Frequently Asked Questions - Printing

Since 2005, professional artists and photographers have relied on our turnkey print and frame service. And if you’re a hobbyist, a DIY decorator, or someone who captures images with a smart phone, it’s just as easy to use. Follow these steps.
 

1. Upload your digital file to our Art & Photo Printing interface.
2. Based on your file size or the custom size you create, choose a print size from our “recommended sizes” display.
3. Select the material you’d like us to print on, from fine art and photographic papers, to stretched or rolled canvas, Plexiglas or aluminum. (Not sure? We recommend Lasal Photo Matte paper for all-purpose printing. We’ve preselected it for you in the workflow, but feel free to change the material if you’d like.) By the way, we offer low-cost proofing services, too.
4. Design your custom frame kit. Prints on papers and canvas generally ship within 2-3 business days. Specialty printing on Plexiglas and aluminum requires up to 3 weeks for production. Want to order your print unframed? That’s fine, too.

Any high-quality image created digitally - whether you shot it with the most sophisticated camera or your phone - will print beautifully with our system. We accept JPEG and TIFF files up to 100MB in the RGB color space.

If the image was created using multiple layers in your editing software, please flatten or merge the layers into one before uploading. For more information, see our tutorial on File Preparation.

Our easy upload interface is designed to work with all current browsers plus one version prior. If you have difficulty uploading and have access to an FTP, contact us so we can coordinate receipt of your file. If FTP is not an option, send your images on CD, DVD or jump drive to: Customer Service, American Frame Corp, 400 Tomahawk Drive, Maumee, OH 43537.

We use Epson Stylus 9800 & 9900 Pro wide-format printers with 10-color ink technology and a variety of fine art papers designed for high-quality art reproduction on a custom basis.

Our printers use an intricate spray process known as giclee which allows for the detail of the original image to be transferred to the print.

The Epson UltraChrome K3 and HDR archival inks achieve superior color expression on a wide variety of media. With improved pigment density and a soft, uniform resin coating, we can achieve sharp image reproduction, along with significant light and water resistance.

Just as important as our technology is our expert printing team. They’re educated and experienced in fine art printing and committed to producing superior results.

Take a look at our testimonials to see what our customers have said.

Download pricing and printing details

Photo Papers:

Epson Premium Luster 260 Photographic Paper

• Heavy, bright white, resin-coated photographic paper with a luster E finish.
• Engineered to offer an extremely wide color gamut with maximum ink coverage and a high D-Max for a true photographic reproduction.
• Produces vivid lifelike images that rival those of traditional silver halide prints, making it a favorite among photographers.
• Traditionally used for wedding, portrait, and school photography. It’s also excellent for general-purpose photography and art reproduction.
• 260 gsm weight, 10-mil thickness.
• Durable, photographic feel, 97% opacity.
• Epson archival rating: More than 40 years with UltraChrome inks

Epson Premium Glossy 250 Photographic Paper

• Heavy, bright white, resin-coated photographic paper with a high-gloss finish.
• Engineered to offer an extremely wide color range with maximum ink coverage and a high D-Max for a true photographic reproduction.
• Produces vivid life-like images that rival those of traditional silver halide prints. Favored by photographers for black and white, as well as color photography. Artists prefer it for fine art reproduction.
• 252 gsm weight, 10.4-mil thickness.
• Smudge and water-resistant, 97% opacity.
• Epson archival rating: More than 40 years with UltraChrome inks.

Moab Slickrock Metallic Pearl 260 Paper

• 100% Alpha Cellulose paper with an ultra-smooth pearlescent finish and metallic sheen.
• Reminiscent of the ultra-smooth and slick sandstone surface of the famous bike trail in the desert plains of Moab, the paper’s high gloss and unique sheen make it ideal for everyday prints with a twist.
• The scratch-resistant coating produces vivid color reproductions as it captures the original beauty of an image with its metallic pearl enhancement. Black & white images shine as well, producing deep, dark blacks and ultra-bright highlights. Designed for photographers seeking to enhance their images with a metallic look, transforming an image into a lifelike, almost 3-D quality.
• 260 gsm, 12-mil thickness.
• Acid-free, water-resistant, resin-coated, neutral PH, with OBA content present, >97% opacity.
• Archival rating not available.

