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Best Scanner For Watercolor Art (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a scanner made specifically for watercolor art, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional artist, scanning your artwork can be a challenging task. Traditional scanners often fail to accurately capture the details and vibrancy of watercolors. That's why investing in a scanner designed specifically for watercolor art is crucial if you want to present your work accurately and in high quality.

When considering buying a scanner for watercolor art, various factors need to be considered. Firstly, resolution plays a significant role in accurately digitizing your artwork. The higher the DPI (dots per inch), the more detailed your artwork will appear in a digital format. Besides, consider the scanner's color depth, which refers to the range of colors the scanner can accurately capture. A high-quality scanner should have at least 48-bit or higher color depth. Finally, check out the scanner's compatibility with various software applications.

Are you tired of scanning your artwork and not getting the results you desire? Do you want to present your watercolor art in its purest form, color, and detail? Look no further and invest in a scanner made specifically for watercolor art. Do you want to explore more on this topic? Are there any other factors to consider while choosing a scanner for watercolor art? Keep scrolling to find some helpful tips and answer these pressing questions!

10 Best Scanner For Watercolor Art

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for scanning large-format artwork and graphics with high resolution, suitable for graphic designers and artists.
2
The product is ideal for scanning photos, documents, film, and slides with high-quality resolution and color accuracy.
3
It is ideal for creating illustrations, calligraphy, and watercolor effects with its flexible nylon brush tips and 48 vibrant colors.
4
The product is ideal for scanning large documents up to A3 size with a high resolution of 800dpi.
5
The product is ideal for scanning graphics and artwork in a wide-format.
6
Ideal for recording videos or live streaming online lessons, cooking, drawing, calligraphy, jewelry crafting, and nail art.
7
It is ideal for converting photo slides and 135mm/35mm film negatives into digital images with an 8 megapixel resolution.
8
Ideal for mixed media artwork including watercolor, gouache, graphite, ink, pencil, and marker. Perfect for artists of all levels.
9
Ideal for art projects using watercolor paints, featuring velvet flocking on watercolor paper with four different designs.
10
It is ideal for fixing oil pastel artwork and preventing smudging or rubbing off.
This product is ideal for scanning large-format artwork and graphics with high resolution, suitable for graphic designers and artists.
The product is ideal for scanning photos, documents, film, and slides with high-quality resolution and color accuracy.
It is ideal for creating illustrations, calligraphy, and watercolor effects with its flexible nylon brush tips and 48 vibrant colors.
The product is ideal for scanning large documents up to A3 size with a high resolution of 800dpi.
The product is ideal for scanning graphics and artwork in a wide-format.
Ideal for recording videos or live streaming online lessons, cooking, drawing, calligraphy, jewelry crafting, and nail art.
It is ideal for converting photo slides and 135mm/35mm film negatives into digital images with an 8 megapixel resolution.
Ideal for mixed media artwork including watercolor, gouache, graphite, ink, pencil, and marker. Perfect for artists of all levels.
Ideal for art projects using watercolor paints, featuring velvet flocking on watercolor paper with four different designs.
It is ideal for fixing oil pastel artwork and preventing smudging or rubbing off.

1. Opticpro A320l: The Art Creator.

The A320L is an A3 scanning solution that offers a scan area of up to 12×17 inches. It is designed to make scanning A3-sized and wide-format paper, such as maps, drawings, large bound books, and odd-shaped articles, quick and easy. The device uses a Sony ILX560K professional CCD sensor that produces extraordinary image quality, with an optical resolution of up to 1600dpi. When scanning a 12"x17" photo, the user can get a 522,240,000-pixel image with a size of 1.45GB (BMP).

File management is made easy with Doc Action, which allows users to scan and save to different file formats. The software also provides quick access to post-scan destinations, including scan-to-print, email, Windows Public Folder, and FTP Web Folder. The OCR function enables searchable content on your scanned PDFs for greater productivity.

