Selling prints, cards and artwork made with the Epson EcoTank ET8550. Is the printer good enough?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ส.ค. 2021
- Keith looks at whether the Epson ET-8550 13"/A3+ EcoTank printer is a good option for people wanting to sell their prints, cards and artwork.
What effect does paper and card choices have, and what limitations or features of the printer matter most for different print types.
Keith also looks at the business aspects of using a printer like this and how in many respects they are more important than basic printer details.
Yes, the printer can make great prints, but that is not what really matters if you are serious about the business side of printing and making a profit.
There are many other videos about the business side of photography and print making in the 'Photography Business' playlist, as well as several more videos about actually making prints and cards.
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I almost never comment on TH-cam stuff but I need to make an exception here: thank you for your content. It's thorough, it's honest and it is NOT built on bullshit. It's a true lost art in today's internet. I have no professional or even hobbyist use for most of the knowledge you're sharing here but I keep coming back because it's really informative and it's just so nice listening to you. Thank you for being true 🙏
Thanks - I really appreciate that!
THANK YOU SO MUCH KEITH! This is the video I need! I do digital arts and traditional arts and all the information you've provided has been helpful.
That's great - glad it helped!
Thank you so much Kieth! After lots of research I've pretty much decided on this printer. All of your videos are most helpful and I love your no nonsense approach.
Thanks - much appreciated
Thankyou so much for this video!! It's exactly what I've been looking for, an ecotank review specifically for art prints.
Glad it was of help - it's the colour management which really helps with print accuracy and colour for this printer.
You answered the exact questions I was looking for. I've also watched various other videos of yours and they've all been superb. Thank you Keith.
Glad it was helpful!
Enjoyed the video and your point of view - thank you!
Thanks
Thank you for this! I'm looking to replace my current (and old) Epson that I use for my illustration business and this was extremely helpful!
Thanks - the key to quality is understanding the ink set and aspects of colour management
wonderful educational and professional content, thank you so much!
Thanks - it's nice to know when stuff was useful to people
Thanks Keith for such informational videos. You help a lot with choosing my next printer-Epson SC P900!
Thanks - glad it's of interest
Apart from a good printer advice, this is such a solid advice for anyone who wishes to sell their art. The section 3:24 - 4:02 sums it up spot on. Great video!
Thanks for that!
Also from 8:32 . All explained so simple and well!
Great perspective and insight!
Thanks!
Forget what you said about the printer, which is great and why I came to watch it, but your advice as a business to people who want to sell their cards or prints, is spot on. I personally am a card maker and I constantly see people complaining that they cannot make more than $3_$5. And I tell them the same things...either there's not a market for it, they have the wrong customers, or it's not good quality. Thanks for the review about the printer, mine just arrived yesterday and I'm looking forward to setting it up. But thank you, thank you, thank you for telling it like it is with regards to selling your prints.
Thanks - I still get asked these sort of questions from people who hope for a different answer ;-)
@@KeithCooper I am constantly getting asked where to find free stuff, or the most inexpensive stuff.. and then people wonder why they do not have the same quality and can't sell their items. They do not realize they get what they paid for. I put my money into quality equipment and supplies, and have been offered a fair price for many of my creations. I'm sure they will only improve from here with your knowledge.
I think many (including myself) asking whether you get good quality out of this printer, considering 6 colors etc., to sell. and of course, there is no straight answer but you did mention that it is good as long as you have profiles, good paper, and a business that sells. and common photographers like us should not worry about 150 years of archival issues either. Thank you
Thanks - glad it was of interest!
Print lifetimes just need a bit of context ;-)
I'm a mixed media artist i majored in photography and i love this video you tell it like it is with no window dressing. sadly some people need to be told by some one the blunt but honest tooth and you do but in the nicest way.
Thanks. Some of my additional experience comes from Karen's* work as a jewellery designer/maker where I learnt an awful lot more about the sometimes wishful economics you come across in the 'craft' market. She could look at a piece of jewellery in a gallery and give a snap breakdown of costs and work for a piece.
*My wife and the other half of Northlight Images :-)
Printed cards on it yesterday and on purpose spilled some drops of water on it. quality is really good compared to any other dye ink printer I have owned. Every print looks good! My old canon pixma was just waste of paper and then I had to buy a new cartridge.
The ink started to run with water droplets on it. It is waterbased ink so it is expected. But I had to try since the quality has improved.
