5 Questions to Ask Before Buying Art Prints Online (That Galleries Won't Tell You)
You're scrolling through an online art shop. You find a print that stops you. Something about it just... clicks.
Your finger hovers over "Add to Cart."
But then the doubts creep in.
Will the colors look the same in person? Is this actually good quality, or will it arrive looking cheap? What if it doesn't fit my space? Can I even return it if I hate it?
So you close the tab. You tell yourself you'll think about it. And that artwork you loved? It stays on someone else's website instead of your wall.
I've heard this story hundreds of times from collectors who eventually bought my surreal prints. They almost didn't. They were scared of making an expensive mistake.
Here's the truth: buying art online can feel risky. You're spending real money on something you can't touch, hold, or see in person. And unfortunately, not every artist or shop is transparent about what you're actually getting.
But it doesn't have to be a gamble.
I'm going to share the five questions you should always ask before buying any art print online, questions that separate legitimate artists from drop-shippers selling mass-produced prints, and museum-quality work from poster-grade disappointments.
These are the questions galleries won't tell you to ask. Because if you knew to ask them, you'd realize how much markup you're paying for their white walls and champagne.
Let's make sure your money goes to art that's actually worth it.
Question 1: Is This Original Work, or a Reproduction?
This is the single most important question, and it's often deliberately obscured.
What you need to know:
There's a massive difference between:
Original artwork created by the artist (a painting, drawing, or photograph they made)
Artist-made prints of their own work (high-quality reproductions of original art they created)
Reproductions of famous artwork (prints of Monet, Van Gogh, etc. that anyone can sell)
AI-generated or stock imagery (not created by a human artist at all)
Why this matters:
When you buy a print of an artist's original work, you're supporting a real person's creative vision. When you buy a reproduction of a famous painting or AI-generated imagery, you're just buying mass-produced decor that anyone can get.
How to find out:
Look for these phrases on the product page:
✅ "Original photography by [artist name]"
✅ "Hand-created artwork"
✅ "Artist's own work"
✅ "Photographed/painted/illustrated by..."
❌ "Inspired by..."
❌ "In the style of..."
❌ No artist attribution at all
❌ "Digital art" without clarification of who created it
The Orin Kade standard:
Every print in my shop is created from my own original photography. I capture the image myself, then digitally reimagine it by hand. No AI generation. No stock photos. No reproductions of other artists' work.
If you can't find clear information about who created the artwork you're looking at, that's a red flag.
Question 2: What Paper Quality Will I Actually Receive?
This is where many online art shops cut corners, and where you'll see the biggest difference between a $30 print and a $120 print.
The paper quality hierarchy:
Poster paper (70-100 gsm)
Thin, flimsy, semi-transparent
Fades quickly in sunlight
Comparable to magazine pages
Acceptable for temporary decor, not fine art
Standard photo paper (200-250 gsm)
Thicker and more durable
Better color reproduction
Still prone to fading over years
Good for personal photos, not archival art
Fine art / archival paper (280-350+ gsm)
Thick, substantial, luxurious feel
Fade-resistant for 100+ years
Museum-grade quality
What serious collectors expect
What "archival" actually means:
True archival paper is:
Acid-free (won't yellow or deteriorate)
Lignin-free (maintains structural integrity)
Made with cotton rag or alpha-cellulose
Tested for longevity (often rated 100+ years)
How to find out:
Ask the seller directly:
"What is the GSM (grams per square meter) of your paper?"
"Is this archival-quality paper?"
"What brand of paper do you use?" (Look for: Hahnemühle, Moab, Canson, Epson)
"How long will this print last without fading?"
If they can't or won't answer these questions, walk away.
The Orin Kade standard:
I print exclusively on museum-grade archival paper, the same quality you'd find in art galleries and museums. Every print is designed to last generations, not years.
Your walls deserve better than poster paper.
Question 3: Who's Actually Doing the Printing?
This question reveals whether you're buying from an artist or a middleman.
The three printing models:
1. Artist-printed (best) The artist prints each order themselves or works directly with a trusted print house. Quality control is maximum. Every print is overseen by the person who created it.
2. Print-on-demand via reputable lab (good) The artist uses a professional print service (like a fine art lab) to fulfill orders. Quality is still high if the artist has vetted the lab and maintains standards.
3. Drop-shipped from unknown sources (worst) The "artist" never touches the print. It's automatically sent from a third-party printer with no quality control. You might get something wildly different from what you ordered.
How to find out:
Check the "About" or "Shipping" page for printing details
Look for mentions of specific print labs or methods
Check reviews for comments about print quality
Ask: "Where are your prints made?" and "Do you inspect each print before shipping?"
Red flags:
Extremely long shipping times (suggests overseas drop-shipping)
No information about printing process anywhere on the site
Suspiciously low prices (quality printing isn't cheap)
Generic "your order will ship in 2-3 weeks" without explanation
The Orin Kade standard:
Every print is made to order through a professional fine art print lab that I've personally vetted. I've tested their color accuracy, paper quality, and consistency. Each print is packaged to arrive safely and in perfect condition.
If I wouldn't hang it on my own wall, I won't send it to yours.
Question 4: What Are the REAL Dimensions (And Will It Fit My Space)?
