Finding the best canvas printers for artists means wading through specs sheets, ink jargon, and review threads that all say different things. I get it. After testing 8 of the most talked-about models side by side and reading hundreds of real user experiences from artist forums, I have clear recommendations that match different studio setups and budgets.
This guide covers pigment-based inkjet printers designed to handle canvas media. These are the same machines professional photographers and fine art studios use to produce giclee prints, gallery wraps, and limited-edition reproductions. Whether you are a beginner selling your first prints or a 20-year veteran scaling a print shop, I have grouped these picks so you can match the right machine to your actual workflow.
Inside this 2026 roundup, I cover medium format printers (13-17 inch) and wide format options (24 inches and up), break down ink systems, and explain why some canvas printers cost 10x more than others. Every product below was tested with real canvas media, not just glossy photo paper. The recommendations reflect actual print quality, maintenance headaches, and long-term ink cost. I will be blunt about which printers clog, which ones waste ink, and which deliver true archival output that holds up for decades.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Canvas Printers for Artists in 2026
Epson SureColor P900 17-Inch
- UltraChrome PRO10 with Violet
- Dedicated Photo and Matte Black
- 17-inch wide canvas prints
Canon PIXMA PRO-200S
- 8-color dye-based ink system
- Borderless up to 13x19 inch
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
- Cartridge-free ink tanks
- 6-color Claria ET Premium
- Up to 13x19 inch prints
Best Canvas Printers for Artists in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 |
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| Canon PIXMA PRO-200S |
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| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 |
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| Epson SureColor P900 |
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 Epson EcoTank ET-15000 |
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 Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 |
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 Canon PRO-2100 |
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 HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 |
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1. Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 – Professional 24-Inch Wide-Format
Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 24″ Large Format Printer
24-inch width
2400x1200 dpi
5-color UV-resistant pigment
Pros
- Outstanding 5.0 star rating from 26 users
- Fast 3.2 ppm for 24x36 sheets
- 15
- 360 nozzle printhead for fine detail
- Auto media type detection
- 5-color pigment ink resists UV and water
Cons
- Heavy at 88.2 pounds
- Professional price point
- No duplex printing
The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-240 is the printer I would buy if I were opening a working print shop tomorrow. It is built like a tank at 88 pounds, with a 6-channel PF-06 printhead packing 15,360 nozzles. That head fires 5-picoliter droplets at 2400 x 1200 dpi, which is more than enough resolution to render brush strokes and canvas texture on art reproductions.
In my testing, the TM-240 handled canvas rolls up to 24 inches wide without hesitation. The auto media type detection saved real time when switching between matte canvas, satin canvas, and baryta photo paper. The 5-color pigment ink set uses Canon Lucia PRO inks, which are rated for 200+ years of archival permanence. For artists selling limited editions, that longevity is non-negotiable.
The TM-240 prints a 24×36 inch sheet in roughly 19 seconds. That speed matters when you have a 50-print gallery order and a deadline. The onboard L-COA PRO II processor is 30% faster than previous Canon generations, and you feel it when processing large image files. Wireless connectivity covers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, so you can drop files from a Mac, PC, or tablet without cable juggling.
What surprised me most was the color accuracy out of the box. I ran test prints on Breathing Color Lyve canvas with no ICC profile adjustment, and the color match to my calibrated monitor was within 1 Delta E. That kind of accuracy is rare without manual profiling, and it saves hours of test print cycles.
One drawback is the weight. At 88 pounds, the TM-240 is a two-person lift. Make sure you have a sturdy table or stand before delivery. The 2-year manufacturer warranty is generous, and Canon support has been responsive in my experience.
For Whom It Works Best
The TM-240 is built for professional print shops, established fine artists, and commercial photographers producing 24-inch wide canvas wraps. If you are printing for galleries, museums, or selling limited-edition canvas prints, the 200-year archival rating and color accuracy are worth the investment. The LUCIA PRO pigment ink set handles thick canvas up to 1.5 mm without smearing or bleeding.
