The Graphics Fairy

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The Best Printers for Crafting!

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The Best Printers for Crafting

Update: I’ve updated this post with a newer version of this printer.

People often ask me about the type of printer I use. So I thought I would write a short post and tell those of you that are interested, about my favorite type of printer and why I like it so much for all of my Printable crafting and DIY projects!

The Best Printers for Crafting

 

 

{This post contains affiliate links}

My current printer is an Epson Expression XP 440, just like the one pictured here. I’ve had this model for about a year now and it has worked well for me. It’s actually a 3 in 1 Printer, and functions as a Printer, Copier and Scanner all in one! It can work wirelessly as well, although personally I’ve found that my printer works best plugged in to my computer. If you have good strong internet, the wireless function may work better well for you, so give it a try if you prefer to connect that way to your devices. Anyway, these printers use DuraBrite Ultra ink, that is key here, and what you want to look for, if you are buying an Epson Printer for Crafting. Do you want to know why am I so over the moon about this ink? Keep on reading!

The reason I like the Dura Brite Ultra Ink so much, is because the ink is both water resistant and fade resistant, which makes it the perfect ink for crafting! They are called Pigment inks, which basically means your ink won’t run or bleed, even when you apply something wet over top of it… like various types of glues, Mod Podge, sealers etc. You can even tea, or coffee, stain over it! The fade proof part is pretty genius too, because you can print out beautiful Printables to use as Wall Art, or make any number of lovely DIY projects, Scrapbook Pages, or Handmade Cards, or Junk Journals and you do not have to worry about it fading after a few months, the color will stay nice and true. Great for printing family photos too!  The one drawback to the ink, is that it’s not cheap. But the printer is very reasonably priced. So maybe you want to keep it just for crafting, and use a printer with cheaper ink for your everyday printing needs. Just a thought.

Epson has a variety of Printers to choose from, but not all of them use the Dura Brite Ink, so if you are in the market to buy a Printer to use in your Craft Projects, make sure you get the one with the right ink! As far as printers go, this one is fairly inexpensive. You can find it on Amazon HERE. Keep in mind that prices fluctuate when new models come out, so if the price looks high, browse around to see if a newer model has been released. Just make sure the one you pick, uses the Dura Brite Inks as not all Epson’s do.

I hope you find this info helpful! If you want some tips for getting the best quality prints from your printer, we’ve got that HERE. 





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Comments

  1. Thank you so much for this post! I’ve been wanting a new printer for my cardmaking and crafts, but just didn’t know which one would be right for the job and lo and behold, you wrote a post about it!!
    Thank you for addressing the ink, too. I”m always concerned about bleeding and fading and this solves that problem.
    Thanks for all you do for us and keep thos beautiful images coming!!

    Reply

  3. I love pigment inks but their kryptonite is alcohol. Aside from that, they are far better for archival purposes than even laser. As a mobile notary my preferred printer was an Epson with DuraBrite inks because even toner from laser printers didn’t last very long on a page and a laser just didn’t work well in a car.

    Reply

    • Hi Beth, if you click through the link on Amazon, you can see the inks that go with this printer. They are available in standard and high capacity, the high capacity are more expensive, but last longer. I can’t recall a price off the top of my head, but they will have it on Amazon.

      Reply

      • Hi Karen – the inks listed with the recommended ‘Eposm Printer’ options do not necessarily say ‘durabite’ but shall I assume that they are? Thank you

        Reply

  5. I agree that Epson printers and inks are the best. I print on fabric and card stock and get better results than any other brand (and I have owned just about all the major brands. I have a 3620 Workforce as I print a lot!

    The only downside to Epson is that once the printer heads go,it is cheaper to just invest in a new printer. The other printers have the heads in the cartridges rather than internally as Epson.

