A good art printer should reproduce your colors consistently, handle the paper you love, and make prints at a size that suits your work. A 13-inch desktop printer and a 44-inch production machine can both deliver excellent results—but they solve very different problems.
These nine pigment ink printers span current desktop options, large-format models, and older printers worth evaluating carefully if bought used. Start with your largest intended print, then consider media handling, workspace, and ongoing costs.
Best 9 Pigment Ink Printers for Art Prints Picks for 2026
Best 13-Inch Studio Printer
- Nine pigment colors plus Chroma Optimizer
- Prints up to 13 inches wide
- Matte black ink for deeper dark areas
Best For: Home studios producing 13-inch-wide art prints
Best 17-Inch Fine-Art Printer
- Ten-color ink set includes Violet
- Separate Photo Black and Matte Black nozzles
- Handles media up to 1.5 mm thick
Best For: Artists printing 17-inch-wide work on varied media
Best 24-Inch Studio Printer
- Supports media up to 24 inches wide
- LUCIA PRO II inks target deeper dark tones
- Listed with printhead and ink included
Best For: Studios producing large fine-art and photo prints
Best for Glossy 13-Inch Prints
- UltraChrome Hi-Gloss 2 pigment inks
- Cut-sheet and roll media up to 13 inches
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB
Best For: Colorful glossy art and photo prints
Best for 44-Inch Art Prints
- Prints on media up to 44 inches wide
- LUCIA PRO II inks emphasize dark tones
- Color calibration; one-year on-site warranty
Best For: Professional large-format art printing
Best for 17-Inch Monochrome Prints
- Three-level black ink for monochrome work
- Borderless prints up to 17 inches wide
- Optional feeder needed for roll media
Best For: 17-inch fine-art and black-and-white prints
Best for 17-Inch Art Prints
- 11 pigment inks plus Chroma Optimizer
- Prints up to 17 x 22 inches
- Color-calibration and layout tools
Best For: Artists producing detailed prints up to 17 x 22 inches
Established Pigment Option
- UltraChrome K3 pigment inks
- 2880 x 1440 dpi specified resolution
- Verify conflicting media-size listings
Best For: Artists seeking Epson pigment output with USB connectivity
Best Heavy-Duty Pick
- Prints up to 44 inches wide
- 12 individual LUCIA PRO pigment inks
- Automatic color calibration
Best For: Studios producing oversized art prints
Best 13-Inch Studio Printer – Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310
Among pigment ink printers for art prints, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is a practical choice for artists who want to produce prints up to 13 inches wide. Its nine-color pigment ink system plus Chroma Optimizer is designed for gallery-quality output, while dedicated matte black ink supports richer dark areas.
Best For: Artists making 13-inch-wide photo and fine-art prints at home or in a small studio.
Pros:
- LUCIA PRO II inks offer improved gloss uniformity and scratch resistance.
- Supports 13-by-19-inch sheets and custom lengths up to 129 inches.
- Anti-clogging and skew-correction features help with routine printing.
Cons:
- Limited to 13-inch-wide media.
- Print-only design is not suited to scanning or copying.
The PRO-310 balances pigment-ink print features with a relatively modest maximum width. Choose it if 13-inch-wide output meets your needs; look at a wider model for larger pieces.
Best 17-Inch Fine-Art Printer – Epson SureColor P900
The Epson SureColor P900 gives artists shopping for pigment ink printers for art prints room to work at up to 17 inches wide. Its ten-color UltraChrome PRO10 ink set includes Violet for a wide color gamut, and separate nozzles for Photo Black and Matte Black eliminate switching between those inks.
Best For: Artists and photographers printing larger work across glossy, matte, and thicker fine-art media.
Pros:
- Handles sheet media up to 1.5 mm thick; roll printing is supported with an accessory.
- Dedicated black-ink nozzles avoid Photo Black/Matte Black switching.
- Carbon Black Driver mode increases black density on glossy papers.
- Includes a 4.3-inch touchscreen and wireless connectivity.
Cons:
- Roll printing requires a separate accessory.
- Designed exclusively for Epson cartridges.
The P900 is the flexible pick when 13-inch output feels restrictive but a 24-inch printer is more than you need. Its media handling is especially useful if you work on different paper surfaces.
