What is the best Printer for Fine Art Digital Printing

When it comes to digital printing for fine art and photography, your final print is only as good as the machine behind it. At SE1 Picture Frames, we’ve spent over 30 years perfecting our craft—and our printer of choice remains the Epson Stylus Pro 9880, paired with UltraChrome HDR archival inks.

This wide-format printer consistently delivers museum-quality results that our clients—artists, photographers, collectors, and galleries—trust. Here’s why we believe it’s the best printer in the business.

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The Importance of Printer Quality in Digital Printing

Not all digital printers are created equal. The quality of the printer affects:

• Colour accuracy
• Detail reproduction
• Archival permanence
• Paper compatibility
• Overall sharpness and tone

When you’re producing a limited edition or preparing for an exhibition, you need precision, consistency, and longevity. That’s why we’ve chosen the Epson Stylus Pro 9880 for our digital printing services.

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Why We Use the Epson Stylus Pro 9880

1. UltraChrome HDR Archival Inks

The 9880 uses Epson’s advanced UltraChrome HDR (High Dynamic Range) pigment inks. These offer:

• Expanded colour gamut: Especially in blues, oranges, and greens—ideal for landscape photography, artwork, and skin tones.
• Deeper blacks and brighter highlights: Thanks to advanced black ink handling and high D-Max performance.
• Fade resistance: Rated for up to 200 years when used with archival papers like Somerset Enhanced 330gsm.

This ink system allows us to produce prints that are vibrant yet subtle, rich in contrast, and designed to last for generations.

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2. Wide Format for Large-Scale Prints

With its 44-inch (1118mm) wide printing capacity, the 9880 supports everything from A4 to full-size A0+ works and custom roll sizes.

Whether you need a striking panoramic print or a life-size art reproduction, our studio is fully equipped to handle it. We offer roll format pricing at £150 + VAT per metre for oversized or custom work. See pricing here.

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3. Unparalleled Detail and Precision

The Epson Stylus Pro 9880 delivers up to 2880 x 1440 dpi resolution, with precise droplet placement that ensures ultra-fine detail.

• Line art stays sharp
• Text remains legible at 6pt or smaller
• Photographic gradients appear smooth and true-to-life

This precision makes it the ideal choice for both digital artists and traditional painters reproducing textured canvases or watercolour works.

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4. Optimised for Archival Papers

We pair the 9880 with a curated selection of museum-grade papers, including:

• Somerset Enhanced 330gsm (our default)
• Hahnemühle Photo Rag
• Woodstock Superfine 310gsm (for proofing)
• Epson Premium Lustre

These papers are all 100% cotton, acid-free, and lignin-free, ensuring compatibility with the UltraChrome HDR inks for long-lasting results.

Learn more about our paper options and file prep guidelines here.

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5. Reliable & Consistent for Professional Workflows

The 9880 is built for high-volume, precision printing. We rely on its stability and accuracy for:

• Gallery exhibitions
• Limited edition prints
• High-end commercial projects
• Custom orders with specific file requirements

You get professional consistency, whether you’re printing one copy or fifty.

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How the Epson Stylus Pro 9880 Compares to Other Printers

Feature	Epson Stylus Pro 9880	Canon imagePROGRAF	HP DesignJet
Colour Inks	UltraChrome HDR (8 inks)	Lucia Pro (12 inks)	Vivera Dye Inks (4-6)
Print Width	44 inches	44 inches	24–44 inches
Archival Ink Longevity	200+ years	100–200 years	<100 years
Detail Resolution	2880 x 1440 dpi	2400 x 1200 dpi	1200 x 1200 dpi
Paper Compatibility	Extensive (fine art)	Moderate (glossy focus)	Limited (best on bond)
Cost of Operation	Lower per print	Higher ink usage	Less archival

While newer models exist, few match the combination of affordability, detail, and archival reliability of the 9880 for fine art digital printing.

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Printing with SE1 Picture Frames

Our Epson 9880 is at the heart of our fully equipped digital printing studio, located in the historic Alaska Buildings, SE1. Here’s what we offer:

• File submission via WeTransfer
• 72-hour turnaround for standard jobs
• Paper choice and proofing services
• Expert finishing (torn edges, trimming, mounting, framing)

Want to get started? Submit your files here or email us at info@se1pictureframes.co.uk.

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Bonus Tips for Getting the Best from the Epson 9880

• Use 300 DPI files to match the printer’s high resolution.
• Convert to CMYK to reduce colour shift.
• Choose archival papers for best ink interaction.
• Flatten layers and embed fonts in PDFs before submission.
• Test first with our proofing service on Woodstock Superfine 310gsm (£65 + VAT/m).

Need help prepping your files? We’ve got a step-by-step guide for that too:
👉 How to Prepare Your Files for Digital Printing

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Trusted by Artists, Galleries & Collectors

SE1 Picture Frames is proud to use the Epson Stylus Pro 9880 because it consistently delivers what our clients demand: exceptional colour fidelity, rich detail, and gallery-grade longevity. Whether you’re producing one showpiece or a full edition, this printer ensures the result is worthy of the work.Visit us at Alaska Buildings, 61 Grange Road, London SE1 3BH, or explore our digital printing services to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)