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How to Buy a Wide-Format Photo Printer

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Wide-Format Photo Printer

Print your own gallery-quality art at home without paying the $700 upfront cost all at once.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $700 before anything else
Across the 0% window $38.89/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $700 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Wide-format printers turn digital files into gallery-quality art. A solid machine should last five to seven years if you treat it well. Buying a high-end model now prevents the frustration of clogs and fading that come with cheap consumer gear.

Wait for the late summer sales. Retailers drop prices to clear space for the new school year. Last year's flagship model is often the better buy because the tech hasn't changed much but the price tag has.

This 18-month window is a strict deadline for your budget. If you still have a balance when the period ends, the standard interest rate will apply to the remaining amount, which makes your printer much more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Watch for the August sales

    Retailers often bundle ink or paper with printers during the back-to-school rush. You can sometimes find a $700 machine for $100 less if you are patient and check the major electronics sites weekly.

  2. 02

    Choose pigment over dye

    Dye ink is cheaper but it fades and shifts color over time. Pigment ink stays sharp for decades and is the standard for art you plan to sell or display. Make sure the model you pick specifically lists pigment inks.

  3. 03

    Use the 18-month window

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) to manage the cost. It features 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. You will pay $38.89 per month if $700 is spread across the 18-month window.

  4. 04

    Test different papers

    Order a sample pack with various textures like matte and luster before buying bulk. Different printers react differently to paper coatings, and you do not want to waste money on a 50-sheet box you will not use.

  5. 05

    Print something every week

    These machines have tiny nozzles that can clog if the ink sits too long. Running a small test print every few days keeps the lines clear and saves you from wasting expensive ink on deep cleaning cycles later.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is a home art printer worth the cost?

It depends on your volume. If you print more than a few large pieces a month, the control and convenience of doing it at home usually beat the price and shipping times of a professional lab.

What does wide-format mean for home use?

This usually refers to printers that can handle paper up to 13 inches wide. It is the standard size for entry-level gallery prints and fits on a standard home office desk.

Can I use cheaper third-party inks?

We do not recommend it for art. Generic inks rarely match the color profiles of the manufacturer, and they can lead to clogs that ruin the expensive print head.

Does wireless printing lower the quality?

No, the file data remains the same regardless of the connection. Just ensure your Wi-Fi is stable so the printer does not stop in the middle of a large file transfer.