FAQs
What is the difference between a print and a poster?
Most reproduced images can be considered prints. Prints can be further broken down by Limited Edition prints and Open Edition prints. We would include Posters in the Open Edition prints category. The word Poster in and of itself has nothing to do with the quality of the image or paper it is printed on.
What kind of paper is it on?
Most publishers do not tell us what kind of paper each piece is printed on. Generally speaking, items like Movie Posters are printed a lighter weight paper, whereas Limited Editions are typically printed on a slightly heavier acid free paper. Fine Art Prints are often done on heavy archival paper. Once an item is framed, the weight or thickness of the paper is not of great significance.
Open Edition means there is no limit to the number of prints or sculptures the publisher can produce. Open Edition prints are not usually numbered, but may be signed by the artist.
What is a Limited Edition Print?
Limited Edition means the publisher has committed to only producing a limited number of prints. These may be numbered editions, or they may be time-limited, with the publisher producing as many as are ordered before a specified date.
What is a Fine Art Print?
Fine Art Print would denote a higher end product, usually on heavier archival type paper, typically smaller edition size, and usually produced with a better printing process like serigraphy, giclee, or a more labor intensive process such as stone lithography.
An Original is a piece that is produced directly by the artist, as opposed to being a reproduction, and except in the case of multiple originals would be unique.
Paintings are most often original works, as opposed to prints, which are reproductions. At Prints.com, paintings would be found in our Originals category.
A Serigraph is a print made using a screening process, where each color ink is forced through a screen with a squeegee. Some serigraphs are pulled through the screens by hand. Each layer of ink can often be distinguished in a serigraph.
Most prints today are produced using Offset Lithography. Printing plates for each color are produced from an original image, then the ink is transferred from the plate to a blanket cylinder, then to the paper. Early printers used etched stones with the ink applied directly to the stone, then pressed onto the paper. With older stone and plate lithography, there was image degradation that occurred the more the stone or plate was used. Using modern lithography techniques, the last prints off the press are typically as good as the first.
Giclee is derived from a French word meaning 'to squirt'. Giclees are produced using high tech inkjet printing, with 6 colors of ink. Giclees allow for much more accurate color than lithographs. Giclees are produced from digital images, without the need for negatives, as in lithography.
What is a Canvas Transfer?
Canvas Transfer involves taking a paper print, adhering it to canvas, such that the canvas texture shows through the print. A Canvas Transfer does not have textured brushstrokes unless they are applied as a separate process.
When will my order be delivered?
Our site will tell the estimated business days until shipment for each item - 24 hours, 3 - 5 days, 5 - 7 days etc. Transit time must be added to this number to calculate actual estimated delivery time. After placing your order you will be sent a confirmation email telling you the estimated delivery date.
Does this print come in a larger/smaller size?
You can use our Quick Search box in the upper right of the screen to type in the artist's name and title of the print you are interested in. All sizes and editions that we offer will be displayed in the search results. All image and paper sizes are approximated. If the title you entered does not show up, try using one or two words from the title, or just browsing that artist's collection - many times different publisher title a piece differently. An example is the rap artist 50 cent. Some publishers may title a print Fifty Cent, while others would title it 50 cent.
There appears to be some writing or an image across the print - will that be on the print I order?
Many publishers use a watermark to identify their web images. These watermarks do not appear on the actual printed product.
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What is Secondary Market?
When a publisher has sold all of the pieces in a numbered edition, then it becomes a secondary market piece which must be obtained from a private collector or from dealer inventory.
What do you mean by Out of Print - does this mean unavailable?
Out of Print indicates that a piece is no longer being published - and is usually used in reference to Open Edition prints, or posters. This means we can no longer order them from the publisher, but we may have access to them from our inventory, or the inventory of one of our partner galleries.
What do you mean by Sold Out?
Sold Out indicates that an image is no longer available from the distributor or publisher. If a piece appears on our site and says Sold Out, we probably still have pieces available in our inventory, but it may be best to call to verify availability.
What is Prints.com's Return Policy?
We will gladly accept a return for exchange or refund (less shipping of course) within 30 days of the order date. Returns must be received in unframed, unstretched saleable condition. Due to the nature of custom framed artwork, they are not returnable or cancellable. If you find you made the wrong choice in faming, we will change it for free, you just pay for shipping. We want you to be delighted with your purchase. We are not able to issue retun labels for international shipments. You are responsible for returning items at your expense. Payments will be refunded after 30 days, International payments will be refunded after 90 days.
Does Prints.com have a Privacy Policy?
Your private information is just that, private! We do not plan on shareing your personal information with any other company. to read our entire privacy policy.
What is the difference between paper size and image size?
Most limited edition prints and posters have a white border around the image. Image size reflects the dimensions of the image itself whereas paper size includes the white border in the dimensions. Our limited edition prints are usually pictured on our web site without the white border. The size listed in the item description reflects the image size (excluding this border). Since most artists sign and number their prints just below the image, some of this white border will be visible when framed. Most of our posters are listed with both the paper size and image size. Most posters can be framed cropped or uncropped to hide or show this border.