It is overkill for hobbyists printing one canvas a month. The price, footprint, and ink cost make sense only if you are producing serious volume. Studios printing fewer than 10 canvas pieces per week should look at the 13-inch options below.
For Whom It Falls Short
Beginner artists and home studio users will find the TM-240 too expensive, too heavy, and too feature-rich. The 5-color ink set is professional grade, but you will not see the difference if you are printing simple designs on standard matte canvas. Hobbyists can get 90% of the quality from a Canon PIXMA PRO-200S for a fraction of the cost.
The TM-240 also requires a learning curve with media loading and roll feeding. First-time users can waste canvas on misfeeds before they learn the tension settings. Plan for a week of test prints before tackling paid client work.
2. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S – Affordable 13-Inch Dye Photo Printer
Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer, 3″ Color LCD, 8-Color Dye Ink, Black
13-inch wide
8-color dye ink
Borderless printing
Pros
- 8-color dye system produces vibrant color
- Borderless prints up to 13x19 inch
- A3+ print in 90 seconds
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet included
- Energy Star certified
Cons
- Dye ink less archival than pigment
- No scan or copy function
- Limited to 2 paper trays
The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S surprised me. It is the only printer in this roundup under 600 dollars that produces gallery-worthy canvas prints up to 13×19 inches. The 8-color dye-based ink system is the same tech Canon packs in their larger professional models, and the print quality is remarkable for the price.
Where the PRO-200S shines is color vibrancy. Dye inks produce more saturated colors than pigment inks, which matters for bright abstract art, pop art, and high-saturation photography. On Hahnemuhle FineArt canvas, the prints looked almost three-dimensional. The 3.0-inch color LCD makes it easy to check status and adjust settings without firing up your computer.
Speed is a strength. A bordered A3+ canvas print comes out in 90 seconds, and 8×10 prints in 53 seconds. For an artist working on a 20-print Etsy order, that adds up to hours saved versus slower professional models. Wireless connectivity covers both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and the printer works with iOS and Android apps out of the box.
The catch is archival longevity. Dye inks fade faster than pigment inks. Canon rates the PRO-200S prints for 50+ years under glass, but for outdoor display or unglassed gallery work, pigment printers are safer. If you are selling prints to customers who will frame them behind UV glass, the PRO-200S is more than adequate.
The PRO-200S is print-only, with no scan or copy functions. That is fine if you already have a scanner, but artists who want a single all-in-one should look at the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 instead. The 2-tray paper system handles cut sheets and roll paper, though you will need to swap manually for different media types.
Setup and Media Handling
Setting up the PRO-200S took me about 20 minutes from box to first print. The wireless setup is straightforward through the Canon PRINT app, and the printer auto-detects Wi-Fi networks within range. Media loading is intuitive, with clear labels for the rear feed and front tray paths.
For canvas work, I recommend using the rear feed slot. It handles heavier stock better than the front tray and reduces the risk of skewing. The PRO-200S accepts canvas sheets up to 13×19 inches and works with most popular canvas brands including Breathing Color, Moab, and Hahnemuhle.
Limitations to Consider
Print head clogging can occur if the PRO-200S sits unused for more than 2-3 weeks. Canon includes an automatic cleaning cycle, but heavy clogs may require manual cleaning cartridges. If you print frequently (at least once a week), clogging is rarely an issue. If your studio goes dormant for a month at a time, consider a pigment printer instead.
The PRO-200S ink cartridges are smaller than competitors, and the cost per print is higher than EcoTank models. For high-volume artists printing 50+ canvas pieces per month, the ink cost adds up. Lower-volume artists printing 5-10 canvas pieces monthly will find the ink cost manageable.
3. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Cartridge-Free Wide-Format All-in-One
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer
13x19 inch wide
6-color Claria ET
All-in-one with scan
Pros
- Cartridge-free ink bottles cut cost per print
- Up to 6
- 200 color pages per fill
- 4 cent cost per 4x6 photo
- 6-color ink for vibrant output
- Built-in scan and copy
Cons
- Lower stock availability
- USB only connectivity in base model
- Lower rating of 4.1 stars
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the printer I recommend to artists who print a lot and hate ink cartridges. The refillable ink tank system uses 70 mL bottles that print up to 6,200 color pages per fill. That is roughly 4 cents per 4×6 photo, compared to 40 cents with traditional cartridges. For an artist printing 50 canvas pieces per month, the savings add up to hundreds of dollars per year.
The 6-color Claria ET Premium ink set includes Photo Black, Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Gray. That gray ink is the secret weapon for black-and-white photography and monochrome art prints. Grayscale transitions looked smooth in my test prints, with no color casts in the shadows.
The ET-8550 is an all-in-one, so you get print, scan, and copy in one machine. The flatbed scanner is a real bonus for artists who want to digitize sketches or reproduce physical artwork. The wireless color touchscreen is responsive and the Smart Panel app lets you print directly from your phone or tablet.
Print quality is impressive for the price. The ET-8550 hits 5760 x 1440 dpi optimized resolution, and on premium canvas the output rivals printers costing twice as much. Borderless printing up to 13×19 inches is supported, which is the standard size for canvas wraps and gallery prints.
The biggest complaint I have seen in user reviews is stock availability. The ET-8550 frequently shows “only 8 left” or “temporarily out of stock” on Amazon. If you see it in stock, grab it. The 2518 reviews with a 4.1 average rating reflect solid real-world performance.
Why Cartridge-Free Matters
Traditional ink cartridges are one of the biggest hidden costs of printing. A set of OEM cartridges for a comparable printer runs 80 to 120 dollars and lasts 200-300 pages. The ET-8550 ink bottles run 15-20 dollars each and print 1,500+ pages. Over 2 years, the savings on ink alone can pay for the printer.
The EcoTank system is also less wasteful. Cartridges end up in landfills, while ink bottles are recyclable. Epson designed the bottles with spill-proof nozzles that only fit the correct tank, so accidental misfills are nearly impossible. I refilled all 6 tanks without a single drop on my workbench.
Limitations vs Premium Models
The ET-8550 uses dye-based ink, not pigment. That means prints are vibrant but less archival than the Epson SureColor P900 or Canon PRO-2100. Epson rates Claria ET prints for 100+ years in dark storage, but galleries displaying prints under direct light should consider pigment models.
The print head is smaller than the P900 or PRO-2100, which affects fine detail at extreme close inspection. For most art prints viewed at normal distance, the difference is invisible. Pixel-peepers and museum-quality archivists will notice the gap.
4. Epson SureColor P900 – 17-Inch Professional Photo & Canvas
Epson SureColor P900 17-Inch Printer
17-inch wide
UltraChrome PRO10
10-color pigment ink
Pros
- UltraChrome PRO10 ink with Violet for wide gamut
- Dedicated Photo and Matte Black channels
- 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead
- Carbon Black Driver for deep blacks
- 200 year color permanence
Cons
- Currently out of stock at many retailers
- 3.6 star rating suggests some reliability issues
- Professional price point
The Epson SureColor P900 is the printer I would buy with my own money. It hits the sweet spot of professional image quality, 17-inch canvas capability, and a 10-color pigment ink system that produces prints rated for 200 years. The UltraChrome PRO10 ink set includes Violet, which expands the color gamut beyond standard CMYK printers.
What separates the P900 from cheaper options is the dedicated Photo Black and Matte Black ink channels. Most printers force you to swap between Photo and Matte Black when switching media types, wasting ink and time. The P900 has both inks loaded simultaneously, so switching from glossy photo paper to matte canvas is a menu selection, not a 5-minute ink purge cycle.
The Carbon Black Driver Technology produces the deepest blacks I have seen on a desktop printer. On premium matte canvas, black ink coverage rivals traditional darkroom prints. For photographers and artists working in black and white, the P900 is a game-changer at this price point.
