Best Printers for Printing Coloring Pages: Top Picks for Crisp, Smudge-Free Art
If you love printing coloring pages for yourself or your kids, choosing the right printer is essential to get crisp lines and vibrant colors that don’t smudge or bleed. Whether you use markers, colored pencils, or water-based paints, the printer you pick can make a big difference in your coloring experience. In this guide, we’ll cover the best printers for printing coloring pages, including why certain printer types work better and which models come highly recommended.
Why Printer Choice Matters for Coloring Pages
When printing coloring pages, you want:
- Sharp, clear black lines that won’t run when colored over with markers or watercolors.
- Paper compatibility with thicker or textured paper for better coloring results.
- Cost-effective ink usage for printing large volumes without breaking the bank.
- Reliable connectivity and ease of use for home or classroom settings.
Laser printers are often recommended because their toner doesn’t run with water or alcohol markers. However, some inkjet printers with pigment-based inks and refillable tanks offer excellent print quality and cost savings, especially for color prints.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer
Why it’s great: This cartridge-free inkjet printer uses pigment-based black ink, which resists running when colored over with water or alcohol markers. The EcoTank system means you save up to 90% on ink costs compared to cartridges. It supports printing on thicker mixed media paper up to 210gsm, ideal for coloring pages with markers or pencils.
- Functions: Print, Copy, Scan
- Print Speed: 10.5 ppm (mono), 5 ppm (color)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Mobile Printing
- Special Features: Refillable ink tanks, auto 2-sided printing
2. Brother HL-L2350DW Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
Why it’s great: A monochrome laser printer is ideal if you mainly print black-and-white coloring pages. The toner won’t run with markers, making it perfect for crisp line art. It’s compact, fast, and reliable for home or small office use.
- Functions: Print only (monochrome)
- Print Speed: 32 ppm
- Connectivity: Wireless, USB
- Paper Capacity: 250 sheets
3. Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 Wireless Home & Office All-in-One Printer
Why it’s great: This MegaTank printer offers high page yields (up to 3,000 pages per ink set) and uses pigment inks that produce sharp, smudge-resistant text and line art. It has a 2.7” touchscreen, auto 2-sided printing, and a 35-sheet document feeder, making it versatile for printing coloring pages and other documents.
- Functions: Print, Copy, Scan, Fax
- Print Speed: 15 ipm (black), 10 ipm (color)
- Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi, USB
4. HP ENVY Inspire 7955e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
Why it’s great: This all-in-one inkjet printer is perfect for vibrant color prints and everyday use. It supports wireless and mobile printing, making it convenient for families and students. While ink costs can add up, it delivers excellent photo and coloring page quality.
- Functions: Print, Copy, Scan
- Print Speed: 15 ppm (mono), 10 ppm (color)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Mobile Printing
Tips for Printing Coloring Pages
- Use pigment-based ink printers or laser printers to avoid ink running when coloring with markers.
- Choose thicker paper (around 200gsm) or mixed media paper for better marker and pencil application without bleed-through. Check our guide for choosing the best papers for coloring pages.
- Consider refillable ink tank printers like Epson EcoTank or Canon MegaTank for cost savings if you print large volumes.
- Test print on your chosen paper to ensure your printer handles the thickness and texture well.
- Avoid glossy photo paper for coloring pages as it can cause smudging with markers.
Choosing the right printer can make your coloring projects more enjoyable and professional-looking. Whether you want vibrant colors or sharp black lines that don’t run, the printers above are trusted choices by artists and parents alike.
Happy coloring and printing!
