What to check before buying a hand-painted reproduction
Check five things: that it is oil painted by hand, that you see a photo of your painting before it ships, that the sizes keep the original’s proportions, that returns give your money back, and that the seller only copies public domain works. The rest is taste.
Oil, painted by hand
The listing should say “oil on canvas, painted by hand”, or close to it. Acrylic copies exist too, and acrylic dries much faster than oil. If the materials line is vague, ask.
A photo before it ships
This is the most useful protection you can have. A photo of the finished painting lets you catch a wrong colour or a stiff face before anything is posted, while it can still be fixed.
Sizes that fit the painting
Every painting has its own shape. If a shop offers every painting in the same few standard sizes, some compositions are being squeezed or cut to fit them. Sizes should follow the original, with a different shape only when you ask for one.
Returns that refund
Look for how many days you have, if you get your money back or only store credit, and who pays for the return.
Public domain only
A seller offering copies of painters still under copyright, Dalí or Magritte for example, is ignoring the law. It tells you something about how careful they are elsewhere. Is it legal?
Signs you are looking at a print
- “Giclée”, “hand-embellished” or “textured print” anywhere in the details
- Delivery in a few days
- A large size priced like a poster
- The same product photo for every size and finish
Hand-painted or print: how to tell
How we do it
Painted by hand in oil, started after you order. A photo of your painting to approve before it ships. Sizes in the original’s proportions, or adapted on request. Free tracked shipping, 90 days to return for a full refund, and public domain works only.
