FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What file formats do
you accept?
We accept TIFF, EPS, JPG
files up to 200 megabytes and no more via the website orders
upload.
Alternatively larger sizes can be put on to C.D and sent
to us.
Is there anything I should know about file types
and formats?
Yes, it's fairly important
that you send your images and files to us in CMYK ( Cyan,
Yellow, Magenta, Black ) colour mode instead of the
default RGB ( Red, Green, Blue ). Most scanners
and probably all digital cameras will create images as RGB.
You are probably already working with software like Adobe
Photoshop™ or similar so it's easy enough to make the conversion
with a few mouse clicks.
Users of Adobe Photoshop™ LE/SE may not have the facility
to make the conversion... please call for assistance.
We could convert your images here at The PrintBar but it's
always best if you do this at your end. If you need any
clarification please don't hesitate to call us.
Essentially, all files should be 'print ready'. By this
we mean that they must be in proportion, at a printable
resolution and conform to the above criteria for colour.
Unfortunately due to workload, we're unable to carry out
work on any files here unless agreed upon beforehand. We're
more than happy to advise you on how to prepare your file
though... just give us a call.
Can
I hang my canvas outside?
In a word, No. Canvas prints are
for indoor use only. They must not be exposed to any moisture.
For example, it's not a good idea to clean your prints with
a damp/wet cloth. Also, avoid touching the surface of the
prints with your hands as this may transfer oils, which
could affect the appearance of your prints.
UV ink is pigmented ink and lightfast, therefore providing
extra protection against fading. On canvas, with UV ink,
prints should last for many years in normal lighting conditions
(some sunlight, some artificial light).
What resolution should
my images or files be?
The general rule of thumb
is the higher the resolution, the better the final print
will be... in large prints however this can result in HUGE
file sizes. Most printers would need to receive your image
files at resolutions of 300 dpi (dots per inch) or more...
an A1 file with these settings would be approximately
260 Mb.
Instead, we can take files with lower resolutions and still
print at very high quality. For example, you can provide
us with an A1 image at only 150 dpi... and then the file
size is only 66Mb. There would be no visible difference
in output between this and a higher resolution file.
If you don't have images that are physically the correct
size, e.g. you work at A4 or A3 and other smaller sizes,
but you still want large prints then don't worry... all
you need to remember is that this can be adjusted, again,
in Photoshop™ or similar software packages. Please feel
free to call us for advice and assistance.
Can you print my image
xxxxx size?
All our product pages contain
'A' sizes purely as a guide to the prices, you can literally
have any image any size as long as it's within our manufacturing
capabilities (see below). If you have specific requirements,
please Your Order and we will be happy to provide you with
a price before you order.
What is the maximum
print size that I can order?
Our maximum print size is
1m wide (approx 40"). Please read the following notes on
the printer's limitations and how your files were originated.
We can print to any length.
The maximum width of
the printer.
We use a 44" Epson printer.
This means that the maximum that you will get on one side
will be 40". This is to allow for a border or margin of
about 2".
Images from digital
cameras, scanned photographic prints, negatives and transparancies…
In order to not to distort
your image when we enlarge it, we must maintain the 'aspect
ratio'. This means we need to enlarge the picture to it's
original proportions. So the maximum print size will depend
very much on the proportions of the original image. As a
rule if you are thinking of enlarging to anything greater
than 40" on any side, you might want to check with us first.
What type of printer
do you use?
Our Epson Stylus Pro printer will
produce the ultimate black & white & colour prints
of any size on a wide range of materials, and with excellent
consistency and longevity up to 75 years in colour and over
100 years in black & white.
Key Features
. Consistent, professional black & white quality
from Epson UltraChrome K3 inks and Epson Micro Piezo™ print
head technology
. Accurate colour every time with Epson UltraChrome K3 8-colour
ink set
. Versatile media handling up to B0+
. Optimal print quality for the media used with interchangeable
Matte or Photo Black ink.
We use Epson UltraChrome pigment based inks. Epson makes
light fastness claims in excess of 75 years.
What canvas materials
do you use?
We use a range of high quality artist's
grade canvas. Please Your Order if you would like us to
send you samples of our canvas and paper material.
What photo paper materials
do you use?
We stock photo glossy paper
and photo matte of around 210gsm in weight. Both make excellent
photographic enlargements and posters. Please Your Order
if you would like us to send you samples of our paper material.
Can I have a proof?
A proof service is available on request
to check colour balance, whereby we will produce an A4 size
print either of a section or of the full image. We charge
a flat rate fee of £2.50 per proof including postage
and packing. We are happy to
e-mail a proof free of charge.
What is your
standard turnaround time?
Our quoted turnaround time for an
order is 7 working days, canvas will normally take 10 working
days however we do work efficiently and as a result can
often get your order to you before the quoted turnaround.
If you choose to pay by personal cheque, please add at least
5 working days onto the turnaround time.
I need my prints
urgently, can you help?
If you need your printing done faster
than our usual turnaround, please Your Order.
How do I pay?
Prepayment via Paypal is
required with the order, however you don't need to have
an account with paypal to make a payment. Paypal will allow
payments with debit cards. Invoices are supplied ONLY for
customers who have an account with us. If paying by personal
cheque, please add 5 working days to the delivery times
shown. Cheques should be made payable to the PrintBar,
please remember to add the relevant postage charge.
Do you have access to my personal
bank account/credit card details?
Absolutely not. All payments are
processed securely via our global partner Paypal (www.paypal.com).
this information is not processed through our server and
Paypal do not supply us with this information. You do not
need to have a free Paypal account to use our service.
Postage and delivery
|
|
UK
Mainland |
|
International
Airmail |
 |
| Paper |
|
FREE |
|
£15.00 |
| Canvas
without Frame |
|
FREE |
|
£15.00 |
| Canvas
with Frame per item |
|
FREE |
|
£30.00 |
How do you pack the prints?
Un-stretched canvases and
photo glossy prints are rolled up in a postal tube and send
by recorded delivery or overnight courier. Prints on digital
art paper are flat packed to avoid damaging the paper. Stretched
canvases and MDF block mounts are carefully bubble-wrapped,
and packed in cardboard boxes. All stretched canvases are
sent by overnight courier to ensure they do not get damaged
in the post. You will notice that postage and packing prices
for this service is slightly higher than our standard postage
and packing.