
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The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S is what I consider the best entry point into professional-grade photo printing. The 8-color dye-based Chromalife100 Plus ink system produces incredibly vibrant prints that pop with color in a way that pigment inks sometimes cannot match.

I tested this printer with glossy photo paper and the results were stunning. The colors are rich, saturated, and have a depth that makes digital art reproductions look like original pieces. At 4.3 stars with 69 percent 5-star reviews, other artists clearly share this assessment.

Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13

Speed is a genuine strength here. The PRO-200S produces an A3+ print in just 90 seconds, which is significantly faster than most dedicated photo printers in this size class. If you need to produce prints in volume for art fairs or online orders, this speed advantage matters.

The trade-off is that dye-based inks do not offer the same archival longevity as pigment inks. Chromalife100 Plus prints are rated for approximately 100 years under proper storage conditions, which is still excellent but not quite at the 200-year level of pigment systems.

Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13

Vibrant Color Output for Digital Artists

Dye-based inks actually produce a wider color gamut on glossy and semi-gloss papers than pigment inks do. If your artwork is digitally created with bright, saturated colors, the PRO-200S may actually produce more accurate reproductions than more expensive pigment printers.

The 8-color system includes photo cyan, photo magenta, and additional gray inks that expand the color range beyond standard CMYK printing. This extra color depth is visible in skin tones, sky gradients, and the subtle pastel ranges that watercolor artists rely on.

Borderless Printing Capabilities

Borderless printing works from 3.5×3.5 inches all the way up to 13×19 inches, plus panorama sizes up to 13×39 inches. This flexibility means you can produce everything from small art cards to large exhibition prints on the same machine.

The ability to print borderless saves time and paper because you do not need to trim margins after printing. For artists selling prints, this means each piece comes out ready to frame or ship without additional processing.

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7. Epson Expression Photo XP-980 – Compact 6-Color Photo All-in-One

TOP RATED
Epson Expression Photo XP-980 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Printer

Epson Expression Photo XP-980 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Printer

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 / 5

11x17 inch format

6-color Claria Photo HD ink

5760 x 1440 dpi

Built-in scanner and copier

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Pros

  • 6-color Claria Photo HD inks for stunning photos
  • Borderless printing up to 11x17 inches
  • Fast 4x6 photo printing in 11 seconds
  • Built-in scanner copier and CD printing
  • 4.3-inch color touchscreen with Easy Mode

Cons

  • Designed exclusively for Epson Genuine Cartridges
  • Lower print speed for larger formats
  • Smaller 120-sheet capacity
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The Epson Expression Photo XP-980 is the most compact option in this roundup, and it brings genuine 6-color photo printing to artists with limited studio space. While it tops out at 11×17 inches rather than 13×19, the print quality at that size is genuinely impressive.

I was surprised by how good the Claria Photo HD ink system performs. The 6-color setup produces richer photos than standard 4-color printers, with visibly better skin tones and smoother gradients. For artists who primarily sell smaller prints, this machine covers the essentials beautifully.

Epson Expression Photo XP-980 Wireless Wide-Format Printer with 6-Color Claria Ink System, Borderless Printing up to 11

The 4.3-inch color touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate. Epson included an Easy Mode that simplifies the interface further, which is helpful if you share the printer with family members who are less tech-savvy. The Creative Print mobile app adds fun templates and projects.

The built-in flatbed scanner and copier round out the package. For artists who need to digitize sketches or reference photos alongside their printing work, having everything in one compact unit is genuinely convenient.

Print Quality at 11×17 Size

The 5760×1440 dpi resolution produces sharp, detailed prints that hold up well even at close viewing distance. At 11×17 inches, the detail level is more than sufficient for selling prints, creating portfolio pieces, or producing art for small exhibitions.

The borderless printing capability means your 11×17 prints come out edge-to-edge without white borders, which is what most customers expect when buying art prints in this size.

Everyday Functionality Beyond Art Printing

The XP-980 handles everyday printing tasks well too, which makes it a good choice for artists who need one printer for both art and general household or office use. The automatic duplex printing saves paper on documents, and the Wi-Fi Direct connectivity makes wireless printing simple.

The trade-off is that ink costs are higher per print than the EcoTank system. If you print more than occasionally, the ET-8550 will save you money over time despite the higher upfront cost.

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8. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 – Budget 13×19 Wide Format Printer

BUDGET PICK
Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Inkjet Printer

Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Inkjet Printer

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 / 5

13x19 inch format

DURABrite Ultra pigment ink

4800 x 2400 dpi

500-sheet capacity

Auto duplex

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Pros

  • Wide format printing up to 13x19 inches
  • DURABrite Ultra instant-dry pigment inks
  • 500-sheet paper capacity for high volume
  • Auto double-sided printing
  • Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity
  • Zero warmup time with low energy use

Cons

  • Designed exclusively for Epson Genuine Cartridges
  • Limited stock availability
  • Not optimized for fine art papers
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The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 is the most affordable way to get into 13×19 inch printing. It uses DURABrite Ultra pigment inks, which sets it apart from similarly priced dye-based printers. For artists on a tight budget who still want archival quality, this is where I point them first.

The DURABrite Ultra ink is instant-dry and pigment-based, meaning prints resist water damage and fading better than dye-based alternatives. While it is not the same caliber as Epson’s UltraChrome PRO inks, it is a significant step up from standard dye inks at this price point.

Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 Wireless Wide-Format Printer with Print up to 13

The 500-sheet paper capacity across three trays is exceptional for this price range. You can load different paper sizes simultaneously and switch between them without reloading. This is genuinely useful for artists who print both small proofs and final large prints.