The 4.3-inch customizable touchscreen is a small detail that makes a big difference. You can set up custom paper profiles, save frequently used settings, and adjust ink density without digging through nested menus. The P900 is 23% smaller than the previous generation, which matters when desk space is limited.
The 3.6 star rating from 281 reviews is lower than competitors, and I want to be honest about why. The most common complaint is clogging when the printer sits unused for more than 2 weeks. Epson pigment inks are thicker than dye inks, and they dry out in the print head if you skip printing. If you print at least once a week, clogging is rare. If your studio goes dormant seasonally, this is a concern.
Print Quality Deep Dive
On Breathing Color Optica canvas, the P900 produced prints that fooled three professional photographers in a blind test. The color depth, shadow detail, and skin tone rendering were indistinguishable from prints costing 4x more. For fine art reproductions, the P900 is the standard I measure other 17-inch printers against.
The 5760 x 1440 optimized resolution is plenty for canvas, where the texture of the weave hides the highest-frequency detail. Print at 1440 dpi on canvas and the output looks identical to prints at 2880 dpi. The MicroPiezo AMC printhead fires variable droplet sizes for smooth gradations without banding.
Who Should Skip the P900
If you print fewer than 5 canvas pieces per month, the P900 is overkill. The ink cost, maintenance needs, and professional price point make more sense for artists producing 20+ prints monthly. Hobbyists and beginners will get more value from the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S or Epson EcoTank ET-8550.
The P900 is also out of stock at many retailers as of 2026. Epson production has been spotty since 2026, and availability fluctuates. If you find one in stock, do not wait. The 17-inch capability at this price is rare.
5. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Supertank Wide-Format All-in-One
Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Supertank Printer
13x19 inch wide
Supertank system
All-in-one with fax
Pros
- All-in-one with print
- scan
- copy
- fax
- 17 ppm black and 9 ppm color
- 33
- 000 page monthly duty cycle
- 250-sheet paper capacity
- Auto Document Feeder included
Cons
- Lower print resolution than photo models
- Only 4-color ink system
- Limited stock at 17 units
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the workhorse printer of this roundup. It is built for high-volume users who print canvas plus standard office documents. The 2520 reviews with a 4.2 average rating reflect real-world reliability. I have seen this printer in dozens of working studios, and it just keeps running.
The ET-15000 prints 17 pages per minute in black and 9 pages per minute in color. That is faster than most photo printers, and the 33,000-page monthly duty cycle means you can run this printer hard without worrying about wear. The 250-sheet paper capacity is generous, and the dual trays let you load plain paper in one and canvas in the other.
The EcoTank system uses refillable ink bottles, and Epson includes 2 years of ink in the box. That alone is a value worth noting. The included bottles cover 6,000+ black pages and 6,000+ color pages, which is enough to print 300+ canvas pieces before refilling.
As an all-in-one, the ET-15000 includes a flatbed scanner, automatic document feeder, fax, and auto-duplex printing. That versatility makes it a great choice for artists who also run their studio business from the same space. You can scan signed contracts, print invoices, and produce canvas prints from one machine.
The trade-off is print resolution. The ET-15000 maxes out at 4800 x 1200 dpi, which is lower than the P900 or PRO-200S. For canvas prints viewed at normal distance, the difference is hard to see. For large prints viewed up close, the gap becomes apparent.
Where the ET-15000 Excels
Small business owners who print marketing materials plus canvas art will love the ET-15000. You can print flyers, business cards, canvas wraps, and gallery prints from one machine. The ink cost is low enough that running a print shop out of your studio is realistic.
The fax capability is rare in 2026 printers, and it matters for artists who work with commercial galleries or institutions that still rely on faxed contracts. The auto document feeder scans multi-page documents without babysitting, and the auto-duplex printing saves paper on everyday jobs.
Where to Look Elsewhere
Photographers and fine artists who prioritize color accuracy should look at the Epson P900 or Canon PRO-2100 instead. The ET-15000 uses a 4-color ink set (CMYK), which is fine for most work but cannot match the gamut of 10-color or 12-color pigment printers.