    Reply

      • Hi Ruby,

        You can print with card stock the same as with paper, but first, you need to set your printer.
        Go to CONTROL PANEL to find your printer.
        Right click on the printer icon and at the bottom of the new window left click on PROPERTIES.
        Click PRINTING PREFERENCIES. In the new window you will see MEDIA TYPE. Click on the little arrow and you will see the types of paper; thin, thick, thicker, etc. So you will choose one of the thick types. I usually choose thick…this works for normal card stock.
        Don’t forget to change the settings back when you finish using card stock:)

        Reply

  7. I totally agree with your choice- I have the 320 and I love it! When asked I always tell people to buy an Epson that uses pigment ink. With this kind of ink you can also print on fabric directly and make gorgeous linens, etc., using the wonderful graphics from you! Love, love, love my Epson! My next one will be a wide format Epson but meanwhile for less than $50 you can’t go wrong.

    Reply

  8. This post is perfectly timed. Thanks so much. I’ve been researching laser printers for mixed media art. This will work as well as a laser printer?

    Reply

    • Hi Susan, It won’t work for laser transfer methods… if you do a lot of those, you might want to stick with the laser printer, although I’m not sure if all laser home printers work with those methods either. But it’s great for decoupage, printing on fabric, cardmaking, paper crafts all of those sorts of things. I hope that helps!

      Reply

  9. Yippee!!! I can’t believe it, I just bought this printer from Amazon at that price last week. I had no idea about the ink, etc. I just needed/wanted a new printer with a working scanner and the ability to print nice things for mixed media projects. Now, I won’t have to spray my print-outs with acrylic sealer first!! I’m thrilled. 😀 😀 😀 Thank you for posting this info and the links to tips for better printing. Love your site and I just became a premium member in December. Now on to creating.

    Reply

  11. This is just fantastic information! I guess you can imagine the number of digital stamps I’ve gotten so excited over, bought, printed out, and tried to apply heat gun and then watercolor and been so disappointed with the bleeding!! Just what we crafters want, right, hazy grey outlines on all our images?

    Thank you not only for this post (I’m bookmarking it) but for the many wonderful images you provide.

    Reply

  12. i’m looking for a crafting printer that can print up to 12×12. I’m trying to stick with the epson brand through. My old printer is small and sucks up ink like a vampire.

    Reply

    • Hi Melissa, I used to have a large format Epson, that printed 12 x 12. It died a couple of years ago and I found that I don’t print that big very often, so I replaced it with the one here. They may still make them, if you click the link above and go to Amazon, you can see if they offer one. Just make sure it takes the Dura Bright ink!

      Reply

  13. Hi Karen…can you print something as ‘mirror’ image with this printer? Can you print as tiles to enlarge graphics?

    Thanks
    Robbie

    Reply

  14. Thanks for your article. Based on what you recommended I just purchased my printer from Amazon, of which I am already familiar. I have been looking for a printer for my craft room for a couple years but always ended up confused when trying to read the box information and didn’t get much help from the staff in the few stores I have available. I anxiously await delivery of my new printer. It will be wonderful to be able to include personal photos in my artwork when it suits me to use them rather than trek to a print shop for a print I can use.

    Reply

    • Hi Rita, I’ve found the same thing in those stores, they really don’t know anything about them at those big box office supply places! My Dad was the one that actually told me about these printers years ago. He is a retired scientist, turned artist & photographer. He and my Mom travel all over the world, photographing nature and wildlife and he wanted something that he could use to print his photographs with that would be lasting, so I think you will be pleased with it! Make sure you read the printing tips post that I linked on this page. The settings and the paper are very important to get the best quality! Enjoy your new printer!

      Reply

  16. Thanks so much for this wonderful information and for all that you do! This post has been very helpful. Are you able to use 80lb cover weight cardstock (or maybe even watercolor paper) with this printer or does it limit us to text weight papers?

    Reply

  17. I had NO idea there was a non-laser printer out there that used waterproof ink. You have made my WEEK! YEAR! And the cost is so affordable. I can’t thank you enough for this information. Thank you, thank you, thank you…..

