How to Buy the Perfect Art Print

Your Guide to buying the best Art Print

Overview

A buyer's guide to art prints is an invaluable resource for any art enthusiast who is looking to invest in quality prints for their home or office. Art prints are an affordable way to add a touch of personality to any space, and with so many options available, it can be difficult to narrow down the selection and choose the perfect piece. This guide helps you identify the key criteria to consider when shopping for the perfect art print, from choosing a print size and material to finding a reputable printer and framing your art print. Ultimately, you can be confident that you're purchasing a piece of artwork that is of the highest quality and reflects your tastes and style.

Key features

  1. Type of Art Print - Select the type of art print you would like to purchase, such as a poster, canvas, or framed print.
  2. Quality of Art Print - Check the quality of the art print, including the materials used, resolution, and vibrancy of the colors.
  3. Size of Art Print - Consider the size of the art print that would work best for your space.
  4. Price of Art Print - Determine a budget for the art print and compare prices to find the best deal.
  5. Artist of Art Print - Look for art prints created by professional artists, or select prints from emerging or student artists to find unique pieces.
  6. Condition of Art Print - Make sure the art print is in good condition before purchasing, with no signs of damage or wear.
  7. Theme of Art Print - Select art prints that fit with your personal style, theme, or decor.

See the most popular Art Print on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Quality - Art Prints are made to the highest-quality standards. They are durable and have vibrant colors that are resistant to fading and discoloration.
  • Variety - Art Prints come in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles, so you can find the perfect piece for your home or office.
  • Price - Art Prints are relatively affordable and are often much cheaper than purchasing an original piece of art.
  • Accessibility - Art Prints are widely available and can be easily purchased online or in art stores.
  • Customizable - Art Prints can be customized to fit your exact needs, such as size, color, and framing options.
  • Durability - Art Prints are designed to last for decades and can withstand light exposure, humidity, and other environmental factors.

Cons

  • Cost - Art prints can be expensive due to high production costs and the cost of art materials.
  • Durability - Art prints can be damaged easily if not handled with care, and may require additional framing or protection.
  • Size - The size of the art print may be limited due to the size of the original piece.
  • Availability - Depending on the artist and the popularity of the work, art prints may be difficult to find or limited in quantity.

Best alternatives

  1. Giclee Prints - Giclee prints, also known as inkjet prints, are high-quality prints produced using ink-jet printing. They are usually printed on archival-quality papers with fade-resistant inks.
  2. Canvas Prints - Canvas prints are a popular choice for home decor and art pieces. They are printed directly onto canvas using high-resolution digital printing with archival quality inks.
  3. Digital Prints - Digital prints are created using a computer-controlled printing process. They are often printed on archival-quality paper with fade-resistant inks.
  4. Screen Prints - Screen prints are a type of printmaking technique that produces prints by using a mesh screen and a stencil. They are often used for limited edition art prints.
  5. Lithographs - Lithographs are prints created using a printing process that involves drawing on a limestone plate with a greasy material. They are often used for fine art prints.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Archival Paper - Acid-free paper made to last a long time without degrading or fading.
  • Archival Inkjet Printer - A printer specifically designed to create archival prints.
  • UV-Filtering Glass - Glass designed to help protect artwork from harmful UV light.
  • Matting - A thin board with a cutout, often used to display artwork.
  • Hanging Hardware - Nails, screws, or pins used to hang artwork on walls.
  • Frames - Used to protect artwork and give it a finished, professional look.
  • Mounting Tape - Double-sided tape used to attach artwork to matting or a frame.
  • Print Stand - A piece of furniture designed to hold and display artwork.

Common questions

  1. What types of art prints are available? Art prints can come in different types such as canvas prints, framed prints, and poster prints.
  2. How do I know which size to choose? When choosing a size, it is important to consider the size of the wall space the art print will be displayed on, as well as the desired look of the room. It is often recommended to choose a larger size so that the art print is able to take up most of the space.
  3. What type of material should I choose for my art print? The type of material you choose will depend on your desired look and the environment the art print will be displayed in. Canvas and framed prints are the most common materials used for art prints.
  4. Are art prints limited to specific styles and genres? No. Art prints come in a variety of styles and genres, including abstract, contemporary, traditional, modern, and more.
  5. What is the best way to hang an art print? The best way to hang an art print depends on the type of art print and the desired look. Some art prints may require specific hardware for hanging, while others can be hung with a simple hook and nail.

Trivia

It's interesting to note that the average art print measures about 4 to 8 inches in size—which is not much larger than a smartphone. Even though they are quite small, art prints can be a powerful way to make a statement in any space. For example, artist Kevin McCoy created an art print depicting the ‘Unite the Right’ rally in Charlottesville, VA in 2017. The art print was a powerful statement about the need for justice and equality. The print was so popular that over 600 copies of it were sold and it was even featured on a billboard in Los Angeles. Source: https://www.artistsignal.com/blog/art-prints-selling/

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.