What to Look for in a High-Quality Print

When you receive a print—especially one that represents your own art or photography—you want it to reflect the original with the highest possible quality. This guide explains the key characteristics of a high-quality print and how to evaluate them at home before framing, gifting, or displaying.

Key Characteristics of a High-Quality Print

1. Color Accuracy

   • What to check: Colors should closely match your original artwork or digital file for vibrancy, consistency, and depth.
   • How to assess: View the print in neutral, natural lighting and compare to a calibrated screen (if possible) or the original. Colors should look true without tints or washout.

2. Sharpness & Detail

   • What to check: Fine details should be crisp; edges should appear clean without blurring or pixelation.
   • How to assess: Inspect intricate areas and fine lines. Quality prints render detail clearly and precisely.

3. Paper Quality & Texture

   • What to check: The paper or canvas should complement the work. Smooth stocks often suit photography; textured stocks can add depth to artwork.
   • How to assess: Note surface feel and weight. Heavier, acid-free, archival papers are typical for long-lasting prints.

4. Uniform Ink Coverage

   • What to check: Even coverage across the print—no streaks, banding, blotches, or mottling.
   • How to assess: Hold the print at an angle under good light to spot inconsistencies. High-quality coverage looks smooth and continuous.

5. Clean Edges & Trim

   • What to check: Edges should be cleanly trimmed with no fraying or ink smudges. Canvas/mounts should be taut and aligned.
   • How to assess: Inspect all sides closely. Quality prints have precise trims or neatly wrapped canvases, ready for framing or hanging.

6. Fade Resistance

   • What to check: Archival inks and media rated for longevity to retain vibrancy over time.
   • How to assess: Reputable labs specify archival/giclée processes. Our giclée prints are produced for decades of display longevity when properly cared for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my print colors look different from my screen?

Displays vary in brightness, calibration, and color space, and room lighting affects how prints appear. For closer matches, view your file on a calibrated display (sRGB or Adobe RGB) and evaluate the print under neutral lighting.

How can I protect my prints over time?

Display outside direct sunlight, use UV-protective glazing when framing, and keep prints in a stable, climate-controlled environment to help minimize fading.

What if my print doesn’t meet these quality standards?

If you believe there’s a production defect or shipping damage, contact us via Contact Support with your order number and photos. We’ll review and resolve under the Stackhouse Promise (defects, damage, or lost-in-transit orders are covered).

Are all prints equally resistant to fading?

No. Archival giclée processes use fade-resistant inks and media for superior longevity. Non-archival methods may fade faster, especially in strong light.

Which paper should I choose?

It depends on your work. Smooth papers (e.g., Photo Rag) are great for photography; textured papers (e.g., William Turner) add depth to illustration and painting. See our Paper Selection Guide.

Related Articles & Resources

• File Preparation Guide — Tips to optimize files before printing.
• The Stackhouse Quality Assurance Process — How we ensure print quality.
• Paper Selection Guide — Pick the right media for your work.

Need More Help?

Have questions about evaluating quality or need help with an order? Reach out to us — we’re here to help ensure every print meets our high standards (and yours).