Original vs Print Artwork
How to tell what you have
Many artworks that look hand-painted are actually prints, and some originals can appear smooth. Knowing the difference can be worth thousands. Upload your artwork anytime for a free valuation.
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What you’ll learn in this guide
Spot originals vs prints
Practical cues for surface texture, signatures, and edition markings.
Understand print types
Lithographs, serigraphs, giclées, offset reproductions, and hand-pulled prints explained.
Know what drives value
When prints are worth money, how editions matter, and why originals usually command more.
When to get help
Signs your piece needs a professional valuation to confirm what you have.
What is an original artwork?
An original is created directly by the artist’s hand—one of a kind, even if similar works exist. Originals can include oils, acrylics, watercolors, drawings, mixed-media, and hand-pulled prints.
Visible texture & brushwork
Raised paint ridges, directional strokes, scraping or layered paint, and surface irregularities are hard to replicate in mass-produced prints.
Variations in color & pressure
Slight tonal shifts, pigment concentration changes, and varied pressure in drawings signal hand-creation.
No edition numbers
Pure originals don’t show 15/100, A.P., or H.C. marks. (Hand-pulled fine art prints are an exception.)
Print types explained
Prints range from high-end fine art editions to mass-produced decor. Knowing the category helps you estimate value.
Lithographs
Chemical process on metal or stone plates; smooth ink, dot/grain patterns, often numbered. Can be original or reproduction.
Serigraphs (silkscreens)
Ink pushed through mesh; bold layered colors, sometimes slight texture, typically limited editions—valuable from notable artists.
Giclée prints
High-quality inkjet prints on canvas or paper; smooth surface with dots under magnification; often decorative unless signed or notable.
Offset reproductions
Mass-produced decor; very smooth surface, printed signatures, no edition numbers—generally low resale value.
Hand-pulled prints
Etchings, engravings, woodcuts, linocuts, mezzotints, drypoints. Considered original prints because the artist creates each impression.
How to tell if your artwork is an original (step-by-step)
Look at the surface texture
Original paintings show thick strokes, uneven paint, layered areas, knife marks. Prints show uniform or printed texture; giclées may fake brushwork but lack changing direction/thickness under magnification.
Examine the edges
Canvas originals often wrap paint around edges with splashes or imperfections. Prints on canvas tend to have clean, uniform edges and full-bleed images.
Check the signature
Hand-signed marks show indentations and texture variations. Printed signatures look flat and identical across copies. Signatures alone don’t prove originality—prints can be signed.
Look for edition numbers
23/100, A.P., H.C., P.P. indicate a print or fine art edition—not a hand-painted one-off.
Use phone zoom to check for dots
Modern prints reveal dot matrices or repeating patterns. Originals show irregularities, not uniform dots.
Check the back
Original canvases show stretcher bars, staples, age, gallery labels. Prints on canvas may look machine-stapled and clean. Paper originals can have deckled edges, watermarks, embossed printer marks.
How to tell if a print has value
Limited editions
Smaller editions are generally more desirable. An edition of 50 is stronger than 500.
Signed by the artist
A real hand signature adds value, even on prints.
Artist proofs
A.P. prints are scarcer and often more desirable than the main edition.
Renowned publishers
Marks from respected ateliers (Mourlot, Print Club of Cleveland, Atelier Tériade) can boost value.
Famous printmakers
Vintage prints by artists like Picasso, Chagall, Miró, Warhol, Lichtenstein can command high prices.
⚠ Common misconceptions about originals vs prints
- “If it has texture, it must be original.” (Faux texture coatings exist.)
- “If it’s signed, it must be valuable.” (Many prints have printed signatures.)
- “Old artwork is always valuable.” (Most old prints were mass-produced.)
- “23/500 means it’s rare.” (500 is a large edition.)
- “A certificate guarantees authenticity.” (Only if issued by a reputable source.)
Why originals are usually worth more than prints
Originals are one-of-a-kind. Collectors pay for rarity, direct connection to the artist, and uniqueness. Prints, even valuable ones, exist in multiples.
Some prints exceed the value of low-quality originals—screenprints by Warhol or Haring often sell for more than lesser-known paintings. The market decides value, not the medium alone.
When you should get a professional valuation
- A signature you can’t identify
- Low edition numbers
- High-quality printing
- Thick or unusual textures
- Labels on the back
- Bold colors and clean printing
- Large dimensions
If you’re unsure, upload photos and we’ll help determine whether it’s original or a print—and what that means for value.
Get Free ValuationFAQ: Original vs Print Artwork
Check texture, surface irregularities, edition numbers, and signatures. Originals show unique physical characteristics.
Absolutely. Limited editions, signed prints, artist proofs, and prints by famous artists can be highly valuable.
No. Watercolors, drawings, and some acrylic works can be very smooth.
It’s an edition number. The artwork is the 23rd print out of 100 total.
A small number of prints reserved for the artist, typically more valuable.
Printed signatures generally indicate a reproduction and carry lower value.
Yes. Some prints are worth thousands—especially when signed or part of a limited edition.
How it works
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