Artistic Printing Redefined: 9 Supreme Giclee Printers for Fine Art

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Last Updated on November 18, 2023 by Dee

Dive into the world of exceptional art reproduction with our selection of the top 9 fine art Giclee printers. Chosen for their unparalleled quality and precision, these printers are a must-have for anyone serious about bringing their artwork to life. Ideal for professional artists, gallery owners, or art enthusiasts, our guide covers the best options available, tailored to fit various needs and budgets.

Discover printers that offer exceptional color accuracy and meticulous detail, transforming each of your pieces into a true masterpiece. Join us as we explore the finest Giclee printers that stand out for producing high-quality prints, and find the one that perfectly suits your art printing endeavors!

9 Best Printers for Giclee Fine Art

**This page may contain affiliate links to products I have used or recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.**

CANON PRO 2100 24 WIDE, FORMAT FINE ART PRINTER

Rating: 4.8 stars

If you’re looking for a wide-format fine art printer, then the CANON PRO 2100 is definitely worth considering. Its high-quality prints and direct printing capabilities make it a great option for artists and photographers alike.

Pros

• Direct printing capability from Photoshop and other software
• High-quality prints
• One-year on-site warranty by Canon

Cons

• Expensive ink cartridges
• Large size may not be suitable for smaller spaces
• Initial calibration can be time-consuming

We’ve been using the CANON PRO 2100 in our studio for several months now, and we’ve been impressed with the quality of the prints it produces. The direct printing capability from Photoshop and other software means that we don’t need to use RIP software, which saves us time and hassle.

One thing to remember is that this printer’s ink cartridges can be quite expensive, so it’s important to factor that into your budget. Additionally, the printer itself is quite large, so it may not be suitable for smaller spaces.

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Printer

Rating: 4.8 stars

If you’re looking for a fine art giclee printer that prints wide format, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a great option. With its high-accuracy printhead and Claria ET Premium 6-color inks, you can expect lab-quality photos, graphics, and creative projects.

Here’s our take on the pros and cons of this printer:

Pros

• Cartridge-free printing: With no cartridges to replace, you can save up to 80% with low-cost replacement ink bottles. Plus, you’ll be doing your part for the environment by producing zero cartridge waste.
• Extraordinary media support: The printer accommodates cardstock, CD/DVDs, and other specialty media up to 1.3 mm thick and can print borderless photos up to 13″ x 19″.
• Intuitive touch display and wireless connectivity: The 4.3″ color display and voice-activated printing make it easy to operate the printer directly from your mobile device.

Cons

• Slow printing speed: The printer takes longer to print than other models on the market.
• Large size: The printer is large and may take up more space than you’re willing to give up.
• Expensive upfront cost: The initial cost of the printer is higher than some other models, but it may save you money in the long run with its low-cost replacement ink bottles.

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a solid choice for those looking for a fine art giclee printer. The print quality is excellent, and the ability to print on a variety of media is a big plus. While the printing speed is slower than some other models, the convenience of cartridge-free printing and low-cost replacement ink bottles make it a worthwhile investment.

If you’re looking for a high-quality printer that can handle a variety of media and produce stunning prints, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is definitely worth considering.

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer

Rating: 4.8 stars

If you’re looking for a high-quality fine art giclee printer, the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is a great option. With its professional ultra HD photo quality, individual 6-color Claria photo HD ink, and a 50-sheet rear tray for specialty media, you can easily produce stunning prints up to 13 inches X 19 inches.

Pros

• Professional ultra HD photo quality
• Individual 6-color Claria photo HD ink
• 50-sheet rear tray for specialty media

Cons

• Designed to work exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges
• Firmware updates may affect the functionality of third-party ink
• Sound pressure level may be a bit high

This printer is ultra-compact and fits easily on a desktop. The individual 6-color Claria photo HD ink system produces brilliant borderless prints with an ultra-wide color gamut and enhanced black and white prints. The 50-sheet rear tray for specialty media is a great feature that accommodates a variety of paper finishes and borderless sizes from 4 inches X 6 inches to 13 inches X 19 inches.

The printer also has convenient printing features that support auto 2-sided document printing, with a 200-sheet front tray, and you’ll never run out of ink again thanks to the Dash Replenishment feature that keeps track of your ink usage and orders more when you’re running low.

However, it’s important to note that the printer is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Using non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s limited warranty.

