Precision Printing: Top Printers for Screen Printing

So, you’re looking for the best printer for screen printing – and you know it’s not so easy to find. This guide will walk you through what makes a printer suitable for screen printing. Then, I’ll share my reviews of the best screen printing printers.

Screen printing is a little complex, but you can do it at home. It’s a great way to create gorgeous products and start your own business. You can screen print on anything from T-shirts to bags with long-lasting results. 

But you need the right kind of printing for screen printing. And that’s why I’ve picked the best screen printing printers. 

You’ll find detailed reviews below, including specs, pros & cons, and more. By the end of this guide, you’ll be an expert on the best printers for you.

Buying Guide to the Best Printers

Screen printing is quite a complicated process, so you’ll need the right type of printer. Not all printers can handle transparency paper well or produce a clear image. 

But if you choose a suitable printer, you’ll make your job much easier. You’ll reduce the likelihood of print jams, smudged designs, or ink clogging. 

So, here’s what to look for in a printer for your crafting work: 

Compatibility with Transparency Paper

Transparente paper is a tricky medium for many printers, even premium models. It’s slippery and doesn’t create much friction, so a lot of printers can struggle to print well on it. 

For example, older, well-used printers often produce underwhelming results. You won’t get a sharp image if the rollers or print heads are worn out. 

So, buying a new printer is often recommended. But not all printers are made the same, so some are better suited for this task than others. Read on for the other essential factors a screen printing printer should have. 

Wide Format Printing

When screen printing, you might want to create larger designs. You can apply them to T-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, and other items. And that calls for a wide-format printer. 

A printer that can handle a variety of paper sizes will give you more options. You’ll be able to get creative, improve your product line, and make more money. 

So, I would recommend looking for a wide-format printer. You’ll have more flexibility and versatility in what you can create. 

Print Quality

Print quality is a crucial factor when choosing a screen print printer. You want your designs to come out crisp, sharp, and detailed. That’s especially important for more complex images. 

So,  you’ll need a printer with a high print resolution. I would recommend looking for a printer with at least 2400 dpi. That will ensure your images come out crisp instead of blurred or pixellated.

Media Handling

You’ll need to print your designs on slippery transfer paper for screen printing. Not all printers can handle this kind of paper with ease. Sometimes, it can get stuck or slip around, ruining your design or causing smudges.

So, you’ll need to look for a printer that can handle all media types. For example, it’s a good sign if it’s compatible with glossy photo paper.

Wireless & Cloud Connectivity

Gone are the days when you needed to connect your printer and computer via USB cable. Now, most printers offer wireless printing over WiFi or Bluetooth. That allows you to print hands-free from almost any device, including your tablet or phone. 

So, you could create a design on your iPad and print it directly without needing to transfer the file. It’s a lot faster and more straightforward, so you’ll save time. 

Some printers even offer WiFi Direct printing. That means you won’t even need an internet connection available. Instead, the printer talks directly to your device, making printing even easier. 

Other Features

You might want to look out for other features, depending on your needs. For example, you could go for a photo printer if you want the option to print photos at home.

Or, you might prefer an all-in-one printer if you need to make copies or scan your drawings. 

There are loads of options, so browse through this list and see which one is most suitable. 

The Best Printer for Screen Printing

I’ve carefully selected these printers for screen printing. 

Each printer is ideal for printing clear, sharp images on transparent paper. Plus, they are versatile, efficient, and offer excellent value for money. So, you won’t go wrong with any of these printers. 

They vary from budget to more expensive models, with something for every budget. Browse through and see which one suits your needs.

Top 3 Printers for Screen Printing: Quick Comparison

But if you’re short on time, you just want the recommendations. Here are the top three printers for screen printing (at least in my opinion!). 

The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is a standout winner. It ticks all the right boxes and is one of the best printers for screen printing around. This compact printer is ideal for printing crisp, sharp images. It’s a photo printer, so the image quality is outstanding, as you’d expect. This is the printer to go for if you want to print detailed designs. It’s also ideal for printing photos or art prints at home. 

