Artwork scanning and reprinting

Which originals suit a drum scan?

Not everything can go the same way. Drum scanning mounts the original on a cylinder, so it suits film, transparencies and thin, flexible artwork that can safely bend. Canvases on stretchers, heavy impasto, framed pieces and fragile paper cannot be wrapped around a drum and need a different capture method, such as high quality photography under controlled light. Tell us what the piece is, how big, and how delicate it is, and we can talk through what makes sense.

Judging colour against the real thing

A screen will not show you how a reproduction compares to the original. The only reliable check is a test print viewed next to the artwork in good, consistent light. Some pigments are hard to reproduce, particularly fluorescents, metallics and very saturated blues and purples, so a match can be close without being perfect. Texture is another limit: brushstrokes become an image of brushwork rather than the real surface. Expect one or more proof rounds if the colour is critical to you.

Choosing what the reprint should be

• Same size as the original, or scaled for a smaller edition
• Textured fine art paper for watercolours and drawings
• Canvas for oil and acrylic work
• An edition size, if you sell numbered prints

Once it has been digitised, keep your master file safe, as it can be reprinted later without handling the original again. If you do not own the copyright in the work, get the rights holder's permission before reproducing it, even when you own the physical piece.