What’s the difference between Framed and Unframed prints?
Framed means the canvas have been stretched onto a “stretcher frame”. The canvas is stretched over the top of the frame and stapled to the back. The artwork details, edition numbering and signature are displayed on the canvas on the back of the frame. Framed prints are only recommended for delivery addresses in the metropolitan area of Sydney, Australia. However, customers are welcome to organise their own pick-up from my studio or framer’s workshop.
Unframed means the canvas is unstretched – it is rolled and packed in a sturdy cardboard tube for shipping. This is the safest way to ship a large canvas print without damage and also allows us to provide free shipping to anywhere in the world.
How do I get my unstretched canvas print framed?
When you receive your canvas print, you will need to take it to your local framer for stretching so that you can hang the work. Below is a link to a page on the site devoted to explaining the process and things to note about getting your print stretched.
About Canvas Prints >
Why does your print quality look better than other giclee I’ve seen?
Yes, Space March giclée prints do look better quality than many other artist canvas prints. In short, the reason that Space March giclée canvas prints look better is due to the quality of the materials used, the quality of the printer and the method of image creation. The detailed explanation is:
- Many artists use a print shop or output bureau to print their artworks. These businesses often try to keep operational costs to a minimum to maximise profits and consequently compromise on the quality of materials used. Canvas can be cheap, thin and may be glossy in appearance to suit commercial signage. Similarly, the inks lack depth and have a limited colour gamut.
- In contrast, Space March uses the highest quality museum grade canvas from quality art materials company Canson. It’s a heavy weight canvas – 440 gsm and it’s a matte canvas which looks more natural. Space March also uses the highest quality authentic Epson pigmented inks – not cheaper substitutes.
- Space March owns a large format Epson Stylus® Pro 9900 printer. This is a very high quality large format printer which uses 11 pigmented inks for an ultra wide and impressive colour gamut. The colours are rich and vivid. The printer is used only for the output of Space March artwork.
- Much giclée art is photographed from original works. The photographing process, even through the best camera will introduce blurring and a lack of edge clarity. By contrast, Space March prints are hard edged and have the appearance of a perfectly executed screen print because the artwork is digitally composited. Of course, tone reduced photographs are used in the construction of the artwork but not as part of the reproduction process. And whilst I like to introduce texture into most of my images to make the image more interesting and organic, the edges even when viewed close-up are extremely sharp. The overall effect of a Space March print is crisp, vivid, rich and natural looking.
Are prints water resistant?
Space March prints are not completely water-resistant. If water gets onto the canvas and the canvas is rubbed with some force, the image will smudge. The Canson canvas used for the prints is water resistant, however. I recommend you avoid hanging the print in areas where there is considerable moisture or exposure to wet weather.
Are prints varnished?
No. Space March prints are not varnished because I prefer the very matte appearance of an unvarnished print. Archival inks are used in all prints so they will last provided the print is treated with care. However, a varnish may provide some extra UV protection to increase the print permanence and will protect the print from scuff marks. If you’d prefer to have a varnished print, some framers offer this service, or you can varnish the print yourself. Please be sure that the varnish is suitable for pigmented ink canvas prints and be careful not to damage the print when applying the varnish – follow the instructions!
Will my print fade?
Archival pigmented inks and UV resistant canvas are used on all Space March prints. However, any print or painting will fade in intensity over time – how quickly depends on the amount of ultra-violet light the print is exposed to. You may wish to consider this when choosing a hanging location.
Wilhelm Imaging Research does scientific research on giclée print permanence. Whilst the precise combination of printer and canvas used in Space March prints has not been tested, the test on the smaller 7900 model with Premium Canvas would probably be similar from a print permanence perspective. Note the estimated years before fading starts to occur depends on the amount of UV light the print is exposed to.
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How do I know my print is authentic?
Each print contains an Authenticity Panel which is your confirmation that this is an authentic print from Space March. This is important should you resell the work. Space March prints are very graphic and should have the appearance of a silkscreen print. An authentic print should be sharp and the signature should be signed by hand (not printed). The Print Edition confirms the number in the limited edition series and the art completion / print dates are also displayed.
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How do I purchase a print?
Visit the Song Art page, scroll to the image you like and click on the image to view it at a larger size. Once you have chosen your desired print, click the “Buy Now” button which will take you to the Space March merchant checkout on Paypal. You can pay by Visa, Mastercard or Paypal credit.
View Song Art >
How long will it take to receive my print?
Online ordered prints will be printed and shipped within a week of ordering. Shipping will take anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks depending on the shipping location. Overseas shipping is by airmail. Therefore, allow 2 – 4 weeks to receive your ordered print.
Note: due to the expense and time consuming nature of giclée printing, prints are output to order.
I would like to commission an artwork or commercial illustration
Send me a message via the Contact page and let me know what you have in mind. I’ll let you know if I’m interested and the details of what would be involved.
With portraits, my preference is to take my own photos of the subject as I’m looking for certain things from both a creative and technical standpoint. Obviously, this is not always possible.
Contact Me >
I would like to buy an artwork displayed on the site
Send me a message via the Contact page. Let me know what work you’re interested in and we can discuss.
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I’d like to see a print in the flesh – will you exhibit?
Absolutely! The images on the website do not do justice to the impact the of the actual prints. The scale and physical materials certainly add an extra wow factor. My intention is to exhibit these works in galleries in different cities so that people can get a true sense of my art.
Stay tuned to the News page for details of upcoming exhibitions.
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If you are a Gallery curator interested in exhibiting my work, please send me a message via the contact page.