Canson Baryta Photographique 310 Paper

• A true baryta paper developed for inkjet technology with a smooth satin surface.
• Replicates the aesthetic of a darkroom lab photo-chemical paper by featuring a pure white, premium-quality, alpha-cellulose paper with barium sulphate coating. Produces images with an extended tonal range. Exceptional gamut for vivid color reproduction, as well as creamy whites, and deep, velvety blacks for the unique look of traditional silver halide photo paper.
• Creates sharp high-definition images with exceptional black density and excellent archival properties, making it a must for exhibition and museum-quality prints. Ideal for producing a sympathetic re-creation of traditional black and white images, but also fantastic for color images with vibrancy and depth.
• 310 gsm, 13-mil thickness.
• Acid free, water-resistant, OBA-free, optimized for pigmented inks
• Internally buffered to resist gas fading while respecting the ISO 9706 standard to guarantee maximum conservation of your prints

Lasal Photo Matte 230 Paper

• Professional grade of photo paper with a bright white, smooth matte surface.
• Featuring the highest possible d-max and color holdout with excellent image sharpness and vivid color density.
• A beautiful, all-purpose photo paper, perfect for photography, portraiture, gallery and exhibition prints, fine art, portfolio pieces, presentations, posters and graphic art reproduction, as well as signage and professional layouts.
• 230 gsm weight, 11-mil thickness.
• Acid and lignin-free Pulp, 86% opacity.
• Archival rating not available.

Fine Art Papers:

Epson Hot Press Bright Paper

• Heavy, bright white base, with a hot press smooth matte surface
• Acid and lignin free, pH buffered. High D-max and extremely wide color gamut and black density, perfect for artists and photographers looking for a smooth fine art finish
• Ideal for color photographs with high detail, or prints with varying contrast. Excellent for black and white photographs, fine art reproductions, limited edition prints, presentation prints for display purposes and exhibitions, albums, greeting cards, digital art
• 500 gsm, 17 mil thickness
• 100% cotton hot press, 98% Opacity
• Epson archival rating: Over 60 years with UltraChrome inks

Hahnemuele Photo Rag 308 Paper

• Heavy, bright white, smooth matte surface
• Meets the highest industry standards regarding density, color gamut, color graduation and image sharpness
• Ideal for archival printing of black and white (best) and color photographs, fine art reproductions, limited edition prints, presentation prints for display purposes and exhibitions, albums, greeting cards, and digital art
• 308 gsm weight, 19 mil thickness
• 100% rag, 98% Opacity
• Acid free, lightfast and extremely resistant to ageing (100+ years)

Epson Somerset Velvet Paper

• Heavy, velvet textured paper, with a radiant white surface
• Acid free providing vivid color reproduction with high black density and the highest resolution output
• Produces prints with a museum quality appearance, good for fine art reproduction and stylized artwork including pastels, acrylic, watercolors, oil, colored pencil, chalk, and charcoal
• 255 gsm weight, 19 mil thickness
• 100% cotton rag, 95% Opacity
• Epson archival rating: Over 62 years with UltraChrome inks

Canson Infinity Arches Aquarelle 310 Paper

• Heavyweight, natural white, watercolor paper, with a distinct cloud-like surface produced on a cylinder mold machine for a distinctive surface texture
• Specifically coated to be water and scuff-resistant, this genuine 100% cotton rag watercolor paper delivers an excellent color gamut, saturation, and precise detail, for a stellar inkjet printing performance
• The warm white tone lend subtly to photographic reproductions and renders art reproductions accurately and beautifully. Ideal for reproducing all wet paint techniques: watercolor – especially for effects with hard-edged colors and smooth washes. Also nice for gouache, tempera acrylic, and pastels
• 310 gsm weight, 23.4 mil thickness
• Internally buffered, acid free and OBA-free
• Epson archival rating: Over 67 years with UltraChrome inks

Canvas

Epson Exhibition Canvas Matte Paper

• Smooth, bright white, fine art matte finished canvas
• Exceptionally vibrant, with deep blacks and a wide color spectrum that can be used for any type of art including giclee fine art and photo printing. The elastic polymer coating resists cracking, making it great for gallery wrapped stretching
• 395gsm, 23mil Cotton-Poly Blend
• Acid free, lignin free, high tensile strength, non-reflective surface. Archival rating not available
• Laminating or coating is highly recommended for maximum UV protection and scratch resistance. Laminate choices are UV Matte for a soft finish or UV Luster for a higher sheen look. Protection required for stretched or dry-mounted canvases
• Can be shipped stretched or rolled. Stretching requires lamination and includes three options: standard, gallery, and museum wrap.
• Rolled canvases can be shipped uncoated

Plexiglas®: ALLOW 8 WEEKS FOR PRODUCTION

• 4mm thickness (approx. 3/16")
• 100% UV safe
• Printed with proprietary European inks
• Protective coating guards against scratches and boosts opacity
• Perfect for light filled spaces
• No framing required: White wooden hanging mechanism floats art 1 1/4" from the wall

Aluminum: ALLOW 8 WEEKS FOR PRODUCTION

• 2mm thickness (approx. 1/8")
• 100% UV safe
• Printed with proprietary European inks
• Perfect for eliminating glare and achieving and industrial look
• Pre-treated with a white powder coating so colors translate accurately
• No framing required: White wooden hanging mechanism floats art 1 ¼” from the wall

 

Yes. Our expert proofing services ensure a professional presentation at an affordable price for just $9.50 per proof. Proofs are not necessary, but are recommended for the discerning professional who wants to check color and/or resolution on a specific paper before proceeding with production. When you order a proof, we’ll wait for your approval prior to producing your order. For more information, contact us.
 