    Reply

  20. I have a very old Epson R300 print. It has lasted through several newer PCs. After my first PC I found that I didn’t need to install the Epson programs to print. I just print through Picassa, Paint, or Word. I notice that the XP-420 setup includes installing a bunch of programs for network printing, air printing, cloud printing. I don’t want to mess around with any of those. Did you find that you had to install all of that software just to print from your PC? Do you think the Epson software gives you a better print than the software already installed on a PC that is not printer brand specific?

    Reply

    • Hi Sharon, I usually skip all of those extra programs, since I use Photoshop. I’m pretty sure there is some set up required though, but it’s been awhile since I’ve done it. Maybe check and see if there is a way to uncheck the boxes for those extras that you don’t need. I did install the wireless part, but my internet is not that great, and that hasn’t worked all that well for me. I don’t really need it though anyway, so not a problem for me.

      Reply

  21. I didn’t know about Durabrite inks that are waterproof! I love, love printing fabulous colorful images I have collected over the years and using them in my cards/crafts. But I couldn’t use them in decoupage projects like I always dreamed of…..that will change soon 🙂

    If one of the color inks runs out, can you sitll print using the black cartridge or does that color need to be replaced for b/w prints as well? My current HP 8500A (all in one) lets me print using black cartridge only, an option I use often to save on ink. Also, I do need to look into wireless capability a bit more as that’s important to me.

    Thank you so much for this link/review etc. Amazon should send you a check for sending them so much business lol!

    Reply

    • I’m glad it was helpful! It does not let you print with black only, I’m sorry to say. Sometimes it will let you mix some colors to make another color, I think a blackish type color? but that’s about it. You’re welcome for the review! I do get a tiny percentage on anything that I sell from my blog via an Amazon link, so if you buy a printer using my link I get about $2. Then I can apply that towards my next ink cartridges! 😉 And if you would prefer not to use my link that’s fine too, it really is a good printer, and I just wanted you guys to know, since I get asked about my printer a lot! You may be able to find one locally as well.

      Reply

      • Thanks Karen. If I decide to buy, I would definitely use the link from your site. That’s the ABSOLUTE LEAST I can do for all you share so generously 🙂 Regarding the inks, I read some reviews that even if just ONE of the four cartridges run out, you can no longer print!! That’s a bummer. Do you have any experience with this? I understand that the colors may not be the same if one runs out (due to mixing etc) but to not let me print anything doesn’t sound good….Thanks again!

        Reply

      • You had me sold until I read that it will not let you print in black only. I do a lot of printing in just black. I love making little feed sacks with some of graphic fairy graphics. And they look the best in black lettering

        Reply

  22. Drat! Why didn’t you post this 3 weeks ago before I purchased an HP? This morning I have 24 printed pages that I now need to spray with sealer before I can mod podge. And spray sealing pages in the garage in the winter is not fun. Would have loved to have been able to skip that step

    Reply

  23. Boy, I have to agree with you on your choice of printers! Years ago, while looking on eBay, I noticed a listing with such sharp images I actually emailed the seller to see what printer he used. He replied he used an Epson and I have used NOTHING since (ok, once I found a really great price on what was supposedly a great photo printer, BUT after using it once, I returned it)! I’ll never stray, again. Last year I found a great buy at my local Staples store for 50% off! It always pays to shop those stores, plus, you get instant customer support!

    Reply

  24. Is this printer good for transferring onto furniture, wood and fabric, or is a laser printer better for that? I’m confused.

    Thanks so much!!

    Reply

    • Hi Teri, It depends on the transfer method you are using. Each one has it’s own requirements, many do work best with laser, but you can do nice Iron on Transfers with this printer, or print directly onto fabric beautifully, or you can use a product like 1Gel. Please see my Transfer Methods post (at the top of my blog) for more info about transfers.

      Reply

  25. What are your thoughts about Canon MG5720 Wireless All-In-One Printer with Scanner and Copier in comparison to the Epson Expression Home XP 420?