But the Epson WorkForce WF-7710 is a close runner-up. This model is a more robust, all-in-one printer that can print, scan, copy, and fax. It’s built to last (and is pretty bulky). But it produces excellent borderless prints up to 13 x 19 inches. And at the same time, it can meet all your office needs. Notable features include WiFi Direct printing, a large touchscreen, and two-sided printing.

And don’t worry if you’re on a tighter budget. You can get started with screen printing with the Canon Pixma iX6820. It’s a fantastic, low-cost printer for newbies. This printer is compact, offers wireless printing, and has excellent print quality. And all at a very affordable cost that will appeal to anyone, even if you’re not new to screen printing. 

Product	Best Printer Overall: Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000	Best Inkjet Printer : Epson WorkForce WF-7710	Best Budget Printer – Canon Pixma iX6820
Printing Technology	Inkjet	Inkjet	Inkjet
Brand	Epson	Epson	Canon
Paper Formats	Up to 13 x 19 inches	8.50 x 14, 4 x 6, 13 x 19, 11.70 x 16.50, 8.30 x 11.70, 7.25 x 10.50, 11 x 17, 4.10 x 5.80, 8.50 x 11, 3.50 x 5, 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 13 x 19	Up to 13 x 19 inches
Printer Output	Color	Color	Color

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000

Best Printer for Transparencies

(Image credit: Epson)

The Epson Expression Photo XD 15000 is a superb printer. It’s a little more expensive than the Canon Pixma iX6820. But it still provides excellent value for money for regular printing on transparencies. 

This printer has a high resolution of 5760 x 1400 dpi. So, you can be sure that your images will come out crisp and sharp. That’s essential for transferring your designs to shirts or other products. You don’t want anything less than perfect, and this printer doesn’t disappoint. 

And it can handle transparency paper with confidence. Where other printers can struggle, this one excels in precision and accuracy. 

It’s also easy to use, with a 200-sheet front tray and handy touchscreen display. Plus, it has features like auto-duplex printing if you need them. 

And with its wide-format design, you can create borderless designs up to 13 x 19 inches. That’s ideal, as it gives you more flexibility and allows you to create larger screen prints. And although it’s a little slow at 9 PPM, it’s worth the wait.

It’s recommended only to use genuine Epson inks with this printer. These inks aren’t cheap, but they provide the high quality necessary for screen printing. The Claria inks are vibrant, bright, and fade-resistant for excellent results.

This Epson Expression also has great wireless printing options. You can connect via WiFi or Ethernet from almost any device, including smartphones. It also allows you to hook it up to Alexa for voice-activated control. 

So, you have many more options for how, when, and where you print. And that frees you up to focus on what you need to do and improve your productivity. 

If you can afford to spend a bit more, the Expression Photo HD XP 15000 is a no-brainer. It’s one of the best printers for printing on transparencies with reliable results. 

Specifications:

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: Epson 
• Paper Formats: Up to 13 x 19 inches
• Printer Output: Color

Pros:

• Fantastic image quality makes it perfect for printing on transparencies
• It can handle media up to 13 x 19 inches
• You can print wirelessly or via AirPrint from most devices
• It has lots of hands-free printing features to give you more flexibility

Cons:

• It’s a bit more expensive
• The print speed is relatively slow at 9 ppm  

Check price on

Amazon

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Epson WorkForce WF-7710

Best All-In-One Inkjet Printer

(Image credit: Epson)

The WorkForce WF-7710 could be right for you if you’re looking for a robust all-in-one printer. 

The WW-7710 is a chunky printer that takes up a bit more space. But with its wide format and range of features, it’s another good option for screen printing. 

You can use this printer for scanning, copying, faxing, and printing. It offers excellent, precise prints in various sizes up to 13 x 19 inches. That’s handy if you want to print larger designs for your product range. 

It’s also straightforward to print from any device with WiFi Direct. So,  you can print in a hurry without needing to hover over your printer.

Admittedly, the WF-7710 doesn’t come cheap. But if you consider it an investment, you’ll see that this printer is well worth the price. 

