fine art prints FAQ

What is an “original digital fine art print”?

Is an original digital fine art print the same thing as a “giclée”?

As respects the printing process, yes. The term giclée began as a description of the way a fine art inkjet printer sprays ink onto a surface. Giclée has become, however, the label for inkjet-produced reproductions of art created in another medium, such as an oil painting. If a print is labelled giclée, ask if it is a reproduction or an original digital fine art print.

Are original digital fine art prints in museums?

Yes. Even with their relatively short history, digital prints have gained acceptance in the art world. They are part of the permanent collections of many of the world’s finest museums, including the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

What’s the difference between an open edition and a limited edition?

An edition refers to the number of art prints created from one image.

Open editions refer to a print that may be produced an indefinite number of times.

Limited editions refer to a finite number of prints that are made from one image. Limited editions are numbered by the artist with two numbers separated by a slash. The first number indicates the sequence in which the print was made. The second number indicates the total number of prints in the edition. A print numbered “10/50” is the tenth print made in an edition of fifty. Once the fifty prints in the edition have been produced, the edition is retired and will not be printed again.

Limited editions also include a number of artist’s proofs that are retained by the artist for her own use or that are sometimes sold by the artist after the limited edition has been exhausted. Artist’s proofs are designated “AP” and numbered in the same manner as limited edition prints.

How is my print made?

Most prints are custom-made by the artist in her studio. The in-studio printmaking process takes from five to seven working days. We use long-lasting UltraChrome pigment inks and acid-free, 100% cotton rag fine art paper. After printing, the print is dried for 24 hours and trimmed to finished size. Limited edition prints are titled, numbered, and signed by the artist. Open edition prints are titled and signed by the artist. All prints are embossed with the studio’s printmaker hallmark. The print is finished with a protective coating, dried completely, and then carefully packed and shipped to you.

Does a digital fine art print require special handling?

You should handle fine art prints with great care, just as you would any other type of artwork. Although your print has been treated with a lacquer-based coating to help protect it against light, water, moisture, airborne contaminants, and fingerprints, it is still susceptible to damage.
Learn more about caring for your fine art print.

The best way to preserve and display your print is to have it professionally matted and framed with museum-quality materials. If you're framing the print yourself, use only “acid-free” mats, backing board, hinges or adhesive, and framing. Always use a mat; digital fine art prints should not touch the glass in a frame.
Learn more about framnig your fine art print.

How long will my print last?

The print permanence of the ink-and-paper combination used in our studio has been tested by Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. and rated at 82 years (archivally framed prints displayed under glass), 160 years (archivally framed prints displayed under UV-filtering glass), and 68 years (unframed prints). The coating applied to the finished print may double the lightfast ratings if framed with archival materials and UV-filtering glazing. These estimates are not a guarantee, only a rating based on extensive testing by industry experts.

Ultimately, the lifespan of your digital fine art print depends on many factors: inks, paper, protective coating, matting, framing, and the environment in which your print is displayed.

Why don’t you sell framed prints?

Besides the fact that unframed prints are less likely to be damaged during shipping and less expensive to ship than framed art, we think you are the best person to decide how to frame your print. There are so many options in the framing process—we want you to have as many as possible to select from. We recommend that you have your Hymnscript fine art print professionally framed with archival-quality materials to help ensure its long life. Learn more about matting and framing.

Will my print fit in a standard-size mat and frame?

Some Hymnscript fine art prints will fit standard-sized mats and frames. Click on the "More information about this print" link on gallery pages to get specific sizing information.

Do I receive some kind of documentation about my print?

Yes. You will receive a Bill of Sale that completely describes your print, including the title, date, information about the edition number and size (if a limited edition), materials used, etc.

Can I get a sample before I buy?

Yes. We offer a Swatch Folio service because we know that it’s worrysome to purchase art without first seeing it in person.

Each Swatch Folio contains information on the specific print you’re interested in purchasing. The folio also includes a business card-sized swatch compiled from several areas of the original artwork to show the actual scale and predominant colors and textures of the whole work. The swatch is printed with the same archival inks and museum-quality substrate that will be used in your finished print.

To learn more about this service, visit our Swatch Folio Request page.

I have other questions. How can I contact you?

The best and fastest way to get questions answered is to . Be sure you also read our information about ordering and shipping.