Now this was a thick but ordinary paper, a bit artsy with texture. Glossy might stick better?
I have Epson archival matte paper and did a testprint to see the difference between choosing plain paper and semigloss in the menu. Matte paper was not an option in the app and I think it is for their thick fine art paper.
Dripped some water 💧 on it. Water was sucked into the paper really quick and you could clearly see that there had been water on it with dark ink on the edges of where the drop was. Blue and red. Black was resistant though so next up is test matte and glossy black 😄 because.. (drum roll) one of the blacks are pigment and the photo black are dye ink.
Yes, this is the sort of stuff that can often only be found out by experimenting
Absolute G! Thank you
Thanks
Amazing and honest inputs.
Thanks - that's appreciated
@@KeithCooper I bought a 8550. I'll be selling prints.. But for ultra low profit. Just to please the custommers. They'll be happy to have a physical print of their portraits.
The point you listed are very complete and answer questions I asked myself before ordering this printer.
What you could add about the dye ink, is that you can use UV sprays.
It's quite cheap. I'll be doing some tests in a near future.
Great info! Subscribed 👍🏼
Thanks!
@@KeithCooper Been dithering about getting a good quality printer, but I think this might be the one... it'll enable me to do one-off prints until I get to the point of enough orders to be bulk-ordering them, which is a struggle at the moment.
@Keith Cooper Its me again from the Pro-200 video asking another question today...I love this printer too, and I do see what looks like 12 x 12 card/paper ontop of the printer...the specs list up to 13 x19 but don't specifically list 12 x 12...so just checking that it can take and print that size
just checked and 12x12 is listed, both normal and borderless
Thank you so much for your series of videos on the Epson 8550. I wanted to print some 5x7 greeting cards. Will the printer print on 10x7 paper to fold to size please? Or would I be better changing to a more standard size?
Yes, it will, but it's a custom size setting, so not a borderless one (IIRC). Check the Epson printer specs to see which sizes are supported borderless. I use A4 folded to A5 - A4 is a borderless size
@@KeithCooper thank you! I loved your demolition of marketing speak regarding prints. It made everything so much clearer!!!
Hi Keith,
Me again. On this matte card that you used in the rear tray, do you just set the media type to Epson Matte? I am using 240 matte photo paper and I'm finding that when the paper goes through the feeder, it makes a noise that worries me, I am not sure if this is normal? I checked what Epson paper is compatible with this printer and the only Matte paper is presentation paper, so I'm thinking does the printer think that the paper is thin when I select Epson Matte? I'm worried that the printer is going to break, even though it's meant to handle thicker cards.
Any new printer making a loud noise is a sign of concern - if it does this much, then contact Epson (a video clip including the noise will help)
I had this happen on a printer, which needed replacing...
Love your videos! Curious how the ET-8550 compares to the Epson Expression Photo XP-970? Been researching forever and feeling overwhelmed. I'm a digital artist and I like to print on matte paper. I usually order Giclee prints from Mpix but it's so expensive. Need to be able to print 11x14 and cardstock. Appreciate any advice you could give! Side note- I don't plan on selling physical prints of my art, I sell digitally but I want prints for personal use so they don't have to be museum quality or anything
Couldn't say about that printer - I've only tested the xp-15000 in detail
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-xp-15000-printer-review/
IMHO The biggest benefit for 'digital artists' is to learn some of the the basics of colour management.
As to "Giclee prints from Mpix" - of course they are expensive. Anyone using the spurious term 'Giclee' is making you pay for the privilege - It's a meaningless marketing term used to justify larger margins ;-) :-)
8550 would be my choice, but see
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Your "simple as that" ignores marketing. Which is my weakness. Thanks for your videos. I found my Epson comes with horrible instructions. Your videos helps.
Thanks - I address marketing in many of my more business oriented videos, but it's definitely something many neglect, thinking the real challenge is the techy printing side of things ;-)
Great, so glad I found your channel! I was dead set on getting the Pixma Pro 300 for my watercolorprints, but now i see this! What one would you recommend? they are the same price here in sweden, £800. I sell my prints and originals to tourists in Old town , stockholm.
Ah, I'm afraid I have a 20 yr policy of never making recommendations.... ;-)
The 8550 is cheaper to run but definitely need good colour management
See the main [written] reviews of each printer for a lot more detail [and links to all my related videos/articles for the printer]
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-pro-300-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper Thank you Keith, amazing the amount of work you've done for us not to have to, and facilitating being able to make informed decisions! Happy new year!