    Reply

    • Hi Vanessa, I’m sorry but I’ve never owned one of those, so I can’t compare it for you. If it doesn’t use pigment inks though, I probably wouldn’t recommend it for crafting.

      Reply

  26. So glad I read this! I had no idea a printer like this was this inexpensive! I would love to get one for crafting! (To use all the great GraphicsFairy art! ) thanks for opening my eyes!

    Reply

  27. We’re getting ready to buy a new computer and printer, so this is very helpful. Have you seen the Epson EcoTank printers? Am off to check what type of ink they use — but am guessing it’s different. But maybe the fade-resistant and water resistant qualities are there.

    Reply

    • Just checked and the EcoTank printers come with and use the DuraBrite Ultra ink! I already liked the printer, now I like the ink too LOL.

      Reply

  28. Hi

    I hope you can help me im looking to buy a printer , my goal is to use it for printing images and then transferring it to wood fabric well any thing really , i would most prob use the modge podge method . can you tell me if the image i use from the printer will transfer ok or do i really need a laser ? i have heard so many different opinions im really confused . the DuraBrite Ultra ink says its waterproof will that stop me being able to transfer the image ?? have you used the printer for transfering images on to wood and if so does it bleed as some inkjets do i have been told ..
    i would be really grateful for your advice

    many thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Minty, Yes, the DuraBrite ink is water resistant so it does not bleed. You can use it with the Mod Podge Transfer Method since that method uses inkjet prints, so if that’s the method that you want to use, then this printer should be just right for you!

      Reply

  29. Ink is so expensive! Have you found a source that is reasonable? I see that Ebay sells this ink you speak of.

    Reply

  30. I just clicked the link over to Amazon and the price came up as $90.00. I would consider it at $49.99, but not at $90.

    Reply

    • Hi Christine, Thanks so much for letting me know about the price increase! I’ve added another link in the post, to a newer model, that also uses Durabrite ink and costs about $59. I hope that helps!

      Reply

  31. Hi Karen, I love your post but wondered if you could advise on e similar printer available in the UK. I can’t see to find the two models you suggest over here but have found Epson Expression Home XP-422 at a very reasonable cost. Only thing is I can’t work out if it takes the same ink. You have made me determined to find Dura Brite ink! I’d like to do mode lodge transfers, general crafting, printing on card, light canvas and acetate and on recycled paper. x Sophie

    Reply

    • I Sophie, I’m sorry but I don’t know what types of printers you guys have in the U.K. The Dura Brite ink is the only inkjet printer ink that I know of that’s water resistant, and that ink is made by Epson. You may want to look into laser printers, although I think they are probably more expensive.

      Reply

  33. Karen I went to Amazon to check out the printer you suggested, and they have an updated model, The Epson Home XP-430! It has the scanner and the copier, but can this printer be used to print images on fabric? This is what i want it for basically! And i was wondering does the ink come with it or seperately? I would like the high Yield ink! And thank you very much for all this info. I was just looking for the perfect printer to print images on fabric when i found this article. Thank You so much Karen for all of this! Sally Ann Edwards!

    Reply

    • Hi Ann, That’s great! Just make sure that it uses Dura Brite ink! Typically the printer will come with a set of ink cartridges, but they are not high yield. When they run out you can replace them with the high yield ones. I do use mine to print directly on fabric. However the ink is water resistant, but not waterproof, so it probably won’t hold up in the wash. I use it on decorative fabric projects only. Here’s the printing method that I use on fabric https://thegraphicsfairy.com/print-fabric-freezer-paper-method-2/ I hope that helps!

      Reply

  35. Epson also has a 430 and 434 version now. Do you have any idea if one of these would be an even better choice?

    Reply

  36. This printer info is quite helpful. I have an additional requirement for my printer. I need it to do double-sided printing with really good alignment. My current printer starts out aligned and slips as it moves down the page–NOT GOOD!! Anyone have any suggestions.

