Not all printers can print on any medium. If you are printing on special and thick mediums such as canvas, you’ll need to be extra careful with what printer you choose.
If you are a DIYer or even a professional photographer, it’s important to invest in one of the best printers for canvas if you plan on making your very own canvas prints of your artwork or photography.
So without further ado, let’s get to it!
Our Recommendations
- HP T520 – Best Overall
- HP DesignJet T130 – Best For Home Decor
- Epson SureColor T3170 – Best In Innovation and Quality
- Epson Surecolor P600 – Best In Offering Varied Print Services
- Canon Pixma Pro-100 – Best In Customer Service
- Epson Artisan 1430 Printer – Best For Small Business
- Canon Pixma iP8720 Printer – Best For Home Use
- Canon PIXMA PRO-10 Printer – Best For High-Resolution Photo Printing
#1 – HP T520
To start this list we’ve got one of the most popular printers for canvas. Not only is it one of the best printers for canvas currently, but it also provides impressive specs.
The HP T520 is loved by people from all sorts of fields. That’s because it can print nearly anything. It supports a max DPI of 2400 x 1200. On top of that, it supports up to 4 cartridges (1 each: cyan, magenta, yellow, black). It also has 1 GB RAM.
Performance-wise, it’s nearly perfect. Despite its size, it can put out pages at a minimum of 36 seconds. It can print on all sorts of paper including transparencies, canvas, photo paper, etc. It can print on all those papers at a max size of 36″. The 4.3’’ preview screen is also perfect for navigation.
In terms of connectivity, this printer is pretty versatile. It supports both wired and wireless connections. You can also print from your mobile devices using the HP ePrint app. Finally, this printer is also Energy Star-certified. You won’t have to worry about it consuming a whole lot of power.
However, this printer is pretty expensive and isn’t recommended for normal household usage.
Overall, the HPT520 is an industrial-grade canvas printer that can print any kind of paper including canvas. You shouldn’t have any doubts while using this printer.
Pros
- A decent DPI of 2400 x 1200.
- 4 color cartridges supported.
- 1GB built-in RAM.
- 36-second output speed.
- It can print up to 36 inch wide.
- Both wireless and Wired connections are supported.
- Energy-star certified printer.
Cons
- Not recommended for household usage.
- Very expensive.
#2 – HP DesignJet T130
Yes, the HPT520 isn’t for everyone. After all, it’s very expensive and is primarily aimed at professionals. But if you still want a printer that can print all sorts of paper at a decent price, you should opt for the HP DesignJet T130.
The HP DesignJet T130 is a large format printer. It has a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi. Though it’s not quite the 2400 x 1200 resolution, you’ll barely notice the difference. Similar to the T520, it also features a 4-ink cartridge system with cyan, magenta, yellow, and pigment black as colors.
The performance of the T130 is the same as T520. It also prints at 36 seconds per sheet speed. As we’ve mentioned already, it can handle canvas, photo papers, transparencies and all sorts of paper. However, the print size of 24″ is smaller than that of the T520s 36”.
However, the connectivity is the same as the T520. You will get both wireless and wired connection options with this printer. As this printer is Energy Star-certified, it also consumes less power to run.
Our only complaint? For such a high-end price, the build quality isn’t satisfying.
Overall, the HP Designjet T130 is one of the best printers for canvas. For a reasonable price, it provides nearly all of the features of high-end printers.
Pros
- The 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution is pretty decent.
- Robust 4-ink cartridge system.
- Prints out at 36 seconds per A1 Sheet.
- A max print size of 24”.
- Compatible with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection.
- Energy-star certified thus it consumes much less power.
Cons
- Underwhelming build quality.
- Expensive.
#3 – Epson SureColor T3170
If you don’t like HP printers, we recommend the Epson sure color T3170.
The Epson SureColor T3170 features a sleek and minimalistic design that fits anywhere you place it. It comes with a resolution of 2400 x 1200 dpi which is slightly better than the HP T130. It has 4 individual ink cartridges – the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black colors.
For navigation, the Epson T3170 has a 4.3″ Touchscreen LCD. It’s both recyclable and Energy Star-certified. You can rest assured that it is an eco-friendly printer. It also has a slightly better printing speed than the HPT130 via its 34-second print speed.
As for connectivity and compatibility, the options are pretty versatile. You can run this printer on both Windows and Mac. As for connections, you can use USB 3.0, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet cables.
However, maintaining this printer is a bit of a hassle as it only supports Epson T40 Ink cartridges.
Overall, the Epson Surecolor T3170 is a great printer with a lot of premium features. This is also our personal preference for printing canvas.
Pros
- A sleek and minimalistic design.
- The 2400 x 1200 dpi is considered to be standard.
- Both Black and color printing compatible.
- The 4.3″ Touchscreen LCD makes navigation super easy.
- Superfast 34-second print speed.
- USB 3.0, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet cable connectivity options.
Cons
- Only supports Epson T40 Ink cartridges.
#4 – Epson Surecolor P600
If you want flagship quality features but prefer the price to be a bit on the lower side, the Epson Surecolor P600 is for you. It provides a lot of premium features but keeps the price relatively low.