Hi Keith, I really enjoy your videos and expertise in photos and printers. I want to buy a new printer for my digital art and watercolor illustrations. Do you recommend this printer for that kind of work? Do you thing the color will come out really good on art papers? I also want to print some stickers… If you don’t recommend it, which one?
Thanks, but I don't really ever make recommendations I'm afraid, since the answer is always 'it depends' ;-)
For example define "really good"?
Yes, the printer (with good profiles and suitable inkjet media) can give good prints. I use a bigger printer with pigment inks, but thats just because of the sorts of photos (and sizes) I print.
Stickers are something I've never looked at in testing - water based dye inks limit the types of media you can use though
Hi Keith! I have purchased this machine yesterday - I am getting roller indents in all prints from 210gam - 350gm cards using the top rear feed. Have been on to epson and they claim nothing thicker than 167gsm OEM card stock is to be used for the top rear feed. But I see in your comments you have used up to 350gsm? And the results were good, did you get any roller indents? Any advice - I don't know what to to about the printer!
I've come across this daft setting from them - thicker media should work fine.
However, admitting the problem happens with a non Epson media gives the support droids an easy exit to the call.
Needless to say, any problems I see would be on a thicker Epson media, like an art paper ;-)
Hey Keith, thank you so much for your video. Quick question, we're looking to find a printer that can handle 5X7 100# 280ish gsm cardstock and ideally do double sided printing. Is it possible to change settings on this printer to try it out? We really need double sided cardstock printing, but can't seem to find anything that will work. If not do you have any suggestions? This is going to be for a business application and selling cards in bulk.
Double sided for anything but thin paper is manual feed only.
'Bulk' ? - this is not a very fast printer
Also double sided card stock suitable for inkjet printers is hard to find
@@KeithCooper Thanks for your quick response! Do you know of any (prosumer / commercial) printers that can handle double sided cardstock? We're not married to inkjet, but ideally need something where the prints come out looking decent, ink is decently priced, and doesn't have to be refilled constantly.
I'm afraid commercial printing equipment isn't my area of expertise.
No inkjet printer I've ever tested directly supports double sided card printing, and nothing at that size. It's large sheets and cut to size for this.
I do get asked about this a lot, but unless you are working very low volumes, it is a problem for a lot of craft people looking to expand their product lines/volume - it's what commercial print companies are for ;-)
@@KeithCooper Hey Keith, thanks again for your quick response. This saved me from spending a bunch of money on things that wouldn't work and hours researching the wrong thing. Thanks again I really appreciate it!
Hello. I know this video is old but the information is invaluable. My question is: while you’re waiting to see if your work is marketable or just a hobby you occasionally make money from, should one outsource with a print company or purchase a printer like this, starting out?
The nice thing about this printer is it’s nice regardless, so it will last me if things don’t work out. Or I can convert it to a sublimation printer, and use it that way. But if I outsource with a company as a test, I’m only out a $100 or so, compared to $600…
Hi Keith, I've been selling B/W prints of my pencil drawings for a living for 20 years and the unit cost per print is relevant to me. I can source paper and work things out, but not ink usage.
Is there anyway to work out approx costs to print A3, A4, and greetings cards? I can't see anything on the Epson site unless I missed it.
I know you said it was hard to work it out but maybe you know a site that did the maths. I'm also in the UK.
Cheers Kevin
I'd suggest starting here (and using UK numbers)
www.redrivercatalog.com/rr/cost-of-inkjet-printing.html
However it depends on lots of factors such as how much inks go on to your style of print.
I work out print costs and then make sure it's an insignificant part of what I charge - however that's a low volume, high margin approach, which is not for everyone ;-)
@@KeithCooper just looked it up. Thanks for your help
Hello Keith, from my research the Epson EcoTank ET8550 uses Claria inks, which are rated to last for 200-300 years when combined with archival paper. Do you think this is true? If it is, surely you could claim your prints are archival? I am a watercolour artist with an Epson XP970 (which also uses Claria inks - however they are in cartridge form), and currently just make cards with it. You also said in your video that you can’t stack paper in the back, when I read on the Epson website that the rear tray can take 50 sheets? Have Epson been misleading with this information? I look forward to your answers! Thank you, Isabelle and hello from Australia :)
Any figures are estimates and you need to read all the fine print about storage conditions and the like. If I'm honest I take any figure much over my potential lifetime as marketing material ;-) I would have associated such figures more with a fully pigment based ink set though
The 8550 does stack basic photo papers - the one I've tested was not happy with multiples of some cards and some photo papers seemed not to like more that a few sheets. Similarly any decent quality photo paper had problems with the front two cassettes.
