Here's how to get the best results when printing printable art on a budget.
We know that printing printable art can be tricky, especially when you're on a budget. That's why we're here to help!
There are so many different types of printable wall art out there, from digitally created artworks to scanned paintings, graphics, digital drawings, and illustrations. What makes these art forms so special is that they're all available for download, and our online art gallery is no exception!
So, if you've downloaded one of our printable artworks, you might be wondering: how do I print it?
We're here to help you achieve amazing results without breaking the bank with this guide. Make sure you check out all our recommendations and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Printing the artwork at home is undeniably the most cost-effective method. Our printables are available in standard A4 sizes, compatible with all standard printers.
Ensure your ink cartridges contain sufficient ink colors. Start by printing a test page on plain paper. If satisfied with the result, proceed to print on photo paper or thicker sheets. We recommend using paper of at least 160g/m2. Whether glossy or matte is solely based on personal preference.
Tip: For optimal results, adjust your printer settings to the highest quality and scale the image to fill the entire sheet.
Note: Most home printers may not fully cover the paper edges, which should be considered when framing. This can be resolved with a mat or a frame that covers the edges. Alternatively, opt for printables with ample white background to avoid this issue.
While printing at home is the most economical and expedient option, it does come with limitations in format and quality. This leads us to the next printing option: utilizing an online printing service.
An alternative method to print your artwork conveniently from home is by utilizing an online print-on-demand service. By uploading the file, these services will handle the printing and even framing for you. One highly recommended platform for this purpose is Printful, and here's why:
If you're willing to wait a week or two for delivery, simply visit the Wall Art section on Printful's website. Select your preferred medium and size, upload the digital artwork, finalize your order, and it will be delivered to your door, printed, framed, and ready to hang.
For those seeking the utmost quality, consider taking the file to your local print shop.
Here, you'll receive expert guidance on various papers, printing techniques, and more. The staff can review your files, offer recommendations, and even provide test prints.
Local print shops typically offer greater flexibility in sizes and, depending on the printer used, may utilize archival inks that resist light and aging.
While this option may be the most expensive and time-consuming, it's certainly worthwhile to consult with your local printer if time allows.
Color accuracy is a challenging aspect of printing due to variations in screens and printers. It's common for printed colors to differ from what you see on your screen.
Most home printers use the CMYK color model, which combines Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) to produce other colors. While professional printers have a broader color range, achieving precise color matching remains uncertain.
To mitigate discrepancies, we recommend conducting a test print, especially for large or costly canvas prints. You can request your printer to produce a small section of the artwork initially, ensuring the final result aligns with your expectations.
Our printable art is provided in the widely-used JPEG, PDF or AI format, boasting a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. The largest dimensions for our downloadable art are 70-140 cm (or 27,5x55 inches), with the resolution capable of supporting even larger formats.
Tip: When resizing the artwork, ensure the aspect ratio remains unchanged to prevent distortion of the composition, preserving its visual appeal.
Resizing to smaller sizes within the same proportions poses no issues. However, if enlarging to a significantly larger size, conduct a test print to verify that the image maintains clarity and meets your quality standards. Feel free to reach out via email if you have any inquiries regarding resizing.
Our digital artworks are adaptable to both paper and canvas mediums, each offering its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Let's briefly examine both options.
While cost-effective, paper printing often necessitates framing, which adds to the overall expense. Additionally, if framed with glass, reflections can detract from the artwork's appearance, particularly in areas with constant sunlight exposure.
Paper is particularly suited for minimalist and graphic artworks.
While pricier, canvas printing offers the advantage of being already stretched on a frame, eliminating the need for an additional frame. Additionally, canvas provides a pleasing texture and avoids any reflective glare.
It's the optimal choice for reproducing scanned paintings, providing a nearly lifelike appearance. Opt for canvas prints for larger formats, as they may offer a more cost-effective solution.