The A320L supports industry-standard TWAIN drivers, ensuring compatibility with your software. It also supports Windows 7/8/10/11 (64-bit OS only) and Mac OS X 10.12 to 13.x. Users can download the latest version on the Plustek website. For LINUX and SANE drivers, please ask the seller before purchase.

Pros

  • High-quality scanning with the Sony ILX560K professional CCD sensor
  • Easy file management with Doc Action software
  • Supports industry-standard TWAIN drivers for compatibility with your software
  • OCR function enables searchable content on scanned PDFs

Cons

  • – LINUX and SANE drivers need to be confirmed with the seller before purchase

2. Watercolor Mastery Kit: Arteza Real Brush Pens

Arteza’s brush marker pens are a must-have for artists who are looking for high-quality water-based color that won’t bleed. These brush pens for lettering and illustrating are made with self-moistening and self-cleaning durable nylon bristles, which means you don't have to worry about moistening or cleaning the bristles after blending with other colors. The highly pigmented water-based color dries permanently, so you can rest assured that your artwork won’t be ruined by water or moisture. The brush pens are suitable for calligraphy and illustrating, making them perfect for artists of all levels.

Arteza’s brush marker pens are completely nontoxic, easy-to-use, and mess-free, making them ideal for artists of all ages to explore painting without the mess of traditional watercolors and brushes. The markers are designed to be safe and nontoxic, so you don't have to worry about any chemicals or harmful substances. They are perfect for artists who want to create beautiful works of art without worrying about any negative health effects.

Arteza's brush marker pens are made by Arteza Artists who are passionate about creating products that inspire. For them, art is an expression of the human experience. That's why they work hard to make their art supplies accessible to everyone. They believe that art supplies should be affordable and high-quality, so that everyone can experience the joy of creating art.

Arteza is the perfect place to find quality painting, drawing, and art supplies for all ages and levels. They offer a wide range of arts and crafts accessories, paint sets, drawing supplies, and more to meet your general needs as an artist. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, Arteza has everything you need to create beautiful works of art.

Pros

  • Self-moistening and self-cleaning durable nylon bristles
  • Highly pigmented water-based color that won’t bleed
  • Completely nontoxic and mess-free
  • Suitable for calligraphy and illustrating
  • Ideal for artists of all ages and levels
  • Affordable and high-quality art supplies

3. A320e A3 Flatbed Scanner: High Resolution, Wide Scanning.

The Plustek A320E Professional Large-Format Scanner is a versatile and efficient scanning solution for large A3-sized and wide-format paper. With its 12"x17" scan area, it allows you to quickly and easily scan large bound books, maps, drawings, and even odd-shaped articles with ease. The scanner is designed to deliver high-quality scans with a resolution of up to 1600 dpi, making it ideal for professionals and businesses in need of high-quality scanning.

The A320E scanner comes with an easy-to-use Doc Action software that allows for easy file management. Users can scan and save files in different formats and access post-scan destinations such as scan-to-print, email, Windows Public Folder, and FTP Web Folder. The OCR function enables searchable content on your scanned PDFs for greater productivity. With batch scanning, you can scan multiple printed images at one time and save them to multiple PDF files on your PC or Mac.

The Plustek A320E scanner also supports industry-standard TWAIN drivers, ensuring compatibility with your software. It is compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11 (64-bit version only), Mac OS X 10.13 to 13.x. Users can download the latest version on the Plustek website. For LINUX and SANE driver, please ask the seller before purchase.

Overall, the Plustek A320E Professional Large-Format Scanner is an excellent scanning solution for professionals and businesses in need of high-quality scans. Its versatile and efficient features make it easy to scan different types of documents and save them in different file formats. The scanner's batch scanning capability and OCR function enable greater productivity, while its compatibility with industry-standard TWAIN drivers ensures seamless integration with your software.

