When you are looking for high-quality frameable fine artwork for your home, and you connect with something that really moves you and you intend to have that artwork around for a long time (compared to say, a greeting card or receipt), you want to look for the words "archival" and/or "acid free" in the description of the art.
Preferably "archival". Which implies the finished piece is stable enough for library or museum standards. This is your best bet for your money, giving your art print the best chance of survival down the road.
How long do Art Prints Last? And do they fade over time?
“Archival” means that a print or artwork image is meant to have lasting life, potentially 150-200 years, if treated with care. The paper is resistant to deterioration and there is no acid in the ink that will cause yellowing or fading over time.
Not all art inkjet or fine art printers use acid-free ink/pigments, though, so you may look for that specific note. High quality printers with acid-free ink require an investment on the artist's part.
We don't all make this investment in the beginning of our art careers. I have been upgrading my Epson inket art printer every few years for about 13 years now, each new model prints better and better. The art prints get more and more clear and gorgeous and are now created with acid-free pigments. Benefits that I pass straight down to my collectors!
Curious how artists turn original paintings into prints?
Remember, “Archival” means that a print or artwork image is meant to have lasting life, potentially 150-200 years, if treated with CARE.
How to treat an art print with care? Cover it with clean glass in a frame, and hang/display it out of direct sunlight. Also, keep it out of moist environments. This way you can enjoy your special art piece for many years, even generations, without having to put it in a dark box under the bed to save the image.
Would you like a free copy
of my Framing E-Book? Get it here:
The Archival Paper Prints you purchase from me can be passed down from generation to generation.
Share the love! I offer prints created from many of my original paintings.
Fine art prints are made from photographs of original paintings, read more.
