There are many different styles and methods of printing artwork. Not all printers work the same, and not all printed media looks the same. A poster is different from a serigraph, and an art print is different from a photograph. Depending on the printing method used, you may want to explore different methods of framing.

This article is your guide to framing printed media - we have outlined some important definitions and considerations for you below!

The 10 most common technical terms used in printing are:

1. Poster: An inexpensive, printed reproduction of a piece of artwork, generally containing some form of promotion in the margins (artist’s name, gallery or museum name, event name).

2. Photograph: This refers to an image captured on a camera of a real-life subject, and is often printed either on glossy paper or canvas in high resolution.

3. Print: A generic term used to describe an impression made on paper from a variety of sources such as a block, plate or film negative. It generally contains no promotional information but may contain information concerning the artist, the medium and the date the original was created. Artwork is often replicated as a print.

4. Lithograph: A generic term used to designate a print made using a flat surface (typically stone or metal) to produce copies. The art is etched into the flat surface, which can then be coated in ink and imprinted on paper in order to make replications.,

5. Serigraph: A method of printing using a prepared stencil attached to silk or polyester fabric through which color (ink) is forced.

......to be continued....