Here you will answers to most Frequently asked questions regarding Giclee printing and photographic printing .

if you do not find an answer to your question posted here in our FAQ page just email or call us and we will be glad to assist you

What is a giclée print?

This type of archival print is a high quality print that is made by a digital process, nowadays, using an inkjet printer with expanded-gamut usually 8 inks or more. Essentially, the inks must be lightfast to a certain standard and the substrate should be at least 250gsm and acid-free.
Pronounced [ zhee-clay ].

What is your minimum order?

There isn't a minimum order for printing your images. You can print one or 100. However, we give 10% discount for multiples of 10 prints or more.

Do you offer advice and technical assistance to artists about how to go about setting up a print edition?

We can offer all the technical advice and understanding of the constraints in setting up limited and other editions. We have a great deal of knowledge to share with you.

What is the turnaround for print orders?

Typically we can print on demand for reasonable orders within 1 to 3 days. However, for larger orders and canvas stretching, a longer lead-time is given, usually less than 5 days.  If you have a specific deadline, it's best to ask us, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

What courier do you use for deliveries?

We use FedEx ground for Canada and the US. We also offer local delivery via courier for all your orders, big or small. All orders are tracked online. Because the way we package the prints, we guarantee that they arrive in pristine condition.

Do you print on canvas and offer a stretching / varnishing service?

We offer two different types of canvas printing services. We can supply canvases ready stretched using high quality kiln-dried pine stretcher bars. Varnishing or coating is included using semi-gloss or satin. The other option we can also supply canvas printing only and optional canvas coating.

I'm making enquiries with a few giclée printers, why should I use MarcoRmedia Inc?

With over 6 years of experience in the field, we believe we are one of the foremost giclée printers in Toronto. But don't just take our word for it, our testimonials section shows just how happy our existing customers are with the service and they would recommend us to anyone. If you are just phoning around for the best price, this shouldn't be your only consideration as the quality of the materials used can vary. We use market leading equipment and substrates and for the quality offer exceptional value.

How lightfast are the final prints?

This depends on how and where the prints are displayed and what substrate is being used. We use 100% archival inks and cotton based papers for long lasting prints that exceeds industry standards. From our laboratory reports, we can show you that our printing is archival up to a high standard accepted throughout the trade.

Yes, although we will advise you that since we have not been involved in the reprographic process, we cannot guarantee the results. The prints are only as good as the files you provide. Ideally the scans must be 300dpi and include an embedded ICC profile, usually Adobe 1998. We can provide proofs for $15 each.

Do you need to see the original if scanning from a transparency?

This is an essential part of colour balancing the final print. Without sight of the original, it's very difficult to reproduce accurately the original painting. Often the quality of the photographic film, lighting conditions and photographic process makes scanning transparencies more prone to shifts in colour.

Can you give me some costs / a quote?

Please refer to the prices section. However, if you have specific sizes of originals or requirements for your prints, we can calculate the most efficient way to reproduce your work. Often it's cheaper to print on roll fed material with several prints placed next to one another. If this is the case, please contact us and we will be happy to assist.

May I have a copy of the scans on CD?

We can provide copies of the final scans on CD at a small extra charge. We always provide you with a proof and copy of your artwork on CD if we do the photography work. Also, we can convert the scans into an appropriate format for use on a website. The destination of the scans is an important consideration for the format the matrix is saved in.

How do I place an order?

The majority of our products can be ordered via email or online and your files can be uploaded to us via our FTP system. This is the preferred method as you will received confirmation and status emails automatically during the production process and when completed and dispatched or ready to collect.

You can also email, fax instructions of your requirements and confirm any prices taken from our website or printed pricelist. (We are happy to provide quotes on request if you are unsure about any costs). Please clearly state your name, contact details, delivery address and any deadlines you may be working to on your order.  upload your file via our website. We will then email you an order confirmation showing the final costs including taxes and any delivery charges, and how to make payment. You can call us with your credit card details or pay using our secure.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards except Amercian Express, we also accept PayPal payments. Credit card payment is the quickest and safest method and can be paid via telephone, or if ordering in person, in our office.

