Hey 👋! You already know that clean stencils start with dark, crisp, opaque transparency prints.
In this guide, I’ve put together a lineup of inkjet printers that handle film positives really well with deep blacks, sharp lines, and a clean, glossy finish.
Let’s find the right one for your setup!
Overview: Best Inkjet Printers for Film Positives
The most popular budget printer for screen printing transparencies and film print
This printer doesn't only come with an affordable price tag, but it also saves you money in long term by using the ink tank system. It also comes with a decent resolution scanner.
This is a very affordable Epson quality printer with high-quality dye-based inks working amazingly well on transparencies and film prints
This is a budget monochromatic HP laser printer that supports film and other media. Keep in mind that you will need a film that is specifically designed for laser printers.
Affordable price, almost the same specs as XP-15000 above and with additional scanner with 1200x4800 DPI scan resolution
The most popular printer among the artists and successor of discontinued Pro-10 and Pro-100. Pigment-based version is Canon Pixma Pro-300
manual feed 23.6mil (0.6mm)
This highly popular ink tank photo printer uses ink bottles instead of cartridges. It also comes with a high-quality scanner
This is a Canon alternative to Epson SureColor P700 above and and upgrade from artists favorite Canon Pixma Pro-200
manual feed 23.6mil (0.6mm)
Alternative to Epson SureColor P900 above and bigger version of Canon Pro-300.
manual feed 23.6mil (0.6mm)
Affordable wide-format 24″ printer with high-quality pigment-based inks.
Supports glossy paper, tracing paper and film paper
Comes with integrated roll feed
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Most Popular: Canon Pixma iX6820
Value Pick for Art Prints, Stickers, Vinyl, Transfer paper, and Transparencies
5-color hybrid dye- and pigment-based ink system :: 9600×2400 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Supports transparencies and vinyl stickers :: Max paper thickness: 6mil (0.15mm) :: Early 2014 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Who Is It For?
If you’re just getting into screen printing or even if you’re a seasoned pro looking for a reliable printer for screen printing transparencies, Canon Pixma iX6820 for you. It’s pretty user-friendly, so you don’t need to be a tech genius to get started.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide 13×19″ (A3+) format for printing large films | Slightly bigger size |
| Wireless printing convenient for studio setup | Inks can get pricey |
| Dual black cartridges provide dense blacks | Not as much third party ink system support as Epson |
| Handles transparency and film very well | |
| High print resolution | |
| Affordable price |
What do artists think?
Screen printing artist Casey, found the Canon iX6820 printed films really well despite being a cheaper model.
Budget Ink Tank: Epson EcoTank ET-2850
4-color hybrid dye-based & pigment-based (BK) ink tank system :: 5770×1440 DPI :: Prints up to 8.5″×47.2″ (A4+++) :: Scanner 1200x2400 DPI :: Supports vinyl stickers :: Late 2021 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Who Is It For?
Perfect for those starting in the screen printing business who require high-quality transparencies for silk screen printing but need to watch their budget.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pigment-based black BK ink | Only up to 8.5″x14″ (A4+) print size |
| Cost-effective ink tank system | Bulkier design compared to other models |
| High-resolution printing (up to 5760 x 1440 dpi) | |
| Multi-function (scan, copy, print) | |
| Wireless connectivity | |
| Reliable and long-lasting | |
| Affordable price |
Budget Pick: Epson Expression XP-15000
Budget Pick for Art Prints, Cardstock, Canvas, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
6-color dye-based ink system :: 5760×1450 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 23mil (0.6mm) manually :: Late 2017 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Who Is It For?
With high-quality prints, this printer can handle the needs of a full-scale art business at a very affordable price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports prints up to 13×19 inches | Not for heavy-duty use |
| Compact, fits on a desk | Less ink-efficient |
| Uses high-quality Claria Photo HD ink | Lower black density |
| Good opacity | Limited color gamut |
| Affordable initial purchase | Slower print speeds |
| User-friendly setup | |
| Variety of connectivity options |
Budget Laser Printer: HP LaserJet 3001dw
Monochromatic toner system :: 1200x1200 DPI :: Up to 8.5″×14″ / A4 prints :: Max paper thickness: 5-8mil :: Mid 2022 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Who Is It For?
If you’re absolutely want a laser printer and you are comfortable tweaking settings to get optimal results, this printer might be for you printing transparencies.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast printing speeds | Requires laser-compatible film |
| Built for high-volume tasks | Not as versatile as inkjet for varying media types |
| Generally lower maintenance | Fine-tuning settings needed for optimal results |
| Good for general business use as well | Not always the best for high-detail art |
| Energy-efficient | Only up to 8.5″x14″ (A4+) print size |
Best Value Pick: Epson Expression XP-970
Epson Value Pick for Art Prints, Stickers, Vinyl, Cricut, and Transfer paper
6-color dye-based ink system :: 5770×1440 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 11″×17″ (A3+) :: Scanner 1200x4800 DPI :: Supports vinyl stickers :: Late 2019 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Who Is This Printer For?