Misleading - I'd say not. Just remember that anything you read has been through 'marketing' and there will likely be caveats somewhere...
Hi Keith, thanks so much for your informative videos. Such valuable information.
I have recently purchased an Epson et 8500. I am an amateur artist at best. Not looking to sell anything I just wanted to make a few prints for friends. But the print quality I am getting from the 8500 is awful.
I work in very fine fineLiner, and no matter what the settings I can’t seem to get the detail to transfer to print to a level good enough.
I am not sure if it’s my basic skills in readying the image for print, or if it’s just the printer itself and the detail I am asking is just too much.
I have two weeks to return it, and I have no idea who to ask!!! Any chance you would be up for fielding a question or two?
Check the 8550 review - especially the details article [8500/8550 are the same in this respect]
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
Depends a lot on media choice too...
Hi can this printer print automatically on two sides when using bottom tray for paper? I'm talking about printing eg 100 page documents on A4 paper.
Yes, there is duplexing for plain paper
See the specs in the main review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
It's not really an 'office' printer though...
Thank you for all of your videos. I am planning to start selling my art prints using archival inks and paper. Which printer would you recomend using this inks? Thanks
Ah, I have a nearly 20 year review policy of never giving recommendations ;-)
...but, if you are looking at it as a business, then...
The printer depends on the nature of your business and level at which you pitch your products. It also depends on media choices and sizes you want to offer.
Pick a pigment ink printer and you can start to add the bogus term 'Giclee' to your marketing collateral - usually good for an uplift in margins with some punters... ;-)
Archival is another marketing term [see a very recent video for more on this] which can mean whatever you want it to mean. In some markets, 'certificates of authenticity' may be expected [here they are mostly worthless scraps of paper]
Printer choice is as much about business aspects as technical... probably more
@@KeithCooper Thank you for your detailed answer. 😀
Hi Keith,
I'm trying to use the rear paper feed but it's printing wonky? I've got the paper guide right up against the paper so I'm not sure why it's wonky?
Is this a new printer? - if so contact Epson
I had no problems - you can see the range of media I tried and the slots used in all the different 8550 videos
I sorted it out I think.. do you think this printer can handle 260gsm uncoated matte and linen card in the rear tray? Or should it always be in the single rear feed at the back?
Difficult to say without trying...
Uncoated card is always problematic in terms of print quality
@@KeithCooper tell me about it lol
Up to what Cardstock would does this printer take?
I've used 350gsm with no problem - for thicker media it has a a straight through print path for card/board
As with all such printers though, it needs to be media made for inkjet use
Printing on generic card stock almost always looks poor
Hello Keith, my Epson Stylus photo1400 finally gave up and died. As you will know this printer produced good prints at a high resolution. But I am now wondering would I really see the difference between 5760x1440 and 4800x1200 as many printers are ? The Canon Pixma i8720 has an even higher dpi 9600x2400 but I assume the file to be printed must also be of high quality ? And the photo paper that I used PermaJet Lustre 310gsm on my Epson 1400, would not work with the Canon Pixma.
I have a short list - Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 - but what ink cartridges does it use ?
The highest resolution settings are often of little real use on many printers I've tested (the numbers are often more a marketing feature). The resolutions are ink dots per inch, which is unrelated to image resolution.
That particular Canon resolution is just a meaningless big number to help sell printers IMHO ;-) ;-)
Printer drivers at any print density will resample images to what is needed.
So yes, you might be able to see a difference if you're customarily viewing prints with a hand lens, and they have lots of intrinsic detail - but I only ever do that as part of a printer review - it has no part in making my prints for myself or others.
I'm also curious as to why you say that the PJ lustre won't work? - it's a perfectly good paper with an appropriate profile.
See my XP-15000 articles and videos for more about that printer if you're curious.
@@KeithCooper Hi Keith, many thanks for your advice - much appreciated. I did take a look at your review of the XP-15000 but the size of the ink cartridges is a bit off putting, they look the same as my Epson 1400 used, although you did mention the XL size cartridges being an option. I've also looked at the Brother MFC-J5730DW A4 Office type printer which can print A3 size paper. It uses ink tank cartridges, and appears to have a pretty good write up - of course these are personal judgements. What I value most is reliability, and budget or hobby type machines can't be as good as office class machines.
