Printing FAQ
Mar 15, 2024
Do you offer volume or bulk printing & framing services?
We provide high-volume printing and framing services through our Business Services department. Each and every bulk order receives a custom quote to provide maximum value for you. Call 877-367-2689 for a free consultation or fill out our online Contact Form.
What types of paper do you print on?
Economy Semi-Gloss Photo
This versatile photo paper is the foundation for all kinds of decor-quality photos and prints. It’s a budget-friendly choice with a bright white with a fine pearl finish, best for indoor photos and posters where archival quality is not important.
Premium Glossy Photo
This ultra-gloss finish has luxuriant depth and vivid color. With a neutral tone, high D-max and ink saturation, this Premium Glossy Photo paper is an outstanding choice for giclee reproductions.
Premium Archival Matte Photo
Long-lasting and versatile, this heavyweight matte finish paper is engineered for high contrast and a crisp reproduction of high-resolution images. It is a neutral white paper ideal for black and white photography and is acid-free for archival longevity.
Premium Luster Photo
Preferred by portrait photographers for its cheerful sheen, this luster finish also has a delicate sparkle that makes images of water scintillate. With a neutral tone, high D-max and ink saturation, this is an outstanding choice for giclee reproductions.
Premium Semi-Matte Photo
Artists and photographers love this paper for its understated semi-matte finish, optimized for maximum presentation quality with minimum glare. With a neutral tone, high D-max and ink saturation, this is an outstanding choice for giclee reproductions.
Cool Tone Picture Rag
Popular among photographers for its exceptional expression of black and white imagery, Picture Rag also holds incredibly vivid and true colors. Cool Tone Picture Rag is an acid-free paper made from 100% cotton rag for archival longevity.
Velvet Digital Art
This radiant white paper offers vivid color reproduction and deep, rich blacks for amazing contrast. A subtle texture gently softens the overall effect, adding an extra hint of warmth to reproductions of oils and pastels, and a softer edge to photography. Velvet Digital Art is a 100% cotton rag paper for archival longevity.
Cold Press Watercolor
The textured finish and satisfying weight of this fine art paper provides an authentic look and feel for reproductions of watercolor art and creates spectacular photography. Collectors will appreciate this paper's rigidity and surface feel. It is a neutral-toned, acid-free paper made from 100% cotton rag for archival longevity.
Hahnemuehle Photo Rag 308
This paper's extra-smooth, semi-matte surface will pick up every detail. Its bright but neutral tone makes it equally suitable for color and black and white photography. Hahnemuehle Photo Rag 308 paper is made from 100% cotton rag for archival longevity.
Hahnemuehle Bamboo Eco Matte
Made with fibers from Bamboo grass & pure spring water, this eco-friendly paper is particularly suitable for warm-toned color and monochromatic prints. Bamboo paper has excellent contrast & sharpness and serves well for either black & white or color printing.
How large should I make my own digital files?
For rigid products, such as wood, metal or acrylic, use 300 DPI. For canvas, paper and all other materials, use 150 DPI. If you know how to create your own digital files, make sure they are 300 DPI/PPI (dots per inch/pixels per inch) at actual output (print) size. Also, make sure you use RGB (red/green/blue) because our printers and RIP software are profiled to print only RGB files. We prefer .tiff format with no compression, but .jpeg format is also acceptable. Note: For those of you using Photoshop or a similar program, remember to merge all visible layers, including text layers
How large of an image can you print?
The max print size depends on which paper substrate you choose to print on. However, most of our state-of-the-art printers will print as large as 50 x 80+ inches. (Length is not an issue because our papers come on long continuous rolls.) We can print images with a minimum of 1-inch border as wide as 50 inches. Our maximum limit for rigid prints is 45" x 93". We can stretch canvases up to 50 x 50 inches. The largest presentation size (including any frame) that you can order online is 48" x 83".
Is it common to print a photograph on watercolor paper or non photographic paper?
Yes. With the advancement of the giclee method, many photographers are now enjoying the choice of art papers, canvas, and other substrates to gain a desired texture, softening effect and image quality.
Do you print on canvas?
Yes! We have 2 types of canvas that we print on: Gallery Grade Satin Canvas and Gallery Grade Glossy Canvas. To learn more about these types of canvas, visit this canvas FAQ.
Can I stretch my canvas print when they arrive?
Yes, but please take great care! Stretching a giclee printed canvas is a more delicate process than stretching a blank canvas. If you stretch too tight, the image may look as though it is cracked. If your print is damaged as you are stretching the canvas, we cannot be held responsible. We can stretch your canvas prints for you so that you don’t have to worry. If any damage occurs in the process, it will be reprinted at no cost. If you do choose to stretch your own canvas, we offer a variety of stretcher bars in all sizes & depths.