The Epson XP-970 is specially tailored for anyone deeply invested in screen printing. Whether you’re a silk screen printer, a content creator, or even a seasoned artist like me who’s been around the block, this inkjet printer delivers top-notch results.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports larger format prints (up to 13×19 inches) | Not designed for heavy-duty use |
| Compact design | Less ink-efficient |
| Six-color high-quality Claria ink | Lower black density |
| Good opacity | Limited color accuracy |
| Affordable upfront cost | Slower print speeds |
| Multi-function features (scan, copy, print) | |
| Easy setup | |
| Decent software options |
Artists Favorite: Canon Pixma PRO-200
My Pick for Art Prints, Canvas, Cardstock, Stickers, Vinyl and Transfer paper
8-color dye-based ink system :: 4800×2400 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 11.8mil (0.3mm); manual feed 23.6mil (0.6mm) :: Late 2020 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Who Is This Printer For?
Canon Pixma PRO-200 professional color inkjet printer is among a few of the artists’ favorites! It’s the successor of highly popular Canon Pixma PRO-100 and PRO-10 and it lives up to their qualities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact design | Less ink-efficient |
| 8-color Lucia Pro ink | Higher upfront cost |
| Good black density | Slower print speeds |
| High-quality dye-based inks | Missing roll paper support |
| Wide color gamut | Learning curve for software |
| Easy-to-use software | |
| Fairly quick setup |
Art Studio Pick: Epson EcoTank ET-8550
Eco All-in-one Pick for Art Prints, Cardstock, Canvas, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
6-color hybrid dye-based & pigment-based ink system :: 5760×1440 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: 4800x1200 scan resolution :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 50mil (1.3mm) manually :: Early 2021 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Who Is This Printer For?
Epson EcoTank ET-8550 isn’t just another ink tank inkjet; it’s a photo ink tank printer. Perfect for artists, silk screen printers, and anyone who does a ton of printing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable ink refill system | Large size |
| 6-color Hybrid Pigment/Dye-Based Claria ET Premium Ink | Slower for high-quality prints |
| Good black density | Less color accuracy |
| Variable droplet size | Requires regular calibration |
| Lower long-term cost | Not built for heavy-duty use |
| Decent opacity | Limited software features |
| Multi-function capabilities |
Pigment Based Inks: Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-300
Great for Art Prints, Canvas, Cardstock, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
10-color pigment-based ink system :: 4800×2400 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 11.8mil (0.3mm); manual feed 23.6mil (0.6mm) :: Late 2024 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Who Is This Printer For?
The Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-300 is tailor-made for artists serious about screen printing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality pigment ink | Higher upfront cost |
| Supports prints up to 13×19 inches | Slower startup |
| Excellent color accuracy | Ink can be expensive |
| Wide color gamut | Large size |
| Reliable media handling | |
| User-friendly software |
A2: Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-1000
Canon Art Studio Pick for Art Prints, Canvas and Cardstock
🌟 Professional Photography, Fine Art Printing, Gallery Photo Printing
11-color LUCIA PRO II Pigment Ink System :: 2400×1200 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 17″×22″ (A2+) :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 11.8mil (0.3mm); manual feed 60mil (1.5mm) :: Late 2024 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Who Is This Printer For?
If you’re a seasoned silk screen printer or an artist serious about quality, the Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-1100 is your go-to. This pigment-based photo inkjet printer is ideal for anyone who’s looking for the best printer for screen printing transparencies.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High quality 10-color Lucia Pro pigment ink | Expensive upfront cost |
| Supports up to 17×22 inches | Large size |
| Exceptional color and black-and-white output | High ink consumption |
| Wide color gamut | No roll paper feed support |
| Detailed, high-resolution prints | Complex initial setup |
| Compatible with various media types | Requires manual head alignment |
| Excellent print speed | Limited built-in storage |
| User-friendly software options | No touchscreen interface |
| Robust connectivity options | Slower startup |
| Durable build quality |
24″: Epson SureColor T2170 24-Inch
4-color (C, M, Y, K) pigment-based ink system :: 2400 x 1200 DPI :: Prints up to 24″ wide panoramatic prints :: Max paper thickness: 8.6mil :: Integrated roll feed :: Early 2020 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
The Epson SureColor T2170 is an excellent desktop inkjet printer for screen printers looking to print their own transparencies and film positives in wide 24-inch format.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast print speeds | No built-in scanner |
| Supports up to 24-inch wide rolls | Bulky design, needs space |
| High-quality PrecisionCore MicroTFP technology | Limited on-board controls |
| High-capacity ink cartridges | High cost of ink cartridges |
| Versatile media support | Setup can be time-consuming |
| Excellent print quality | Requires manual head alignment |
| Robust build for longevity | |
| Wide color gamut | |
| Good for CAD and GIS applications | |
| Network and mobile printing capabilities |
Video: My Screen Printing Experience – Hard, but so Enjoyable!!