Regarding my comment about the heavy paper - 310gms, I believe I read it on one of the customer sites in which an owner complained he had difficulty feeding paper heavier than 60gms in ? My Epson 1400 also needed a helping push to take large sheets of paper.
Keith you mentioned that the xp15000 has 6 inks, while the Brother 5730 has 4 ( 3 colours + Black) yet can deliver excellent images. Different technology ?
The Brother is very much from the office/home stable - not a brand I associate with photo printing.
As to the 60gsm comment - sounds like someone was trying to put paper in the lower feed tray for photos. Not surprised it didn't work! That's a user incompetence issue, not a paper related one ;-) Use the top feed for good papers...
Can I ask how long would an art print last from this printer if its not pigment based inks?
Just editing a video about this for next week - there is a Wilhelm test report on it, Quite a few different answers depending on storage conditions
Hi Keith,
I have used Epson Eco tanks but only the cheaper ones like the 2720 and 2820. They struggle to take for example PermaJet 240 Matt Plus Photo Paper, but they also struggle to take Epson's own Matte Photo Paper which is only 189gsm - Epson even told me they're not compatible with that paper and the printer ends up breaking.
Do you know if this ET8550 will easily handle the PermaJet 240 Matt Plus paper and also print vibrant colours when set to Epson Matte? Thank you in advance.
Yes - see the main [written] review for all the stuff I tested
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper Thank you for the quick reply. I think I'm going to get the ET-8500 instead because I don't really need A3 and the 8550 is out of stock everywhere too. Do you think it will handle textured card like linen card and still print well? I couldn't see anything about textured card in the link. Thanks.
Also will I need to use the feed at the back for the Permajet 240 matte paper or will it just go through the normal tray?
Sorry - I've never seen an 8500, so I don't know. for sure.
It will handle the card - but 'printing well'? That depends on the card coating.
The front tray (on the 8550) is of no real use but for plain paper - the top feed works fairly well, but for much thicker media the rear feed can be easier to use - it all depends on the paper.
Hi Sir. Good moring from Belize, Central America. I am intrested in getting this printer to do greeting cards with printing on the front and back of the paper. My paper is letter size. Can this printer print back and front in one press of a botton or do i have to print one side and stack the paper to print the other side? Thank you sir. Frantz Smith
No printer like this duplexes card - it simply won't work. Manual only
Also note that any card used must be specifically for inkjet printing and double sided if you want any more than basic black text on the inside
@@KeithCooper Thanks v much Mr. Cooper.
Sr what you like printer Eason 8500 eco tank o expresión 1500 …for photos please say its better
I've not looked at the 8500
The 8550 is one I'd prefer to the xp-15000
What pound is the Matt art paper
I have 100 and 110 cardstock would this work
Pounds is now only used in the US - sorry no idea what it translates to. Try a US paper supplier like Red River and ask them
you're the best :-)
Thanks - I have another print sales related video this weekend
@@KeithCooper Here i am five months later, still considering. I re-watched this and the crux is as you say, will anyone want to buy my artwork as prints/cards? Do I invest in a printer or just outsource them? Either way, it's start up costs.. to find out if anyone will want to buy my work. I guess at one point you just have to jump in, put your money down and move forward. I'm a bit stuck.
Keith I'm really struggling to figure out which printer to go for for greetings card printing. I've put so much time and effort into researching this and I seem to keep falling on my face at the last hurdle - some seem ideal but then there is some pretty significant trade off that makes it not a viable option, (ie not borderless at a certain paper size or the cost of ink would eat too much into my profits).
I really appreciate you taking the time to make these videos for printer noobies like myself but could I humbly ask if you have an opinion on the overall, flaws etc considered, best printer for what I need? The ability to use cards with fairly generous GSM wiggle room would also be reasonably important for that feel of quality.
I appreciate any advice you may have at all if you have the time to spare it. Thank you
Glad the reviews are of use, but I've no idea what I'd pick.
There probably is no printer which meets all your needs
More than anything my testing tells me there is no money or sustainable business in it... BUT that's comparing it with my commercial photography business of 20 years ;-)
For me, the business aspects are key, and I know enough to know that I don't understand the greeting card market.