Firmware updates may also affect the functionality of third-party ink, so it’s best to stick with Epson cartridges. The sound pressure level may also be a bit high, so it might not be the best option for a quiet workspace.

Epson Expression Photo XP-970 Wireless Color Photo Printer

Rating: 4.5 stars

If you’re looking for a versatile and high-quality fine art giclee printer, the Epson Expression Photo XP-970 is a great choice.

Pros

• The 6-color Claria Photo HD Inks produce stunning, borderless photos up to 11″ x 17″ with smooth gradations and amazing skin tones.
• With fast printing speeds, you can get 4″ x 6″ photos in as fast as 11 seconds.
• The fold-over scan lid securely holds originals in place, making it easy to scan and copy.

Cons

• The printer is picky with paper and may reject certain types of paper.
• The rear paper feed accommodates specialty paper but only supports manual two-sided printing.
• Some users have reported issues with the printer’s Wi-Fi connectivity.

We’ve had a chance to use the Epson Expression Photo XP-970 and have been impressed with its performance. The printer’s 6-color Claria Photo HD Inks produce stunning, borderless photos up to 11″ x 17″ with smooth gradations and amazing skin tones. We were also pleasantly surprised by how fast the printer can produce 4″ x 6″ photos, with some prints being ready in as fast as 11 seconds.

The fold-over scan lid is a convenient feature that securely holds originals in place, making it easy to scan and copy. However, we found that the printer can be picky with paper and may reject certain paper types. Additionally, while the rear paper feed accommodates specialty paper, it only supports manual two-sided printing.

Some users have reported issues with the printer’s Wi-Fi connectivity, so it’s worth keeping that in mind if you use the printer wirelessly. Overall, the Epson Expression Photo XP-970 is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and high-quality fine art giclee printer.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 Professional Photographic Inkjet Printer

Rating: 4.6 stars

If you’re looking for a professional-grade fine art giclee printer, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The anti-clogging technology generates faster print speeds and reduces the possibility of clogging.
• The air feeding system prevents each page from skewing for accurate ink placement, regardless of paper type.
• The Lucia Pro 11-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system provides a broader color gamut for superb glossiness/anti-bronzing.

Cons

• The printer is quite heavy, weighing in at 70.5 pounds.
• It’s a bit pricey compared to other fine art giclee printers on the market.
• Some users have reported issues with the printer’s software.

We’ve been using the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 for a few months now, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The printer’s anti-clogging technology ensures that we can print quickly without worrying about clogs or jams. The air feeding system also works well, preventing any skewing or misalignment of the paper during printing.

The Lucia Pro 11-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system is another standout feature of this printer. It provides a wide color gamut that helps improve color-reproduction, image clarity, and enhanced darker areas. We’ve been able to achieve deep blacks and precise gradation across all media types, which has made our prints look crisp and true to life.

However, there are a few downsides to this printer. It’s quite heavy, making it difficult to move around or transport. It’s also a bit pricey compared to other fine art giclee printers on the market, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget. Finally, some users have reported issues with the printer’s software, although we haven’t experienced any problems ourselves.

Canon Pixma Pro-100 Wireless Color Professional Inkjet Printer

Rating: 4.7 stars

If you’re looking for a large format, professional-quality printer for your fine art giclee prints, the Canon Pixma Pro-100 Wireless Color Professional Inkjet Printer is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The 8-ink dye-based ChromaLife100+ system produces unique gradients and vivid colors, with three dedicated grayscale inks for beautiful black & white prints.
• The Optimum Image Generating System analyzes each area of the print and chooses the best ink mixture, reproducing colors as you intended them.
• Compatible with individual CLI 42 ink tanks, so you only need to replace the inks that run out.

Cons

• The printer is heavy and takes up a lot of space, so it may not be ideal for small studios or home offices.
• Some users have reported issues with the printer’s network connectivity and software compatibility.
• Replacement ink cartridges can be expensive.

The Canon Pixma Pro-100 produces stunning, professional-quality prints with incredible detail and color accuracy. The printer’s 4800 x 2400 dots per inch resolution and FINE technology allow for microscopic droplets and high resolution, while the Chroma Optimizer brings uniform ink height over the printed image and regulates surface reflection.

The printer’s two-way paper feeding provides a rear tray for most supported media types and a dedicated manual feed in the back of the printer for easy loading of thicker papers. The built-in Wi-Fi and AirPrint capabilities make it easy to print from multiple devices, and the Print Studio Pro plug-in software provides professional photographers with effective printing solutions.

Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-4100 44-Inch Large-Format Inkjet Printer

Rating: 4.8 stars

If you’re looking for a professional-grade fine art giclee printer, the Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-4100 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The L-COA PRO high-precision control engine ensures exceptional print quality and accuracy.
• The 11-color LUCIA PRO ink set produces vivid, true-to-life colors with excellent gradation and detail.
• The 1.28-inch wide print head with 18,432 nozzles ensures fast, efficient printing with minimal ink waste.

Cons

• At 345 pounds, this printer is quite heavy and may be difficult to move around.
• The printer is quite large, so you’ll need a decent amount of space to accommodate it.
• The price point of this printer may be out of reach for some individuals.

The Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-4100 is a top-of-the-line fine art giclee printer that delivers exceptional results. The L-COA PRO high-precision control engine ensures that each print is of the highest quality, with accurate colors and sharp details.

The 11-color LUCIA PRO ink set produces stunning, true-to-life colors with excellent gradation and detail. With the 1.28-inch wide print head and anti-clogging technology, you can be sure that your prints will come out quickly and efficiently with minimal ink waste.

However, it’s worth noting that this printer is quite large and heavy, so you’ll need a decent amount of space to accommodate it. With a price point that may be out of reach for some individuals, it’s important to consider your budget before purchasing.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer

Rating: 4.6 stars

If you’re looking for a professional photo and fine art printer, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is a great choice. It offers high-quality prints with a wide color gamut and deeper blacks on fine art paper. The 9-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system is designed to meet the demands of every photographer, from advanced amateurs to professionals. With a smaller footprint, this printer is perfect for those who need professional image quality, productivity, and outstanding workflow.

Pros

• The printer offers gallery-quality color and black-and-white prints with detailed gradations.
• It has a wide color gamut and deeper blacks on fine art paper thanks to the new Matte Black ink.
• The 9-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system is designed to meet the demands of every photographer.

Cons

• The printer is quite heavy, weighing in at 14.3 kilograms.
• It may not be the best choice for those who are looking for a budget-friendly option.
• The printer is quite large, so it may not be suitable for those with limited space.

We highly recommend the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 for those who need a professional photo and fine art printer. The printer offers high-quality prints with a wide color gamut and deeper blacks on fine art paper. The 9-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system is designed to meet the demands of every photographer, from advanced amateurs to professionals.

In terms of pros, the printer offers gallery-quality color and black-and-white prints with detailed gradations. It has a wide color gamut and deeper blacks on fine art paper thanks to the new Matte Black ink. Additionally, the 9-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system is designed to meet the demands of every photographer.

However, there are a few cons to consider. The printer is quite heavy, weighing in at 14.3 kilograms. It may not be the best choice for those who are looking for a budget-friendly option. Additionally, the printer is quite large, so it may not be suitable for those with limited space.

Canon TS9521C All-In-One Wireless Crafting Photo Printer

Rating: 4.6 stars

If you’re looking for a versatile printer that can handle all your everyday printing needs and crafting projects, the Canon TS9521C All-In-One Wireless Crafting Photo Printer is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The PIXMA TS9521C has 5 Individual Inks that are ready for craft projects & everyday needs; ChromaLife100 protects photos from fading; 100 years; Album, 30 years; Behind glass, 20 years; Without glass
• Print from all your favorite devices, whether that is a smartphone, tablet, memory card, or computer. With Air Print, Morea Print Service, and Wi-Fi, the PIXMA TS9521C is ready for all your devices.
• With 12’x12 inches paper support, booklet layout copy, oversized scanning, and Auto Document Feeder for multi-page documents, the PIXMA TS9521C is extremely versatile and ready to handle lots of projects.

Cons

• The printer is quite bulky and heavy, which can make it difficult to move around or store in small spaces.
• The ink cartridges can be expensive to replace, especially if you do a lot of printing.
• The printer can be noisy when in use, which may be a concern if you need to use it in a quiet environment.

[Related article: What’s the right digital art canvas size?)

Hand-picked archival Giclee papers for Giclee Printing

Choosing the right paper for professional giclee art printing can be daunting. With so many options available, selecting a fine art paper that meets your specific needs is essential.

This list has compiled seven of the best quality giclee printer paper packs ideal for professional art reproduction.

