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1. What is a vintage original poster?
2. What is stone lithography?
3. What is meant by the term 'acid-free'?
4. Why are vintage original posters so much more expensive than other prints on the site?
5. Do you frame vintage original posters in the same way as regular posters and prints?
6. What if my vintage original poster looks damaged when I receive it?
7. Are there significant quality differences between these types of prints?
8. Will the value of a vintage original poster increase like other collector's items?
9. Why does it take longer to get my vintage original than it does to get a newer poster?
10. Can you frame a vintage original poster that I already have if I send it to you?
11. Why should I have my vintage original poster framed at Art.com rather than at my local frame shop?
1. What is a vintage original poster?

A vintage original is a poster generally 50 years of age or older. Many of these posters were created using a printing technique known as stone lithography. Most were used much like billboards to market products and services including food, liquor, travel and entertainment.

2. What is stone lithography?

Stone lithography is a printing method that is based on the principle that oil and water do not mix. Using a greasy substance, an image is drawn or painted on to a flat stone. Next, the stone is moistened and the surface is then coated with an oil-based ink. Paper is pressed to the stone and the ink transfers the image onto the paper. The application of each color is printed separately through a careful alignment process called registration. The popularity of this process grew because thousands of replicas could be made which closely matched the color and graphic imagery of the original art.

3. What is meant by the term 'acid-free'?

Acid-free paper or canvas has been treated to neutralize its natural acidity in order to protect fine art and photographic prints from discoloration and deterioration.

4. Why are vintage original posters so much more expensive than other prints on the site?

Vintage original posters are priced at a premium because of their age and rarity. The posters were originally produced in editions numbering in the hundreds, and sometimes thousands. However, few survived in their original condition. Most were destroyed in actual use when they were mounted for display and later discarded. Today, the number of original posters remaining is limited, and the price that collectors are willing to pay for them continues to increase.

5. Do you frame vintage original posters in the same way as regular posters and prints?

No. To preserve and protect the value of a vintage original poster, we have developed a special custom framing process, which we also use for limited edition prints. Our print framers are certified by the Professional Picture Framers Association and use consevation framing practices and materials unless otherwise specified by the customer.

6. What if my vintage original poster looks damaged when I receive it?

Art.com works with reputable collectors to select quality vintage original posters. Because of their age, many of these posters are in less than perfect condition. These original posters are rare and their physical condition is reflected in the price. We do, however, offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied we will gladly accept a return for exchange or refund (less Shipping), provided the item is returned within thirty (30) days from the date of shipment.

7. Are there significant quality differences between these types of prints?

At the time they were printed using stone lithography, these original posters provided a means for artists to reproduce their graphics with vibrant color. With the invention of more advanced printing techniques and the passage of time, what was once considered vibrant may now appear somewhat faded. However, these rare prints have been beautifully preserved through the use of proper storage and careful handling. The quality differences you will see are reflected in the uniqueness of the artist, the subject matter of their image, and the rarity and condition of the print.

8. Will the value of a vintage original poster increase like other collector's items?

The value of a vintage original poster is based on its physical condition, the artist who created it, the subject matter of the image, and the rarity of the print. There are few dealers that specialize in selling the vintage originals available at Art.com, especially in the United States. The number of posters remaining is limited, and the prices that galleries and individual collectors are willing to pay have risen steadily over the years. As supply decreases over time, a poster in good physical condition will command a higher price.

9. Why does it take longer to get my vintage original than it does to get a newer poster?

Because of their cost and value, we special order each vintage original poster directly from the dealers immediately after a customer places an order, which requires some additional shipping time. If you choose to have us frame your vintage original poster, we must also allow time to custom frame your print to your exact specifications.

10. Can you frame a vintage original poster that I already have if I send it to you?

No. We do not provide framing services for pre-owned prints. All of our framing materials are custom-fitted to prints we showcase on our web site.

11. Why should I have my vintage original poster framed at Art.com rather than at my local frame shop?

It's your choice. If you have a trustworthy relationship with a frame shop, you may prefer to purchase your vintage original poster unframed and take it to your framer. However, framing at Art.com offers you the same high-quality materials and craftsmanship you would find at a reputable frame shop. In addition, you get the convenience of one-stop shopping, 24 hours a day, as well as competitive pricing that beats most local frame shops. And as always, Art.com offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Updated November 9, 2004
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