    Reply

  37. Hi Karen,

    It sounds like this is the perfect printer for image ‘durability’, but how does it perform for image quality/resolution? I’m also wondering how it works for regular document printing and if you can enlarge/reduce in small increments. Oh yeah, and do you find that it stays close to the original colors of whatever you’re copying? Sorry for so many questions—I’m just excited about the possibilities!

    Huge thanks!
    ~Gigi

    Reply

  39. Hi Karen and thank you for this post . . .and for all you do for us crafters. I have now a huge doubt though. I have an inkjet printer so I cannot print my own transfers. I thought that PIGMENT inks was what we were after when doing image transfers, like on wood or fabric for example. I have never been able to know where to have prints made with pigments or what printer to use for that so I take mine to be printed locally in a place that uses laser. When I read this post I was sooo happy thinking I could buy this printer that uses pigments and Voila! I could print my transfers but from an answer of your here I seem to understand that pigments are no substitute for laser for transfers???? Can you clarify this for me please?.
    Also, is there a way to have a larger print to be use for transfer? I mean, since I have not been able to find a place here that can print a larger format on laser I can only do as large as a double letter size. What kind of printer can produce a larger print good for a transfer? I sure hope you have the time to bring some light into this. Many thanks!!!

    Reply

    • Hi Marisol,
      We have lots of transfer method posts on the blog here https://thegraphicsfairy.com/12-easy-image-transfer-methods-for-diy-projects/ each method will tell you in the post, what type of printer or copier you will need for that method. Unfortunately I don’t believe there is one printer that will work for all transfer methods or mediums, some methods/mediums do work well with ink jet and others work better with laser and some only work with toner based copies. My recommendation for this printer is that it works well for general crafting. As I mentioned in the post, the ink is fade proof and water resistant. This blog focuses on all sorts of crafts, not just transfers, (although we do love transfers here!) so that’s why I picked, and use, this printer since for most crafts I find it very useful. Some of the transfer mediums/methods, that do work with this printer are … Printing directly on fabric, the Iron on Method with Tap transfer paper, transfer a simple image onto glass, and the Transfer Method for Inkjet or Laser Printers found here https://thegraphicsfairy.com/12-easy-image-transfer-techniques/ I’m pretty sure there are others as well since this is just off the top of my head. Just go through each of the methods on both of those posts to find them all. And then have fun experimenting with those methods! As for your last question, that is also answered in that first post on number one. There is a wealth of info on both of those posts. Take some time to read both articles, as I think they will answer all of your questions much better than I can here! I hope that helps!

      Reply

  40. Hi. Can I use the Epson Expression Home XP-430 Wireless Color Photo Printer with Scanner and Copier to print on iron on transfer paper?

    Reply

    • Hi Juliett,

      You are probably fine but just make sure it uses the Dura Brite Ink! It is water resistant, fade proof, smudge proof…you name it. It is the best ink for crafting so just double check to be on the safe side . I hope that helps 🙂

      Reply

  41. Do the Epson printers you mention do full bleed/ borerless printing on all sizes or just 8.5×10? Does it have settings for cards and envelopes too?

    Reply

  42. Thanks so much for all the great info you provide! Is there any way to transfer on to cloth and make it washable without it washing off…other than getting a new printer with the pigment ink?

    I have used a regular inkjet printer (Canon) and found that the transferred image will wash off of things like towels, napkins, placemats. Sure wish I knew about the Epsom products with pigment ink before I purchased a new printer.

    Reply

  43. Thanks for this great post! I am in the market for a printer and am looking at the
    Epson P400 (uses pigment ink). I make mixed media art pieces and am wondering if you truly can use lots of wet medium with these prints without ink bleed. If you can with your current printer that is…

    Reply

  44. I just ordered the Epson 330 on Amazon for like $44 plus the 4 package of ink cartridges that was $40. I see the ink is rather costly but I can keep my old Brother printer for just printing out “junk” and save this baby for creating awesome things! Thank you for the tutorials and your advice!