The Epson Surecolor P600 is a duplex printer that prints automatically on both sides. It also has a Maximum Print Resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi. And to add to that, the color range on the ink cartridges of this printer is massive! You can choose up to 9 individual ink cartridges.
The Epson P600 is compatible with a lot of papers. Aside from it being a fabulous canvas printer, it also does a great job of printing plain papers, fine art paper, cut sheets, and many more. To ease up navigation, users get a 3.5” LCD screen.
The connectivity options on this printer are pretty much standard. You have wireless, USB 2.0, and ethernet connections to choose from. You can also use this printer from your mobile devices with the help of Epson iPrint, Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Wi-Fi Direct.
Overall, this is a pretty solid printer for the price. There shouldn’t be any doubt if you choose to buy this printer.
Pros
- Duplex printer.
- A maximum print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi.
- Up to 9 individual ink cartridges to choose from.
- A dynamic 3.5” LCD screen for navigation.
- Support both wireless and wired connections.
- Can be used from mobile through various printing apps.
Cons
- The print head tends to clog up.
#5 – Canon Pixma Pro-100
Finally, we have a printer that’s dedicated to household use. The Canon Pixma Pro-100 is a nifty printer that can print canvas with ease. Aside from it being ideal for home use, it boasts of pretty good specs too.
The Canon Pixma Pro-100 is more of a hybrid printer. Though it has a lot of features from a normal printer, it can also print canvas quite well. The Canon Pixma Pro-100 is an inkJet printer that has a max resolution of up to 4800 x 2400 dpi (black/color). It also comes with 8 individual ink cartridges.
The Canon Pixma Pro-100 has an active area of 13.0” x 19.0″. Though it’s a bit smaller, keep in mind that the price is a bit less too. However, it does come with an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) that can feed up to 150 sheets at once.
As for connectivity, it’s pretty much standard. You’ll get the same Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet connection options with this printer. Additionally, it’s compatible with the latest Windows and MAC pc.
However, at a minimum of 51 seconds, the printing speed is the slowest among all the printers that can print canvas. The printer head will also clog up if it’s inactive for a long time.
Overall, the Canon Pixma Pro-100 is a canvas printer aimed for home use. We don’t recommend it for professional use.
Pros
- A high resolution of up to 4800 x 2400 dpi.
- Supports up to 8 individual ink cartridges.
- A decent active area of 13.0” x 19.0″.
- The ADF can hold up to 150 sheets at once
- Sleek and durable build.
- Compatible with both wireless and wired connections.
Cons
- The printing speed of 51 seconds is really slow.
- The printer head will clog up if it’s inactive for a long time.
#6 – Epson Artisan 1430 Printer
The Epson Artisan printer happens to be one of the best wide-format printers that you can buy especially if you run a small canvas printing business or if your hobby is photography and would like to gift or mount some great photos.
Pros
- The printer lets you print photos that measure 13 by 19 with so much ease.
- The printer itself weighs about 26 pounds and has a tray capacity of 30 sheets for fine art paper-like canvas and 100 sheets for normal paper.
- It has a Wi-Fi connection that allows you to send your photos directly from your smartphone or computer.
- In addition, it has a PictBridge USB port that enables you to connect it to any PictBridge enabled camera.
- The printer is able to print 22 pages per minute in black and 15 pages per minute in color.
- It has a simple setup process that allows you to use it almost immediately after setup.
- It includes an advanced lighting and color correction option that results in great photos which are water, smudge, fade, and scratch-resistant thanks to the Claria Hi-Definition Ink.
- Compared to photo lab prints, photos printed from the EPSON Artisan printer last up to four times more.
Cons
- The ink is costly, and third-party inks cannot be used on this printer.
#7 – Canon Pixma iP8720 Printer
The one thing we love about Canon is that they know a thing or two about photos as they are a great brand when it comes to cameras. But that’s not all about them. Canon also makes great photo printers.
Pros
- While it is smaller than the Pixma Pro model, it is also bigger than most inkjets available in the market which makes it perfect for a home-based photographer who wants to do canvas prints.
- The printer has a tray capacity that holds up to 20 sheets for heavier photo paper and 120 sheets for the regular printing papers.
- The front panel has a space for a DVD and CD tray.
- Although it doesn’t have a PictBridge USB port like the Epson Artisan, it can connect to smartphones and newer cameras via a shared home network or Wi-Fi which lets you print wirelessly from anywhere around the house.
- Photos printed from the Canon Pixma iP8720 printer are of great quality thanks to its six-color ink system that includes a gray ink and a maximum dpi color of 9600 by 2400.
Cons
- Users have reported issues after using it to make a few prints.
#8 – Canon PIXMA PRO-10 Printer
Besides the print speed, the Canon PIXMA Pro-10 give you prints that are worthy of being displayed at art galleries or museums.
Pros
- This printer gives high-quality prints, especially when printing high-resolution photos.
- It comes bundled with the My Image Garden software that allows you to create a banner, calendars, and even collages easily.
- While it can be used by anyone who does photography as a hobby at home, it is best suited for professional-quality prints.
