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January 27, 2022
Getting Started with The Stackhouse
Welcome to The Stackhouse’s Getting Started Guide, your step-by-step resource for exploring our premium printing services. Whether you’re an artist seeking to transform your creations into gallery-worthy prints or a photographer aspiring to preserve memorable moments in high resolution, this guide will ease your journey.
In the following sections, you’ll find essential information about our different print options, tips for preparing your artwork or photos for print, and detailed instructions to help you navigate the ordering process. We’re committed to delivering high-quality products that bring your visions to life and we hope this guide helps illuminate the path to your perfect print.
We understand that entering the world of professional printing can be daunting, but don’t worry! The Stackhouse team is here to support you every step of the way. So, let’s get started on this exciting journey towards capturing your creativity in print.
Understanding the Art of Giclee Printing
Giclee Printing is a fine art digital printing method that combines pigment-based inks with high quality archival quality paper to achieve prints of superior archival quality, light fastness and stability. The Giclee printing process involves spraying microscopic dots of pigment-based ink onto high-quality art paper or canvas. This technique provides incredibly detailed prints that can retain their color and detail for more than a century with proper care.
The top choice of many artists and photographers, Giclee prints are prized for their vibrant color accuracy and exceptional detail. As compared to other print methods, Giclee offers the highest degree of accuracy and richness of color. This makes them ideal for artworks that have intricate details or for photographs that demand precision and extraordinary color depth.
At The Stackhouse, we specialize in Giclee printing and strive for perfection with every print. Our Giclee prints are created using Epson’s latest generation of inkjet printers and Ultrachrome PRO12 inks. With a 99% Pantone coverage, our prints ensure that your artwork is reproduced with stunning color accuracy and attention to detail. We work closely with artists and photographers to ensure that each print is a true representation of their original work. We also offer a variety of media choices, from fine art papers to canvas, enabling artists and photographers to choose the medium that best suits their work. With The Stackhouse, you get the premium choice for reproducing your artwork or photography.
To better understand the benefits of our Giclee Prints, read our detailed guide.
Choosing the Perfect Product for Your Art
Selecting the ideal product for your artwork can be a pivotal decision, dictating the final appearance, feel, and longevity of your cherished pieces. Each of our products offers unique benefits and aesthetic qualities that cater to different styles and preferences. In the ‘Choosing the Perfect Product for Your Art’ section, we’ll guide you through our range of options, discussing the unique features of each, to help you make an informed choice that truly complements and enhances your artwork.
Giclee Prints
Giclee Prints are the epitome of art reproduction excellence, and they are a fantastic choice when you want to replicate the vivid details, rich colors, and textures of your original artwork or photography.
You might choose Giclee Prints when:
- Quality Matters: Giclee Prints employ high-resolution digital scans and archival-quality inks on various fine art media. This results in an incredibly accurate reproduction with color stability that can last for decades without any noticeable fading.
- Artistic Representation: Giclee Prints offer an exceptional level of color accuracy and high-fidelity reproduction. This means the subtle nuances of tones, shades, and texture in your original piece can be captured meticulously, making it an excellent choice for artists who demand precision and realism in their reproductions.
- Limited Edition Prints or Art Sale: Giclee Prints are perfect for artists who want to sell reproductions of their work without compromising on quality. These prints are often seen in galleries and are highly valued by art collectors worldwide.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Photographers who seek to showcase their work in a format that captures every detail and color gradient should opt for Giclee Prints. These prints can transform a photograph into a piece of art that can be cherished for generations
Here at The Stackhouse, we specialize in Giclee Printing. Our process utilizes the latest in printing technology, including high-precision printers and archival inks. This, coupled with our deep understanding of fine art and photography needs, enables us to deliver Giclee Prints of the highest standard.
Photo Prints
Photo Prints are a time-honored and popular choice for those who want to bring their photographic memories to life with exceptional clarity and vividness. They are perfect for a wide range of applications due to their versatility, affordability, and quality.
Here are some of the primary benefits and best uses of Photo Prints:
- High Quality: Photo Prints are produced using state-of-the-art printers and high-quality photo paper, resulting in stunningly clear and vibrant images. These prints can capture the intricate details and nuances of your photography with precision.
- Versatility: Whether it’s a wedding album, family portraits, travel photography, or professional portfolio, Photo Prints are suited to a multitude of uses. They can be framed and displayed in homes, galleries, or offices, given as gifts, or kept as keepsakes.
- Affordability: Compared to other printing methods, Photo Prints offer an affordable option for both professional photographers and hobbyists. This makes them an excellent choice for large print runs or when budget constraints are a consideration.