What is a metal print?
Metal prints are images printed directly onto metal through a dye-sublimation process that infuses your picture into the aluminum. These prints bring your photos to life with vibrant, luminescent colors, are extremely durable (perfect for outdoor spaces) and will straight up take your breath away.
What types of images are best to print on metal?
The best photos to print on Metal use light in an interesting way and have very vivid colors. Water, cars, sunsets, cityscapes, starry nights, landscapes and space pictures are just a few scenes that make amazing Metal Prints. If you’re not sure if your photo will work as a metal print, give our expert Customer Care team a call.
For bulk order discounts, contact a Business Services Specialist at877-367-2689orusiness@pictureframes.com
How do I hang my metal print?
Metal prints come complete with a wood hanging system with wire hanger and circular wall protector pads to prevent wall scratches.
What is a wood print?
Wood prints are images that are printed directly onto ¾" maple wood, giving true, natural character to your photos that is unmatched in its uniqueness. This printing technique allows for the maple wood grain to show through your picture, giving it very fluid, down-to-earth characteristics unlike any other print type. Each print is unique because no two pieces of wood have the same grain pattern.
What types of images are best to print on wood?
The best photos to print on wood are pictures of nature, landscapes, waterscapes, or designs for your restaurant or business. The lighter the colors are in your picture the more the wood grain will show through.
For bulk order discounts, contact a Business Services Specialist at877-367-2689orbusiness@pictureframes.com
How do I hang my wood print?
Wood prints that are under 12" come with small D-hangers attached to the back. For wood prints larger than 12", a 2-piece interlocking cleat hanging system is included. The first piece will come attached to your wood print.
What are acrylic prints?
Acrylic prints are super awesome, eye-popping, “oh my gosh is that real?" print presentations that create modern and unique wall art for any space. The detail is sharp and stunning, with your picture being printed on specialized gloss paper and sealed behind acrylic. They arrive ready-to-hang and ready-to-start-turningheads on your walls.
For bulk order discounts, contact a Business Services Specialist at877-367-2689orbusiness@pictureframes.com
How do I clean my acrylic print?
Whether you've got finger prints or just plain old dust, it's best to use an Acrylic Cleaner with a soft cloth to avoid scratches. A simple wipe down and your Acrylic Print will look brand new and ready for its next round of unsightly smudges and spots.
Are acrylic prints waterproof?
We don't mean to rain on your parade if you had your heart set on hanging your acrylic print outdoors, but rain really will harm it. However, acrylic prints do have water resistant qualities, so they do fine adding eye popping beauty to rooms with moisture, like bathrooms and indoor pool areas. (Just keep them out of cannonball range.)
How are glossy acrylic prints made?
Your picture is printed on specialized gloss paper and then it's sealed behind the acrylic with a delicate process, leaving it free of tears and bubbles. A sturdy aluminum composite panel is added for protection and stability. A wood hanging system is then added to the aluminum composite. The hanging system comes complete with wire hanger and circular wall protector pads to prevent wall scratches.
What is the depth of a glossy acrylic print?
The glossy acrylic print is made up of 3 parts, the laminated acrylic print (1/16" depth), aluminum composite backing (1/8" depth) and the wooden frame & wire hanging system (1/2" depth). All of these combined is a total off-wall depth of approximately 3/4".
How are glossy acrylic prints with standoffs made?
Through a delicate process, your picture is printed on specialized gloss paper and sealed behind acrylic to leave it totally free of tears and bubbles. Then, four 1/2" wide holes are drilled 1" from the edge of each corner of the acrylic print. Four chrome metal finish mounting posts are included for you to insert into each hole.
For those larger acrylic prints where one side is 60" or greater, you'll find two additional holes drilled into the center of each 60+" side. There will then be two extra mounting posts included with your order. This will help provide more hanging support for the larger-sized prints. All the hardware needed to attach your Standoff Acrylic print to the wall is included, including screws.
How are glossy acrylic prints with standoffs made?
Through a delicate process, your picture is printed on specialized gloss paper and sealed behind acrylic to leave it totally free of tears and bubbles. Then, four 1/2" wide holes are drilled 1" from the edge of each corner of the acrylic print. Four chrome metal finish mounting posts are included for you to insert into each hole.
For those larger acrylic prints where one side is 60" or greater, you'll find two additional holes drilled into the center of each 60+" side. There will then be two extra mounting posts included with your order. This will help provide more hanging support for the larger-sized prints. All the hardware needed to attach your Standoff Acrylic print to the wall is included, including screws.
My print is damaged! What do I do now?
If your print arrives damaged, simply contact our Customer Care team. For more information on returns, please refer to ourReturn Policy