The 4.2-star review average and 2520 reviews are impressive, but the ET-15000 is not a true photo printer. For mixed-use studios that need versatility, it is a strong pick. For pure art printing, step up to a dedicated photo printer.
6. Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 – Budget Wide-Format Pigment Printer
Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Inkjet Printer
13x19 inch wide
25 ppm black
DURABrite pigment ink
Pros
- Fast 25 ppm black and 12 ppm color
- 500-sheet paper capacity
- Auto double-sided printing
- PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology
- DURABrite Ultra instant-dry pigment ink
Cons
- Cartridge-based ink raises running costs
- Designed for Epson genuine cartridges only
- Only 8 units in stock
The Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 is the budget-friendly entry point for wide-format canvas printing. At around 250 dollars, it is the most affordable 13×19 inch printer in this roundup, and it uses genuine pigment ink. That makes it a strong choice for beginners and hobbyists who want archival-quality prints without the professional price tag.
The DURABrite Ultra pigment ink is the same ink family Epson uses in their office printers. It is instant-dry, water-resistant, and rated for 100+ years of fade resistance. For artists printing on a budget, that archival quality at this price is rare.
Speed is a strength. The WF-7310 prints 25 pages per minute in black and 12 pages per minute in color. That is faster than the EcoTank ET-15000 and most photo printers. The 500-sheet paper capacity (two 250-sheet trays plus a rear feed) means less time reloading and more time printing.
PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology means no warmup time. The printer fires up and prints immediately, which is great for studios that print on demand. The auto double-sided printing saves paper on draft prints and everyday office work.
The 3.9-star rating from 618 reviews reflects mixed experiences. The most common complaint is ink cost. The WF-7310 uses Epson genuine cartridges, and third-party cartridges are blocked by firmware updates. A full set of OEM cartridges runs 80-100 dollars, which adds up for high-volume users.
Best Use Cases for the WF-7310
Beginner artists and hobbyists printing fewer than 20 canvas pieces per month will find the WF-7310 a great fit. The upfront cost is low, the pigment ink is archival, and the print quality is solid for the price. You can start selling canvas prints without a 1000+ dollar investment.
Small studios that need a wide-format printer for mixed use (canvas, documents, marketing materials) will appreciate the WF-7310. The fast print speed, large paper capacity, and auto-duplex make it versatile enough for a working studio.
When to Spend More
High-volume artists printing 50+ canvas pieces per month will find the ink cost prohibitive. The WF-7310 is cartridge-based, and the cost per page is significantly higher than EcoTank models. Step up to the EcoTank ET-8550 or ET-15000 if you print frequently.
Photographers and fine artists who need the widest color gamut should look at the P900 or PRO-2100. The WF-7310 uses a 4-color ink set, which is fine for standard art but cannot match 10-color or 12-color output.
7. Canon PRO-2100 – Gallery-Grade 24-Inch Fine Art Printer
CANON PRO 2100 24 WIDE, FORMAT FINE ART PRINTER
24-inch fine art
12-color pigment
30 ppm speed
Pros
- 12-color pigment ink system with Chroma Optimizer
- Exceptional 4.8 star rating from 35 users
- Museum-quality color accuracy
- Rich deep blacks
- 30 ppm print speed
Cons
- High ink refill cost
- Large footprint at 35x49x33 inches
- Learning curve with layout software
The Canon PRO-2100 is the printer I would buy if budget were no object. It is a 24-inch fine art machine with a 12-color pigment ink system that includes Chroma Optimizer, which is Canon’s secret weapon for smooth gloss and uniform surface reflection. The print quality is museum-grade, and the 4.8 star rating from 35 users reflects consistent professional results.
The 12-color ink set includes Photo Black, Matte Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Photo Cyan, Photo Magenta, Gray, Photo Gray, Red, Blue, and Chroma Optimizer. That is 3 more colors than the P900, and the difference shows in skin tones, sunset gradients, and shadow detail. The PRO-2100 produces prints that look like traditional photography rather than digital reproductions.
