Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Giclee print?
What are the print sizes?
What do you mean by "standard sizes"?
What is Cotton Rag fine art paper?
What is a conservation mount?
What do you mean by archival quality?
Why is it when I compare my print to the web image the colors don't look the same?
Do you add any additional protection to your prints?
Your prints will last for 100 years?
Are there any special instructions for handling the prints?
Are there any special instructions for handling The Original Gift Greetngs™?
Why do the prints need to be displayed under glass?
Can I hang my prints in the bathroom?
What is the difference between enhanced matte and cotton rag paper?
Why don't you sell mounted and matted 16"x20" prints?

What is a Giclee print?
In short, Giclee is a French word meaning "to spray". Giclee prints are produced on a special type of inkjet printer direct from a digital image using archival inks and papers. Top...

What are the print sizes?
The availalbe print sizes are 5"x7", 8"x10", 11"x14", and 16"x20". Based on the original work, the print itself may vary from these standard sizes. Typically, one dimension will be equivilant to a standard size, but to maintain proper proportions, one dimension may differ from the standard size. For example a 16"x20" print image may actually measure 13"x20". Each print also has a margin of white space around it to accomodate mounting and matting. Top...

What do you mean by "standard sizes"?
Our use of the term "Standard Size" represents the stock frame sizes avalailable from framers and craft shops. Our mounted and matted prints will fit 8"x10", 11"x14", and 16"x20" frames. Top...

What is Cotton Rag fine art paper?
Cotton Rag is paper made from cotton fibre instead of wood pulp (alpha cellulose). This type of paper has a texture similar to watercolor paper and produces prints that more closely portray an actual painting instead of a print. Our prints are produced on 100% Cotton Rag fine art paper. Top...

What is a conservation mount?
A conservation mount uses hinges (made from linen tape) to mount the print and matte to the backing board. This allows the print to "float" between the backing board and mat and allows the print to respond natuarlly to atmospheric conditions. Top...

What do you mean by archival quality?
Archival quality speaks to the quality and longevity of the materials used in reproducing fine art. The papers and inks we use provide a life expectancy up to 108 years without fading or cracking. In order to maintain this longevity the prints must be displayed under glass and out of direct sunlight. Top...

Why is it when I compare my print to the web image the colors don't look exactly the same?
The best way to answer this is to consider that when you are looking at an image in the monitor you are seeing it as emitted light. When you look at a print you are seeing it by reflected light. Secondly, paper types can impact color accuracy if their reproducable color range (gamut) is not within the color gamut of the original artwork. In these instances, the colors are reproduced to the achievable color that most closely represents the original color. We are contiually calibrating our monitors and printers in order to reproduce the most accurate reproductions. So, regardless of the slight differences you may see between the web images and the actual prints, you can be confident that the prints are the most accurate in color and detail to the original. Top...

Do you add any additional protection to your prints?
Each fine art print and The Original Gift Greetings™ receives an environmentally friendly protective coating designed to resist scuffing, scratching, finger prints, and provide additional UV protection for extend life. The prints are still delicate and should still be handled with care. Top...

Your prints will last for 100 years?
This statement is based on the stated expected life of the archival inks, paper, and the application of an eco-friendly protective coating that doubles the lifespan of the print.
In order for the fine art print to last through its estimated life span it must be displayed under glass, out of direct sunlight, and in a dry environment. Top...

Are there any special instructions for handling the prints?
Take care when handling your fine art prints. It is possible to damage the print and mat if handled roughly. For your satisfaction we handle every print using cotton gloves to avoid any "accidents". The additional protective coating we add will reduce the risk of damage but does not eliminate it. As much as possible handle your prints and mattes with hands that are free from dirt and oils. In all cases it is best to only touch the unprinted surface. Top...

Are there any special instructions for handling The Original Gift Greetngs™?
The Original Gift Greetings™ is a fine art print and should be handled with care. Be careful to avoid touching the print itself. Write only on the inside right half of the card. If you write on the inside left half of the card you will damage the print. Except for adding your personal message, keep the Gift Greetings™ in the protective plastic sleeve until framing. If you write on the envelope, do so BEFORE putting the Gift Greetings™ in it. Writing on the envelope with the Gift Greetings™ in it will damage the print. You are soley responsible for any damage that results from mishandling. Top...

Why do the prints need to be displayed under glass and out of direct sunlight?
Displaying your prints under glass provides protection to the surface of the print and contributes to long life. Even though there is additional protection added to the surface of the print, the UV properties of direct sunlight damages the print by accellerating fading, yellowing, and cracking of the paper and inks; even under glass. Top...

Can I hang my prints in the bathroom?
All prints should be displayed under glass and in a dry area. Excess humidity and moisture will cause the prints to ripple; also know as cockling. Conservation mounting allows the paper to float and respond to increases and decreases in atmospheric moisture without permanent damage. However, if you subject the print to excessive moisture, cockling can be permanent. Top...

What is the difference between enhanced matte and cotton rag paper?
Enhanced matte paper has a smooth, untextured surface and is made from alpha cellulose (wood pulp). It is chemically treated to acheive its archival quality. Top...

The Cotton Rag paper we use has a soft, velevety texture. It is lignen free (lignen causes the darkening and embrittlement under light exposure), is pH neutral (no residual acidity), buffered (to neutralize the effect of atmospheric acids), and free of any artificial paper brighteners or whiteners. Top...

Why don't you sell mounted and matted 16"x20" prints?
We don't sell mounted and matted 16"x20" prints because the shipping and handling cost for a 22"x28" finished size are very high. For you, the purchaser, it is more cost effective to have it mounted and matted at a frame shop or craft store than it is to pay the shipping charges.

However, if you are willing to accept the additional cost, we are very happy to mount and matte a 16"x20" print for you. Please contact Customer Service with your request and we will provide a quote for you. Be sure to include your contact information. Top...