Key takeaways
- Use consistent room lighting when evaluating prints.
- Store paper flat in its packaging to avoid curling.
- Handle prints by the edges to avoid fingerprints.
A 13×19 inch photo printer is a super-tabloid inkjet that makes gallery-size prints from home, and the best ones use multi-color pigment inks, support fine-art and glossy papers and offer good color management. Compare ink count, print cost per page and paper path before you decide, because ink and paper cost more over time than the printer itself.
Who Needs 13×19 Capability
This size, sometimes called A3+, is a favorite among photographers, illustrators and hobbyists who want prints larger than 8×10 without moving to 24 inch roll printers. It fits comfortably on a desk and can print standard letter, 4×6 and tabloid too. If you only print snapshots, a standard photo printer is more economical; if you want portfolio prints, posters or art reproductions, 13×19 is the sweet spot.
Ink Systems: Dye vs. Pigment
Printers in this class usually use six to twelve ink channels, with extras such as gray, photo black, matte black, red or green to widen the color gamut and improve black-and-white prints. Pigment inks are favored for fine-art papers and longevity, while dye inks produce vivid color on glossy photo papers. Some printers combine both. Check the manufacturer’s specified display life on suitable paper, and keep in mind that such claims come from laboratory conditions.
Ink cartridge capacity also matters. Large prints use more ink, and small cartridges run out quickly. Look at cartridge yield and prices, and compare with refillable-tank alternatives where available.
Comparing What to Prioritize
| Priority | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Color accuracy | Multi-ink system, ICC profile support | Prints that match your screen |
| Black-and-white quality | Gray inks or dedicated monochrome mode | Smooth tonal gradations |
| Paper versatility | Front and rear feed, thick media path | Handles fine-art and card stock |
| Running cost | Ink capacity, individual cartridges | Controls long-term spending |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | Easy sharing, reliable workflow |
Paper Handling and Borderless Printing
Check the maximum paper thickness and whether the printer has a straight-through path for thick media like fine-art cotton rag or card. Some models offer a front tray for sheets, a rear tray for specialty media, and a manual feed for single sheets. Borderless 13×19 printing is a handy feature for full-bleed photos, though it may use more ink. Test with the specific papers you plan to use, as some brands pair best with their own media profiles.
A 13×19 inkjet photo printer from a major brand will usually offer ICC profiles for its recommended papers, which helps color matching. For paper, browse 13×19 luster photo paper for a versatile finish that resists fingerprints, or choose matte fine-art papers for illustrations and black-and-white.
Color Management Basics
To get the print to match the screen, calibrate your monitor and use the printer and paper’s ICC profile. In your editing software, choose soft proofing so you can preview how the print will look. Let the software manage colors rather than the printer driver, but not both at once, as double color management produces off results. Print a small test before committing to a full-size run, and let prints dry or outgas as recommended before framing.
- Use consistent room lighting when evaluating prints.
- Store paper flat in its packaging to avoid curling.
- Handle prints by the edges to avoid fingerprints.
Maintenance and Running Costs
Inkjets clog if they sit unused. Print something at least every couple of weeks, and run built-in head cleaning only when needed since cleaning consumes ink. Keep the printer in a stable environment, away from dust and direct sunlight. When replacing cartridges, use ones designed for your model; third-party inks may affect color accuracy and warranty. Calculate cost per print by dividing the cost of an ink set by its estimated page yield and adding paper, then compare with ordering prints from a lab for a sense of break-even volume.
Remember footprint and power: these printers are bigger and heavier than standard desktop ones, so confirm you have a deep, stable surface with room to open covers and trays.
Framing and Display
Large prints deserve proper presentation. Standard frames rarely fit 13×19 prints, so look for frames and mats in that size or plan custom framing. Use acid-free mats and backing, and consider UV-filtering glazing to slow fading. Leave a margin of white border around the image if you plan to mat it, since borderless prints can be cropped by the frame opening.
Allow freshly printed pages to dry flat for the time the paper maker suggests before stacking or framing them, because pigment inks on glossy surfaces can smudge or trap moisture. Separate prints with sheets of clean tissue when storing, and keep them away from humidity and sunlight. These small habits protect the prints you spent time and ink making.
If you print only occasionally, remember that a lab print service may beat the cost of ink, paper and maintenance. Run the numbers: estimate how many large prints you make per month, add paper and ink, and compare with lab prices. The answer often favors owning a printer once you reach regular volume or want control over color and proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 13×19 the same as A3+?
They are nearly identical. A3+ is the metric name for the super-tabloid size, which is slightly larger than A3 to allow borderless printing.
Are third-party inks okay?
They can save money but may vary in color and longevity. Test carefully and check warranty terms.
Can I print on thick fine-art paper?
Many models can through a rear or manual feed. Check the printer’s maximum paper weight and thickness specification.
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