Advanced technology has enabled artists and enthusiasts alike to reproduce and print artwork on canvas for gallery display. Fine art printing is an artistic skill that involves developing artwork on large canvas. These prints provide the artistic brilliance of the original work at a fraction of the price. Glicee prints are created using professional ink-jet printers. This technique offers a more superior degree of color accuracy and detail than any other art reproduction method.

There are four basic techniques used in fine art printing. These are intaglio, Planographic, screen printing and relief. Relief is the oldest form of fine art printing. In this procedure, the artist uses a sharp edge to cut away at a surface that he or she wants to print with. The ink is placed on the surface of the woodcut.

Intaglio printing is quite the opposite of relief. In this procedure, the ink is placed in the grooves rather than on the raised surface. The art piece may be etched or engraved. Etching involves application of a varnish to a metal plate. The artist then draws with needle-like tools on the metal plate. Acid is then applied on the exposed areas and the metal is thereafter inked and an etching produced.

Planographic printing, often considered one of the most authentic forms of artistic reproduction employs a stone to apply the artwork. This technique takes advantage of the repulsion between water and oil to convey an image from a smooth limestone surface onto paper. A substance is then applied atop the drawing in order to allow the drawn surface to accept ink.

Screen printing, also known as serigraphy is a contemporary addition to fine art printing. It is much like stenciling. Once an image has been designed, paint or ink is applied through the screen. The stenciled image blocks the ink on the other side hence creating a beautiful image.

These masterpieces are advantageous to artists who find it impractical to produce their art in mass but prefer to produce it on demand. This method of artistic production is economical as it eliminates the prohibitive costs associated with mass production. Furthermore, the original print can be digitally archived and additional copies reproduced from it at a minimal cost in future.

Fine art printing on canvas gives you a wide array of design options. This canvas allows you to remodel the background of the photos, making them more appealing. You can opt to splash some colors on the background to achieve a lively and colorful outcome. Prints on paper can also be made to look glossy or layer of intricately applied gel used to create an illusion of brush strokes. This will make it almost impossible to distinguish the print from a real painting.

The archived prints seldom deteriorate in quality unlike negatives and film. Often times, the artist may apply a final, protective finish in the form of a clear coating of an acrylic substance. This coating will protect the art piece against light, water and scratches hence ensuring longevity. These prints rival the conventional silver-halide and gelatin printing procedures that are often used in museums. This means that they are of exceptionally high quality and hence timeless. They can be easily customized depending on customer preferences and this makes them all the more popular.

About the Author: This article was written by Benjamin Ramey, a small business owner and an expert in the fine printing industry.