Six types of art prints and how to choose the right one

Selecting the perfect art print can elevate an artist’s portfolio and any enthusiast's space, yet the many available options often overwhelm the decision. From the striking clarity of acrylic to the timeless elegance of canvas, each print type brings distinct qualities that enhance different artistic styles and settings.

What factors should you consider to ensure your final prints match the expectations of your artwork?

This guide comprehensively explores six types of art prints and how to choose the right one for your business. By understanding their unique characteristics, you can confidently choose the best medium to complement your artwork and create high-quality prints that resonate with your aesthetic and fulfill your creative vision.

• There are six primary types of high-quality art prints, each offering unique features such as texture, color richness, durability, and visual appeal to complement various artistic styles and display environments.

• Selecting the right art print involves considering various factors to ensure longevity and accurate digital print representations.

• Art print types include canvas, acrylic, metal, digital, framed, and giclée, each tailored to specific aesthetic and functional needs.

• Using Gelato’s professional print on demand services allows artists to create and sell high-quality prints globally without managing physical inventory. 

An art print is a reproduction of an original artwork. Unlike paintings, these mass-produced designs use various printmaking techniques, offering a more affordable way to own beautiful pieces. From traditional printmaking techniques to modern digital prints, art prints make artwork more accessible, allowing enthusiasts and collectors to enjoy and share the artist's creative vision.

Understanding art print types can enhance your decision-making. Each type offers distinct characteristics that impact aesthetics and durability. Here’s a look at six popular options to help you choose the ideal match for your artwork.

1. Canvas prints

When creating impactful artwork, canvas prints offer a classic option that combines tradition with a contemporary twist. Their textured surface and vibrant color reproduction make them ideal for showcasing dynamic pieces that demand attention.

Here's why canvas prints might be the ideal choice for your art: 

• Timeless appeal: Canvas prints mimic the appearance of original paintings. The canvas texture adds depth and dimension, enhancing a piece's visual appeal.

• Versatility: These prints work well with various art styles, from photography to abstract art. Canvas' versatility allows it to integrate seamlessly into any space, whether a modern loft or a cozy living room.

• Durability: Canvas prints have a sturdy frame that resists wear and tear. They can withstand UV light without fading, allowing your artwork to last years.

• Frameless presentation: Canvas prints are often displayed without a frame, creating a clean and modern look. This minimalistic approach keeps the viewer’s focus on the artwork.

2. Acrylic prints

Acrylic prints are a striking choice for showcasing art with a sleek, modern touch. Acrylic's glossy finish enhances colors and depth, creating a captivating visual experience that stands out in any setting.

Choosing acrylic prints offers several benefits: 

• Vibrancy and depth: Acrylic's glossy finish enhances the colors and details of the artwork, lending it a stunning three-dimensional effect.

• Durability: These prints are robust and resilient, making them suitable for high-traffic areas or outdoor displays. They are also resistant to fading and scratches.

• Easy maintenance: Cleaning acrylic prints is effortless; a simple wipe with a soft cloth can keep them looking pristine.

• Versatile display: Acrylic prints can complement any room with their frameless, sleek aesthetic, ideal for modern interiors.

• Float mounting: With options for float mounting, acrylic prints appear to hover on the wall, adding a contemporary dimension to the presentation.

3. Metal prints

These prints are a modern choice for displaying vibrant and dynamic artworks. They offer stunning clarity and color depth by utilizing high-definition dye sublimation onto aluminum sheets. Ideal for both contemporary photography and digital art, metal plate prints deliver a sleek and professional look, adding a touch of sophistication to any space. 

Consider metal prints if you seek: 

• Durability: They are resistant to moisture, scratches, and fading, making them excellent for high-traffic areas or outdoor spaces.

• Vivid colors: Metal printing creates vivid, detailed images with high contrast, perfect for showcasing vibrant artwork.

• Easy maintenance: Wipe with a damp cloth for hassle-free cleaning without risk of damage.

• Unique aesthetic: Their glossy finish and frameless look give your artwork a modern edge, fitting seamlessly into contemporary and minimalist interiors.

4. Digital prints

Digital prints have revolutionized the art world by offering unparalleled flexibility and variety. They begin as digital files, crafted using graphic design software, and then get printed using advanced technology, making them ideal for various applications. 

Here are some points to consider:

• Flexibility in size and medium: You can resize digital prints to virtually any dimension without losing quality, providing versatile options for artists and buyers.

• Cost-effective: These prints are relatively affordable to produce compared to traditional prints, making them an accessible option for artists looking to showcase their work affordably.

• Consistency: Creating multiple copies of the same artwork is simple, ensuring consistent color and quality across prints, which is perfect for producing limited edition prints.

• Variety in applications: From fine art reproductions to graphic pieces, digital prints cater to diverse artistic needs and styles.

5. Framed prints

Framed prints combine the allure of artwork with the functionality of a frame, offering art pieces that are ready to hang. These prints protect the artwork and enhance its visual appeal, making them an excellent choice for those wanting to add an elegant touch to their office or home decor. 

Here's why you should consider framed prints for your collection: 

• Presentation: A frame enhances the presentation of the art, giving it definition and presence in any space.

• Protection: Frames offer protection against dust, moisture, and handling, preserving print quality over time.

• Versatility: With endless choices in frame styles, colors, and materials, you can tailor the aesthetic to match your decor.

• Ease of display: Ready-to-hang prints save time and effort, as there's no need to purchase and fit a frame separately.

• Customization: Framed prints allow for personalization, as you can choose mats and glass types to complement the artwork.