Each paper pack has unique attributes and characteristics that make them stand out. We have selected these papers based on their high quality, archival durability, texture, and compatibility with various inkjet printers.

This list covers you whether you’re an artist, photographer, or printer.

1. PPD Inkjet White Giclee Archival Velvet Etching Paper: This heavyweight (270g 72lb) art paper is lightly textured with German Etching quality. It is a mix of cotton rag and alfa cellulose fibers, making it an actual art gallery paper perfect for reproducing high-quality art images and artworks. It is acid-free and has high longevity, making it archival quality. You can use this paper with any inkjet printer in the list above.
2. PPD Inkjet Canvas 100% Real Printable Cotton LTR 8.5 x 11″: If you’re looking for the real deal, this is the paper for you. These canvas sheets are made of 100% natural cotton weave, not a cheaper paper-coated canvas. You can print high-resolution images and prints from your home or office with any inkjet printer. The canvas is coated in a matt finish and has a luxurious weight of 340gsm/125lb. Packaged with ten sheets of 8.5×11″ size, the canvas fabric is specially coated on one side for printing. You can use it to create artistic prints, portraits, landscapes, and much more.
3. PPD Inkjet Canvas 100% Real Printable Cotton Canvas 11 x 17″: This is the same as the paper mentioned above but comes in a larger size of 11×17″. Again, you can use any inkjet printer to print high-resolution images and prints from your home or office. It’s perfect for creating art prints, portraits, landscapes, and much more.
4. Strathmore (59-771 Watercolor Inkjet Paper, 8.5″x11″, 8 Sheets, White: This inkjet paper is ideal for replicating watercolor artwork. It’s 80lb and comes in a pack of 8.5×11″ size with eight sheets. This paper is compatible with any inkjet printer in the list above.
5. ProMaster PhotoImage Artiste Fine Art Inkjet Paper – 100% Cotton – 11 x 17” – 20 Sheets: This natural watercolor cotton paper comes in a pack of 11×17″ size with 20 sheets. It’s 100% cotton and weighs 300gsm. It’s perfect for high-quality art reproductions, fine art photography, and other creative printing projects.
6. Strathmore (59-701 Textured Inkjet Paper, 8.5″x11″, 25 Sheets, White: This inkjet paper has a textured surface that measures 8.5×11 inches. It’s 80lb and comes in a pack of 25 sheets. This paper is US-made and compatible with any inkjet printer listed above.
7. Hahnemuhle Bamboo Fine Art Paper (8.5 x 11″): This is an environmentally friendly paper made of 90% bamboo and 10% cotton. It comes in a pack of 25 sheets of 8.5×11″ size with a weight of 290gsm. The paper has a premium matte inkjet coating that meets industry standards. It’s archival quality and compatible with pigmented and dye inkjet systems. It’s ideal for photo and fine art reproduction, digital art, photography, and more.

Giclee Prints – What they are and how to make them.

A giclee print is a high-quality fine art print made using an inkjet printer that produces highly detailed and vibrant images with a wide range of colors.

To create a long-lasting and fade-resistant print, the process involves spraying microscopic droplets of pigment-based inks onto high-quality archival paper or canvas.

To make your own giclee print, you will need an inkjet printer with high-quality pigment-based inks, archival paper or canvas, and a color calibration tool to ensure accurate color reproduction.

Here are the steps to make your own giclee print:

1. Choose your image: Select a high-resolution digital image or scan your artwork at a high resolution.
2. Prepare your printer: Make sure your printer is loaded with the appropriate pigment-based inks and has been calibrated for color accuracy.
3. Choose your paper: Select a high-quality archival paper or canvas that is compatible with your printer and is appropriate for your desired print size.
4. Print your image: Use your printer to print your image onto the selected paper or canvas. Make sure to adjust your printer settings to ensure optimal color and detail.
5. Dry your print: Allow your print to dry completely before handling or framing.

By following these steps and using high-quality materials, you can create your giclee print that will last many years.

You can also read my in-depth article: How to Make Prints of Your Art? Top Tips to Get the Perfect Results!

Which kind of printer should you use for Giclee?

Inkjet printers are generally preferred for Giclee printing because they produce high-quality prints with fine details, vibrant colors, and smooth tonal transitions.

They are also compatible with various paper types and sizes, making them ideal for printing on various materials such as fine art papers and canvases.

On the other hand, laser printers use toner rather than ink and are better suited for printing text and graphics on plain paper, rather than reproducing fine art.

