Guide to Choosing a Print Product Type
Choosing the right print type isn’t about chasing what sounds “premium.” It’s about how your artwork will be displayed, sold, handled, and lived with over time. The same image can feel dramatically different depending on whether it’s printed on paper, canvas, or a rigid surface.
This guide breaks down the most common print types and helps you choose the right format for your specific goal, whether you’re selling editions, preparing for an art fair, or printing work for your own space.
TL;DR: There’s no single “best” print type. Paper prints work best for framing and editions, canvas is ideal for frameless display, mounted prints add durability, and packaged prints are designed for retail and gifting. The right choice depends on how your artwork will be displayed, handled, and sold.
Quick picks (if you want the short answer)
- Best for framing: Paper prints (fine art or photo paper)
- Best frameless, ready-to-hang option: Gallery wrapped canvas
- Best for rolling, shipping, or traveling: Loose canvas
- Best for durability and easy display: Mounted prints
- Best for art fairs and gifting: Packaged prints
Start with how the artwork will be used
Before choosing a print type, step back and think through a few practical questions. These decisions matter just as much as the image itself:
- Will this be framed, or displayed without a frame?
- Is it intended for a gallery, an art fair, or a home?
- Will it be shipped frequently or handled by customers?
- Is this a limited edition, open edition, or one-off print?
Most print issues we see come from skipping this step.
Decision guide: match the print type to the goal
| What you’re trying to do | Best starting point | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Sell framed editions or gallery work | Fine art (giclée) paper prints | Maximum detail, color accuracy, and framing flexibility |
| Print photographs for portfolios or everyday display | Photo paper prints | Excellent color and sharpness at a more accessible price point |
| Hang artwork without framing | Gallery wrapped canvas | Clean, finished presentation that’s ready to hang |
| Ship work frequently or travel to shows | Loose canvas | Rollable, easy to transport, and flexible for later framing |
| Create rigid, durable display pieces | Mounted prints | Stays flat, handles well, and installs easily |
| Sell at markets or offer gift-ready prints | Packaged prints | Retail-ready presentation with built-in protection |
When paper prints are the best choice
Paper prints are a go-to option when detail, tonal control, and presentation flexibility matter. They’re especially well suited for framed work and editioned prints.
Fine art (giclée) paper prints
Fine art paper prints (often made using giclée printing) are commonly used for gallery exhibitions, limited editions, and collector-focused work. They’re chosen when accuracy and surface quality are non-negotiable.
- Exceptional detail and tonal range
- Wide selection of fine art paper surfaces
- Ideal for matting and framing
- Preferred for editions and exhibitions
If your work relies on subtle texture, brushwork, or smooth gradients, fine art paper is usually the right starting point.
Explore giclée fine art prints
Photo paper prints
Photo paper prints are a versatile, practical choice for photographers and artists who want strong color and clarity without the added cost of fine art papers.
- Vibrant color and crisp detail
- Available in glossy, luster, and matte finishes
- Cost-effective for larger quantities
- Well suited for portfolios, albums, and everyday display
Photo prints are a solid option when consistency, affordability, and speed matter.
When canvas prints make sense
Canvas prints offer a very different visual presence than paper. The surface texture and depth can give artwork a more painterly, dimensional feel.
Gallery wrapped canvas prints
Gallery wrapped canvas prints are designed to be displayed without a frame. The image wraps around the edges, creating a clean, contemporary presentation.
- Ready to hang straight out of the box
- Modern, frameless appearance
- Great for larger statement pieces
- Durable and long-lasting
This option works best when you want a finished look with minimal setup.
Loose canvas prints
Loose canvas prints give you the canvas surface without committing to stretching or framing right away. They’re popular with artists who travel, ship frequently, or prefer custom presentation.
- Rollable for shipping and storage
- Allows for custom stretching or framing later
- Lower upfront cost
- Common choice for exhibitions and touring shows
If flexibility matters, loose canvas is often the smartest option.
Mounted and rigid print options
Mounted prints pair high-quality printing with a rigid backing, creating a clean, durable display option that doesn’t require framing.
- Rigid and lightweight
- Resists bending and warping
- Easy to handle and install
- Works well for frequent handling
Mounted prints are a strong choice when you want a polished look without the complexity of framing.
Packaged prints for retail and gifting
Packaged prints are designed to be sold or gifted with minimal effort. They’re especially popular at art fairs, pop-ups, and retail environments.
- Ready to sell or gift immediately
- Protected in clear, professional packaging
- Consistent presentation across sizes
- Saves time during setup and sales
If you sell in person, packaged prints keep your display clean and efficient.
Common mistakes when choosing a print type
- Choosing canvas because it sounds premium, without considering whether framing or paper would better suit the work.
- Selecting paper prints without planning for framing or matting, which affects final size and cost.
- Choosing large, rigid formats without considering shipping and handling, including packaging, transport, storage, and damage risk.
- Choosing based on price alone, instead of long-term presentation and use.
How The Stackhouse helps you choose
If you’re unsure which print type is right, that’s normal. Our team works with artists and photographers every day and can help you think through presentation, sizing, and logistics before you order.
Helpful next steps:
- Choose the right paper and media
- Learn about sizes, borders, and cropping
- Prepare your files for printing