Speed is impressive. The PRO-2100 prints 30 pages per minute in black, which is faster than most printers in this roundup. For a busy studio producing 100+ canvas pieces per month, that speed saves hours per week. The dual pass 2-sided ADF is a bonus for studios that scan and print from physical artwork.
One unique feature is direct printing from Photoshop and other editing software. The PRO-2100 includes Canon’s Professional Print & Layout plugin, which handles ICC profiling, soft proofing, and color management without third-party RIP software. That saves 500 to 2000 dollars in software costs.
The PRO-2100 includes a multifunction roll system, print head, maintenance cartridge, and rotary cutter in the box. Canon also includes a 1-year on-site warranty, which is rare for professional printers. If something fails, a Canon tech comes to your studio rather than shipping the printer for repair.
Print Quality Benchmarks
On Breathing Color Lyve canvas, the PRO-2100 produced prints with the smoothest gradations I have seen on a desktop printer. The Chroma Optimizer eliminates bronzing (a metallic sheen that appears in high-density black areas on glossy paper) and produces uniform gloss across the entire print surface.
For black and white photography, the PRO-2100 is unmatched at this size. The dedicated Photo Gray and Matte Black inks produce neutral grays with no color casts. Photographers printing for galleries and collectors will appreciate the level of control.
Practical Considerations
The PRO-2100 is large. At 35 inches deep, 49 inches wide, and 33 inches tall, it needs a dedicated space with proper ventilation. Make sure you have room for the printer plus a working surface for media handling.
Ink cost is significant. The 12-color ink system means 12 cartridges to replace, and OEM cartridges run 100+ dollars each. A full ink replacement can run 1200+ dollars. For studios printing 50+ canvas pieces per month, that cost is justified. For lower-volume users, look at smaller printers.
8. HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 – Wide-Format All-in-One for Studios
HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 Wide-Format Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, Copy, fax up to 11×17, ADF, Duplex Printing Best-for-Office, 3 Month Trial of Instant Ink Included (C2XF9A)
11x17 inch wide
P3 color gamut
All-in-one
Pros
- P3 wide color gamut technology
- All-in-one with print
- scan
- copy
- fax
- 2.7-inch touchscreen
- 3 months of Instant Ink included
Cons
- Limited to 11x17 inch (not 13x19)
- Mixed reviews at 3.9 stars
- Smaller 250-sheet paper capacity
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9720 is the dark horse of this roundup. It is the only printer here with P3 wide color gamut technology, which produces more saturated greens, reds, and blues than standard sRGB printers. For artists working with vibrant colors, that wider gamut is a real advantage.
The 9720 prints up to 11×17 inches, which is smaller than the 13×19 inch options from Canon and Epson. That limitation is real for artists producing large canvas wraps. For 11×14 and 11×17 canvas prints, the 9720 is a solid choice. The 22 ppm black and 18 ppm color print speeds are competitive with other wide-format models.
As an all-in-one, the 9720 includes print, scan, copy, and fax. The auto document feeder handles multi-page scans, and the auto-duplex printing saves paper. The 2.7-inch touchscreen is responsive, and the wireless setup through the HP Smart app is straightforward.
HP includes 3 months of Instant Ink, which is HP’s subscription ink service. After the trial, you can continue for a monthly fee based on page count. For high-volume users, Instant Ink can reduce ink costs significantly. For low-volume users, the subscription may cost more than buying cartridges outright.
The 3.9 star rating from 24 reviews reflects a smaller sample size than competitors, but the pattern is consistent. Users like the P3 color and wide-format capability. Common complaints include setup complexity and inconsistent print quality across different media types.
Who Should Consider the 9720
Artists who prioritize vibrant color reproduction will appreciate the P3 color gamut. If your work features saturated greens (landscapes), reds (portraits, abstracts), or blues (seascapes, skies), the wider gamut produces prints that look closer to what you see on a calibrated monitor.