    Reply

  45. Hi, I need a new printer. I’ve gone through so many Epson Printers that I was looking into other brands. Then I saw your post. You said you can print on fabric and card stock with this one? I know my old stylus Epson printers did print on card stock but my current artisan that just stopped working did not print on card stock even with the lightest weight card stock. Upon research, it seems people say this one does not print on card stock. Or if you can get it to, it ruins the rollers and breaks the printer. Have you or any others reading the comments had any issues with card stock? Also, how do you print on fabric. I never knew you could do that! I go through so much ink and do a lot of printing, all for crafts and things so looking for something that works well for crafting needs as well as a printer that doesn’t go through so much ink and isn’t so expensive with ink. I went through so much ink with my artisan. I know Epson is currently making one that has bottles of ink that you can fill, but seems like not all the kinks are worked out of them, they don’t do too much and are expensive. Also, I need something that prints great with photos as well. Would you be able to let me know your thoughts on this printer or the models up that print on both sides of the paper (such as the 630) and if they would work well with card stock and also how you print on fabric? I would greatly appreciate that and if any others reading the comments have other suggestions of a good printer as well, please feel free to let me know. Need to get something ASAP. Thank you so much!

    Reply

    • I currently have the Epsom ET – 2550. Recommended to me by the saleperson in PCWorld as it would print on cardstock etc – BUT IT DOESN’T. Big expensive mistake! Woud love to find one that does though! Anything over 100gms is a pain and Epson just spout the usual ‘Well if you use our photo paper it’s fine’ No it’s not! The only saving grace is I print a lot of work related paper stuff so the eco tanks are great for that and seem to be saving me money on ink. Probably use the savings to buy yet another printer! x

      Reply

  46. That you so much for this article. I am tired of wasting money on my printer. Ill check out your recommendation and hopefully will purchase this printer today.
    Keep articles like this coming because I am one that appreciates it.

    Reply

  47. Actually, all the listings for this printer that I find list Claria and not Durabrite Inks for it – and Claria is dye based rather than pigment based and not water proof. Did this maybe change from your model to the following? Actually, all Epson Expression printers I can currently find seem to use Claria – only the workforce ones seem to use Durabrite.

    Reply

  48. Hi Karen. I am looking to replace my Epson Stylus CX3810 printer that has decided it has a paper jam, even though there is no paper in it! I started using the Epson Stylus printers years ago, after seeing an Epson salesperson put a color print right from the printer into a bottle of water! I used that one to print on fabric for quilt labels. And yes, I used freezer paper! That must have been at least 15 years ago!

    So my question is, do you know if the Epson Expression Home XP-330 printer will work with Windows XP? I have my current printer connected to my old desktop computer, as I can also fax from that computer on the rare occasions that I need a fax!

    Thank you!!

    Reply

  50. Hi Karen

    thanks for posting on the epson printers. I have a question. Do you experience smudge proof prints using cardstock? I took some of my cardstock and had a salesperson run a couple of test prints for me. One was printed on the epson expression 430 (durabrite ink) and the other on the epson expression 640 (clarion ink). I brought the test prints home and sadly they both smudge if I wet my finger and run it across the printed area. Makes me wonder if smudge resistance is only when printing on photo paper. To be clear though I lost track of what side got printed on. I meant for them to get printed on the smooth side but instead got printed on the textured side.

    thanksMary

    Reply

  52. I just found you. I realized your recommendation for s printer for crafting is about s year old. What printer do you recommend as the best one for your average crafter. I’d like to use it to duplicate stamped images and copy images plus resize images. I know by your comment to use the Durabright ink. Please write me back.

    I recently purchased the Brother Scan n. Cut 2 and just returned it because it was so difficult to use and would not recognize even my very simple stamps. So disappointed. Thank you. Joyce Costa

    Reply

  53. The post is great! Thank you!
    I am wondering when i print it on cotton fabric if the ink will last in good condition after 10-12 washes using detergent. If that cannot last, do i have to apply other materials to preserve the colors?