- Durability: When properly cared for, Photo Prints can last for dozens of years. Their durability makes them ideal for uses where they may be handled often, such as photo albums or portfolios.
At The Stackhouse, we take great pride in offering high-quality Photo Prints that truly reflect the effort and creativity you put into your photography. Our prints ensure your captured moments are preserved with the highest level of detail and color accuracy, making them a pleasure to view time and time again.
Gallery Wrapped Canvas Prints
Gallery Wrapped Canvas Prints serve as a wonderful choice for those who want to give their artwork a depth and texture that mimics original, hand-painted art. This style of print is increasingly favored by artists, photographers, and interior designers for several reasons:
- Elevated Aesthetics: Gallery Wrapped Canvas Prints provide a sophisticated, three-dimensional look to artwork. The image extends around the sides of the canvas, eliminating the need for a traditional frame and creating a sleek, modern aesthetic that makes your artwork the center of attention.
- Versatile Display Options: With the image extending around the edges, these prints provide flexibility in display. They look fantastic from every angle, making them ideal for rooms where viewers might see the artwork from different positions. They can be hung directly on the wall or displayed on a stand.
- Archival Quality: At The Stackhouse, our Gallery Wrapped Canvas Prints are created with high-quality, archival-grade canvas and inks. This results in a finished product that not only looks stunning but is also designed to resist fading and last for generations.
- Texture and Depth: One of the most appealing aspects of canvas prints is their textural quality. The canvas material adds a tactile element that lends depth to the image, helping to recreate the feel of an original painting.
- Large Format Friendly: For larger artworks, Gallery Wrapped Canvas Prints are an excellent choice. The durability of canvas makes it less likely to rip or tear, and it can be stretched around large frames without losing its integrity.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to transform your artwork into a statement piece that captures attention, provides longevity, and carries an air of professionalism and class, Gallery Wrapped Canvas Prints are an exceptional choice.
Loose Canvas Prints
Loose Canvas Prints offer a great solution for artists who desire the feel of traditional canvas but also want the flexibility to manage their own framing or mounting solutions. These prints cater to the specific needs of artists for several reasons:
- Control Over Presentation: By purchasing Loose Canvas Prints, artists are able to take full control over the presentation of their work. Whether you have a unique or custom frame in mind, or you plan to display your artwork in a non-traditional way, loose prints give you the freedom to personalize the final appearance of your artwork.
- High-Quality Reproduction: Loose Canvas Prints from The Stackhouse use the same high-quality, archival-grade canvas and inks as our Gallery Wrapped Canvas Prints. This ensures that your artwork is reproduced with stunning detail, vibrant colors, and has a life expectancy that could span generations.
- Cost-Effective: If you are proficient in stretching and framing your own canvas, choosing Loose Canvas Prints can be a more economical choice. This way, you’re only paying for the print itself and can handle the framing or stretching at a lower cost.
- Ideal for Shipping: If you’re an artist who needs to transport your work frequently, Loose Canvas Prints can be an ideal choice. These prints can be rolled and packed into tubes, making them much easier to transport without risking damage.
In conclusion, Loose Canvas Prints are a fantastic choice for artists who desire greater control over their artwork’s final presentation, need to safely transport their work, or are looking for a cost-effective solution to display their artwork. They provide the same high-quality, detailed reproduction as other canvas print options but with added flexibility.
Foam Board Prints
Foam Board Prints are a popular choice among artists and photographers for a multitude of reasons. These prints offer a unique combination of durability, versatility, and display quality that can enhance your artwork in various ways:
- Rigidity and Durability: One of the primary advantages of Foam Board Prints is their inherent rigidity. The backing used in these prints is lightweight yet extremely sturdy, ensuring your artwork remains flat, does not sag over time, and can stand up to a considerable amount of handling.
- Quality Display: Foam Board Prints from The Stackhouse are created using high-quality canvas and archival inks, similar to our other canvas print offerings. This results in impressive color accuracy and sharpness, making your artwork truly stand out.
- Versatility: These prints are incredibly versatile. They can be displayed as-is without the need for additional framing, mounted on a wall using adhesive or Velcro, or placed on an easel for tabletop display.
- Cost-Effective: Foam Board Prints tend to be more economical compared to other forms of prints, such as gallery-wrapped canvas. They provide a high-quality yet cost-effective solution for artists who need to display their work professionally but also need to keep within a budget.
- Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Due to their lightweight foam core, these prints are much easier to handle and install compared to heavier print alternatives. This makes them an excellent choice for larger artworks or for display areas with weight restrictions.