Pros

  • Large 12"x17" scan area for scanning large bound books, maps, drawings, and odd-shaped articles
  • Easy file management with Doc Action software
  • OCR function enables searchable content on scanned PDFs
  • Batch scanning capability for greater productivity
  • Compatibility with industry-standard TWAIN drivers ensures seamless integration

Cons

  • – LINUX and SANE driver support may require additional steps

4. Epson Expression 10000xl Wide-Format Graphic Arts Scanner

The scanner boasts an impressive optical resolution of 2,400 x 4,800, a 3.8 Dmax optical density, and a 48-bit color depth, making it an excellent choice for scanning high-quality images and documents. With a 16-bit grayscale and a zoom range of 50% to 200%, this scanner delivers precise and detailed results every time.

The A3 sized scanning surface can accommodate originals up to 12.2 by 17.2 inches, making it an ideal choice for scanning large documents, artwork, and photographs. The scanner is equipped with USB 2.0 and Firewire connectivity, and there is an optional networking feature available. It is compatible with both PC and Mac operating systems, making it a versatile and convenient option for any user.

Pros

  • Impressive optical resolution and color depth for high-quality scanning results
  • Large scanning surface accommodates up to A3 sized originals
  • Multiple connectivity options and optional networking for convenience
  • Compatible with both PC and Mac operating systems

5. Streamline Desktop Phone Mount With Led Ring Light

The Stable Tabletop Light with Phone Holder is a must-have for anyone who needs to live broadcast nail-art, drawing, baking, or any other activity that requires a high angle shot for better presenting. This ring light is designed to provide a shadow-free and deformation-free video with 3 Light Modes Dimmable & 10 Levels of Brightness, making it suitable for different circumstances. With its excellent 180° vertical and 360° horizontal rotation capabilities, you can easily find the best angle for your shooting.

The stand of this fill-in light ring is made of high-quality aluminum and is 180° adjustable. You can adjust the stand for the perfect angle you want by adjusting the bottom lock. It can also extend from 28cm to 45cm, providing more angle choices whatever you use phone's front/rear camera or work individually as a table lamp. For more stability, you are suggested to put heavy objects on the base when you tilt the pole. The 1/4’’ connector also enables you to install your Gopro, Webcam, Pico Projector, lightweight DSLR Camera, etc.

This LED ring light with phone holder is perfect for object photography / object video recording, portrait photography / selfies / makeup / beauty photography, live streaming / TikTok / vlog / YouTube video, and more. Whatever your needs are, this ring light with phone holder will help you achieve better results with ease.

Pros

  • Provides shadow-free and deformation-free video with 3 Light Modes Dimmable & 10 Levels of Brightness
  • 180° vertical and 360° horizontal rotation capabilities provide the best angle for your shooting
  • Made of high-quality aluminum and is 180° adjustable
  • Can extend from 28cm to 45cm, providing more angle choices
  • 1/4’’ connector enables you to install your Gopro, Webcam, Pico Projector, lightweight DSLR Camera, etc.
  • Perfect for object photography / object video recording, portrait photography / selfies / makeup / beauty photography, live streaming / TikTok / vlog / YouTube video, and more

Cons

  • – Heavy objects needed for more stability when tilting the pole

6. 8mp Film & Slide Scanner

Preserve your precious memories with ease using this Negative Scanner. It's a quick and convenient way to convert your old 135(35)mm film negatives and slides into high-quality digital JPEGs in seconds. With its compact size of 13x8x7.8cm/5.12×3.15×3.07inch, it won't take up much space on your desk. Simply place the negative in the film holder, insert it into the scanner, and press the snapshot button to start the conversion process. The scanner is also USB 2.0 compatible and comes with a USB cable for easy computer connection. In addition, the package includes a negative film holder, slide film holder, U-disk, specification, and clean brush for your convenience.

This Negative Scanner is a must-have for anyone looking to digitize their old film negatives and slides. It's incredibly easy to use, and the conversion process takes less than 2 seconds. The resulting digital photos are of high quality and can be stored permanently on your computer. With its compact size and USB compatibility, this scanner is perfect for home use.

