The Print Bar

Frequently asked questions - Formats, sizes, scanning, printing and payment

 
August 19, 2005
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11.55.06
 
The Print Bar      

We could convert your images here at The PrintBar but it's always best if you do this at your end. It will save extra costing.

 
  Click on Step 01 when you are ready to order!    
  Choose size and style   Select a file to upload   Secure payment    
 

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.


 
 
Your own pictures   Stylise your prints   Restore and re-print   Very big posters
 
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The Printbar, 24 Henley Avenue, Sheffield, S8 8JH
Telephone : 0114 2749623 Email : info@theprintbar.co.uk Office Hours : Monday - Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm