Frequently Asked Questions about Printing
If you have a question about printing that isn’t answered here, feel free to contact us via email or by calling the store during our regular business hours.
What is “giclée?”
A term we prefer not to use. Coined originally to distinguish fine-art Iris prints from their commercial/industrial counterparts, now it is mostly a marketing term for digital reproductions. We prefer “archival pigment print.”
What exactly is an archival pigment print?
A high-quality inkjet print using pigment-based inks on papers that resist fading over time.
How do I get the best print?
Supply us with the best quality image you can. See our notes on file preparation for more information.
When will my prints be ready?
Prints on paper will typically be ready for pick-up in three to five business days, and prints on canvas will be ready in five to seven business days. Canvas prints that are also being stretched will take up to an additional week.
What are ppi and dpi?
Pixels per inch and dot per inch, respectively. Often used interchangeably, but used accurately ppi refers to the pixels per inch of your digital image, and dpi refers to the number of “dots” of ink a printer produces per inch of printed material.
Will you retouch or color correct my files?
Not without special arrangements. The rate for custom image adjustment is $150/hour.
Will you print on other digital papers besides the ones listed here?
Possibly, but special arrangements and extra time for sourcing media is required. Sorry, but we are unable to print on paper that is supplied by the customer.
Will you do enlargements?
Typically, no. This is a direct-to-print service. You should supply the image exactly as you want it printed.
Will you do custom jobs?
Possibly. Special arrangements will have to be made, and the rate for custom work is $150/hour.
Will you print postcards, business cards, etc.?
No. You’re looking for someone who does higher volume printing on an offset or digital press.
What kind of images can you scan?
Photographs, drawings and paintings without significant texture (no impasto paintings, for example). We can scan images that are 12.2 × 17.2 inches or smaller.
What if my original is larger or textured?
There are scanning services that offer large-format scanners for flat work. Large textured works may need to be photographed. We don’t currently have a photo studio, but can give recommendations for both options.
