In the world of wall decor, you'll often hear terms like "art print" and "poster". But what do these terms really mean, and how are they different?
Quality and Craftsmanship
Every fine art print begins its life as an original artwork, lovingly conceived by an artist and brought to life on canvas or paper. A fine art print, also known as a museum-quality print, is created using high-quality paper or canvas, and it strives to replicate the original artwork as faithfully as possible. The colours, the textures, the feel – everything is carefully considered. Art prints use archival-quality materials, designed to resist fading and damage over time.
Posters, on the other hand, are made for more temporary use, employ lower-quality materials and inks that may fade quickly. They use commercial printing techniques that do not prioritise details or colour fidelity as much as art prints do.
The Art of Giclée Printing
Fine art prints are often made using techniques like lithography, serigraphy, or giclée. Each method involves careful attention to detail, preserving the original work's textures, colours, and tones. Giclée fine art prints, for instance, use digital printing technology to spray tiny droplets of ink onto high-quality paper or canvas. The result is a rich, detailed print that can capture the subtleties of tones and hues in a way that other printing methods cannot.
In contrast, posters are usually made using offset printing, a faster and more cost-effective method. The image is transferred onto a series of rollers and then pressed onto paper. While this process can create clear, vibrant images, it doesn't capture the nuances of the original artwork like fine art printing techniques do.
The Longevity of Fine Art Prints and Posters
Thanks to the high-quality materials and techniques used, fine art prints can last for generations with proper care. Many can resist fading for 100 years or more. It's crucial to protect them from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and humidity to maintain their integrity over time. Posters, on the other hand, tend to fade faster due to the lower-quality materials and inks used. They might start to show signs of aging after a few years, especially if exposed to harsh conditions.
Art for Everyone
If you're seeking a timeless piece that can appreciate in value and last for generations, a fine art print would be worth the investment. But whether it's a fine art print or a poster, the most important thing is that you genuinely love the piece you're buying.
