Print Guide

What is a Limited Edition Print?

From an artist's original painting a print run is made. The number of prints reproduced is fixed, or limited, to a certain number and is approved by the artist. This is the edition size and the prints are consecutively numbered and signed by the artist. So, for example, a print could bear the number 163/850 (usually in the bottom corner). This tells us that there have been a total of 850 prints reproduced and that particular one is No. 163 of the print run.

Some limited editions are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, which records the print specifications, and release date. It also bears the edition number and often the artist's signature. Certificates should be kept separate from the print, as they are evidence of proof of ownership. The Fine Art Trade Guild has set high standards for the quality of print runs. Apart from the artist's signature the print may also carry the signature of the subject like a celebrity or sports person.

In addition to the print run there are other outstanding proofs that tend to be slightly higher in value:

Artist's Proof /  A print intended for the artist's personal use. The artist will pull a number of prints before commencing with the official print run to appraise their quality and give final approval. They are distinguished by the letters AP and will be limited to a small number.

Hors d'Commerce Proof /  An identical print intended for use as samples to show to galleries. Abbreviated to HC.

Printer's Proof / Print retained by the printer as a reference. Artists often sign these prints as a gesture of appreciation.

Framing

All limited editions should be conservation framed in accordance with The Fine Art Trade Guild's recommendations. The mounts, mount tapes and backing board should be free from lignin (the acid found in wood pulp from which paper is made). Acid free materials protect and prolong the life of your prints. Filter glass, which prevents harmful UV light fading colours, is becoming more popular despite its higher cost. Many of our items are ready mounted, some with decorative washlines applied by hand. These are meticulously done to enhance the image and bring out the best in the picture. Buying prints ready mounted means it is ready for framing and will only require the moulding, glass, backing and seal. The golden rule of framing is to choose a frame to suit the art. Frames tend not to travel well by courier because of the risk of glass breakage but we can advise on a suitable choice for your order.

Types of Print

Offset Lithographs /  These are generally reproduced by photographic means, either from a colour transparency or from the original artwork. The image lies on the surface of the painting plate which is then inked and the image transferred to paper under pressure.

Silkscreens / (Or serigraphs) Essentially these are prints made by a stencil process. A gauzy fabric, usually silk that is stretched taut on a frame, is the screen. When paper is placed underneath the screen, ink is forced across it using a 'squeegee' to pass through the open areas onto the paper. Each colour is applied separately producing more vibrant images and the process is repeated many times. The edition size for silkscreens is usually smaller than that of lithographs and carry higher prices.

Original Serigraph /  As with silkscreens only the artist plays a larger role in the printing process from conceiving the image to creating the master plates and adding to the print where necessary. They are sometimes called original prints and can take months to complete.  

Etchings / A metal plate is first covered with an acid resistant material. The artist then draws onto the surface creating an intaglio image. The plate is then immersed in an acid bath. This bites into the metal creating a groove. Ink is then applied to the plate and when it is wiped off remains in the groove. Under pressure the ink is transferred to dampened paper. The process remains one of the most versatile and subtle printing techniques today.

Engraving /  Cutting a metal plate or box directly with a sharp engraving tool produces the image. The incised lines are inked and printed with heavy pressure.

Drypoint / An engraving in which a hard steel needle incises lines on the metal plate creating a burr that yields a characteristically soft and velvety line in the final print.

Aquatint /  Printing technique capable of producing unlimited tonal graduations to re-create the broad flat tints of ink wash or watercolour drawings by etching microscopic crackles and pits into the image on a master plate, typically made of copper or zinc.

Monotype / One-of-a-kind print made by painting on a sheet of metal or glass and transferring the still wet painting to a sheet of paper by hand or with an etching press. If enough print remains on the master plate, additional prints can be made, however, the reprint will have substantial variations from the original image. Monotype printing is not a multi-replica process since each print is unique.

Giclée /   Pronounced gheeclay, and derived from the French word gicler meaning 'to spray'. A very expensive computerised reproduction technique in which the image and topology are generated from a digital file and printed by the latest high resolution ink jet printers, using ink, acrylic or oil paints. It offers the highest degree of accuracy and richness of colour and is fast becoming the preferred process. An Iris printer sprays millions of microscopic droplets of ink onto the paper at a rate of 4 millions drops per second. Once complete the print is given several coats of varnish.

Canvas Transfer /  Art reproduction on canvas, which is created by the processes explained, eliminating the need for a sealed glazed frame. Often they are pre-stretched onto wooden stretcher bars as an oil painting would be, ready for framing. Canvas editions are becoming more popular and are usually larger in size than the print run on paper and higher in value.

« Previous	Back to Top