Choosing the Right Type of Print for Your Art

You’ve poured your creativity into your art, and now it’s time to bring it into the physical world. With so many printing options at FinerWorks, how do you choose the right one for your masterpiece? The medium you print on, from paper to canvas to metal, can dramatically change how your art is perceived and its value.  FinerWorks customers tend to gravitate toward these three primary products when it comes to wall decor. If you are considering one of these and would like some tips to help make a strategic choice, I will break down the characteristics, some common use cases, and the pros and cons associated with them.

Giclée Fine Art Prints (Paper)

These are probably what we’re best known for, and for good reason! Our giclée prints feature high-quality, archival-grade printing on a diverse range of papers. You can choose from many textures and finishes—from super smooth to a rich texture, and from a sophisticated matte to a vibrant gloss finish. Keep in mind that for these prints to last, you’ll need to frame them for protection from dust and UV light.

Giclée prints on paper are incredibly versatile. They’ve been a favorite for traditional artists working with detailed illustrations, watercolors, and pastels for years, and they’re also a perfect match for high-end photography. Nowadays, more and more digital artists are opting for giclée to lend their work a premium, classic feel.

The biggest upsides are that they’re a straightforward print-on-demand product with a huge variety of paper options, and they offer a timeless look with stunning color accuracy. The only real downside is that since they need to be framed, they can be more delicate to handle before they’re hung on the wall.

Size-wise, many print labs offer custom sizes. But you will want to be careful here since finding a frame to match that size (unless you use our custom framing) can be difficult.

Canvas Prints

Canvas prints are an incredible way to make your art feel even more alive. While we often think of giclée prints on paper, it’s important to know that high-quality canvas prints are also a form of giclée printing. This means they can be produced with the same archival-grade inks and high-resolution process, but instead of on fine art paper, your image is printed directly onto a beautiful, textured canvas. Also, there is now a trend to use more durable inks than used on paper prints since many times they are often displayed in a more exposed fashion. Nowadays, it is not unusual to find them printed using alternative inksets that include solvent, UV, latex, or even resin inks. With the advances in printing technology and the color range of these inks, you are not likely to sacrifice accuracy either.

After printing, the canvas is usually stretched and mounted over a sturdy wooden frame. The result is a tactile, fabric-like texture that gives your artwork the feel of an original painting. Because they come ready to hang right out of the box, they have a powerful visual presence and a classic, gallery-quality feel without the need for additional framing.

This makes them a perfect choice for traditional paintings (like oils and acrylics), abstract art, and any bold or graphic design that would benefit from a more substantial display.

The biggest advantages of canvas prints are their ready-to-hang convenience and impressive durability. The main thing to consider is that they can be a bit more expensive than paper prints and, depending on the size, can be a little heavy.

Most print labs will offer to produce these in almost any custom size within the size limits of their printers, so, like Fine Art Paper prints, you are less likely to find it difficult to get a special size made.

Metal Prints

If you want your art to have a modern, sleek, and high-tech feel, metal prints are an outstanding choice. The process is unique: your image is infused directly into a specially coated sheet of aluminum, creating a vibrant, luminous look that makes colors pop in a way other mediums can’t.

When it comes to durability, because the image is infused into the metal’s surface rather than just printed on top, it is incredibly resistant to scratches and won’t smudge or fade. However, it’s worth noting that the aluminum sheet itself is thin, so you’ll want to handle it carefully to avoid any bending.

You can choose from a stunning high-gloss finish for maximum vibrancy or a sleek matte finish for a more understated look. This makes metal prints an ideal choice for vibrant, high-contrast photography and digital art with strong, saturated colors that benefit from a crisp aesthetic.

The biggest pros are the incredible visual pop, the extreme durability of the image itself, and the fact that they’re waterproof. The main thing to consider is that they are at a higher price point and, while the print is durable, the thin metal should be handled with care.

Small print labs will only be limited to certain sizes, so if you need a custom size, you will need to get these from a place like FinerWorks or a large online photo lab.

Quick-Reference Comparison Chart

The best FinerWorks product for your art isn’t just a random choice; it’s a strategic decision that affects presentation and perceived value. Consider your artwork’s style (is it painterly or photographic?), your target audience (do they want a classic or a modern look?), and your budget. And, experiment with a new product type this quarter! Maybe your next best-seller is waiting to be discovered on a new medium. Visit the FinerWorks website to explore your options and get started today.