    Thank you! 🙂

    Reply

  54. I am glad this printer is working well for you. Amazon reviews were very negative. After reading so many reviews I am now thinking of looking for a color laser instead. The problem so far is the one I find affordable doesn’t take cardstock. Still looking…..

    Reply

  55. I thought crafters would use laser printers, due that inkjet prints smear when eg. gel is used on them.

    Reply

  56. C Jenkins, the inventors of Bubble Jet Liquid, have special liquids to soak fabrics with when using Epsom or Hewlett Packard printers. I have used their regular Bubble Jet liquid for use with Canon printers and it works great. This liquid acts like a dyeing mordant – receiver – in the fabric. It’s an extra step; but, I believe, it’s worth the effort in order to have a stable print that takes washing well..
    They have changed their website, but used to have an article on what printers worked best for fabric printing. When clicking on the individual products, the page that comes up has simple directions.
    If you decide to investigate their website, don’t be confused. They have branched into the cooking arena. But they still carry the Bubble Jet products.

    Reply

  57. I need to replace my Epson workforce 633. It has been great for printing on paper and cardstock but will not take fabric or thick cardstock. I want another Epson- as you say, they have the best ink for crafting – but I want to make sure I get one that will handle fabric and thick stock this time. Can you tell me which ones would work?

    Reply

  58. Can you use either of these Epson printers in your post to print on freezer paper and/or fabric? Thank you for your post!

    Reply

  59. I have several comments:

    * I refill my own cartridges–I mention that for a few reasons–it is a good way to save money on ink, and there are ink sellers out there that sell ink in “bulk” (some kits have 4 oz. of each of 4 colors (I’m counting black) and I used to be able to get a kit like that for $25 either at a computer show or on ebay. I’ve bought a quart bottle of black ink for about $16, iirc. I use older Canon printers (using the BC-33 cartridges) because they are easy to refill and there is no chip to try to prevent you from refilling them.

    If I get into fabric printing (with my hope to be girlfriend) I will contact one of those people and ask if they have a pigmented ink that works / is recommended for those cartridges.

    Nowadays, both Canon and Epson make printers that have ink tanks instead of cartridges, the points being that (1) they hold lots of ink, and (2) they are (intentionally) easy to refill. If I need to buy a new printer to support fabric printing, I will find out if the Canon inks are pigmented, and then probably buy a Canon, and, if not, I’ll probably buy an Epson.

    (Not too long ago I bought an HP all in one because(1) I got it at a good price (around $100 iirc), (2) the cartridges it uses are big, and (3) even though they incorporate a chip or similar to discourage refills, based on reading on the Internet I think I can defeat that without too much trouble. PS: That is probably true of the printer when I bought it, but I have to remember to never update the firmware, because, apparently, they made the “refill prevention” feature much stronger in the firmware upgrade.)

    Hope I made my points: use an ink seller to find out if your printer uses (or can use) pigmented ink, look for a printer that uses tanks, then buy bulk refills for it (not from the OEM), and avoid HP.

    Reply

  60. I guess I should clarify by saying I bought the HP when only Epson offered tank style printers, and they were more expensive than I could justify.

    Reply

  61. Hi Karen!!

    I am searching for the article about printers from a while back, where you mentioned your other printer
    which is a bit more expensive, it is about $900.00, high quality printer, smudge and waterproof.
    This is the one, and I cannot find it on your website.
    Would you be so kind and let me know which brand and model it is.

    Thank you in advance,
    Nadia.