- It uses 10 ink cartridges with one of them being the Chroma Optimizer that is a clear coat designed to help give your print a smoother-looking effect by leveling the printed ink surface.
- The three black inks in the 10 ink cartridge also help print quality monochrome photos.
- You can quickly print from anywhere in your home as the printer supports both Wi-Fi and Ethernet which makes it easy to print from any of your mobile devices without necessarily needing a computer.
Cons
- Besides being large and heavy, it is a bit slow and has no slots for memory cards.
Final Thoughts
When looking to buy the best printers for canvas, it’s important that you do proper research and read online reviews about the different printers you are considering.
Also, consider the frequency of your prints as well as ink price and availability. Remember, there are tons of printers available in the market. But when it comes to what option you have, your preference, need, and space will matter a lot.
All of these printers have different sets of utility. So pick the one that suits you the best!
What Specs Should You Be Looking For In A Printer For Canvas And Why?
Canvas printers are needed by those looking to print on fabric. Canvas printing has really become popular as of late. After all, it is one of the best ways to showcase and preserve memories. Whether looking for consumer options or professional printers, you want to find the printer with the best specs for the money. If you are looking into buying a canvas printer, you will want to know exactly what specs to look for to find the best option. Below, we will discuss some of the specs that you ought to look for in a canvas printer.
1. High DPI
One of the most important specs to look for when you are shopping around for a canvas printer would have to be the DPI level. You want to find a printer that features a high DPI because it will help to ensure that the printer can print at high resolution. Without having a high DPI, the printer’s prints will end up coming out distorted or blurry. The higher the DPI, the sharper the prints will be. Therefore, you want to really identify what DPI level is going to get you the quality prints that you are looking to produce with the printer.
2. Format
Another key thing that you want to look for when you are trying to identify the best printer to get for canvas would have to be the format that it is capable of printing in. For some, they might be interested in printing wide format prints. Therefore, you want to identify a canvas printer that is going to be capable of accommodating paper and media that is as wide as you need it. Some printers are going to be limited in width.
3. Ink Set
When you are looking at printers for canvas printing, you want to find one that has the ink set that you desire. There are different kinds of ink sets and different quantities that you will find in printers for canvas printing. You want to find one that produces high-quality photos and photos that last. For instance, Claria 6-color ink is excellent for printing out canvas prints but a 9-color ink will produce much more detailed prints due to the added color variations. Generally, the more colors in the ink set, the better the photos the printer will be able to produce.
4. Wireless Connectivity
While this isn’t necessarily an essential spec that you want to look for in a canvas printer, it might be one that makes or break your buying decision. After all, having a printer that you can connect to and print from wirelessly can be very convenient. This is especially true when you are talking about such a large and hefty printer like a printer designed for canvas printing. Being able to connect to your printer wirelessly should be a key consideration for anyone that is looking for convenience and ease of use.
5. Size
The size of the printer is likely something that you consider when making a purchasing decision. Typically, you will find a lot of the higher quality printers are large and bulky. However, you will find some compact options on the market that are capable of printing out quality canvas prints. However, with a smaller and more compact printer, you will be limited to the size of the prints that you are able to get from it.
6. Processing Speed
When you are looking to print out canvas prints, you are likely going to be concerned with the processing speed offered. Some printers will be very sluggish and print out at a slow pace because of the lack of processing power. Thus, you want to prioritize finding one that has the ability to process much more complex and large format files with more RAM and processing speed.
7. Touchscreen
Nowadays, you likely want to find a printer that features a built-in touchscreen. Having a printer with a built-in touchscreen makes things a lot easier for operation. Otherwise, you have to go through complex menus with unclear navigation. With a touchscreen, it makes things much simpler and a lot easier to go through menus and sub-menus.
8. Proprietary Features Like Canon’s Image Generating System
Having a printer with an optimum image generating system will help to ensure that you are able to get the most accurate prints possible. The system analyzes your image to come up with the best ink mixture that it should use. It then matches it up with each area of the image in order to ensure that you are getting exactly what you expected from the print. You will find this technology on the high-end PIXMA Pro series that Canon offers.
9. Print Method
You also want to consider the print method being used by the printer in question. You will find high-quality options that do dye-sublimation which are ideal for canvas printer. These printers utilize heat to transfer the dye onto materials like canvas. This will give the best results when printing on various materials but especially canvas.
Overall, there is a lot to consider when you are shopping around for the best canvas printer. There are plenty of specs that you should be considering when looking to identify the right option. The main thing that you want to do is figure out what you will be using the printer for. Once you have identified what you will be using it for, you should be able to narrow down your options much easier. For instance, if you are planning on using it to print high-resolution family photos, you will want to find one with a high enough DPI to print in the resolution you are shooting in and at the format that you are printing.
The more you blow up the photo, the higher the resolution you will want the photo to be in. You also want to factor in what you are using the printer for. If the printer is going to be used in a commercial setting where you need to print large quantities, you will prioritize both quality and speed. There are plenty of options available in the marketplace. By knowing your specific needs, you should be able to identify the best option.