The ultimate guide to fine art printing

In an age where digital art and photography are more accessible than ever, the demand for tangible, high quality art prints has surged. Far beyond the simple poster, a true art print offers a way to bring museum-quality aesthetics into your home, office, or creative space. But what exactly makes a print “high quality”? It’s not just about a pretty picture—it’s about the materials, the process, and the long-term value. This guide will delve into the world of premium art prints, helping you understand what to look for and why they are a worthwhile investment.

Understanding the difference: prints vs. posters

Before diving into the specifics of quality, it’s crucial to distinguish between a mass-produced poster and a genuine art print. Posters are typically printed on thin, glossy paper using dye-based inks, a process designed for affordability and quick production. While they serve a purpose for temporary decor, they are susceptible to fading and damage over time.

High quality art prints, on the other hand, are a different class entirely. They are created with longevity and fidelity to the original artwork in mind. The gold standard for modern reproductions is the Nyala 4 printer from SwissQprint. Artists and photographers set the highest standards for reproduction of their works: colour accuracy and rendering of detail have to be just right. They achieve this with SwissQprint large format printer, leading to further growth of the user community as word spreads around.

The key components of a high quality art print

When you are looking for a high quality art print, focus on these three essential elements:

1. Paper and substrate: The foundation of a great print is the paper it’s printed on. Premium art prints are typically produced on acid-free, archival paper or canvas. These materials are designed to resist yellowing and degradation over time. Look for heavyweight options, often measured in grams per square meter (gsm), with a thickness of 200 gsm or more. Popular choices include cotton rag paper, which offers a beautiful, textured matte finish, and coated fine art papers that enhance color saturation. Other materials are also possible (Dibond, glass, forex, MDF, wood, vineer, metalsheet, plexi,…)
2. Ink quality: The type of ink used is perhaps the most significant factor in a print’s longevity and color accuracy. High quality prints use pigment-based inks, which are more lightfast and fade-resistant than the dye-based inks found in most posters. These archival inks can maintain their vibrancy for years, when displayed correctly. Professional printers often use an extended color gamut ( 8 different ink colors) to achieve incredibly smooth tonal gradations and a color accuracy that is faithful to the artist’s original work.
3. Printing resolution: Image resolution is a critical detail that ensures crispness and clarity. A high quality print should be created from a source file with a high DPI (dots per inch), with 300 DPI being the industry standard for sharp, detailed reproductions. This high resolution ensures that every subtle detail, from brushstrokes to fine lines, is captured without pixelation, creating a print that is visually indistinguishable from the original artwork at a glance.

Elevated art printing: Feel the art in a new dimension

Are you looking for a way to make your art stand out? With elevated art printing, you can add a new dimension to your pieces, literally. Unlike traditional printing that creates a flat image, this innovative technique uses a digital printer to apply multiple layers of ink, building up the surface to create texture and depth.

What is elevated art printing?

Also known as 2,5D or 3D art printing or textured printing, elevated art printing allows you to create images that you can not only see but also feel. The process involves a specialized digital printer that precisely applies layers of clear or colored ink, one on top of the other, to raise certain areas of the image. This gives the art a tactile quality, making details like brushstrokes, textures, and patterns pop off the canvas.

The benefits of elevated art printing

• Sensory engagement: It transforms a visual experience into a tactile one, making the art more engaging and accessible, especially for those with visual impairments.
• Enhanced realism: You can replicate the texture of a painter’s canvas, the grain of wood, or the intricate details of a photograph, bringing a new level of realism to your prints.
• Unique aesthetic appeal: The added dimension gives the art a premium, high-end look that is impossible to achieve with standard printing methods.
• Versatility: This technique can be applied to a wide range of materials, including canvas, wood, metal, glass, and acrylic.

Elevated art printing is a perfect choice for artists, photographers, and interior designers who want to offer something truly unique. It’s a powerful way to bring your art to life and provide an unforgettable sensory experience for your audience.

The value of investing in quality

Choosing a high quality art print is more than just a purchase—it’s an investment in a lasting piece of art. These prints not only look superior, but they also hold their value and aesthetic appeal over time. They are often produced in limited editions, adding to their exclusivity and collectibility.

For interior design, a high quality print can serve as the focal point of a room, adding personality and sophistication. Unlike fleeting trends, a well-chosen art print can be a timeless addition to your home decor. By understanding the key elements of substrate, ink, and resolution, you can confidently select prints that will bring joy and beauty to your space for many years to come.