How to Choose the Right Prints for Your Home or Office

Your Guide to buying the best Prints

Overview

This Prints buying guide will provide an in-depth look into the various types of prints, considerations for purchasing prints, and tips for finding the perfect piece for your home or office. This guide will help you explore the various materials, sizes, framing options, and costs associated with purchasing prints, so you can find the perfect piece to suit your style and budget. From giclée prints to woodblock prints, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to make an informed and successful purchase.

Key features

  1. Print Material - The material used to create the print, such as canvas, paper, metal, wood, etc.
  2. Size - The dimensions of the print, measured in width and height.
  3. Print Quality - The resolution of the image, the color depth, and the number of pixels used in the image.
  4. Frame - Whether or not the print comes with a frame and the type of frame, if included.
  5. Artist/Source - The artist who created the artwork or the company that produces the print.
  6. Price - The cost to buy the print, including any shipping/handling fees.
  7. Delivery Time - How long it will take for the print to arrive at the buyer's address.
  8. Return Policy - What types of returns are accepted and when.

See the most popular Prints on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Variety of Materials - Prints can be printed on a variety of materials, such as canvas, poster paper, and even fine art papers.
  • Affordability - Prints are typically quite affordable, especially when purchasing multiple prints.
  • Easy to Frame - Prints are usually easy to frame, as they are usually sold in standard sizes that can be used with pre-made frames.
  • Protective Packaging - Prints usually come with protective packaging, such as archival sleeves, to help protect the artwork.
  • Decorating Options - Prints can be used to decorate a home or office without needing to commit to an original piece of artwork.

Cons

  • Cost - Prints can be expensive to produce depending on the size and type of substrate used.
  • Durability - Prints can be susceptible to fading over time due to light exposure.
  • Storage - Prints need to be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Quality - Poor quality inks, paper, and printing methods can lead to prints that are not true to life.
  • Authenticity - There is no guarantee of authenticity when buying prints as they can be easily reproduced.

Best alternatives

  1. Canvas Prints - Gallery-wrapped canvas prints produced with high quality archival inks on fine art canvas.
  2. Acrylic Prints - High gloss and scratch-resistant prints with vibrant colors and an almost 3D quality.
  3. Aluminum Prints - Sublimation prints with archival inks for a durable and vibrant finish.
  4. Wood Prints - Prints that use archival inks for a high resolution image on natural wood.
  5. Vinyl Prints - Durable and versatile prints with a matte finish and heavy-duty adhesive.

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Common questions

  1. What types of artwork can I find in the form of Prints?
    Prints can feature a variety of different types of artwork, such as paintings, drawings, photographs, digital art, limited edition prints, and more.
  2. What is the difference between a limited edition print and a standard one?
    A limited edition print is one that is produced in a limited quantity and is usually signed and numbered by the artist. The print is often of higher quality than a standard print, and it is typically more valuable.
  3. What type of material are Prints usually printed on?
    Prints are usually printed on paper, canvas, or metal. The material used will depend on the type of Print and the artist's preference.
  4. What is the best way to hang a Print?
    The best way to hang a Print will depend on the type of material it is printed on and the weight of the Print. Generally, for paper prints, you'll need to use framing and mounting hardware and for canvas and metal prints, you can use hanging wire or mounting hardware.
  5. What sizes are available for Prints?
    Prints are available in a variety of sizes. The size you choose will depend on the space you're trying to fill and the overall look you're trying to achieve.
  6. What is the best way to choose a Print?
    The best way to choose a Print is to think about the style, colours, and theme you want to achieve with the artwork. Consider your overall décor and how the Print will fit into the space. If you're buying a limited edition print, also consider the artist's reputation and the print's rarity.

Trivia

In the early days of picture printing, the first reproductions of a photograph required up to twenty-four different steps to make a single print. Early photographers often kept secrets and tricks to make prints look unique. One such trick was to coat the prints in egg white and then to expose them to sunlight to make them look older and more mysterious. It was thought that this gave the prints a special "unearthly" quality that could not be achieved with any other method. Today, there are automated machines that can produce prints in a fraction of the time, but many people still enjoy the look and feel of traditional prints. Sources: https://www.lifewire.com/history-of-photographic-printing-496546

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.