Print

Print

A Print is an image produced by transferring ink, pigment, or toner from a plate, block, screen, or digital printer onto a substrate such as paper, canvas, or another material. Prints can be created for fine art, decorative, or commercial purposes, and the term encompasses a wide range of methods from traditional hand-pulled processes to modern digital reproduction.

Overview

Printing has been a central medium for artistic expression and mass communication for centuries. In the context of fine art and picture framing, prints include original works like engravings, etchings, and lithographs, as well as reproductions such as giclées and posters. Each printing method produces unique surface qualities, color depth, and archival longevity, which directly affect display and preservation decisions.

Types of Prints

• Relief Prints: Created by carving into a block (such as wood or linoleum), inking the raised surface, and pressing onto paper.
• Intaglio Prints: Made by incising lines into a metal plate (e.g., Etching, engraving), where ink sits in the recessed areas and is transferred under pressure.
• Planographic Prints: Produced from a flat surface, such as lithography, where image and non-image areas are chemically differentiated.
• Screen Prints: Created by forcing ink through a mesh stencil onto the substrate.
• Digital Prints: Generated from inkjet or laser printers, including Canvas Prints and giclée fine art reproductions.

Archival Considerations

The permanence of a print depends on the quality of the substrate, the ink or pigment, and the printing process. Prints intended for fine art display are best made on acid-free, lignin-free papers such as Cold Press Paper, with pigment-based inks for long-lasting color stability. Conservation framing methods-including UV-protective glazing and acid-free mats-help prevent fading, yellowing, and deterioration.

Uses in Framing

• Fine art prints displayed in museum-quality frames with archival mats and glazing.
• Decorative prints, posters, or reproductions for home or commercial décor.
• Limited edition prints, signed and numbered by the artist, often accompanied by certificates of authenticity.
• Open edition prints, mass-produced without numbering or signatures, typically more affordable.

Related Terms

• Acrylic Face Mounting
• Canvas Print
• Cold Press Paper
• Etching