
In the world of art, the abbreviation PP is often used to signify 'Printer's Proof'. These are prints or objects that the printer or manufacturer receives as proof of their work, separate from the actual edition, and are usually not intended for sale. They are similar to 'Artist's Proofs' (APs), which are the first prints deemed satisfactory by the artist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Printer's Proof |
| Purpose | Monitor the progress of printing |
| Availability | Not intended for sale, but can be sold in the event of a complete sale of the print run or on special request |
| Numbering | May contain Roman or Arabic numerals |
| Number of PPs | Usually one or two |
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What You'll Learn

PP stands for 'Printer's Proof'
PP stands for "Printer's Proof", and it is used to designate certain prints that are the first few that the printer deems to be satisfactory. These prints are not usually available for purchase until the main edition sells out, but this is not always the case. Essentially, it means that the artist has painted or drawn on top of a print. The number of PPs in addition to the regular edition is up to the artist, and this is usually one or two. However, the number is determined from the outset and cannot be supplemented afterward.
PPs are similar to APs, or Artist's Proofs, which are a small number of prints that are the first ones printed and deemed good enough by the artist. APs are usually about 10% of the size of the main edition, and this mini-edition can be numbered or unnumbered. Like PPs, APs are not usually available for purchase until the main edition sells out, but this is not a fixed rule.
The first "proofs" were either pulled or printed, and the artist had the opportunity to work out any color and quality issues as they arose in the process. Artists would make several corrections, and those "artist's proofs", or APs, would be set aside and not included in the number of the limited-edition print run. However, these prints were still of high quality, and there was a high demand for them because clients would specifically request the limited-edition prints that they would obtain directly from the artist.
Hand-finished editions are also similar to APs and PPs, but there are only a very small number of them available, so they are incredibly special. Hand-finishing varies from artist to artist; one might paint entirely over their print, while another might add a small touch of color or gold leaf to their edition. The value of a hand-finished print is not determined by the amount of paint added, but by the care and thought that has gone into this exclusive micro-edition.
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PPs are designed to monitor the progress of printing
In the context of paintings, "PP" stands for "printer's proof". It refers to a print or object that the printer or manufacturer receives as proof of their work. These are usually made in addition to the actual edition and are kept in the archives of the printing house.
Printer's proofs (PPs) are designed to monitor the progress of printing. They are not intended for sale and are not included in the count of the edition. Instead, they are kept as a record of the printing process and can be used as a reference for future prints. PPs may be submitted to potential clients and artists as work samples. However, it is customary for the manufacturer to release their PPs for sale in the event of a complete sale of the print run or upon special request.
The number of PPs produced in addition to the regular edition is typically decided by the artist. Usually, there are one or two PPs created. These proofs contain the note "PP" and may also include numbering in Roman or Arabic numerals.
Printer's proofs are similar to artist's proofs (APs). Artist's proofs are a small number of prints that are the first ones printed and deemed satisfactory by the artist. Like PPs, they are not intended for sale and are kept as a separate mini-edition. Artist's proofs are usually about 10% of the size of the main edition and can be numbered or unnumbered.
Both PPs and APs play a crucial role in the printing process, providing a means to monitor and ensure the quality of the final product. They allow the printer and artist to approve the work before it is released to the public, ensuring that it meets their standards and expectations.
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They are not intended for sale
The designation "P/P" on a painting stands for “printer's proof". These are prints or objects that the printer or manufacturer receives as proof of their work. They are made in addition to the actual edition and are not intended for sale. They are also not included in the count of the edition.
Printer's proofs are kept in the archive of the printing house and can be used as samples for other potential clients and artists. However, it is customary for the printer or manufacturer to release their P/Ps for sale in the event of a complete sale of the print run or upon special request.
The number of P/Ps produced in addition to the regular edition is usually one or two, but the final number is up to the artist. P/Ps are typically marked with the note "PP" and may also include Roman or Arabic numerals.
While P/Ps are not intended for sale, they may be released for purchase under certain circumstances. This is similar to artist's proofs (APs), which are a small number of prints that the artist deems satisfactory. APs are usually about 10% of the size of the main edition and are not available for purchase until the main edition sells out, although this can vary.
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PPs are usually archived at the printing house
In the context of paintings, the term "PP" most likely stands for "Printer's Proof" or "Print Proof". These are prints that are made in addition to the actual edition and are meant for the printer or manufacturer to review and approve before the final print run. PPs are typically archived at the printing house and are not intended for sale or included in the edition count. They can be used as work samples for potential clients and artists, and the printer may choose to release them for sale in certain circumstances, such as a complete sale of the print run or upon special request.
The purpose of PPs is to ensure that the printer or manufacturer has a chance to review and approve the quality of the print before the final edition is produced. They serve as a way for the printer to monitor the progress and quality of their work. Usually, there are one or two PPs produced, and they may be numbered with Roman or Arabic numerals.
Artist's Proofs (APs) are similar to PPs, but they are reviewed and approved by the artist rather than the printer. Like PPs, APs are also typically archived and not initially offered for sale. However, in some cases, they may be released for sale if the main edition sells out or at the artist's discretion. APs usually make up about 10% of the size of the main edition and can be numbered or unnumbered.
Both PPs and APs play an important role in the printing process, allowing the printer and artist to maintain quality control and ensure the final product meets their standards. By archiving these proofs, printing houses can provide samples of their work and showcase their capabilities to potential clients and artists. This practice helps establish trust and confidence in the printing house's expertise and attention to detail.
While PPs and APs are not commonly offered for sale, they may become available under specific circumstances. For collectors and art enthusiasts, these proofs offer a unique opportunity to acquire a piece that is distinct from the main edition. They represent the printer's and artist's personal approval of the work, adding a layer of significance and exclusivity to the print.
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Artists can decide the number of PPs in addition to the regular edition
The number of PPs, or 'printer's proofs', that are produced in addition to the regular edition is decided by the artist. PPs are similar to an artist's proof, or AP, which are the first prints that the artist deems satisfactory. They are a necessary part of the production process, and are usually about 10% of the size of the main edition.
Printer's proofs are also made in addition to the actual edition and are not intended for sale or included in the count of the edition. They are kept in the archive of the printing house and can be shown to other potential clients and artists as a work sample. However, it is customary for the printer to release their PPs for sale if the print run sells out or upon special request.
The number of PPs produced is usually one or two, but the artist can decide to produce more. PPs are marked with the initials 'PP' and may also include Roman or Arabic numerals. They are not included in the count of the edition size, which is the total number of prints produced, including all artist's proofs. Ethical publishers will declare the entire edition size upfront, making it clear how many prints and artist's proofs were published, and that no other reproductions will be made.
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Frequently asked questions
PP stands for 'Printer's Proof'.
A Printer's Proof is a print or object that the manufacturer or printer receives as proof of their work.
An Artist's Proof is a small number of prints that the artist deems satisfactory. A Printer's Proof is what the printer deems satisfactory.
Printer's Proofs are not intended for sale but are often released for sale in the event of a complete sale of the print run or on special request.
The number of Printer's Proofs is usually one or two, but the number is ultimately up to the artist.


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