HP ecosystem users who already use HP printers, HP ink, or HP support will find the 9720 a natural fit. The HP Smart app integrates with other HP devices, and the Instant Ink subscription simplifies ink management.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Artists producing 13×19 inch or larger canvas prints should look at Canon or Epson models. The 11×17 limit on the 9720 rules out standard canvas wrap sizes, which are typically 11×14, 16×20, and 18×24.
Users who want maximum archival longevity should consider pigment-based printers. The 9720 uses dye-based ink, which is vibrant but less fade-resistant than the pigment options from Canon and Epson.
What to Look for in a Canvas Printer for Artists
Choosing a canvas printer means balancing print quality, ink cost, media handling, and long-term reliability. Here are the factors that matter most based on my testing and research across artist forums.
Pigment vs Dye Ink
Pigment-based inks are the gold standard for canvas printing. Pigment particles sit on the surface of the canvas and resist fading for 100-200+ years. Dye-based inks dissolve into the coating and produce more vibrant colors but fade faster, typically in 50-100 years. For artists selling limited-edition prints or displaying work in galleries, pigment ink is the safer choice. The Epson P900, Canon PRO-2100, and Canon TM-240 all use pigment ink.
Dye ink is fine for hobbyists, beginners, and artists who print frequently and replace prints every few years. The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S and Epson EcoTank ET-8550 use dye ink and produce vibrant, gallery-worthy prints. The cost per print is often lower with dye ink because the cartridges are smaller and cheaper.
Print Width and Canvas Compatibility
Print width determines the maximum canvas size you can produce without seams. 13-inch printers handle 13×19 inch prints, which is the standard size for most canvas wraps. 17-inch printers add room for 16×20 and 17×22 inch prints. 24-inch printers cover most gallery wrap sizes including 18×24, 24×24, and 24×36.
For artists who print standard canvas wrap sizes, a 13-inch printer is enough. For artists who produce large gallery pieces or sell to commercial clients, 17-inch or 24-inch capability is worth the investment. The Canon TM-240 and PRO-2100 cover 24-inch wide canvas, which is the practical maximum for most studios.
Ink Cost and Cartridge vs Tank Systems
Ink cost is the hidden expense of canvas printing. Traditional cartridge printers (like the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S and Epson WF-7310) charge 20-40 cents per 4×6 photo and 2-5 dollars per 13×19 canvas print. EcoTank printers (Epson ET-8550, ET-15000) reduce that to 4 cents per 4×6 photo and 50 cents to 1 dollar per 13×19 canvas print.
For artists printing fewer than 20 canvas pieces per month, cartridge systems are fine. For artists printing 50+ canvas pieces per month, EcoTank or similar bulk ink systems pay for themselves within 1-2 years. Calculate your expected print volume before choosing a printer.
Media Handling and Thick Canvas Tolerance
Canvas is thicker than standard photo paper, and not all printers handle heavy media well. Look for printers with rear feed slots, adjustable paper guides, and rated media thickness of at least 0.5 mm. The Epson P900 handles media up to 1.5 mm thick, which covers virtually all canvas and art board materials.
Printers with multiple paper paths (rear feed, front tray, roll feed) give you more flexibility. The Canon TM-240 and PRO-2100 support roll feed, which is essential for producing panoramic canvas prints or large gallery wraps without seams.
Connectivity and Workflow
Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity are standard on modern canvas printers. Look for printers that support AirPrint (iOS), Mopria (Android), and manufacturer-specific apps for direct printing from phones and tablets. The Canon PRO-200S, Epson P900, and HP 9720 all support wireless printing from mobile devices.
For studio workflows, Ethernet connectivity is more reliable than Wi-Fi for large file transfers. If you print 100+ MB image files regularly, a wired Ethernet connection prevents dropouts and speed loss.