6. Giclée for fine art prints

Due to its exceptional quality and archival longevity, Giclée, a modern version of screen printing, is often the top contender for fine art prints. Giclée prints, using pigment-based inks on acid-free paper or canvas, capture the true essence and vibrancy of the original artwork, ensuring it stands the test of time.

 Here's why you should consider this type of art print: 

• Superior quality: Giclée prints reproduce artwork with remarkable accuracy and detail. They use high-resolution digital files to maintain the original piece's rich colors and intricate details.

• Longevity: These prints are known for their durability. Giclée prints can last 100 years or more without noticeable fading, making them ideal for preserving artwork.

• Versatility: Whether you're printing art on fabric, watercolor paper, or fine art cotton paper, Giclée technology supports various substrates, catering to the preferences of the artist and the buyer.

• Professional finish: Giclée prints are often used by professional artists due to their high-quality finish, helping convey the intended ambiance and emotion of the artwork.

Choosing the right art print involves considering the medium, style, colors, and ambiance you wish to achieve. Let’s navigate each aspect, helping you match your artistic vision with the most suitable print type. 

Medium and style

When selecting an art print, consider how the medium and style of your original piece should influence your choice. Different art print types, such as canvas or acrylic, can enhance or detract from the artwork’s inherent qualities. A canvas print often complements traditional oil-based ink paintings, adding depth with its texture. Conversely, an acrylic print’s sleek finish can elevate modern, vibrant artwork with a glossy, polished appearance. 

The chosen style should resonate with your taste and the artwork's intended expression. Minimalist pieces often benefit from a clean, crisp presentation, like a framed paper print, emphasizing simplicity. In contrast, you might amplify abstract or expressive works by a textured or dynamic medium. Matching the print type to your artwork’s medium and style ensures it is presented at its best, ready to captivate viewers. 

Colors and mood

Choosing a suitable art print starts with understanding how colors impact mood. Colors play a vital role in art, conveying emotions and setting the tone for a space. For instance, prints with cool colors like blues and greens often evoke calmness and serenity, making them ideal for bedrooms or relaxation spaces. Vibrant hues like reds and oranges can infuse energy and warmth, perfect for social areas like living rooms or kitchens. 

Consider how the medium might affect the color representation when selecting a print type. For example, canvas prints usually offer a softer, more textured finish, enhancing warm, earthy tones. Acrylic prints can intensify colors, making them pop and creating a modern, glossy effect. This choice affects the aesthetic and emotional atmosphere your artwork will contribute to the room.

Desired ambiance

Picking the correct art print type involves considering the desired ambiance of the room where it will be displayed. Prints like canvas offer a classic feel, bringing a warm, textured look that complements traditional or cozy spaces. Acrylic prints provide a sleek, modern touch that perfectly suits brighter, energizing environments. Think about the mood you want your space to exude and select your print to harmonize with that vision, whether it's a serene, calming atmosphere or a vibrant, dynamic setting. 

The choice of print should also align with the room's lighting conditions. For instance, metal prints have a reflective quality that can enhance brightly lit areas, adding visual interest and charm. On the other hand, matte finishes might be more appropriate for softer lighting, reducing glare and helping to maintain a comforting vibe. Carefully evaluating your space's ambiance will ensure your print choice enhances and fits seamlessly within your intended aesthetic.

Paper quality is crucial in determining the final output's aesthetic and durability. High-quality paper ensures that colors appear vibrant and authentic to life, accurately representing the original artwork.

Quality paper can enhance the texture and tactile experience, adding value to the printed image by giving it a professional finish that appeals to art collectors and enthusiasts alike. Good paper quality is vital for longevity, as it can prevent issues such as fading or yellowing over time, ensuring that your prints remain pristine for years.

Choosing the perfect fine art print can transform your creative vision into stunning displays that captivate and inspire. Whether it’s the timeless texture of canvas or the modern brilliance of acrylic, understanding these print options ensures your artwork shines in the best possible way. 

Gelato’s print on demand solutions are the next step in elevating your art and bringing your creative ideas to life. 

We offer flexible subscription plans catering to artists of all levels, making it easy to produce custom wall art posters without dealing with the hassle of inventory management. All you need to do is upload your digital artwork and choose from various high-quality print formats to showcase your unique style.

Leveraging our extensive global network ensures your creations reach art lovers worldwide quickly and efficiently, no matter where they are. Our commitment to quality and reliability is a testament to the fact that every print created will always look its best, maintaining the integrity of your original work. 

Sign up for Gelato and start creating beautiful, personalized art prints that leave a lasting impression.

What is the highest quality art print?

The highest-quality art print is often the giclee print, renowned for its exceptional color accuracy and detail. Giclee prints use archival-grade paper and high-resolution images, typically 1200 dpi (dots per inch), to preserve the essence of original artworks. Each piece is meticulously evaluated for quality, making it a preferred option for fine artists seeking longevity and fidelity in reproductions.

Is digital printing the most affordable option for artists?

Digital printing is the most affordable option for artists. It offers cost-effective solutions, especially for small runs or single prints. Utilizing a digital printing technique allows artists to reproduce artwork without the hefty upfront fees of traditional printing, making it ideal for emerging artists looking to break into the market or test new editions cost-effectively.

What type of printing ink should you use for digital prints?

Digital prints primarily use pigment-based inks, known for their vibrant colors, excellent fade resistance, and durability. Pigment inks bond well with high-quality paper, ensuring precision and detail in every print. Their resistance to UV light and moisture makes them a preferred choice for artists seeking longevity and archival quality in their reproductions.