Fine Art Printing Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about our printing service.Reproduce your original art or photographs on a variety of fine quality papers or canvas with American Frame's “Print on Demand” service. You provide the slide or digital photo, and we will professionally print your images in any quantity that you can sell, display, or give as gifts! Every image is securely cataloged at American Frame for your future use.
- How should I provide the image?
- Am I able to print a large canvas,
say 36" x 50" from my digital image?- What kind of printing process do you use?
- Is there a maximum size I can print?
- What varieties of papers are available?
(links to Paper & Canvas Details)- Can you guarantee color matching to my original?
- What if I want to see a proof?
- What is the turnaround time?
- If I order prints from you, will you frame them for me?
How should I provide the image?
Keep in mind: The higher the resolution the better the quality of your fine art print. A digital image is made up of tiny dots called pixels (picture elements). The term resolution refers to the amount of pixels in a given inch – called Pixels Per Inch or PPI. – We recommend at least 175 PPI for most images and 250 PPI or higher for images with a lot of detail. See Preparing Your File for detailed information.
There are a variety of ways to get us your image:
- Scan and upload your file - see Preparing Your File for detailed information
- Take a digital picture and upload your file - see Preparing Your File for detailed information
- If you are unable to upload an image because the file size is over 50 MB, you can mail it to us on CD or DVD:
American Frame
Printing Dept
400 Tomahawk Drive
Maumee OH 43537
- If you are local to our Maumee, Ohio facility, bring us your painting and we will photograph it for you using very high-resolution digital photography technology (call 419.893.5595).
Am I able to print a large canvas, 36" x 50", from my digital image?
Yes, but you should understand the quality to expect given the amount of data you have, and the size you want to print. Digital pictures are made up of tiny dots, called “pixels”. These picture elements vary in size when printed. The term “resolution” refers to the amount of pixels in a given inch size (Pixels Per Inch), and the higher the resolution the better the print. We recommend at least 175 PPI for most images, and 250 for images with a lot of detail.
Also, if your print will always be viewed at a distance, or in dim light, you can easily use less PPI, because the eye will see less clearly.
Here’s how it works: If you want to order a print that is 36”x50”, and feel that 175 PPI is fine for your needs, you’ll need 6300 x 8750 pixels to get 175 PPI (6300 pixels ÷ 36" = 175). Imaging software (and in Windows folders or on Mac OSX) can tell you the number of pixels in your image so you can do the math. Scanning software can help you scan at a high resolution to get the number of pixels you want per inch.
See Preparing Your File for detailed information and an online calculator.
What kind of printing process do you use?
We use the Epson 9600 large format printer, inks and papers specifically designed for fine art reproduction on a custom basis. It utilizes a spray process, often referred to as giclee, which creates a beautiful fine art quality to the finished piece.
Is there a maximum size I can print?
The maximum print size is 40" x 60", however, the maximum recommended print size for your particular image is dictated by several factors, the most important being the amount of data in your scan (file size). Also the quality and original size of your artwork or photograph will greatly affect how a large print will look. (click here for more information)
Can you guarantee color matching to my original?
What if I want to see a proof?
Color is as important to us as it is to you! For this reason we have invested in the same color matching technology used in paint stores to ensure color will be very close if not exact to the image file you provide. It very important that the scan or digital file you provide is color correct.
To insure the most accurate color match possible, Proof sheets can be ordered for any image, on any of our paper choices. Papers and canvas will differ in the way they absorb ink and reflect light and consequently will affect the final color match. For $15.00, we will print out 5, 4x6 color samples on a single paper of your choice, each with a slight change in color hue, for you to approve. Best of all, when a proof sheet is ordered color accuracy is Guaranteed.
When placing your print order will see the option to order a Proof Sheet. Proof sheets ship in 3-5 days.
– WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND ORDERING A PROOF SHEET WHEN COLOR IS CRITICAL –
To prepare and print your image, it takes about 10 days. This gives us time to review the file, print the image(s) and allow the inks to dry properly before packaging and/or framing your print. Orders are then shipped UPS Ground and arrive in 3-5 business days depending on location.
If I order prints from you, will you frame them for me?
Absolutely! Once your image is uploaded into our Frame Shop® you will have the ability to visually mat and frame your print before you buy.