This printer should last a long time and print as much as you need for your screen printing business. So, it provides great value for money and will help you get more done as efficiently as possible. 

Specifications:

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: Epson
• Paper Formats: 8.50 x 14, 4 x 6, 13 x 19, 11.70 x 16.50, 8.30 x 11.70, 7.25 x 10.50, 11 x 17, 4.10 x 5.80, 8.50 x 11, 3.50 x 5, 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 13 x 19
• Printer Output: Color

Pros:

•  A durable and reliable printer
• It’s an all-in-one printer that can handle all your office needs
• It has a wide format for borderless prints up to 13 x 19 inches
• The print speed is slow, with a max of 8.7 ppm 

Cons:

• It’s costly

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Amazon

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Canon Pixma iX6820 Wireless Business Printer

Best Budget Wide-Format Printer

(Image credit: Canon)

The Canon Pixma iX6820 is an excellent choice for screen printing. This printer has incredible image quality, with 9600 x 2400 dpi. 

It also has fine print head technology, making your designs look crisp and vivid. The details are clear, making it suitable for simple or more intricate images. 

This printer uses five different ink cartridges to produce vibrant and accurate colors. And that’s also gentler on your wallet, as you only need to replace each cartridge as it runs out.

It’s a wide-format printer that can handle prints from 4 x 6 to 13 x 19 inches. So, you have a lot more flexibility in what you create. That allows you to make larger products and a wider range. If you plan to sell your creations, that could translate to more income! 

It’s also pretty fast at up to 14.5 ppm. It also offers features like auto-duplex printing and an auto sheet feeder.

The Pixma iX6820 is a fantastic choice for screen printing. But it’s also suitable for making art prints, printables, or craft projects at home. This versatile printer is well worth your investment. 

Another positive of this printer is that it comes with My Image Garden software. That allows you to control how you print, including ready-made templates and filters. 

This printer is an excellent yet affordable model, ideal for screen printing. So, it’s well worth your consideration when you’re shopping for a new screen print printer.

Specifications:

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: Canon
• Paper Formats: Up to 13 x 19 inches
• Printer Output: Color

Pros:

• It has superb image quality with 9600 x 2400 dpi
• It’s pretty fast at 14.5 ppm 
• It comes with helpful printing software
• It’s compact and lightweight

Cons:

• This printer doesn’t have a touchscreen display 

Check price on

Amazon

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Canon PIXMA PRO-200

Best Professional Printer

(Image credit: Canon)

If you’re looking for a reliable printer for transparency paper, the Pixma Pro-200 fits the bill. This is another great Canon printer ideal for printing on transparencies. 

You might think this printer doesn’t sound as impressive. For example, it has a 4800 x 2400 dpi, while others on this list are higher. But the Pixma Pro-200 has a lot going for it. 

It has a sturdy and durable build that handles transparency paper with ease. You won’t need to worry about the paper slipping around or getting jammed with this model. It’s made from robust pieces carefully engineered for precision and efficiency. 

Plus, it uses an 8-ink system that ensures vivid, richly saturated designs. Your images will come out accurate and vibrant on transparency paper. So, they will look outstanding when transferred to the product.

This printer also supports printing from tablets and mobile devices. It offers wireless printing and cloud-based printing, including AirPrint. So, you won’t need to worry about hooking up your laptop via USB cable. 

Despite all these superb features, the Pro-200 has a very small footprint. It’s compact, making it perfect if you’re short on space. But you won’t sacrifice any image quality or functions. So, it ticks all the right boxes for screen printing. 

It can print high-quality designs that rival print shops for accuracy and definition. So, that makes it a great screen printing printer for your business. And it’s versatile – you can also use it for printing photos, art prints, or craft projects. 

