Quick Answer
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is our top pick for painters in 2026. Accurate color printing shows paint samples and visualizations beautifully, ultra-low ink costs handle busy season volume, and wireless convenience works from your office or job site.
Table of Contents
Top Picks for Painters
Best Overall
Epson EcoTank ET-2850
Perfect for painting businesses. Accurate color printing shows paint samples and room visualizations beautifully, while ultra-low ink costs handle busy spring/summer seasons. Wireless printing works from anywhere.
- Accurate color reproduction
- Ultra-low ink costs (~$30/year)
- 2-year ink supply included
- Wireless from any device
- Print/scan/copy
Mobile Pick
HP OfficeJet 250 Mobile
Close deals after walkthroughs. Battery-powered printing produces color estimates with room photos and paint options on-site. Present professional proposals immediately after measuring.
- Built-in battery
- Print from van
- Color capability
- Scanner included
- Portable design
Budget Pick
Brother HL-L2460DW
Affordable option for painters who email color proposals. Fast monochrome laser prints contracts, invoices, and scope documents quickly. Best when color work is done digitally.
- 36 ppm fast printing
- ~2 cents per page
- Auto duplex for contracts
- Wireless connectivity
- Very affordable
All-in-One Pick
Epson EcoTank ET-4850
Complete solution for growing painting companies. Print, scan, copy, and fax from one machine. Scan signed contracts and produce high-volume color samples at minimal cost.
- Print/scan/copy/fax
- 30-sheet ADF
- Ultra-low ink costs
- Color output
- Large touchscreen
Color Accuracy Pick
Canon PIXMA Pro-200
For painters who need the most accurate color samples. 8-ink system produces colors very close to actual paint swatches. Ideal for high-end residential and commercial projects.
- 8-ink color system
- Superior color accuracy
- Wide format 13x19"
- Professional results
- WiFi connectivity
What Painters Need in a Printer
Color Accuracy
Paint color decisions are critical to customer satisfaction. Printing accurate color swatches and room visualizations helps customers choose colors and reduces "that's not what I expected" problems.
Affordable Color Volume
Printing color proposals, before/after photos, and sample sheets adds up quickly. Ink tank printers produce color pages for pennies instead of dollars with traditional cartridges.
Professional Presentation
Painting is a visual trade. High-quality printed proposals with room photos and color options demonstrate professionalism and justify premium pricing.
On-Site Convenience
Present estimates immediately after walkthroughs when customer interest is highest. Mobile printing helps close deals before homeowners collect more bids.
Comparison Chart
| Printer | Best For | Color | Mobile | Ink Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | Most painters | Yes | No | Very Low | $$ |
| HP OfficeJet 250 | On-site sales | Yes | Yes | Higher | $$$ |
| Brother HL-L2460DW | Basic docs | No | No | Very Low | $$ |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4850 | Full office | Yes | No | Very Low | $$$ |
| Canon PIXMA Pro-200 | Color accuracy | Yes | No | Medium | $$$$ |
Painting Business Buying Guide
Software Integration
Modern printers work with painting business software:
- PaintScout: Print estimates and proposals with room visualizations
- Jobber: Print quotes, invoices, and work orders
- Housecall Pro: Print estimates and customer documentation
- Canva: Print color boards and presentation materials
- QuickBooks: Print invoices and financial reports
Business Type Guide
Residential Painter
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 produces beautiful color proposals and room visualizations affordably.
On-Site Estimator
Add the HP OfficeJet 250 Mobile to present color options and close deals during walkthroughs.
Growing Company
The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 handles contracts, scanning, and high-volume color printing.
High-End Specialist
The Canon PIXMA Pro-200 produces color samples closest to actual paint for discerning clients.
Common Printing Tasks
Estimates & Proposals
Detailed quotes with room photos and color options.
Color Samples
Paint swatches and color palette boards.
Contracts
Service agreements, scope, and terms.
Before/After Photos
Project documentation and marketing materials.
Invoices
Professional billing and payment requests.
Room Visualizations
Digital renderings showing proposed colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What printer is best for painting businesses?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is ideal for most painters - accurate color printing shows paint samples beautifully, and ultra-low ink costs handle busy season volume affordably.
Do painters need accurate color printing?
Yes, color accuracy matters. Printing swatches and visualizations helps customers choose colors and reduces "that's not what I expected" issues after the job is complete.
Will printed colors match actual paint?
No printer perfectly matches paint colors due to differences between printed ink and liquid paint. However, quality printers get close enough to help customers make informed decisions.
Should painters get a mobile printer?
Mobile printers help close deals immediately after walkthroughs. Present estimates with color options while customer interest is highest, before they collect competing bids.
How many color pages do painters print monthly?
Active painting companies typically print 50-200 color pages monthly for estimates and proposals. Ink tank printers handle this volume for about $5-10 per month.
How much should a painter spend on a printer?
Budget $250-350 for a quality color ink tank printer. Add $300 for mobile printing capability if on-site presentations improve your close rate significantly.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Printer?
Our top recommendation for painters is the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 for its color accuracy, ultra-low costs, and reliable performance.
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