This sounds obvious, but it's where many buyers go wrong, and many sellers take advantage of confusion.
The dimension confusion:
Online, measurements can be listed as:
Image size (the actual printed area)
Paper size (the full sheet including borders)
Framed size (with the frame included)
"Nominal" size (rounded numbers that aren't exact)
A "20x30" print might actually be:
20x30" image + 2" border = 24x34" paper (won't fit a 20x30 frame)
20x30" paper (image is smaller inside borders)
20x30" frame (image is even smaller inside the mat)
How to find out:
Always ask:
"What are the exact dimensions of the printed image?"
"What are the paper dimensions?"
"Will this fit a standard [size] frame?"
"Is there a white border, and if so, how large?"
Pro tip for small spaces:
Don't guess on sizing. Measure your wall space before shopping. Use painter's tape to mark out different size options on your wall. See what actually fits and feels right.
Need help? Read my guide on how to display art in small spaces.
The Orin Kade standard:
Every product page clearly lists:
Exact image dimensions
Paper size (if different)
Whether borders are included
Frame compatibility
No surprises. No guessing. Just clear information so you can make the right choice for your space.
Question 5: What's Your Return Policy (And Is It Actually Honored)?
This is the ultimate trust test.
A seller who stands behind their work will have a fair return policy. A seller who knows their quality is questionable will make returns impossible.
What to look for:
Good return policies include:
Clear timeframe (14-30 days is standard)
Simple process (not requiring notarized forms and blood oaths)
Refund or exchange options
Transparency about who pays return shipping
Condition requirements (unwrapped prints can't be resold, so some wear is expected)
Red flags:
"All sales final" (unless it's truly custom work)
No return policy mentioned anywhere
Extremely restrictive conditions
Hidden in tiny print or buried in FAQs
"Store credit only" (you're stuck buying from them again)
The question behind the question:
A return policy isn't just about getting your money back if you change your mind. It's about whether the seller believes in their product enough to let you try it risk-free.
If they won't stand behind their art, why should you?
How to find out:
Check the "Shipping & Returns" or "Policies" page
Look for return timeframes and conditions
Read reviews to see if returns are actually honored
Email and ask: "What is your return policy if the print doesn't work in my space?"
The Orin Kade standard:
I want you to be absolutely certain before you commit to a print. That's why I offer clear return and exchange policies. If a piece doesn't work in your space or doesn't meet your expectations, we'll make it right.
Art is personal. It should feel right. And you shouldn't have to gamble on that.
Bonus Question: Can I See the Print in Different Settings?
This isn't mandatory, but it's incredibly helpful—and it shows the seller is thinking about you as a buyer, not just as a transaction.
What helpful sellers provide:
Room mockups showing the print on actual walls
Multiple photos in different lighting
Detail shots showing texture and quality
Size comparison images (person holding print, or next to furniture)
Customer photos of the print in their homes
Why this matters:
A print looks very different on a white website background versus a real wall in real lighting. Sellers who provide context are helping you make an informed decision.
How to find out:
Browse the product photos—are there lifestyle shots?
Check the "Reviews" section for customer photos
Look at Instagram or social media for real-world images
Ask: "Can you show me how this looks in an actual room?"
The Orin Kade standard:
I'm continually updating product pages with better context photos and room mockups. If you're unsure how a piece will look in your space, reach out—I'm happy to help you visualize it.
The Ultimate Question: Does This Artist Care?
Here's what all five questions really boil down to:
Does this seller care about your experience, or just your money?
You can feel the difference. It's in the details. The transparency. The willingness to answer questions. The quality of the printing. The care in packaging. The fairness of policies.
When you buy art online, you're not just buying a product. You're entering into a relationship with the person who created it.
Choose artists who respect that relationship.
What to Do Before You Click "Buy"
Here's your quick checklist:
Before buying any art print online:
✅ Confirm it's original work by the artist (not a reproduction or AI-generated)
✅ Ask about paper quality, demand archival-grade for anything over $50
✅ Find out who's printing and how quality is controlled
✅ Verify exact dimensions and frame compatibility
✅ Read the return policy and make sure it's fair
✅ Bonus: Look for room mockups or customer photos
If the seller can't or won't answer these questions clearly, that's your answer.
Walk away. Your walls deserve better.
Why I'm Telling You This
You might be wondering why I'm giving you ammunition to interrogate me and every other artist selling prints online.
Simple: I want you to be an educated buyer.
When you know what to ask, you'll recognize quality when you see it. You'll understand why some prints cost $30 and others cost $120. You'll feel confident in your purchase instead of anxious about it.
And when you do buy, whether from me or another artist, you'll know you made a smart choice.
That's the kind of collector I want.
Someone who appreciates not just the art, but the craft, the materials, the intention behind it. Someone who values quality over cheapness. Someone who wants art that will last.
If that's you, I'd be honored to create something for your walls.
Browse my collection of surreal fine art prints → Shop now
Every piece is:
Original photography, hand-edited by me
Printed on museum-grade archival paper
Made to order with careful quality control
Backed by clear, fair return policies
Created for those who feel the stillness
And if you have questions—any questions—ask me. I'll answer honestly.
Because great art starts with trust.
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