Best 24-Inch Studio Printer – Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600
For studios comparing pigment ink printers for art prints at a larger scale, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600 supports media up to 24 inches wide. Its reformulated LUCIA PRO II inks are described as offering improved black density, a wider dark-color gamut, scratch resistance, and light resistance.
Best For: Professional studios producing 24-inch-wide fine-art, photo, or canvas prints.
Pros:
- Supports 24-inch-wide output for larger artwork.
- Ink formulation emphasizes dark tones, scratch resistance, and light resistance.
- Printhead and ink are included in the listed package.
Cons:
- At 223 pounds and 40 inches wide, it requires substantial space and planning.
- Its 24-inch capacity may be excessive for artists who only make small prints.
The PRO-2600 makes sense when larger formats are a regular part of your work. Check the listing’s included supplies and one-year on-site warranty terms before ordering, since this offer is presented by a reseller.
Best for Glossy 13-Inch Prints – Epson Stylus Photo R2000
Epson Stylus Photo R2000 Wireless Wide-Format Color Inkjet Printer (C11CB35201)
Check Price On AmazonAmong pigment ink printers for art prints, the Epson Stylus Photo R2000 is a practical choice if you want vibrant color and a smooth, glossy finish without moving to a larger-format machine. Its UltraChrome Hi-Gloss 2 ink set includes a gloss optimizer, and it handles media up to 13 inches wide.
Best For: Artists making colorful photo and art prints on glossy media, with occasional matte or fine-art work.
Pros:
- Supports cut sheets and roll paper up to 13 inches wide, plus canvas and thick board.
- Automatically selects Photo Black or Matte Black ink for the paper type.
- Offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity.
Cons:
- Limited to 13-inch-wide media.
- No automatic duplex printing.
Choose the R2000 for its glossy-print emphasis and flexible media handling; look elsewhere if your artwork regularly needs wider paper.
Best for 44-Inch Art Prints – Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4600
For studios comparing pigment ink printers for art prints at exhibition scale, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4600 offers a 44-inch media width. Its reformulated LUCIA PRO II inks are described as providing improved black density, a wider dark-color gamut, and high light resistance.
Best For: Professional studios producing large-format fine-art or photographic prints.
Pros:
- Accommodates media up to 44 inches wide.
- Includes color calibration and LUCIA PRO II inks.
- Listing includes a printhead, ink, and a one-year on-site warranty.
Cons:
- At 53 inches wide and 274 pounds, it requires substantial space and careful placement.
- Its professional-scale format may be excessive for small prints.
The PRO-4600 makes the most sense when large print size and dark-tone performance justify a dedicated workspace.
Best for 17-Inch Monochrome Prints – Epson SureColor P800
If you are weighing pigment ink printers for art prints with strong black-and-white capability, the Epson SureColor P800 deserves attention. Its UltraChrome HD ink set uses three levels of black ink, while its media handling supports borderless prints on photo and fine-art papers up to 17 inches wide.
Best For: Photographers and artists making 17-inch color work alongside neutral or toned black-and-white prints.
Pros:
- Three-level black ink and an advanced black-and-white photo mode.
- Handles photo paper, fine-art paper, and posterboard up to 17 inches wide.
- Nine 80 ml cartridges and automatic switching between Photo Black and Matte Black.
Cons:
- Roll printing requires an optional feeder.
- Limited to 17-inch-wide media.
The P800 offers a useful middle ground between 13-inch printers and much larger studio machines, especially when monochrome output matters.
Best for 17-Inch Art Prints – Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100
Among pigment ink printers for art prints, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is a strong choice when you want detailed color and dark areas on prints up to 17 x 22 inches. Its 11 pigment-based inks and Chroma Optimizer are designed for a broad color range and more uniform gloss.
Best For: Artists and photographers making gallery-size prints up to 17 x 22 inches.
Pros:
- LUCIA PRO II inks target accurate color, image clarity, and darker areas.
- Chroma Optimizer helps improve gloss uniformity and reduce bronzing.
- Air-feeding and anti-clogging technologies support precise ink placement.
- Includes print-layout, media-configuration, and color-calibration tools.
Cons:
- At 83 pounds, it needs a sturdy, dedicated spot.
- Its 17-inch width will not cover larger-format work.
Choose this model if print finish and color control matter more than portability. For art wider than 17 inches, consider a larger-format printer.
