The home of Art and Framing since 1910
Summer Exhibition at GreenStage Gallery, Worcester
Affordable and original contemporary art by emerging and established artists.
Thuline De Cock Exhibition
See recent work by Thuline De Cock in Cumbria.
See The Brand New Still-Light Website
Fine art photography by Robert Pollock
Victorian Watercolours
See this superb exhibit of collectable Victorian paintings in Hampshire.
Framers Equipment Ltd Framing Courses
Fun, busy and hands-on framing courses in Northampton
View All Articles
Print Info & Advice
A 10-point guide to getting it right
1. Buy from a reputable source
Do some research. Find out how long the business has been trading, check whether the owner is a member of a local business group and ask friends who they recommend. Gallery members of the Fine Art Trade Guild abide by a code of ethics, so look for the Guild logo.
2. What is an art print?
Art prints may be “artists’ prints” – handmade by artist-printmakers – or digital (giclée) or photomechanical reproductions (offset lithographs).
3. Artists’ prints
Artists’ prints are handmade and are not reproductions of paintings: the print is a unique work of art. The term covers a range of printmaking techniques such as etching, woodcut, engraving, screenprint and linocut. Editions tend to be less than 200, partly because the materials used to make the prints wear out. This type of print is sometimes called an ‘original print’.
4. Limited edition reproductions
Limited edition reproductions are produced in limited numbers; smaller print runs make the image more exclusive.
The market price can rise over time, if demand outstrips supply. Edition sizes vary but are limited by market forces, not by the physical constraints of the printmaking method. The Fine Art Trade Guild print standard sets a maximum edition size and recommends edition sizes of no more than 850 although, in 2008, this would be considered a large edition, the trend being for many smaller edition print runs. Most limited editions are signed and numbered in pencil by the artist with a commitment that no other reproduction of the image will be made. However, check the authenticity certificate for comprehensive disclosure.
5. Open edition reproductions
An open edition reproduction print can be produced in any quantity and the image may also be used in other ways, such as on tableware. Open editions tend to cost less than limited editions and are much less likely to increase in value. Americans call these 'posters', a term increasing in use worldwide, though 'poster' was traditionally a term for advertisement artwork.
6. Giclée and print on demand
Giclée prints are made using digital printing technology, usually inkjet. The technology enables users to produce small runs of prints. It also allows retailers to offer ‘print on demand’ services, where buyers select an image and it is printed out there and then. Digital print technology can be used by artists to create original prints, Giclées are not always reproductions.
7. Print quality
Whichever type of print you buy, you should expect it to last. The Guild print standard requires paper to be at least 250gsm, with an acidity level of between pH7 and pH10, to minimise discolouring. Colours should be relatively lightfast, scoring 6 or more on the Blue Wool Scale, the industry-standard measurement in the UK, or its equivalent. Reproductions should normally be close facsimiles of the original work. Printing should be clear with a good depth of colour. An artist’s signature endorses the visible print quality. Click here to find a Guild Accredited Fine Art Printer
8. Value
The art market is as fickle and hard to predict as any other. Reputation affects value, so research the artist’s past achievements and recent prices. Rarity is also an important factor, as is condition. Look for a certificate of authenticity with a full disclosure of relevant information. A professional gallery owner will give good advice.
9. Condition
When buying secondary market or antique prints, condition becomes an issue. If prints have been stuck down with glue, have had edges trimmed, or been exposed to adverse conditions such as damp, the value might be affected. Visible ripples or foxing (brown spots) can put off collectors. If the colours are faded, the value may be considerably diminished.
10. Framing
You can do your bit to preserve a print in mint condition by investing in good quality framing. The Guild recommends conservation framing for limited edition prints of moderate to high value. Fine Art Trade Guild members can advise on what is suitable, and many framers have undertaken a rigorous test administered by the Guild to qualify as Guild Commended Framers (GCF)
Ask for the Fine Art Trade Guild Buying Art Prints leaflet FREE at your local Guild Member art retailer or picture framer - find one now
Art prints range from inexpensive posters to valuable handmade prints. The British Standards Institute standard BS7876: 1996 classifies prints according to the level of artistic involvement.
The Fine Art Trade Guild Print Standards refer to BS7876: 1996 and also include specifications on paper weight, lightfastness and pH.
Looking for a fine art print?
Try our online prints search to find hundreds of prints on sale at Fine Art Trade Guild art retailer members near you.
Buying a Fine Art Trade Guild stamped limited edition print?
1847-1973 
1973-2003
It will have a tiny embossed Fine Art Trade Guild logo and three letters, usually on the left hand side under the image. Thanks to the support of Bracebridge Fine Arts the Guild may be able to complete any missing information on your print including engravers name, if applicable; original artist; title; edition number; date of publication; publisher;and other information. There is a nominal fee for this service; please go to the The Guild Print Stamp page and the Print Archives pages for more information.
Related Pages
Fine Art Trade Guild Print StandardsFine Art Trade Guild print standards
Published: 9th March 2009
Last Modified: 09/03/2009
Five Levels of FramingFive Levels of Framing
Published: 26th June 2009
Last Modified: 26/06/2009
Mountboard StandardsMountboard Standards
Published: 12th February 2009
Last Modified: 12/02/2009
Framing Info & AdviceFraming Info & Advice
Published: 16th April 2010
Last Modified: 16/04/2010
