The Stackhouse Blog

Explore our latest articles on art printing, tips for artists, insights on materials, and more.

March 15, 2022

Which Material Is Best for Photo Prints?

Our upcoming guide shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked choice of print materials. Canvas, paper, and Giclee prints each have unique qualities that can shape the final look of your artwork. Discover how to make informed decisions and bring your creative vision to life with our insightful guide, backed by The Stackhouse's commitment to excellence.

April 15, 2022

Tips for Using Canvas Stretcher Bars and Crossbars

This article provides tips for using canvas stretcher bars and crossbars to stretch canvas prints and artwork. It emphasizes the importance of matching the size of the stretcher bars closely to the canvas, using crossbars for larger canvases, and the benefits of keyable stretcher frames for preserving the artwork. The article also advises against placing stretchers too close to the canvas to avoid negative impacts on the painting. It mentions The Stackhouse as a provider of canvas prints and unstretched canvas printing services.

July 12, 2022

For true professionals in the fine arts and photography world, creating prints of pieces that took many hours can seem like a stressful process. How can a print truly capture the hard work that went into the original? The best way to ensure your work is thoughtfully recreated is to create prints using the highest quality materials possible, which is where archival pigment inks come in. This article will dive deeper into what archival pigment ink is and why it’s the better choice for you. What Is Archival Pigment Ink? The purpose of archival pigment ink is clear in its name—it’s designed to create something that lasts long enough that it could be archived for a long time without degradation. Specifically, archival pigment ink is made from solid, opaque pigments suspended in an ink solution. These solid particles provide the color of the ink and are extremely color-fast compared to something less permanent like a dye. The ink’s color is determined by the crystalline structure of the pigments that float inside it. Why Do I Want To Use Archival Pigment Ink? Now that we know what archival pigment ink is, let’s discuss why it is better than its alternatives. For a professional artist or photographer, archival pigment ink is the only choice to ensure a print lasts as long as possible and looks its absolute best. Below are some of archival pigment ink’s best qualities. Long-Lasting Prints An average, everyday ink is fine for most people, but it will start to fade in a relatively short amount of time. Because of their crystalline structure and solid particles, archival pigment inks don’t fade anywhere near as fast as typical inks do. Prints made with archival pigment ink can often last entire lifetimes without fading as long as they are well taken care of. Powerfully Bonds to Paper Besides their ability to resist fading over time, archival pigment inks also create an immensely powerful bond between them and the paper they are printed on. The chemical composition of the ink, as well as the method of printing with it, helps ensure that the bond between paper and ink is incredibly strong. This bond is important for resisting the effects of warping and moisture over time. Intense Coloration While the long-lasting nature of archival pigment inks is one of their greatest strengths, so too is their overall vibrancy and intense coloration. Trying to use regular ink to recreate a painting made through the use of pigment-heavy mediums like oil paint will never fully capture the color quality of the original piece. With archival pigment ink, however, it becomes much easier to create a print that retains the subtle color balances of the original. For fine art printing services that you can trust to create incredible prints, turn to The Stackhouse. We’ll help you create prints of your work that you’ll be excited to share with the world.

What Is Archival Pigment Ink & Why Is It Better?

Archival pigment ink is the preferred choice for professional artists and photographers who want to ensure their prints capture the essence of the original artwork. With its long-lasting properties, powerful bonding to paper, and intense coloration, archival pigment ink produces high-quality prints that can last a lifetime. Trust The Stackhouse for fine art printing services that will showcase your work in the best possible way.

August 4, 2022

The Most Common Materials Used in Giclee Printing

Giclee printing stands out from other printing techniques due to the use of high-quality materials. The process involves professional inkjet printers, archival paper, archival ink, and sharp digital images. Archival paper is durable and acid-free, while archival ink has a longer lifespan and superior color tone. The Stackhouse offers art printing services to ensure the highest quality prints with no compromise on fine details.

December 29, 2022

How To Choose the Best Paper for Your Photo Prints

Choosing the right paper for your photo prints is crucial. Different coatings and types of photo paper impact the final look and feel. Consider coatings like microporous or nanoporous and cast coatings for durability and drying time. Choose from glossy, matte, luster, silk, or metallic paper for distinct characteristics. The weight of the paper, measured in gsm, affects image quality and archival properties. The right paper choice enhances the professional presentation of your work. Trust The Stackhouse for professional photography printing and expert guidance on paper selection.