For artists, photographers, and print professionals, selecting the right inkjet printer isn't just about buying equipment—it's about choosing a creative partner that will help bring your vision to life.
Whether you're printing fine art reproductions, photography portfolios, or commercial materials, understanding the different types of inkjet printers and their specific uses is crucial for achieving professional-quality results.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various categories of inkjet printers, their unique capabilities, and how to choose the perfect one for your specific needs. Let's dive into the world of professional printing technology.
Desktop Inkjet Printers
Desktop inkjet printers represent the foundation of professional printing, offering a perfect balance of accessibility and quality for artists and photographers who need professional-grade output in a compact format. These printers are ideal for those just starting their printing business or established professionals who primarily work with smaller format pieces.
What sets professional desktop inkjet printers apart from consumer models is their sophisticated ink systems and superior color accuracy. Many professional desktop models use 8, 10, or even 12 different ink colors, allowing for precise color reproduction and smooth gradients that are essential for fine art and photography prints.
For example, the Canon PIXMA Pro series has established itself as a reliable choice for professional printing, offering exceptional print quality on various media types. These printers excel at producing gallery-quality prints up to 13x19 inches, making them perfect for portfolios, art prints, and photo reproductions.
When working with desktop printers, media compatibility is crucial. At Breathing Color, we've seen countless artists achieve remarkable results using our specialized fine art papers like Pura Smooth and Pura Velvet, which are specifically designed for optimal performance with desktop inkjet printers. These papers, available in convenient sheet sizes from 8.5x11 to 17x22, allow artists to produce museum-quality prints without requiring large-format equipment.
Large Format Printers
Large format printers open up a world of possibilities for artists and print professionals who need to produce bigger pieces or handle higher volume requirements. These printers represent a significant step up in both capabilities and investment, but they can transform a hobby into a thriving business.
Canon imagePROGRAF Series
The Canon imagePROGRAF series stands as a testament to modern printing technology's capabilities. These printers are designed for professionals who refuse to compromise on quality or efficiency. The series includes several models, each catering to different professional needs:
The PRO-2000 offers a perfect entry point into large format printing, while the PRO-4000 and PRO-6000 provide increasingly robust capabilities for higher volume operations. These printers feature Canon's sophisticated color calibration systems and can handle media widths from 24 to 60 inches, making them versatile enough for any professional print shop.
What makes these printers particularly impressive is their compatibility with a wide range of media. When paired with professional-grade materials like Breathing Color's Lyve Canvas or Crystalline Canvas, these printers can produce stunning gallery wraps and fine art reproductions that maintain their vibrancy for generations. The combination of precise printer technology and archival-quality media creates prints that truly stand out in the market.
Epson Professional Series
The Epson Professional Series represents another pinnacle of inkjet printing technology, with their SureColor models setting industry standards for quality and reliability. These printers are renowned for their precise color reproduction and exceptional detail rendering, making them a favorite among fine art printmakers and professional photographers.
Epson's advanced printhead technology and UltraChrome ink systems deliver remarkable color accuracy and longevity. When combined with specialized media like our Elegance Velvet or Optica One papers, these printers can produce prints with extraordinary depth and detail that rival traditional darkroom outputs.
Choosing the Right Printer for Your Needs
Here’s how to choose printer as per your requirements:
Consider Your Output Size
The first step in selecting an inkjet printer is determining your typical output size requirements. This consideration goes beyond just measuring your current needs—it's about planning for future growth.
If you're primarily producing work up to 17x22 inches, a professional desktop printer might be sufficient. However, if you're planning to offer larger formats or expand into gallery wraps, investing in a large format printer could be more cost-effective in the long run.
Our experience working with professional printmakers has shown that many artists start with desktop printers but quickly find themselves limited by size restrictions. That's why we recommend carefully considering future scaling possibilities when making your initial printer investment.
Print Volume Requirements
Your expected print volume should significantly influence your printer choice. Desktop printers are designed for lower volume production, typically handling dozens of prints per week. Large format printers, while requiring a bigger initial investment, are built for higher volume and can efficiently handle hundreds of prints weekly.
Consider also the cost per print at different volumes. While desktop printers might have lower upfront costs, the per-print cost can be higher than large format printers when producing in volume. This becomes especially relevant when printing on premium materials like our Chromata White canvas or Silverada Metallic Canvas, where consistency and efficiency are crucial for profitability.
Media Compatibility
One of the most critical factors in printer selection is media compatibility. Different printers handle various media types with varying degrees of success. Professional-grade printers should be able to handle multiple media types without compromising quality, from fine art papers to canvas and even specialty materials.
A printer's media handling capabilities directly impact your ability to diversify your product offerings. For instance, if you plan to offer both fine art paper prints and gallery wraps, you'll need a printer that can effectively handle both rigid papers and flexible canvas materials.
Our extensive range of compatible media, from Belgian Linen™ to Renaissance Cotton allows artists to expand their offerings while maintaining consistent quality across different materials.
Color Management Options
Advanced color management capabilities are essential for professional printing. Look for printers that offer sophisticated color calibration tools and support for ICC profiles. This ensures consistent color reproduction across different media types and printing sessions.
For optimal results, we recommend using custom ICC profiles specifically designed for your printer and media combinations. This attention to color accuracy is especially important when working with premium materials like our Pura Smooth or Elegance Velvet, where subtle tonal variations can make a significant difference in the final output.
Important Features to Consider
Here are a few features to consider when looking for a printer:
Print Head Technology
Modern inkjet printers use various printhead technologies, each with its advantages. Look for printers with precision droplet control and variable droplet size capabilities. These features ensure smooth gradients and fine detail reproduction, especially crucial when printing art reproductions or professional photography.
Ink Systems
Professional printers typically use pigment-based inks for their superior longevity and color stability. The number of ink colors in the system can range from 8 to 12, with some systems including multiple black inks for improved grayscale printing. Consider the cost and availability of ink replacements as part of your overall operating expenses.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your inkjet printer performing at its best. This includes:
- Performing regular nozzle checks and cleanings
- Keeping the printer environment clean and dust-free
- Maintaining proper humidity levels
- Using high-quality media and inks
Professional tools like our DRS-I Dust Removal System can help maintain print quality by ensuring your media remains clean and dust-free during the printing process.
Proper maintenance not only extends your printer's life but also helps maintain consistent print quality, reducing waste and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Final Words!
Choosing the right inkjet printer is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your artistic or business success. Whether you opt for a professional desktop printer for smaller formats or invest in a large format printer for expanded capabilities, understanding your specific needs and matching them with the right technology is essential.
Remember that the printer is just one part of the equation. The combination of quality equipment, premium media, and proper maintenance creates the foundation for exceptional prints. As you evaluate your options, consider not just your current requirements but also your future growth plans. This forward-thinking approach will help you make an investment that serves you well for years to come.
For the best results, pair your chosen printer with professional-grade materials designed specifically for your application. At Breathing Color, we're committed to helping artists and print professionals achieve outstanding results through our range of premium printing media and supplies. Our technical support team is always available to help you select the perfect combination of printer and media for your specific needs.
Ready to take your printing to the next level? Explore our collection of professional-grade printing media, or contact our team for personalized recommendations for your printing setup.