Sorry that's not an answer - still likely the 8550 though ;-)
Thanks for your reply Keith, sorry I didn’t realise before I posted the question that you get bombarded with that exact same question all the time 😂 thanks more so for you patient response considering that 🤓
Really interesting video, thanks. I sell mine and others photos made into cards to raise funds for a couple of local charities. We discovered it was way cheaper to get it done by a commercial printer.
I have a pigment ink printer (Canon Pro 1). I still print the odd card for myself, and one of the things I've realised is that the ink sits on top of the paper and is prone to scratching. I suspect a dye ink printer might be more suitable for cards as I understand the ink soaks into the paper. Or perhaps I need to change the media? Anyway, it was this very issue that made me watch your video, and I wondered if you have any thoughts on this?
Yes, media durability can be a problem. The dyes may well be better on some media.
As to costs - this is why I emphasise it so often ;-) If you have a solid market and can get the volume it's almost always cheaper to do commercially - these people have cutting and finishing machines. That's before you factor in the time tending the printer if you do it yourself.
@@KeithCooper Thank you. It is such a joy printing, but my goodness, yes it costs. If my Pro 1 dies, I shall look at getting something like this. My enthusiasm had waned and my printer had turned off in a storm some months ago. I fired it up this week, faultless nozzle check and a print on a rag paper and I’m in love with it again 😊
Keith thanks for the review. I shoot headshots on location, print on the spot. Would you recommend this printer for that? I don't need archival time, I need quality and speed. How long will it take to print an 8X10?? Also does it bring a DVD media for printing on discs??
You'll have to look at the Epson specs for print times since I don't print 8x10 [not a paper size I use] It is a supported size, but photo paper needs to be thin if you wanted to use the paper tray
See the actual [written] review for details - www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper Thanks so much for all your work. I was able to estimate the time it takes to print by watching you print. I really like this printer and hope it will not be too slow for my 8X10 business. BTW Enjoy the coffee I sent you.
much appreciated!
I’m new to printing somewhat and I’m having trouble finding a place to buy ink refill. Looking for bottles so I can refill the cartridges myself. Do you have any suggestions? I have a epson xp 15000 and a canon ix6820
Sorry I can't help with that - I never use third party inks or refills
@@KeithCooper thank you. I like to print 13x19 and I go through ink pretty fast. Trying to find a better way of getting ink other then buying cartridges in bulk. Thank you again for the fast response.
Third party ink means all icc profiles are invalid, so that's a lot of work to re-do them, as well as it killing any printer warranty.
More to the point, most printers I test are loans, so I don't think Epson/Canon would appreciate it when it returned ;-)
@@KeithCooper thank you for the information. I did not know that. Part of why I watch your videos.
Thanks!
Hi Keith,
Thank you for your video. I do want my prints to be archival…would it help to preserve the inks if I either use glass or I have a wax for blocking out UV light? I m not bothered about hundreds of years but if it could last decades …I would be charging £80 for a print on a wooden panel so wouldn’t be good if it faded!! Thanks in advance, Rachel.
Tricky one to answer - a spray coat might help, but this isn't really something I've studied in any detail.
For longevity, the normal choice is a fully pigment ink set...
Hi Keith, thank you for your quick reply…you’re right it’s tricky! I think I will have to go with the canon prograf 300 with pigment inks…however for now I might go to a print shop and test the market first. It’s a big investment so I want to make sure it will be worth it. My profit margin will be less but better safe than sorry. I can’t sell the originals because they are characters I designed and it took a long time to develop them so prints are the only option. Thank you for helping me to make an important decision, your video is very helpful.🙂
@@rachelhilton1196 A good idea - a lot of people just rush into the printer decision without knowing the mrket
Great video Keith. How does it go printing on 200-250gsm matte paper?
Seems to work OK with a profile.
The epson matte and VFA settings produce quite different results though
See the main [written] review for more
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/
@@KeithCooper Appreciate the response. I read the whole review, and I do intend to sell a4-a3 prints online which you have recommended against in your summary. Are there any other printers that are as ink efficient that you'd recommend for selling prints? Is the 8550 that bad or could it pass for selling?
Thanks again for your videos.
@@jssportsprints Ah, you mention 'ink efficiency' and selling together, which suggests a margin driven, not quality driven approach?