Please see Part 1 and Part 2 on “Choosing the Right Paper for Your Project.”

Paper Pricing

 

Absolutely. Free paper, canvas, Plexiglas® and aluminum samples are available upon request.

We routinely add a 1” border to pieces printed on a fine art paper, and 1 ½” to canvases that are ordered rolled without being stretched or laminated. If you would like a larger border on your print, simply add it to your image in Photoshop or other image editing software before uploading it for printing.

Note: ** If you are creating a frame treatment for a print you would like to sign before assembling, please make sure to incorporate your required border around the image area as part of the image data so that any mat boards you might order for this print are cut with the properly sized openings. Questions? Contact us.
 

We’ve created a video to answer this question. If you are not comfortable with photographing your artwork yourself, consider hiring a professional. Local customers: we invite you to bring your work in and we photograph and color match to the paper of your choice. Interested? contact us.
 

Yes. Please visit our Printing Profile & Installation Instructions page. We also provide an in-depth tutorial on Soft Proofing.

Yes. All embedded profiles are preserved when printing.
 
 

For color to be correct, it is important that your digital file or scan is an accurate representation of your work. Best results are achieved with a properly prepared file. There is an abundance of technical data available online concerning color calibration and ICC Profile settings for the interested reader. For the rest of us, we keep it simple. When color is critical, we recommend ordering a proof on the paper or canvas of your choice. Since papers differ in the way they absorb ink and reflect light, your selection will affect how the final color of your work is perceived. Proofing not available for prints on Plexiglas® or Aluminum, but a resolution proof can be made on Epson Premium Luster.

Color Proof: For $9.50, we will print out an 8 x 10 full image color sample on a specific paper of your choice for your approval. When you receive your proof, simply contact us with your approval and we will proceed to print your order. If you want to make additional changes, or corrections, you can make them with your personal image editing software and then resubmit the new image for print. If you are not comfortable with editing the image yourself we offer 3 retouching options found under the “Options” tab for printing (see question 12 for more information on this option.)

Resolution Proof: Also for $9.50, if you’d like to check the resolution of your image at a certain size, we will take a small portion of your image and print it at 100% on an 8 x 10 sheet of paper for your evaluation. Proof sheets are totally optional, and are usually recommended for the discerning artist and photographer who’s trying to adjust color to meet a specific, accurate vision of the work being printed. Most customers forgo a proof sheet and are completely happy with the results. If you would like a proof, click the “Options” tab in the printing workflow.
 
 

Yes. After you’ve uploaded your image for printing, follow the steps for paper selection, and then see our “Options” page within the workflow. Three different levels of retouching are available including a FREE basic retouching selection for simple things like changing your photo from color to black & white or removing red eye. Remember to please include specifics in the Order Instructions section at checkout so we have details on your editing requests.
 
 

Print orders typically ship within 3-5 business days except for specialty prints on Plexiglas or aluminum which may take up to 8 weeks. In a rush? Tell us in the ‘comments’ section at checkout and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request. Throughout the peak holiday season, almost every order is a rush. During that time, we do need to process orders on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
 

American Frame is proud to offer printing prices that are far below those of other professional printing sources. But if you’re placing a large order, you may be eligible for even greater savings. Our volume discount structure is shown in the table below and is programmed into the website. The bulk discount applies only to the same file being used for prints of the same size and paper. Mix-and-match of sizes and papers does not qualify for bulk discount.

• 5 - 9 frames: 5% discount
• 10 - 50 frames: 10% discount
• 51 - 100 frames: 12% discount
• 101 - 150 frames: 15% discount
• 151 - 500 frames: 18% discount
• 500 or more frames: Custom Quote

Also, be sure to apply any current coupon codes that might help you reduce your price at checkout. These will give you extra savings over and above your volume discount.
 
 

Our website “reads” your image and suggests the best print sizes for it, but if you’d prefer to select your own print size, you may have questions like these:

“I have a 3264x2448 pixel image. What’s the best print size I can get from this image?”
“I want to print my image 16x20. What’s my resolution at that size?”
“I have an 8 megapixel camera. How big can I print?”

We get a lot of questions like those, so we wrote a blog post to explain a few of the topics.
 
 

Do you have an image you’d like to have gallery stretched with custom colored borders or mirrored borders, but you’re not quite sure how to size it for a gallery stretch? Just follow the easy steps in our blog article and that image will be hanging on your wall in no time.
 
 

Though our printing services are designed with the professional in mind, they’re easy enough for anyone to use. Our online ordering tools take the guesswork out of printing, so you can take a picture with your Smartphone and upload your file. Our user-friendly system provides default options, so you don’t have to know anything about photography or printing to use it. Try it for yourself here.