How do I send my files for printing?

The preferred and quickest option is for you to upload your files to us via our web based FTP. When sending work via upload always provide your name or company, your job requirements in the message box and include your full Name, Address and Telephone number.

I have a small original artwork, how do I start?

We need a digital file to print from. We can scan most flat originals, even on rigid board and some mounted canvas prints up to A4 original size (8x12 inches) to very high quality in-house and can enlarge them to much bigger sizes if required. Once we have this file on disk we simply show you an A4 or A3 proof to check for colour and quality. This can be color adjusted if required to get it as close as possible to the original, before you order further final prints. You will keep the original file on CD so will always have a copy of your original in future.

Originals we can scan include:

Slides/transparencies from 35mm to 10" x 8"
Glass negatives - even broken ones; we can then photo retouch these if required
Anything on paper or flat substrates such as hardboard
Photographs – We scan or photograph to
Pastels and charcoal artworks - we photograph your artwork for reproduction.

I have a large original artwork, how do I start?

We need a digital file to print from. Anything over A4 size (297mm x 210mm) is too large to scan. Instead you will need to have us photograph your large artwork for best results. We have also had good results from digital photos taken with good quality digital cameras by artists themselves - be careful of the lighting conditions - unless you have a photo studio with controlled light then outdoors on a overcast day is probably the most suitable, avoid sunny days,  bright sun. We are happy to print from any files from any source - we would simply advise you order an A4 or A3 print as a proof to see what results you will get before committing to a large print. This way if it is not correct you can make changes to your file.

What is the difference between JPG and TIF formats?

 JPEG files are smaller than TIF files but are ‘lossy’ which means that when they are saved, they compress the data, by throwing tiny bits of it away. When a JPEG file is uncompressed it does not always duplicate the original data exactly. It is not a good idea to keep opening and resaving JPEG files as they will gradually deteriorate. However if used as a way of initially storing and sending a file the advantages outweigh the disadvantages which is why this is the standard format used in digital cameras.

TIF files on the other hand are ‘lossless’ meaning no data is ever thrown away. The result is that TIF files are much larger than JPEG files but they preserve every pixel that was in the original.

Which file formats do you accept?

We suggest you save as TIF files if sending online, or TIF files if sending on CD. Please do not send RAW format or any other formats of file.

What resolution do my files need to be?

All images should be 300dpi
If sending a 100% file then it needs to be 300dpi at 100%
If sending a quarter size file it needs to be 300dpi at 25% - if you have fine text or very fine detail then we suggest 400dpi.
Higher resolutions will just make very big files with information that will not be used and will not increase the quality of the final result.
Please be aware when adjusting the resolution that your file size (Mb) should not get bigger, as you cannot add what is not there. Make sure you have 'resample image' turned off in Photoshop (or equivalent) 'image size' dialog box. Changing the resolution from 72dpi to 300dpi will make the dimensions (mm) smaller but not affect the file size (Mb).

Do you accept scanned images?

Yes, the same rules as for digital photos apply. Please scan to a minimum of 300 pixels per inch 300ppi or 300dpi.

Do they need to be in RGB or CMYK colour?

 We suggest that photos are left as RGB format which is how your camera will have saved them. We can however take either RGB or CMYK so it is not a problem either way. RGB can sometimes offer a wider range of colour, or brighter colours.

What about images created with graphics or photo editing software?

Please provide images created at least 300 pixels per inch or 300dpi. If you have incorporated any text we suggest 400-600dpi.

What if my image is just not big enough?

Place your order and send us the image you have and let us know what size you would really like it printed at. We have some very advanced software available to us that can in many cases allow us to enlarge an image far more than should be possible. It does need to be at least 2 megapixels (1600 x 1200) though. We will assess your image and advise what we can do. If it is not possible we would not proceed with the job.