Automatic double-sided printing works up to 11×17 inches, which is handy for creating art books, zines, or promotional materials. The zero warmup time means the printer is ready to go instantly, which is a small but appreciated quality-of-life feature.

Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 Wireless Wide-Format Printer with Print up to 13

Pigment Ink at a Budget Price Point

Finding pigment ink printing at this price is genuinely rare. DURABrite Ultra inks produce water-resistant prints that are suitable for selling, though they will not match the color gamut or archival ratings of the professional pigment printers higher on this list.

For artists who are just starting to sell prints and need to keep costs low, the WF-7310 offers a real path to professional output without the professional price tag. You can always upgrade later as your business grows.

Speed and Volume Printing

The PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology delivers fast print speeds of 25 pages per minute in black and 12 pages per minute in color. This makes the WF-7310 suitable for artists who need to produce large quantities of prints for art fairs, markets, or wholesale orders.

The 2.4-inch color display and Smart Panel app make operation straightforward. Wi-Fi 5 connectivity ensures stable wireless printing, and Wi-Fi Direct lets you print from mobile devices without needing a network connection.

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How to Choose the Best Wide Format Printer for Your Art?

After testing all 8 printers, I identified the key factors that matter most for artists. Here is what you should consider before making your decision.

Pigment Ink vs Dye Ink

This is the single most important decision you will make. Pigment inks sit on the paper surface, producing sharper detail, better water resistance, and dramatically longer print permanence. Dye inks absorb into the paper, producing more vibrant colors on glossy paper but with shorter archival ratings.

For artists selling prints, pigment ink is the standard. Look for printers using Epson UltraChrome PRO or Canon LUCIA PRO ink systems for true archival quality. The EcoTank ET-8550 uses dye inks but offers incredible value for artists who prioritize cost savings over maximum longevity.

Print Size and Format

Think about what sizes you actually sell. A3+ (13×19 inches) covers the most common art print sizes and fits in standard frames. A2 (17×22 inches) gives you larger statement pieces. 24-inch wide format opens up gallery wraps and oversized prints but requires significant studio space.

If you are unsure, start with 13-inch. You can always upgrade to a larger format later, and 13×19 prints are the bread and butter of most art print businesses.

Paper Handling and Fine Art Media

Check the maximum paper weight the printer supports. Fine art papers like cotton rag can be 300gsm or heavier, and not all printers handle this well. The Epson P700 handles media up to 1.5mm thick, while the Canon PRO-2100 excels with heavy fine art stock thanks to its air feeding system.

Roll feed support matters if you want to print on canvas or produce panoramic pieces. The Canon PRO-2100 includes a Multifunction Roll System, while most 13-inch printers are sheet-feed only.

Print Head Maintenance and Clogging Prevention

Print head clogging is the number one complaint I see in artist forums. If your printer sits unused for a week or more, pigment inks can dry and clog the nozzles. Canon’s anti-clogging technology in the PRO-310 and PRO-1100 is specifically designed to address this problem.

The best prevention is to print regularly. Even a small test print once a week keeps the nozzles clear. Some artists set a recurring reminder to print a small color chart to keep their printer in good shape.

Ink Costs and Long-Term Expenses

The purchase price is only part of the story. Replacement ink for professional pigment printers can cost hundreds of dollars per set. The EcoTank ET-8550 sidesteps this entirely with its refillable tank system, offering the lowest cost per print of any printer in this roundup.

Calculate your expected print volume and multiply by the cost per print before deciding. A more expensive printer with cheaper ink can save money over time compared to a cheaper printer with expensive cartridges.

When to Print In-House vs Outsource

If you print fewer than 20 pieces per month, outsourcing to a professional print service may be more cost-effective. The break-even point depends on your printer’s cost per print and the volume you produce. Many artists start with outsourcing, then bring printing in-house once their print sales justify the investment.

FAQs

What printers do professional artists use?

Professional artists typically use pigment-based wide format printers like the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100, Epson SureColor P700, or Canon PRO-2100. These printers use archival pigment inks that produce gallery-quality prints rated for 100 to 200 years of display permanence. The specific model depends on the artist’s typical print size and budget.

What is the best wide format printer for artists?

The Canon PRO-2100 is the best wide format printer for professional artists, offering 24-inch printing with a 12-color pigment ink system and gallery-quality output. For budget-conscious artists, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 offers the best value with its cartridge-free refillable ink system and 6-color Claria inks.

What is the best print on demand option for artists?

For in-house print on demand, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is the best option because its refillable ink tank system delivers the lowest cost per print at roughly 4 cents for a 4×6 photo. For online print on demand services, Fine Art America and Printful are popular choices that handle production and shipping for artists who prefer not to print themselves.

Which Epson EcoTank is best for art prints?

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the best EcoTank model for art prints. It uses a 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system that produces vibrant, professional-quality photos and prints up to 13×19 inches. The refillable tank system makes it the most cost-effective option for artists who print frequently.

Final Thoughts on Wide Format Printers for Artists

Finding the best wide format printers for artists comes down to matching the printer to your specific needs. For professional gallery work, the Canon PRO-2100 delivers unmatched 24-inch quality. For value-conscious artists, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 offers incredible cost savings. And for budget beginners, the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7310 provides genuine 13×19 pigment printing at an accessible price.

Whatever you choose, invest time in learning color management, experiment with different papers, and print regularly to keep your print head clear. Your art deserves to be reproduced with the quality and care you put into creating it, and any of these 8 printers will help you do exactly that in 2026.

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