In summary, Foam Board Prints can be an exceptional choice for artists who require a durable, versatile, and cost-effective print solution. They offer the same high-quality reproduction as our other canvas print options but provide the additional benefits of rigidity, lightweight, and ease of handling.
Packaged Prints
Packaged Prints from The Stackhouse offer a complete, ready-to-display solution that encompasses both aesthetic appeal and practical convenience, making them a favored choice for many artists and photographers.
- Convenience and Versatility: The primary advantage of our Packaged Prints is their convenience. They arrive fully assembled, with all necessary materials included, ready for immediate display or resale. Whether you’re preparing for an art show, furnishing an office, or decorating your home, these prints offer a hassle-free, instant solution.
- Quality Reproduction: Like all our offerings, Packaged Prints are produced using high-quality materials and printing processes. They utilize giclee printing techniques and archival inks to ensure vibrant, long-lasting colors and superior image sharpness.
- Professional Presentation: The packaging is carefully designed to enhance the presentation and protection of your artwork. From durable shipping tubes to protective clear bags, our Packaged Prints are designed with a professional presentation in mind, increasing their resale value and appeal.
- Variety of Sizes and Formats: Packaged Prints are available in a wide range of sizes and formats, including both paper and canvas options, allowing for flexibility and customization to meet the specific needs of your artwork.
- Cost-Effective: Given the added value of the packaging and the time saved in preparing the artwork for display or sale, Packaged Prints offer an efficient, cost-effective solution for artists and photographers.
In conclusion, Packaged Prints from The Stackhouse provide a combination of quality, convenience, and professional presentation that can enhance the value and appeal of your artwork, making them a great choice for a variety of use-cases.
Ready to transform your artwork? Start with our range of premium printing products now.
Selecting the Right Size and Border Options
Choosing the right print size and border option for your artwork is essential for enhancing its impact and appeal. Here at The Stackhouse, we offer a variety of sizes and border options to cater to your specific needs. Here’s how you can make the best selection:
Choosing the Right Print Size:
- Consider the Artwork’s Scale: The size of your print should align with the dimensions of your original artwork. For larger pieces, a larger print size can effectively capture all the details, while smaller artwork can be best served with smaller print sizes.
- Context Matters: Think about where the print will be displayed. A larger print might work best on an empty wall in a living room, while a smaller print might be more suitable for a desk or bedside table. Also, consider the existing décor and room size to ensure your print complements its surroundings.
- Sample Different Sizes: If you’re unsure about the size, consider printing small samples of your work at different sizes to see which one works best. It’s an inexpensive way to make a more informed decision.
Understanding Border Options:
At The Stackhouse, we offer several border options, mainly for our Loose Canvas Prints. These include borderless, 1/4-inch border, 1-inch border, and a generous 2-inch border. Here’s how to choose:
- Borderless: Ideal for full-bleed images or if you’re planning to frame the print. The artwork extends all the way to the edges.
- 1/4-Inch Border: This slight border gives your artwork a clean, finished look, especially when left unframed.
- 1-Inch Border: A more noticeable border that adds extra white space around your artwork, creating a “mat” effect and allowing for easier handling or framing.
- 2-Inch Border: This broad border provides an aesthetic boost, particularly for larger prints, and gives you ample space for stretching or framing.
Remember, the right size and border for your print will depend on your artwork, its intended location, and your personal preference. The Stackhouse team is always here to help if you need advice or assistance in making your selection.
Submitting Your Artwork for Printing
Submitting your artwork for printing can feel like a daunting task, but at The Stackhouse, we aim to simplify the process for you. In the ‘Submitting Your Artwork for Printing’ section, we will walk you through every step, from file preparation and upload to final verification. We will provide you with practical tips and guidelines to ensure your artwork is correctly formatted and ready for our high-quality printing process. Have your files ready? Select a product, upload your images, and let’s get printing.
- File Format: Save your artwork as a high-resolution JPEG, TIFF, or PNG. These formats will retain the quality and detail of your artwork best for printing.
- Resolution: The resolution of your image should be at least 300 dpi. This ensures that your printed artwork will be sharp and clear.
- Color Profile: Use an RGB color profile for your artwork file and embed the icc profile whenever prompted. While some prefer CMYK for print, our printers are RGB devices and will provide the most accurate color reproduction using this color profile.
Uploading Your Artwork Files
- Select a Product: First, choose a product that you would like to order. Visit that product’s product page and select the red order button at the top of the screen. This will take you to the upload page for that product.