Specifications:

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: Canon
• Paper Formats: Up to 13 x 19 inches
• Printer Output: Color

Pros:

• This professional-grade printer has exceptional print quality
• It uses eight different inks for vibrant results
• You can print borderless images up to 13 x 19 inches
• It has seamless wireless connectivity

Cons:

• It’s one of the more expensive models on this list

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Amazon

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HP OfficeJet Pro 8035 All-in-One Wireless Printer

Best Low-Cost Printer for Transparency Paper

(Image credit: HP)

If you want to start screen printing on a budget, check out the OfficeJet Pro 8035. Not all low-cost printers are suitable for screen printing. But this printer can handle transparency paper and other media, making it a great choice for you. 

This printer is affordable, but it offers excellent features and specs. For example, it’s an all-in-one printer. That means it can also fan and scan-to-USB, so you can use it for all your office needs. The self-healing WiFi is another nice factor. Not only can you print wirelessly, but it auto-reconnects if the connection drops. 

But most importantly, you can print detailed screen print designs using this printer. So, it’s an ideal choice for anyone who wants to print on transparency paper.

This model is more compact than earlier OfficeJet Pro printers. So, it will take up less space in your home. And it also has useful security features, including passport protection. That means your designs can’t be stolen, and your info stays private.

It’s worth noting that this printer doesn’t have a wide-format design. You can print up to 8.5 x 14 inches, making small to medium images possible. But you might find you’re limited when it comes to larger screen print products. 

The OfficeJet Pro 8035 is ideal if you’re just getting started with screen printing. It will allow you to try out your new hobby or side hustle on a budget. But it’s better suited to smaller printing volumes. So, you may find that you need to upgrade after a while. 

Specifications:

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: HP
• Paper Formats: 3.5 x 5, 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 8.5 x 14
• Printer Output: Color

Pros:

• It’s a great budget printer
• The print quality is good
• It provides security features to keep your designs and data safe
• You can also scan and copy with this printer

Cons:

• It’s not as powerful as other printers
• It’s not a wide-format printer

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Amazon

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Epson EcoTank ET-2720

Best Ink Tank Printer

(Image credit: Epson)

The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is ideal for anyone who’s eco-conscious or watching their budget. 

This printer has an ink tank you top up with ink refills instead of regular cartridges. That works out a lot cheaper in the long run and produces less plastic waste. But even better, it comes with a 2-year supply of ink included. So, you won’t need to spend anything else for a good while. 

With the included ink and the cheaper refills, the EcoTank ET-2720 will save you a lot of money. Plus, you get a 2-year warranty for your peace of mind. This printer is built to last, and if anything goes wrong, Epson will replace or repair it for you. 

But that’s not all this printer has going for it. It’s an efficient and fast printer with great print quality. The ET-2720 uses heat-free Micro Pieza technology for vibrant colors and sharp details. So, that makes it an obvious choice for printing on transparency paper. 

It has a compact design and a 1.44-inch color display for easy printing. It has a high-resolution scanner and can also copy and fax. And it’s simple and easy to print wirelessly from phones, computers, and tablets. 

If you’re looking for a robust and affordable printer, the EcoTank ET-2720 fits the bill. Not only is it very low-cost to run, but it provides everything you need for screen printing.

Specifications:

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Brand: Epson
• Paper Formats: 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, A6, Half Letter, Letter, A4, Executive, Legal, User definable (from 2.2″ x 3.4″ to 8.5″ x 47.2″)
• Printer Output: Color

Pros:

• An affordable printer that has very low running costs
• It’s an all-in-one that can print, scan, copy, and fax
• The print resolution and quality are excellent 
• You can print wirelessly from your phone or iPad

Cons:

• It doesn’t have an ADF or auto-duplex printing

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Amazon

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Screen Printing Printer FAQ

The Wrap Up

Screen printing from home is an exciting process that allows you to create cool T-shirts, bags, etc. So, it’s a great way to earn some cash and start a side hustle from home. 

As you can see, having the right kind of printer is crucial. But by now, you should have a good idea of which printer will suit your needs and budget. 

The best printer will handle transfer paper with ease. It should also be fast, cost-effective, and have superb print quality. You may also want a printer to print, scan, or copy photos. 

There’s something for everyone on this list, from low-cost to premium models. Let me know which one you go for in the comments below. I’d also love to hear how you get on with screen printing! 

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