Why Art Prints Are So Expensive? - Prolab Archives (2024)

FAQs

Why Art Prints Are So Expensive? - Prolab Archives? ›

One of the main reasons art prints are expensive is the cost of materials. High-quality paper, inks, and frames add to the cost of producing an art print. Additionally, some art prints are printed using specialized techniques such as giclée printing, which can add to the price.

Proper archival grade papers are typically made from high-quality, acid-free materials and are used for a variety of applications such as fine art prints, historically important documents, and other records that need to be preserved for a long period of time.

If you display archival prints under normal lighting conditions and take typical precautions, you can expect the work to last about 200 years in an album, 80 years when displayed behind glass, and 50 years when displayed without glass. Any print exposed to direct UV radiation (i.e., sunlight) will fade more quickly.

They have some value, but typically are not as valuable as an original painting. There are exceptions, though. Nearly 20 years ago, we sold a group of prints that were signed by Andy Warhol. They brought around $500 then and may be worth even more if auctioned today.

The value of a print is shaped by factors like quality, notoriety and rarity. The collectability of a print for example, will increase if the image is desirable, the artist is acclaimed or the edition length is limited. If a print run is small, then a print's value is enhanced by its relative rarity.

Giclee Paper Prints represent the pinnacle of fine art printing. We custom print your artwork or photos onto high-quality papers with exceptional color and precision. These are Ideal for artists, photographers, and those valuing top-tier reproduction.

Benefits of Archival Printing: Longevity - Archival quality prints are designed to last for up to 100 years or more without fading or deteriorating. This means that your artwork will maintain its vibrant colors and quality for generations to come.

Premium, sustainably sourced, poly-cotton canvas prints are scratch and humidity resistant with the highest archival ratings. Giclee printing provides vivid image clarity and superior colorfastness that will not fade or yellow.

Screen Printing: Screen printing is known for its durability and longevity. It involves pushing ink through a mesh screen onto your blank shirt, blank hoodie, etc. This method is often used for mass production and is particularly effective for simple designs with a limited number of colors.

Prints that have been exposed to dust and smoke of various kinds are often dirty, gray, and sometimes even blackened. Cleaning can be done with either a dry process or by washing. Cleaning always begins with a dry method since a dry process is often sufficient.

Why are art prints so expensive? ›

One of the main reasons art prints are expensive is the cost of materials. High-quality paper, inks, and frames add to the cost of producing an art print. Additionally, some art prints are printed using specialized techniques such as giclée printing, which can add to the price.

The value of a Picasso print depends on several factors, including the rarity and demand for the print, the condition of the print, and the print's edition size. Other factors that can affect the value of a Picasso print include the artist's reputation and the print's provenance, or history of ownership.

The initials 'AP' instead of a number at the bottom of an image means 'artists' proof'. With artists' prints these are a necessary part of the production process, where proofs are taken until the artist is happy with the print.

If you suspect that your picture is valuable, take it to a specialist fine art auctioneer, such as Bonham's, Christie's or Sotheby's.

A good place to start could be anywhere between 20-250, while some artists go as high as 500 prints. Again, it all depends on your collector-base and how in-demand your work really is. You may have to arrive at this number through good old fashioned trial and error. Try taking a look at artists with similar popularity.

As a rule, art print papers are matte, cotton rag, or canvas. Red River Paper offers you the best quality paper to print art on. We source from the top paper mills on Earth - the same mills that make Epson, Canon, and other top big name brands. The secret is that we always pick the best the mills have to offer.

Archival paper for fine art is instead made out of 100% cotton pulp. Because cotton fibers are longer than wood fibers, they are stronger and more durable in the long-term.

Cotton Rag Papers

They are great for fine art reproductions as the texture really emulates the appearance of an original work. They can also add great depth and character to photographic prints.

When it comes to luxury paper for Art Prints, Giclèe is where it's at. These papers were designed especially for high-quality reproductions of art and photography. Not usually used for bulk printing, Giclèe is one of the best choices for short high-quality runs of artwork.