Shopping for art prints can feel like stepping into a gallery where everyone but you knows what "archival pigment" means. Don’t worry—we’ve got you. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to common print terms so you can browse with confidence (and maybe feel a little smug the next time someone mentions "rag paper").
Giclee
This fancy French word just means "inkjet print"—but not the kind from your home printer. A giclée print uses pigment-based inks (not dye) and is printed at a super high resolution on fine art paper. The result? Rich, deep color, crisp details, and excellent longevity. Giclée printing is the standard for gallery-quality reproductions of artwork and photography. All of our prints are giclée, produced in collaboration with trusted fine art printers who specialize in museum-grade materials.
Archival
When a print is labeled "archival," it means it’s made to last—like, decades. Our print care guide has tips on how to help it last even longer. Archival inks and papers are acid-free and lignin-free, which means they won’t yellow, fade, or disintegrate over time. Museums use this stuff. So do we. We also wrote about the difference between archival inks and regular inks if you're curious. If you frame your print properly and keep it out of direct sunlight, it’ll look just as vibrant in 30 years as it does today.
Pigment Ink
Unlike dye-based inks (which can fade quickly), pigment inks are much more stable and resistant to light damage. Each pigment particle sits on the surface of the paper and holds color incredibly well. That means your print will stay vibrant, even if it’s displayed in a bright room or under glass. This is one of the key differences between a cheap poster and a true fine art print.
Rag Paper
No, it’s not made from rags you clean your kitchen with. “Rag” paper usually means 100% cotton. It’s thick, textured, and has a soft matte feel that works beautifully with detailed illustrations and rich color. It’s also naturally acid-free, so it holds up over time without yellowing or becoming brittle.
We use a few different types of rag papers across our collections. Want to go deeper? Read more about how we choose our fine art papers.
-
Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308: Our go-to for most prints. It’s ultra-matte, slightly textured, and makes colors look lush and velvety.
-
Epson Hot Press Bright White: Smooth and crisp, this paper is great for fine details and high-contrast images. It has a bright white tone that really makes colors pop.
Both of these papers are archival, cotton-based, and chosen for their beauty and longevity. Which one gets used often depends on which of our trusted print studios is producing the edition.
"The Hare" on Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308
All of these papers are archival, cotton-based, and chosen for their beauty and longevity. We pick the one that best suits the artwork.
Cold Press Hot Press
These terms refer to how the surface of the paper is finished:
-
Cold press has a bit of texture—it feels soft and slightly bumpy, like watercolor paper. It adds character and a painterly quality to prints. Some people prefer it for its organic, tactile feel.
-
Hot press is smooth and velvety, with almost no surface texture. Colors appear a little crisper and more vivid. We use hot press paper (like Epson Hot Press Bright White) for its clean finish and sharp detail—especially on still lifes and bolder illustrations.
Both types are archival and gorgeous—it really just depends on the vibe you like.
Watercolour Paper (and German Etching)
"Watercolour paper" usually refers to thick, absorbent paper designed to handle wet media like watercolour paint. It's often textured and made from cotton, which helps it absorb pigment without warping or bleeding.
Hahnemühle German Etching is a velvety matte paper with a subtle texture we use for our Watercolour Animals Collection. While not technically a cold press watercolor paper, it mimics the feel with a felted surface that holds soft color transitions and painterly details beautifully. It’s ideal for prints with a more delicate, sketch-like character.
"Monarch of the Marsh" on German Etching
Limited Edition
A limited edition is exactly what it sounds like: a fixed number of prints will ever be made. Once that number is reached, that’s it—no reprints, no restocks. This adds a sense of rarity and collectibility. You can browse our current limited editions here. We hand-number each print and include a Certificate of Authenticity to back it up.
Open Edition
In contrast, an open edition isn’t numbered or limited. We may print more copies over time. These are great for people who just want the art without the collectible angle. They’re still giclée, still archival, still beautiful. And yes—we now offer pre-framed prints too.
COA
A little slip of paper that confirms your print is a legit edition—not a bootleg, not a knockoff. For limited editions, we include a COA with a matching number to the print itself, plus the title and signature. It’s a way of preserving provenance (aka: proof of origin), which matters if you ever plan to gift, resell, or collect art seriously.
Edition Numbering
When you see “5/25” on a print, that means it’s the fifth print in a total edition of 25. Limited editions are capped forever—once they’re gone, they’re gone. We hand-number each one on the front border, and each limited print comes with a COA for good measure. Edition size can vary from as few as 10 prints to a few hundred, but the smaller the edition, the more exclusive it is.
Open Edition
In contrast, an open edition isn’t numbered or limited. We may print more copies over time. These are great for people who just want the art without the collectible angle. They’re still giclée, still archival, still beautiful.
Anything We Missed?
Let us know! We’re always happy to de-mystify art speak. You can also peek behind the scenes at how we pack your cards and how we package prints. You can also explore our FAQ page for more print and shipping info. You can reach us any time through our contact page. And if you want to browse some real-life examples, check out our fine art prints.
Happy art collecting!
— Catherine