How to Identify Paintings vs. Prints

“Is this a print or a painting?” While both can be beautiful and valuable, the distinction matters—especially when you're investing in original artwork. Knowing how to tell the difference can save you from costly mistakes.

Start with texture.

The most reliable way to tell a painting from a print is by looking at the surface. An original painting—whether oil, acrylic, or watercolor—will typically show texture where the brush touched the canvas or paper. You might see ridges, raised areas, or small inconsistencies where paint was applied by hand. That’s a good sign it’s a painting.

BE AWARE: Some prints are deliberately altered to look like paintings. One common trick is the addition of fake brush strokes—usually a clear, textured varnish or gel medium is applied on top of the print to mimic the feel of hand-painted brushwork. This technique, often called a "textured print" or “giclée on canvas,” can fool the eye at first glance, especially when framed behind glass or viewed from a distance. Another method involves printing directly onto canvas to mimic the look and weight of a real painting. While these may still be decorative and pleasant, they’re not hand-painted originals. If you're unsure, tilt the piece in the light to see whether the "brush strokes" match the image underneath—if the texture doesn't line up with the colors or contours of the artwork, it's likely an added effect.

A print that has been varnished with Modge Podge to appear as a painting

Look for dots.

Most prints, especially modern ones, are made by machines using tiny dots of ink, like what you’d see in a magazine or newspaper. We recommend keeping a magnifying glass on hand to check any artwork you find, though your phone camera’s zoom function will do the job in a pinch. If the image is made of lots of tiny, perfectly spaced dots, it’s almost certainly a print. This method—called halftone printing—can be found in posters, reproductions, and many mass-market art prints.

An example of the dot pattern seen on prints

Examine the edges.

If the artwork is framed, ask the seller if you can take a peek behind the mat or glass. Paintings are usually done on canvas, board, or thick paper. You might see paint wrapping around the edge or canvas fibers. Prints are typically on thinner, flatter paper. Watercolors, if original, might show slight warping from the moisture of the paint—prints won’t.

Use light.

Try holding the artwork at an angle under natural or lamp light. Does the surface reflect unevenly? That might mean there are brush strokes catching the light, a good sign it’s a painting. A print will reflect light evenly unless it’s been printed on textured paper to mimic a painting.

Still unsure? Ask.

Reputable antique dealers and art sellers should be able to tell you whether a piece is original or a print. Don’t be afraid to ask directly.

Finally, remember that prints aren’t necessarily “bad.” Many antique prints—especially hand-colored engravings or limited-run lithographs—are themselves valuable and beautiful. But if you’re paying for an original painting, you want to make sure that’s what you’re getting.

Trust your eyes, ask questions, and enjoy the hunt—because whether it’s a print or a painting, the joy is in finding a piece that speaks to you.