Established Pigment Option – Epson Stylus Pro 3880
The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 is worth considering among pigment ink printers for art prints if you want Epson UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta pigment inks. Its specified 2880 x 1440 dpi resolution and emphasis on black density suit detail-conscious printmaking.
Best For: Artists who want an Epson pigment-ink printer with professional print controls and USB connectivity.
Pros:
- Uses UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta pigment cartridges.
- Specified 2880 x 1440 dpi resolution supports fine detail.
- Professional controls and a precision print head target image quality.
Cons:
- USB is the listed connectivity option; wireless printing is not specified.
- Automatic duplex printing is not supported.
- Supplied size specifications conflict: maximum media is listed as 11 x 17 inches, while paper size is listed as 17 x 22 inches.
The 3880 is an option for buyers focused on Epson’s pigment ink and black-density capabilities. Confirm supported paper dimensions for your intended artwork before ordering.
Best Heavy-Duty Pick – Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100
For oversized artwork, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4100 brings pigment ink printers for art prints into 44-inch-wide production. Its 12 individual LUCIA PRO pigment-based ink tanks, 2400 x 1200 dpi specified resolution, and automatic color calibration are geared toward consistent large-format output.
Best For: Studios producing art prints up to 44 inches wide that have room for a large-format printer.
Pros:
- Handles prints up to 44 inches wide.
- Integrated color-density sensor supports automatic calibration.
- Ink tanks come in 160 ml, 330 ml, and 700 ml capacities.
- Offers USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Cons:
- At 345 pounds and 68.5 inches wide, it demands substantial space.
- Its large-format setup is more than small-print workflows require.
This is the scale-focused choice of the three: useful when 17-inch prints are too limiting, but difficult to justify if your work rarely needs a 44-inch width.
How We Picked These Pigment Ink Printers for Art Prints
We focused on printers that use pigment inks and offer a practical route to fine-art printing, from 13-inch desktop sheets to 44-inch wide-format output. The selection covers different budgets, print sizes, and workflows rather than treating every printer as interchangeable. We also included older models, where purchase price may be attractive but condition and support matter as much as original specifications. This is a buying comparison, not a claim that we independently tested every printer.
Quick Comparison by Print Size
For a compact workspace and prints up to 13 inches wide, start with the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310. For 17-inch work, compare the Canon PRO-1100 with the Epson SureColor P900; the older Epson P800 and Stylus Pro 3880 are primarily used-market alternatives. The Epson Stylus Photo R2000 is another older wide-format option, but check its exact paper-size and media capabilities before buying. For larger studio output, look to the Canon PRO-2600; the PRO-4100 and PRO-4600 serve buyers who need 44-inch-class printing and have the room and workload to support it.
Key Buying Factors for Pigment Ink Printers for Art Prints
Size, Paper, and Feeding
Choose by the largest image you will print regularly, not an occasional dream project. Check maximum printable width, supported sheet lengths, roll-paper options, and whether the feed path accepts your preferred heavyweight cotton rag or textured media. Borderless printing and thick-paper handling can vary by paper size and feed method.
Color Workflow and Finish
Ink count alone does not guarantee better prints. Look for reliable ICC profiles for your chosen paper, appropriate driver settings, and a calibrated display. If you sell both glossy photographs and matte fine-art prints, consider how each printer handles black inks and surface appearance on those media.
Ownership Costs and Printer Condition
Compare ink capacity, replacement costs, maintenance supplies, and likely print volume—not just the printer price. Pigment printers benefit from regular use. With a discontinued or used model, request a recent nozzle check and sample print, then confirm that ink, maintenance parts, drivers, and service are available for your computer and location.
Who Should Buy Which Pigment Ink Printers for Art Prints?
Choose the PRO-310 if 13-inch prints meet your needs and desk space is limited. Choose the PRO-1100 or P900 if 17-inch fine-art sheets are your main format. Consider the PRO-2600 for a studio moving beyond desktop widths; consider the PRO-4100 or PRO-4600 only when 44-inch work, floor space, and recurring output justify a production-scale purchase. The R2000, P800, and 3880 make the most sense for buyers comfortable evaluating a used printer and accepting higher support risk. Whatever you choose, confirm your paper and workflow before committing to a large ink investment.







