What’s the difference between an Open and Limited Edition Print?
Limited Edition
A limited-edition print means only a certain number of prints will be made, and that’s it—no more, ever. Each one is signed and numbered by the artist. These are archival photographic prints, ensuring longevity and quality. For example, if there are 10 prints and someone buys the third one, it will be signed and marked as 3/10. Sometimes, there are different limited editions based on size, paper type, or toning. Because they’re rare, these prints are usually pricier and printed on high-quality archival paper. These prints can last for hundreds of years.
Open Edition
Open edition prints can be made in any quantity and size. However, the artist still uses the best museum-grade archival papers. Each print is signed. These are less valuable than limited-edition prints if the artist’s work becomes famous, but they still look fantastic.
So Which is Better?
It depends on why the buyer is purchasing. If it’s for decoration, an open edition print is perfect—the artist only makes a limited amount anyway. If someone is a collector and thinks the artist’s work might become valuable, they should go for a limited edition print. Many artists save their best work and materials for limited editions.
What’s the difference between the Resin Coated, Fiber Based, and Digital Prints Archival Photographic Prints?
Resin Coated Prints
Resin coated prints have a nice range of tones and are known for their longevity. They’re easier to develop than fiber-based prints because the emulsion layer is embedded in a plastic coating on the paper. The development time is shorter, they don’t need extensive washing after development, and they can be produced quickly. Additionally, resin coated prints are cheaper than fiber-based prints. However, since the artist aims to produce the highest quality prints worthy of museums and galleries that will last lifetimes, they don’t usually sell resin coated prints.
Fiber based Photopaper
For art collectors and museums, fiber-based prints are usually the preferred choice. With fiber-based paper, the emulsion is embedded within the grain of the paper, which enhances the archival qualities and tonality of the finished print. Fiber-based prints typically have deeper tones than resin coated prints and use a heavier, more substantial paper. The cost of fiber-based paper is higher, and the work involved to make these prints is more intensive, requiring each print to be washed for an hour in a running water bath to remove trace chemicals. After drying, the prints must be flattened with a heated press. Properly processed fiber-based prints are archival for hundreds of years. Most limited edition prints by this artist will use this type of paper.
Digital Prints
High-quality, long-lasting digital prints can be made, but the paper and inks used are crucial factors. Prints made on home inkjet printers typically use dye ink, which fades over time, especially when exposed to bright light. Pigment-based inkjet inks are better for archival purposes and last longer. Similarly, pH-balanced archival quality papers are important. For all digital prints, this artist uses Epson pigment-based inks on archival fiber-based paper, typically choosing the highest quality German-made Hahnemühle paper.