What if my image is just not big enough?

Place your order and send us the image you have and let us know what size you would really like it printed at. We have some very advanced software available to us that can in many cases allow us to enlarge an image far more than should be possible. It does need to be at least 2 megapixels (1600 x 1200) though. We will assess your image and advise what we can do. If it is not possible we would not proceed with the job.

Will the print colours be like what I see on my computer screen?

No... The image you see on your screen is made up of RGB colours and your screen is in effect a big light bulb so what you see is called additive colour. As paper cannot be lit up, the ink colours do not have the benefit of light enhancing them and making them brighter, this is commonly called subtractive colour. We calibrate our printers and monitors so we get the best colour range possible. Many cameras also tend to show a colour cast ie slightly yellow, or blue for instance. If this is very obvious we will adjust your image before printing. If in doubt please order a proof. If you do not order a proof you will be agreeing to accept any final prints unchecked.

How long will my photo on canvas last?  

We print with pigmented archival inks and a high quality poly-cotton blend canvas for all our photos on canvas wraps. Your elegant photo on canvas is guaranteed to last over 100 years without colour fading or yellowing.  Additionally we coat your memorable photo canvas with a UV surface protector spray 24 hours after we print your canvas.  

Do you make odd size photo canvases or special sizes?  

We offer any custom size photo on canvas as well as any photo ratio. Our pricing page will provide you with custom price calculator if you require a specific size. Please contact us by email or phone if you require further assistance.
There may be extra shipping costs for large canvases.   How deep is my photo on canvas stretcher frame? The standard stretcher bar frame is 0.75” deep. We also have the gallery stretcher frame which is 1.75” deep. The gallery frame is ideal if you do not wish to have a frame around your canvas.  The standard stretcher frame can be displayed without a frame or if you wish a frame of your choice can be mounted onto the photo on canvas. We offer optional frames if you would like you like have a frame around your standard photo on canvas.  

How big can my photo on canvas be?

We can produce your photo canvas up to 40 inches wide by up to 9 feet in length. We have done canvasses up to 90 inches in length and they look awesome! You may want to consider tiling or splitting your canvas for a unique look.

Can I see my final photo before you put it on my photo canvas?  

We can send you a jpeg of the final crop and affect of your final photo on canvas on request. However due to varying computer screen resolutions and colour rendering differences from person to person, it is impossible to get a clear idea of the finished product outside of our calibrated and colour managed computer systems we employ at Easy photos to Canvas prior to printing. However, we guarantee our work, so if you don’t love your new photo on canvas, we will fix it or refund your money within 30 days of your purchase.

Can I use a professional photograph or digital photo? Of course you can!

However we will require that you confirm that you have permission to reprint the image you provide to us to create your photo on canvas.

Can you work with a negative or slide?

For sure!  Negatives, traditional photos as well as good quality digital files all produce amazing quality canvases. If you have a negative, slide, or transparency use our prepaid main-in option when you order, to mail it to us, and we will mail it back to you with your ready to display photo on canvas.  

Do you have discounts for photographers or wholesale pricing?

We do! Please contact us and we will provide you with all the information on our “PRO” services. We will require your PST or business license number to open an account. We may also ask for your website link.  

Can I make a black and white photo color or vice versa?

We can convert color photos into black and white. Check out all our great options on our photo on canvas page.  

Can you do sepia tone? You got it!

When placing your order, just tells us you want sepia tone and we will convert your image. Sepia tone canvases can be created from color, black and white or any photograph.  

Can you restore old pictures?

For sure we can! You can just check the “Restoration” button on the order form. You may want to tell us your specific instructions for restoration and we will contact you if we require more details.

Can you send me additional information regarding your services?

We do our best to provide you with all of the information you might need right here on our site, however if you have specific questions please feel free to contact us or call us at 1-877-392-2682.