However, some manufacturers produce laser printers specifically for Giclee printing, but these tend to be more expensive than inkjet printers.

Overall, inkjet printers are the most commonly used and recommended for Giclee printing.

Laser vs Inkjet Printers

Laser and inkjet printers are two different types of printers with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Inkjet printers use liquid ink cartridges to spray tiny ink droplets onto the paper. They are often cheaper to purchase than laser printers and are better suited for printing photographs and color graphics.

Inkjet printers can produce high-quality, vibrant color prints with sharp details and accurate color reproduction.

Laser printers, on the other hand, use toner cartridges and a heated fuser to fuse the toner to the paper.

They are typically more expensive to purchase than inkjet printers, but they are faster and more efficient when printing large volumes of text documents.

Laser printers are also better suited for printing black-and-white documents as they can produce crisp, sharp text.

When it comes to giclee printing, both inkjet and laser printers can produce high-quality prints, but inkjet printers are generally preferred due to their ability to produce accurate color reproduction and fine detail.

Inkjet printers are also better suited for printing on fine art papers and other specialty media.

Other Giclee Printer Factors to consider:

Printing Speed

When choosing a Giclee printer, the printing speed can be an important factor to consider, especially if you need to print a high volume of artwork.

Inkjet printers generally have slower printing speeds compared to laser printers, but some high-end inkjet models can produce prints at a faster rate.

Quality Of Ink in Art Prints

The quality of the ink used in Giclee printing is crucial to achieving high-quality, long-lasting prints.

Pigment-based inks are preferred over dye-based inks for Giclee printing, as they provide better color accuracy, fade resistance, and longevity.

Ink Droplet Size

The size of the ink droplets that the printer can produce affects the level of detail in the final print. Smaller ink droplets allow for finer details and smoother color transitions, resulting in a higher-quality print. Look for fine art printers with smaller ink droplet sizes for the best results.

Print Sizes for an Art Printer

The size of the prints you need to produce will also determine the type of Giclee printer you should consider. Inkjet printers are more flexible when it comes to print size, with some models able to handle large format prints up to 44 inches wide. Laser printers are more suited to smaller print sizes and are not typically used for large-format printing.

Frequently asked questions about Fine Art Giclee Printers…

What is the difference between a print and a giclee print?

A giclee print is a high-quality reproduction of original artwork created using specialized printers and archival inks. The main difference is in the level of detail, color accuracy, and print longevity.

Is Giclee printing worth it?

Yes, giclee printing is worth it if you want to create high-quality reproductions of your artwork that can last many years without fading or deteriorating. It’s also a great option for artists who want to sell their work to collectors or display it in galleries.

Is a giclee print better than an art print?

A giclee print is generally better than a standard art print in terms of quality and longevity. This is because giclee prints use high-quality archival inks and paper, resulting in greater color accuracy, detail, and longevity.

Is giclee just inkjet?

Giclee printing uses inkjet technology, but it involves a specialized process that produces a higher quality and longer-lasting print than standard inkjet printing.

Is it worth buying a giclee print?

Yes, if you want a high-quality reproduction of an original artwork that will last for many years, then a giclee print is worth buying.

What is the difference between a giclee print and a lithograph?

Lithographs are created using a printing process that involves creating a flat image on a stone or metal plate, while giclee prints are produced using specialized printers that spray the ink onto high-quality archival paper. Giclee prints generally offer greater detail and color accuracy than lithographs.

How can I tell if I have a giclee print?

You can tell if you have a giclee print by examining the print quality, color accuracy, and paper texture. Giclee prints generally have greater detail and color accuracy than standard prints, often printed on high-quality archival paper.

Can you use glossy paper in an Epson printer?

Yes, Epson printers can be used to print on glossy paper. However, it’s important to use paper that is compatible with your printer and to adjust your printer settings accordingly.

What is the difference between a canvas print and a giclee fine art print?

A canvas print is a reproduction of an artwork printed onto a canvas, while a giclee fine art print is a high-quality reproduction of an artwork printed on archival paper using specialized printers and inks. Giclee prints are generally considered to be of higher quality than canvas prints.

What paper is used for giclee prints?

The best paper for giclee printing is archival-quality, acid-free fine art paper that is designed to work with specialized giclee printers and inks. Cotton rag paper and alpha-cellulose paper are popular choices for giclee printing.

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