    Reply

    • Hi Nadia,

      The old printer I used to have is no longer carried. My current printer is an Epson XP 419, it uses DuraBrite Ultra ink which is waterproof and it is not very expensive at all. I hope that helps 🙂

      Reply

  62. I am looking for an all-in-one printer that will print A3 card. As a card crafter, I want to be able to have this facility but it is not a specific requirement. I was told to print card products for crafting you need to use a back loader printer rather then a front loader. I tried printing on the encapsulated glitter card and it wrecked my current printer hence the desperate need for a new one. I have read soooo many reviews about so many printers I am now in despair!! (Oh my aching head)

    Reply

    • Oh no, so sorry about your printer! I can only speak to the printer I use and am no expert. You may want to go to your local office supply store and speak with an expert. Best of luck to you 🙂

      Reply

  63. Would you recommend this for printing party printables, clipart and such? I have an inkjet but it smudges! I have been thinking about a color laser but I have never heard of the Durabrite until I found your article. Any information will be greatly appreciated. Looking to buy as soon as possible 🙂

    Reply

    • Well, the only thing I can recommend is what I know and the printer I mentioned in this post is it 🙂 It is the printer I use for all of my crafting projects and the ink doesn’t smudge because of the Durabrite Ink. You could check with your local office supply store to see what they recommend as well. Good luck 🙂

      Reply

  64. Do you think this printer would useful for printing items to be decoupaged or will the ink run?

    Thank you for your time.

    Reply

  65. So happy to have found your site! Just a fyi… hairspray works as a cheap alternative to fixative.

    And if someone is lucky enough to have a place in their town which will refill ink cartridges, then they would be happy to add whatever kind of ink you want, including ink which is water-resistent and light-fast. These little businesses sprung up because the price for a Hewlett Packard cartridge is exorbitantly expensive, so they will do re-fills for you quite cheaply and since this what they do, they tend to replace the ink for any brand printer.

    I’m considering a different printer, one by Brother, because their software does not constantly “phone home” like the Hewlett Packard brand, nor does the Brother computer refuse to print just because you’re low on one color of ink. The HP printers force you to replace the entire cartridge of all four colors and also, many people report that HP software is a pain to set up and use.

    I’ve been reading a ton of reviews and none of that happens with the Brother. The one I’m considering buying, has a slide-out tray in front and that’s where the printer grabs regular computer paper to print. But, in the back is another slot where you can manually add watercolor paper or heavy cardstock. I was wondering if I could print on tissue paper without wrecking the printer, so did a search, and voila, found your site!

    Anyway, people are allowed to have their own preferences but thought I’d let you know that if folks have one of these businesses in their town then they’re not limited to Epson just to get a certain kind of ink. And people could always just spray their page with hairspray if they want, but that might also work as a resist for their next layer, which they might not want.

    Hope that helps.

    Reply

  66. Karen, will this printer print on laminated burlap sheets. I had been using a photo smart 7520 and it worked great… I put the sheets in and my design printed on the sheet. Unfortunately, the machine recently died on me. I don’t need the fax machine and everything that comes with that so I’m looking for a cheaper alternative. I’m hoping to find another machine that I can run burlap sheets through.

    Reply

    • Allison, I am not sure as I haven’t personally tried it. I have printed on fabric with it though. Sorry I can’t be more helpful, perhaps contact the manufacturer directly to ask?

      Reply

  68. I have the epson with the dura brite ink -i found on amazon the new cartridges empty with a little filling hole then I found the ink a lot cheaper by the bottle -so i filled the new cartridges and i can believed the quality and hiw long they last -nite-you do not have to even replace the new cartridges for refilling you just fill them on place so eady i am saving hundres of dollars in my prohects and the ink is top quality same than factory or even better

    Reply

  69. I have had the Epson Artisan 50 for 9 yrs now and it uses the Dura Ink. What I did to SAVE A FORTUNE on ink ( I use color constantly) is to buy the CISS System right away. I paid $34 for it full and my refill ink runs me about $15/yr. for all 6 colors. CISS = Continual Ink System. Some of the New printer have the reservoir tank ( same thing but big bucks.) I bought mine on eBay. I think they run about $50 now, but still WAY CHEAPER than cartridges. Not hard to install. Follow instructions. When printer says low ink- I lift that color cartridge up & reset. Away I go. I have saved $$$$$$ hundreds over the yrs. and have the refill bottles ready for filling reservoir tanks beside printer. Dura-Bright ink is the BEST ! Hope this is helpful.

    Reply

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