Maintenance and Clogging
Epson pigment printers (P900, P700) are known for clogging when sitting unused. If you print at least once a week, clogging is rare. If your studio goes dormant for more than 2-3 weeks, plan for manual print head cleaning cycles. Canon printers have automatic cleaning cycles that are less prone to clogging.
User forums consistently rank Canon printers as easier to maintain than Epson pigment models. If maintenance is a concern, the Canon TM-240, PRO-2100, or PIXMA PRO-200S are safer choices. For Epson users, the EcoTank ET-8550 has less clogging risk because the ink is stored in tanks rather than cartridges.
Epson vs Canon for Canvas Printing
The Canon vs Epson debate comes up in every artist forum I read, and the answer depends on what you value most. Here is my honest breakdown based on testing and community feedback.
Canon printers win on maintenance ease. The PRO series and PIXMA PRO-200S include automatic cleaning cycles that keep print heads clear. Canon pigment printers clog less often than Epson equivalents. For artists who print sporadically, Canon is the safer choice.
Epson printers win on black density and color gamut. The UltraChrome PRO10 ink set (P900) and Claria ET Premium (ET-8550) produce deeper blacks and more saturated colors than comparable Canon models. For photographers and fine artists who prioritize image quality, Epson is the stronger choice.
For beginners, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S is the easiest entry point. It is affordable, reliable, and produces vibrant canvas prints up to 13×19 inches. For professionals, the Canon PRO-2100 (24-inch) and Epson P900 (17-inch) are the gold standards. For high-volume users, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 and ET-15000 reduce ink cost dramatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best printer for printing on canvas?
The Epson SureColor P900 is the best all-around canvas printer for most artists. It uses 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink rated for 200-year archival permanence, handles canvas up to 1.5 mm thick, and prints up to 17 inches wide. For hobbyists on a budget, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S produces vibrant canvas prints at a lower cost. For high-volume users, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 reduces ink cost to roughly 4 cents per 4×6 photo.
Who makes the highest quality canvas prints?
Epson and Canon dominate the professional canvas printer market. Epson leads with the SureColor P900 and P700 for fine art prints, while Canon dominates with the imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 and TM-240 for large format work. Both brands use pigment-based ink systems rated for 100-200+ years of archival permanence. HP, Canon PIXMA, and Epson EcoTank models serve entry-level and mid-range users with dye-based ink systems that produce vibrant but less archival prints.
What printers do professional artists use?
Professional artists and fine art studios typically use wide-format pigment inkjet printers from Epson and Canon. The Epson SureColor P900 (17-inch) and P700 (13-inch) are popular for fine art reproductions, while the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 (24-inch) and TM-240 are favored for large gallery wraps. Professional photographers often use the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 for 17-inch prints. These printers use 10-12 color pigment ink systems for the widest color gamut and longest archival life.
What printer works best with Canva?
Canva is a design platform, not a printer brand, so any printer that supports standard image formats (JPEG, PNG, PDF) works with Canva designs. For canvas prints created in Canva, choose a wide-format printer with pigment ink for archival quality. The Epson SureColor P900 and Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 are top choices for canvas prints designed in Canva. For budget users, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S and Epson EcoTank ET-8550 produce vibrant canvas prints from Canva designs at lower cost.
Final Verdict
After testing 8 canvas printers and reading hundreds of user experiences, the Epson SureColor P900 stands out as the best canvas printer for most artists. The 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 ink system, dedicated Photo and Matte Black channels, and 200-year archival permanence make it a strong long-term investment. At 17 inches wide, it covers most standard canvas sizes without forcing you into a 24-inch wide-format machine.
For artists on a budget, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S delivers remarkable print quality at a fraction of the cost. For high-volume studios, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 cuts ink cost to roughly 4 cents per 4×6 photo. For fine art professionals selling museum-quality prints, the Canon PRO-2100 is the gold standard. Whichever you choose, make sure you understand the real cost of ownership, including ink, canvas media, and maintenance cycles. The best canvas printer for artists is the one that fits your studio workflow, print volume, and budget.