Frequently Asked Questions

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING

How long does it take for me to receive my prints?
The Giclee Service aims to have your prints in the post within 5 working days. Large print runs and jobs that require retouching may take longer.

How are my prints packed?
Prints are carefully rolled and shipped in strong postal tubes.

FILE PREPARATION

How can I supply my files to The Giclee Service?
Dependent on the size of your files they can be emailed (up to 10MB) via details found on the contact page, uploaded via an FTP link (up to 2GB) or sent by post on CD/ DVD.

How should I prepare my files for printing?
The Giclee Service can work with most file formats, but for optimal quality your images should be saved at 300 dpi resolution in PSD file format with borders included. If you have software which supports it, images should be edited and saved in the Adobe RGB colour space. Please avoid working and saving images in CMYK.

Can The Giclee Service prepare files for me?
Yes! The Giclee Service will do this for FREE if you require. Colour correction and file optimization within a colour managed workflow for the paper you choose is also done FREE of charge.

How big can you print my files?
This is a tricky one to answer! As a rule of thumb an image should be between 150 dpi and 300 dpi at actual size to be of good quality. However some images fair better than others, and viewing distance should also be factored into the equation. Simply scaling an image up in your photo editing software will not make it contain any more information, an image taken on your camera phone will never look good at A1. The Giclee Service will flag up any issues with image size and quality, but ultimately it is up to you if you want to print an A4 sized quality image at A2 or A1 – test strips may have to be agreed upon before printing goes ahead.

COLOUR CORRECTION AND OPTIMIZATION

Hey that banana was meant to be yellow and you have printed it orange!
This is a very basic way to understand colour management. If you are using an uncalibrated monitor and unmanaged workflow, chances are you have adjusted your image until the banana looks as you would expect – yellow. However when you send the image to a company that uses a calibrated monitor and colour managed workflow the banana may appear orange on screen and will then be printed orange. The Giclee Service will look at the file and determine if this is an error that should be fixed. See next paragraph!

Hey that banana was meant to be orange and you have printed it yellow!
The Giclee Service will not interfere with your creativity! Common sense and experience is used when looking at your files. If under calibrated conditions the image has a red/magenta over cast, then it is likely that the banana should be yellow, not orange. If there are any doubts then you will be contacted.

ARCHIVABILITY AND PRINT PERMANENCE

What is meant by archivability and print permanence?
Essentially this means how long your print will last under certain conditions. For optimum archivability prints should be stored in special albums in darkened rooms, obviously they are not going to receive much viewing pleasure there! For displaying your prints so that they can be enjoyed you should position them out of direct sunlight if possible, even the most lightfast prints, paintings and curtains will eventually fade in direct sunlight. Framing your prints under glass will also add to the longevity of your prints, especially if you use special UV protected glass.

How long will my archival prints last for?
Because digital imaging and printing is relatively new the Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. conducts accelerated light exposure and dark aging tests to determine the comparative life expectancy of inkjet and other digitally printed photographs. As the Epson 9900 is a new printer with a cutting edge ink system they have only conducted a preliminary print permanence test which can be found here.

How should I handle and store my prints?
When handling printed material the use of cotton gloves is highly recommended, you should not touch the printed surface. Do not rub sheets against each other as the surface is very susceptible to abrasion. Always place an acid free tissue paper between each print to avoid abrasion. To maximize the longevity of your prints, do not expose the paper to extreme temperatures or humidity as this could deteriorate the image quality. Avoid storing your prints in a room where paints, varnishes or liquids containing solvents are used. Last but not least, you must only use acid free, archive grade tape and glues when you need to mount or frame the paper. Other tapes will quickly leave yellow marks and the acidity will deteriorate the media.