Say goodbye to the hassle of traditional scanning methods and welcome this Negative Scanner into your life. It's a game-changer for anyone looking to preserve their memories with ease.

Pros

  • Quick and easy conversion of film negatives and slides to digital JPEGs
  • Compact size takes up little desk space
  • USB 2.0 compatible for easy computer connection
  • Comes with a negative film holder, slide film holder, U-disk, specification, and clean brush

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for larger film formats

7. Canson Plein Air Mixed Media Artboard

These Art Pads are perfect for artists who want to unleash their creativity both indoors and outdoors. The pack contains 10 rigid art boards that are glued on one side, making them easy to handle and work with. Each board measures 8 x 10 inches, providing ample space for artists to create their masterpieces.

The heavyweight paper used in these art pads is ideal for many different types of wet and dry media, such as pencils, pastels, charcoal, and ink. It has excellent erasability, allowing artists to make changes and adjustments to their artwork as needed. Additionally, the paper is acid-free, ensuring that the artwork created on these pads will last for a long time without yellowing or deteriorating over time.

Pros

  • Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use
  • Contains 10 rigid art boards that are glued on one side
  • Heavyweight paper is perfect for wet and dry media
  • Excellent erasability allows for changes and adjustments
  • Acid-free paper ensures artwork lasts a long time

8. Velvet Watercolor Posters Pack, 24 Designs S&s Worldwide

Experience the beauty of watercolor paintings with this pack of 24 sheets of actual watercolor paper featuring exclusive designs in velvet flocking. Each sheet measures perfectly to achieve stunning blended colors and soft subtle shading with watercolor paints. The pack contains 6 sheets each of 4 different designs, allowing you to create a variety of art pieces.

With the use of watercolor paints, the designs come to life, giving a realistic and captivating effect. The velvet flocking adds depth and texture to the designs, making them stand out on the paper. You can use these sheets for a wide range of art projects, from creating greeting cards, invitations, and wall art to painting landscapes, portraits, and still life.

The watercolor paper in this pack is of high quality, ensuring that the colors blend smoothly and do not bleed. The sheets are also durable, withstanding the application of water and paint without tearing or curling at the edges. Each sheet is sized to perfection, providing ample space for your creativity to flow.

Whether you are a professional artist or a beginner, this pack of watercolor paper is a must-have in your art supplies. It offers endless possibilities for creating stunning artwork that will leave a lasting impression. Get your hands on this pack today and explore the world of watercolor painting like never before!

Pros

  • High-quality watercolor paper that blends colors seamlessly and does not bleed
  • Velvet flocking adds depth and texture to the designs, making them stand out on the paper
  • Pack of 24 sheets provides ample space for your creativity to flow
  • Perfect for a wide range of art projects, from creating greeting cards to painting landscapes

Cons

  • – Limited to only 4 exclusive designs

9. Sennelier D'artigny Oil Pastel Fixative, 1 Count (Pack Of 1), Clear

If you're looking for a way to protect your artwork from dust and smearing, consider this vinyl resin and alcohol-based solution. It leaves a clear, glossy film that is transparent, so it won't interfere with the appearance of your artwork.

Not only does this solution protect your artwork, but it can also enhance its appearance by giving it a glossy finish. It's easy to apply, and it dries quickly, so you won't have to wait long to enjoy the benefits.

This solution is ideal for use on a wide range of artwork, including paintings, drawings, and photographs. It's also versatile enough to use on various surfaces, such as paper, canvas, and wood.

Overall, if you're looking for an effective and easy-to-use solution to protect and enhance your artwork, this vinyl resin and alcohol-based solution is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Protects artwork from dust and smearing
  • Leaves a clear, glossy film
  • Enhances the appearance of artwork
  • Easy to apply and dries quickly
  • Versatile enough to use on a variety of surfaces

Best Scanner For Watercolor Art FAQs

Are there any specific features to look for when selecting a scanner for watercolor art?

Yes, there are specific features to look for when selecting a scanner for watercolor art. First and foremost, it is important to make sure the scanner has a high resolution. A resolution of at least 600 dpi is recommended to ensure that the details and colors of the watercolor painting are accurately captured. Additionally, the scanner should have a large scanning bed to accommodate larger watercolor paintings. A flatbed scanner is typically preferred for artwork as it allows for a more even and consistent scan. It is also important to consider the color accuracy of the scanner. Look for a scanner with a high color depth and the ability to capture a wide range of colors. Some scanners also have software that can enhance and adjust the color accuracy of scanned images. Finally, consider the connectivity options of the scanner. A scanner with both USB and Wi-Fi connectivity options will allow for greater flexibility in how and where the scanned images can be saved and shared.

Can a regular scanner be used for watercolor art?

No, a regular scanner cannot be used for watercolor art. Watercolor paintings are unique because of their transparent and delicate nature. Unlike other art forms, watercolors cannot be easily replicated or scanned with a regular scanner. This is because the scanner uses light to capture images, and the light reflects off the watercolor pigments, altering the image's color and detail. As a result, the scanned image doesn't accurately represent the original artwork's true colors and textures. To get a high-quality digital copy of a watercolor painting, you may need to use a high-resolution scanner or a professional camera. Additionally, you must be mindful of lighting conditions, angles, and color accuracy when photographing or scanning watercolor art. Overall, it's essential to use the right tools and techniques to preserve the beauty and uniqueness of watercolor paintings.

How do I ensure accurate colors when scanning watercolor art?

To ensure accurate colors when scanning watercolor art, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure that your scanner is set to capture colors in high resolution. This will help to ensure that the colors are accurately represented in the digital image. Second, consider using a color calibration tool to make sure that the colors on your monitor match the colors in the scanned image. This can help to prevent any discrepancies in color that may occur due to differences in screen settings or lighting conditions. Third, try to avoid scanning watercolor art under direct sunlight or bright artificial light, as this can cause the colors to appear washed out or distorted. Instead, scan the art in a well-lit room with diffused lighting. Finally, consider using photo editing software to adjust the colors in the scanned image if necessary. This can help to enhance the colors and bring out the true beauty of the watercolor art.

What are the best scanners for watercolor art?

When it comes to scanning watercolor art, there are a few factors to consider before selecting a scanner. First and foremost, the scanner should have a high resolution, as watercolor paintings often have intricate details and textures that need to be captured accurately. Additionally, the scanner should have a wide color gamut to accurately reproduce the colors of the painting.

One popular option for scanning watercolor art is the Epson Perfection V800. This scanner has a high resolution of 6400 dpi and a wide color gamut, making it ideal for capturing the details and colors of watercolor paintings. Another good option is the Canon CanoScan 9000F Mark II, which also has a high resolution and wide color gamut.

It's worth noting that some artists prefer to photograph their watercolor paintings instead of scanning them. This can be a good option if the painting is too large for a scanner or if the artist wants to capture the painting in a specific lighting or setting. However, if you choose to photograph your painting, make sure to use a high-quality camera and lighting setup to get the best results.

What resolution should a scanner have for watercolor art?

When it comes to scanning watercolor art, the resolution of the scanner plays a crucial role in capturing the details and nuances of the artwork. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to scan watercolor art at a resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch) or higher. This resolution will ensure that the scanner captures all the intricate details of the artwork, including the brushstrokes, color gradients, and texture.

However, it is important to note that the higher the resolution, the larger the file size will be. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between the resolution and file size to ensure that the final scan is of high quality while also being manageable in terms of storage and sharing.

In addition, it is also important to ensure that the scanner is calibrated and set up correctly to capture the true colors of the artwork. This can be achieved by using color management software or by consulting with a professional printer or scanner technician. Overall, investing in a high-quality scanner with a resolution of 300 DPI or higher is essential for scanning watercolor art with accuracy and precision.

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