My only hesitation is that the printer is not one I'd personally choose for a higher end market - where I'd want to get a pigment ink one. The prints from the 8550 can be excellent - it's a business choice not a quality one. This is one more reason I never ever make product recommendations ;-)
The questions you ask are not so much about printers but your business model - that's what should really drive the choice [it's also why I've lots of videos about selling stuff]
@@KeithCooper Yeah you've basically nailed it! I suppose the question I'm asking is, will it pass for an audience that wouldn't know the difference between high-end and not. And you say can still do excellent prints :) so I'll probably go and buy this printer with confidence from your advice. Can't thank you enough!
Oh, yes, it will work for them ;-)
Can I print on vinyl paper for stickers?
No, not unless you find a vinyl specifically made for aqueous inkjet printing
Hey friend. Thanks for the info. I was wondering, if these inks are waterproof?
No, not properly.
They are water based inks so only work on inkjet media
@@KeithCooper Appreciate the quick response! I'm an artist as well and like to do some details over the prints but they smudge on Inkjet. I want to get this printer but I would need to do further research to see if the trick can be made with a fixative spray or I' may pick a toner printer instead..
Some people have had luck with augmenting prints, but it's very dependent on paper choice
@@KeithCooper Very helpful. I'll give a look on papers as well. Thank you.
Thank you. I am finding it difficult for a review of how this model handles water slide paper and if the image turns out great. I purchase images from Etsy which are downloaded to my computer and then print them on water slide paper. Maybe someone here in the comments can address this question as well?
Can't help myself - I've never heard of 'water slide paper' I'm afraid
Thanks. I just went ahead and ordered that Epsom 8550. I cannot imagine it wouldn't handle water slide paper. My HP Envy did just fine with it. So, I am hoping I don't get let down after all the good reviews. I won't waste your time explaining what water slide paper is as you can easily find out if you are interested. 😀
Hi, this machine can print in paper bags? Or what printer would will you use?
It might, but the paper is unlikely to be the right sort for optimal results
I've never printed on a paper bag or had any reason to do so I'm afraid...
Mr. Cooper, I love printing family photos. I want you to guide me on a printer with six or five inks that will print high quality photos at a good price.
Yes this one is one of those - as to 'good price' ... well that's something only you can decide I'm afraid ;-)
I don't sell printers, so I don't track prices at all in different regions.
@@KeithCooper Do you think canon ts8230 can give high quality pictures, similar to the Pro 100
Sorry I don't know that model at all. Similar to the PRO-100 is the improved PRO-200. Now that I have tested and it's a very good printer
Is this printer able to print on vinyl sticker paper?
Only if the paper is specifically for inkjet printer use.
Some such papers are made for solvent based inks - in general they work poorly with printers of the type I test.
@@KeithCooper Thank you!
@@KeithCooper thanks for your review … Is this printer able to print on watercolor paper 300 g/m2 (140lb) ?
Easily - subject to it being paper meant for inkjet use, and ideally having an icc paper profile for printer/paper combination
@@KeithCooper thanks!
I find the constant reminders that these technical questions take a back seat to market considerations annoying. If someone doesn't buy your work it might, in fact, not be related to the "quality" of what you're selling. There are lots of other factors. But carry on...
The reminders are because so many people give absolutely no significant thought to the business aspects. It is of course about both aspects.
However, whilst so many continue ask me just about technical considerations, I will continue to make the point that it is usually secondary to knowing if you have a product anyone will actually want, and what potential customers expect/want in 'quality' terms. These considerations can often give direction to the subsequent technical queries.
So basically, if I use this printer to print lineart onto watercolor paper and then doing a painting on top of it, I don't have to worry about the lines fading, in say, 50 years time for example? I've been looking into printers for this purpose and inks for SureColor SC-P700 for example are ridiculously expensive. I'd rather just transfer with a light table if one 20ml ink bottle costs me around 30 euros in a 9 color system. What's the point of super archival ink if I can't even afford to use it? EcoTank ET8550 would make much more sense to me.
Depends on the print settings - paper needs to be a paper for aqueous ink-jet or results are unpredictable.
Wrong paper and even a P700 wouldn't make a difference
@@KeithCooper Thank you so much for the quick reply. Honestly, tracing with a light table seems like the best solution. At least I will know what I get.
It's my understanding that you can use pigment inks in this printer, is that incorrect?
Not something I've tested - my printer was a loan from Epson and I don't think they would appreciate it going back with some random ink installed ;-)
I've heard of people using dye-sub inks - it kills the warranty though.
...you don't know, you COULD be here in a 100 year's time. Wait and see.
Yes, at a sprightly 162 :-)