Main Criteria for Choosing a Printer for Screen Printing Transparencies and Film Positives
When you’re into screen printing, choosing the right printer for your transparencies or film positives is crucial. There’s no room for error; you need prints that are crisp, clear, and most importantly, opaque.
So my guide breaks down the main criteria you should consider to get the best printer for film prints.
Quick Criteria Checklist:
- High ink opacity and density
- Capability to print on film and transparencies
- Media thickness support
Ink Opacity and Density
In the screen printing process, you use transparency to burn your design into a photosensitive emulsion spread on a screen. The black parts of the design block light, ensuring that the emulsion in these areas doesn’t set.
This is why you need an ink that’s so opaque it practically eats light for breakfast 😊. If your ink or toner is weak, the emulsion sets unevenly, and your final print looks like a hot mess.
Get a pigment-based ink printer:
| Ink Type | Opacity | Dry Time | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pigment-Based | High | Fast | High | $$ |
| Dye-Based | Medium | Fast | Medium | $ |
When it comes to inkjet inks, go for pigment-based inks. At minimum, the ones that support Black (BK) pigment-based ink.
Pigment-based inks usually dry fast and are water-resistant, which is super useful when you’re exposing screens. They also resist fading better than dye-based inks, giving you a crisper, longer-lasting image on the film.
So if you’re looking to print film positives that require high opacity to block out light during exposure, pigment-based ink is generally the way to go.
It’s a bit pricier, but for this purpose, the extra cost usually pays off in quality.
Inkjet vs. Laser Printers
| Printer Type | Ink Opacity | Media Handling | Speed | Cost per Print |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inkjet | High | Versatile | Medium | $$ |
| Laser | Low to Medium | Limited | Fast | $ |
Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers have become the go-to for printing screen transparencies and film positives.
Why They’re Preferred:
- High Opacity and Density: Inkjet printers, especially those using pigment-based inks, deliver high-opacity prints with dense layers of ink.
- Versatility: They can handle a range of media types and thicknesses, including transparencies designed for inkjet printers.
- Quality: Generally better at producing high-quality, high-resolution images.
Opacity:
When you’re making stencils for screen printing or film positives, you need your blacks to be really black. Inkjet printers are superb at this. They deliver high opacity, meaning less light gets through.
Think about it: You’re exposing your screen to light, and you want those dark areas to block light effectively. If your black isn’t really black, you’re asking for trouble.
Density:
Density impacts how crisp and clean your stencil edges will be. In art, those details can make or break your piece.
Inkjet printers are good at laying down a solid, dense layer of ink.
But not all printers are created equal here. You want inkjet printer that supports at minimum black (BK) pigment-based cartridges or uses super high quality dye-based ink cartridges.
Laser Printers
Laser printers can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to printing film positives.
The main reason they’re less commonly used is that they don’t usually provide the ink opacity you need for screen printing. Laser printers use toner instead of ink, and the coverage can sometimes be uneven or less opaque, affecting the exposure process.
How to know a laser printer is good enough:
- Toner Density: Perform tests to ensure that the toner density is up to the task. Laser printers use toner, not ink, so the opacity might differ.
- Media Handling: The printer should be capable of handling transparency sheets designed specifically for laser printers.
- Printer Settings: Check if the printer allows you to adjust toner density. This feature can make a big difference.
If you’re considering going the laser printer route, do your homework on the specific model.
Brands like HP and Brother do have some laser models that people use for this purpose, but it’s less common than using an inkjet printer with pigment-based ink.
Media Handling
Printing on Film Positives, Transfers and Transparencies
Your printer needs to be able to handle the type of transparency film or sheets you’re using. Not all printers are built the same, so check the specs.
Thickness Support
Transparencies come in different thickness levels.
| Thickness (mils) | Usability | Printer Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| 4 mil | Easier to handle, less durable | Most inkjet printers |
| 5 mil | Balanced durability and ease | Most inkjet printers |
| 7 mil | More durable, stiffer | Specialty high-end inkjet printers |
If you’re going for a thicker film, make sure your printer can handle it. You don’t want to end up with a printer jam in the middle of a critical project.
The thickness of transparencies and film positives typically ranges from 4 to 7 mils.
The term “mil” refers to one-thousandth of an inch, so we’re talking about a pretty small measurement.
However, these slight differences in thickness can have a significant impact on how the material handles and prints.
I hope my guide helped you get a new printer for screen printing transparencies and you will have a lot of fun screen printing!
Other articles are in the Printers and Scanners series!
Lis cet article en français 🇫🇷 : 🖨️ Meilleure imprimante pour la sérigraphie à la maison et en studio
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
