Your ultimate guide to printable wall art
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Are you looking to add a personal touch to your home or office without breaking the bank? Printable wall art might be the solution you're after. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about printable wall art, from what it is, how to print it, and tips for achieving the best results.
What is printable wall art?
What exactly is printable wall art? Simply put, it's a digital file, typically in JPEG or PDF format, that you can download and print yourself. The beauty of printable wall art is that it gives you the flexibility to choose how, where, and when you print it. No more waiting for deliveries or paying for expensive framing services. With printable wall art, you have the power to customise everything to suit your personal style and space.
Why is printable wall art so popular?
You might be wondering why people can’t get enough printable wall art. Well let’s see…
- Affordability: Traditional art prints can be pricey, but printable versions usually range from $5 to $10 USD each. Because you can use frames in standard sizes, you can also save a lot of money buying off-the-shelf frames instead of custom framing.
- Instant access: Once you make your purchase, the file is delivered straight to your inbox. No shipping delays will get between you and your new art!
- Customisation: Print it on paper, canvas, or even wood. You can also adjust the size to fit any frame or wall space.
With that brief intro out of the way, let's get into the printing side of things as this is where you probably have the most questions.
How to print your printable wall art
The key to making your printable wall art look its best is understanding your printing options. You’ve got a few routes to take depending on your budget and the equipment available to you.
1. Printing at home
If you’ve got a decent printer and some high-quality paper, this is the most budget-friendly and immediate option. Here's what you'll need:
- Printer: Inkjet printers tend to work best, especially if you have one designed for photo printing.
- Paper: For most prints, a 200 gsm cardstock with a matte or semi-gloss finish will give you great results.
- Settings: Make sure your printer settings are optimised for high-quality output. Turn off colour correction and choose ‘original size’ to ensure your print looks just like the digital version.
2. Local print shops
If you're after a higher-quality finish and don't have a great printer at home, take your digital file to a local print shop. They can offer a wider range of printing surfaces, from fine art paper to canvas. Put your files onto a USB stick before you go as this is a widely accepted way to share your images.
3. Online printing services
There are also many online services that specialise in printing art. You upload your file, choose your options (like size and paper type), and have the print delivered right to your door. Here are a few highly regarded online printing services with a reputation for high quality art prints:
US & Canada:
Canada:
UK:
Europe:
Australia:
Choosing the right size for your printable wall art
One of the most convenient things about printable wall art is how flexible it is with sizes. Many files come in various standard aspect ratios, so you can print them to fit common frame sizes. Here’s a quick summary of popular sizes and ratios:
- 2:3 ratio: Suitable for frames that are 20x30”, 16x24”, 12x18”, 8x12” or 4x6”
- 4:5 ratio: Perfect for sizes like 16x20”, 8x10” and 4x5”
- ISO ratios: Referred to as ‘international’ paper sizes, from A0 to A5
- 11x14 ratio: This is a common size for posters and prints
Make sure to match the frame size to the space where you plan to hang your artwork. Oversized pieces can become statement art for large walls, while smaller prints work well in groups or on a bookshelf or kitchen bench.
Tips for paper and ink
If you’ve decided to go the DIY route, here are a few tips for choosing the best paper, ink and printer settings:
1. Select the right paper
The type of paper you choose can make or break your final print. Here are the main types to consider:
- Photo paper: Best for photographic prints, and available in matte, semi-gloss, and glossy finishes.
- Fine art paper: For a more professional, gallery-like finish. It’s made from high-quality materials and has an archival quality, meaning it will last for years without fading.
- Canvas: If you want a more artistic, textured look, canvas prints are a great option.
- Cardstock: A cost-effective alternative, great for more casual prints or posters.
2. Use high quality inks
For vibrant colours that last, you’ll want to use the right kind of ink:
- Dye-based inks: Work well on glossy paper but may fade over time.
- Pigment-based inks: Longer-lasting and ideal for archival prints.
3. Optimise your printer settings
No matter how high quality your paper and ink are, if your printer settings are off, your print won’t come out as expected. Here’s what to do:
- Set the paper type in the printer settings to match what you're using (i.e., ‘photo paper’ or ‘cardstock’).
- Always choose the highest print quality option.
- Ensure the resolution of your image is at least 300 DPI for sharp results.
What are giclee prints?
You might have heard this as a printing option but have no idea what it means. I’m sure you’re not alone there! Giclee is a fancy name for high-end inkjet printing, but it’s much more than that. It uses pigment-based inks and archival-quality paper to produce prints that are sharper, richer in colour, and much longer-lasting than standard inkjet prints. If you want museum-quality prints, giclee printing is the way to go.
Giclee vs standard inkjet printing
Giclee prints differ from standard inkjet prints in a few key ways:
- Resolution: Giclee prints use a minimum of 300 DPI, making images sharper and more detailed.
- Ink: Giclee printers use pigment-based inks, which are more fade-resistant and durable.
- Colour range: With 8-12 colour cartridges, giclee printers can capture a broader range of colours compared to the typical 4-6 colour inkjet printers.
Why choose giclee?
- Longevity: Giclee prints can last up to 200 years without significant fading.
- Colour accuracy: The prints have a richer and more nuanced colour spectrum.
- Texture: Giclee printers can capture even the texture of brushstrokes and canvas, making them ideal for fine art reproductions.
While giclee prints are more expensive, their quality and longevity make them worth the investment if you're looking for something that will stand the test of time.
FAQs about printable wall art
If you’re now feeling confident about buying some printable wall art, you might have these questions on your mind:
Where can I find printable wall art?
Etsy is a popular platform for digital art (I have a shop there too!). Many independent artists also sell directly through their websites, as I do here on SmallLilyStudio.com
What file format will I receive?
You'll typically get a high-resolution JPEG or PDF file at 300 DPI, perfect for printing. Here on SmallLilyStudio.com we provide a PDF which links to the JPG files on our cloud storage.
Can I print the art multiple times?
Yes, generally you’ll be allowed to print the art as many times as you like for personal use.
Is printable wall art copyrighted?
Yes, most prints are copyrighted and can't be used for commercial purposes.
Can I get a refund on digital art?
Since digital files are instantly accessible, refunds are not usually offered unless the file is defective.
Final thoughts
Printable wall art is a fun, affordable and flexible way to decorate your home. I think this is why it’s so popular. You can change your art without too much trouble or expense, so you can match it with your home decor as the seasons change. When the season or special occasion is over, you can just tuck the artwork away in the back of the frame until next year rolls around, and pop some new artwork in the front. It’s genius really!