- Create an Account or Log In: Once at the upload page, create an account or log in if you already have one. This will allow you to save your progress, keep track of your orders, and make the checkout process smoother.The Stackhouse website or log in if you already have one. This will allow you to save your progress, keep track of your orders, and make the checkout process smoother.
- Navigate to the Upload Page: Once logged in, go to the ‘Upload Your Artwork’ section. You’ll see an option to upload your file here.
- Select Your File: Click the ‘Browse’ button, navigate to the location of your saved artwork file on your computer, select it, and click ‘Open’. Your file should start uploading.
- File Size: Ensure your file size does not exceed the maximum limit specified on the upload page. If your file is too large, you may need to compress it without compromising its quality.
- Upload Progress: You’ll see a progress bar while your file is being uploaded. Do not navigate away from the page during this time.
- Completion: Once the upload is complete, you’ll receive a notification. You can now proceed to select your print options and place your order.
Need Help?
If you encounter any issues while preparing or uploading your files, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our friendly and experienced team is here to assist and guide you through the process. At The Stackhouse, we’re committed to making your print ordering experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Ensuring the Longevity of Your Prints
Your print from The Stackhouse is a valuable piece of art, and with the right care, it can last for generations. Here’s how to handle, display, and care for your prints to ensure their longevity:
Handling Your Prints
- Use Clean Hands: Always ensure your hands are clean and dry before handling your prints. Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can damage the print surface.
- Use Cotton Gloves: For the best protection, use cotton gloves when handling prints. This prevents fingerprints and reduces the risk of scratching the print surface.
- Hold Prints Correctly: When holding prints without a frame, hold them by the edges and support from beneath. Avoid touching the printed surface.
Displaying Your Prints
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause fading over time. Choose a location for your print that is out of direct sunlight.
- Use UV Protective Glass: If framing your print, consider using UV protective glass to further safeguard against light damage.
- Control the Environment: Extreme temperatures and humidity can adversely affect your print. Aim for a stable, moderate climate and consider using a dehumidifier in humid environments.
Caring for Your Prints
- Dusting: Dust your prints regularly using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Never use cleaning products or water on your prints.
- Cleaning Frames: If your print is framed, clean the glass with a glass cleaner, but be careful not to let the cleaner seep under the edge of the frame onto the print.
- Check Regularly: Regularly check your prints for any signs of mold, discoloration, or other damage, especially if displayed in a humid environment.
Your prints are meant to be enjoyed for a lifetime and beyond. With these tips, you’ll ensure that your artwork remains vibrant and intact for years to come. If you have any questions about caring for your print, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at The Stackhouse.
Understanding the Production and Shipping Process
At The Stackhouse, we are committed to delivering top-quality prints, right from the moment you place an order until it arrives at your doorstep. Here’s a glimpse of our production process and an overview of our shipping options:
Our Production Process
Once your order is placed, it enters our streamlined production process:
- Artwork Review: Every artwork file is manually reviewed by our experienced team to ensure it meets the necessary specifications for top-quality printing. If any issues are identified, we’ll reach out to you for resolution.
- Printing: Upon approval, your artwork enters the printing phase. Our high-end giclee printers use archival inks to ensure color accuracy, detail fidelity, and long-lasting prints.
- Quality Control: Post-printing, each print is meticulously inspected for any flaws or inconsistencies. We guarantee that only flawless prints make it through this stringent quality control.
- Packaging: Each print is carefully packaged using protective materials to safeguard it during transit. For framed prints, additional care is taken to secure the frame and glass.
Production Times
While production times can vary depending on the size, material, and quantity of your order, most orders are typically ready for shipping within 3-5 business days.
Shipping Options & Process
We use reputable courier services to ensure the safe and timely delivery of your prints:
- Standard Shipping: With our standard shipping option, most orders are delivered within 3-7 business days post-production. Tracking information will be provided so you can follow your order’s journey.
- Expedited Shipping: Need your prints in a hurry? Opt for expedited shipping at checkout for faster delivery. Please note, expedited shipping affects transit time, not production time.
Packaging for Shipment
We take the utmost care in packaging your artwork for shipment. Prints are typically wrapped in protective materials and packed in sturdy shipping boxes designed to withstand the rigors of transit.
Tracking Your Order
Once your order is dispatched, you will receive a shipment confirmation email with your tracking number. You can use this number to monitor the progress of your package.
At The Stackhouse, we strive to make the process from ordering to delivery as smooth as possible. If you have any queries or require assistance at any stage, our customer service team is ready to help.
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