Questions About Image Resolution, Colour Mode etc.
- How Big Can I Print My Image
DPI (dots per Inch) is sometimes referred to as PPI (pixels per Inch). This is the number of blocks that are contained in every square Inch of the image. The greater the DPI, the higher the quality of the image and the larger we can print it.
As a rule of thumb we do not recommend printing an image at a lower final size resolution than 72dpi.
As we enlarge an image, we are effectively increasing the size of each pixel or block that the image is made from. The larger each pixel becomes, the more noticeable it will be. If images are printed so large that less that 72 pixels are present per square Inch of print then we run the risk of them being obvious and this effect is called pixelation.
Our website is clever in the respect that it calculates the number of pixels that your image is made from and will automatically let you know if the size you require is going to mean a poor quality result.
So, is there anything that can be done if you require a bigger picture than we would normally suggest printing...?
It is not possible to create information in your photo that is not already there but there are things that we can do to increase image size to help smooth the appearance of pixelation.
This technique is called interpolation which means that the existing pixels are divided to make more pixels. The content of these extra pixels is a resultant of the surrounding pixel data. Many applications such as Adobe Photoshop or Paintshop Pro are capable of interpolating images in order to artificially increase the size with relative success but please be aware that the result of the process will never be as good as having a bigger image to begin with.
If you wish to increase the size of the image using software such as Photoshop, we would advise previewing the file on-screen at print size to ensure you are happy with the result before sending it to us for printing.
There is a simple rule regarding the enlargement of images....if the quality is poor to begin with, then in all probability the result after interpolation will also be poor!
- How Big Can I Print My Image
Questions About Our Printing Process
- Will my print be ready to hang?

All of our canvas prints come prefitted with a CHW hang system, for ease of hanging and a flush finish.
The CHW hanger is a patentented design, all you would need is a basic nail in your wall.The serrated edge makes sure the canvas hangs evenly on an uneven wall. Simply the best hanging system on the market.
- How is my canvas printed?
We use state of the art UV printing technology to print your canvas. UV printing technology works by firing liquid ink at the canvas which is cured dry using powerful UV light. UV cured ink is fade resistant, waterproof and furthermore the UV printing process contains no harmful or polluting VOC (solvents).
Most of our competitors use either solvent or aqueous (waterbased) print technology. The problem with either of these print processes is that images can look flat due to the fact that the ink soaks into the canvas before drying.
Because our ink is cured onto the canvas rather than soaking and drying through evaporation, our prints are far more vibrant and colour rich than those from our rivals. They have a unique finish rather like a traditional oil and not like an ink-jet print!
It is the investment of almost £200,000 in UV printing technology, combined with unrivalled customer service that sets our company apart from the competition.
- How is my canvas stretched?Your canvas will be stretched use our tensador machine ensuring a high tension and smooth finish. The canvas is stretched over a 40mm by 28mm T stretcher profile, finger jointed & edge laminated pine. Giving the finished print a superior look that will warp over time. The pine is supplied by a member of FSC (forest stewardship council) which is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests. Making your print not only of the highest quality but as eco-friendly as possible.
- Will my print be ready to hang?
Turnaround and Delivery Related Questions
- Which courier will my canvas arrive with?Your canvas will arrive with Parcelforce on a next working day service. We have been in business for over 10 years, in those 10 years we have tried several courier companies. In our experience Parcelforce offer the most reliable service both in delivery times and care when handling goods.
- How will my canvas arrive?
Your canvas print will be securely packaged to ensure that it arrives with you in perfect condition. It will be dispatched using Parcelforce 24, this is a next working day service from date of despatch.
When we despatch your canvas, we will email you with the tracking information so you can expect the parcel. Deliveries are made usually between 9am and 5pm. Please make sure there is someone at your delivery to sign for the goods.
Your delivery address does not have to be your home address you may choose to have it delivered to your place of work.
- How soon can I expect my canvas print?Our turnaround time is usually 2-3 working days and no longer than 5 working days. We send all of our canvas prints with courier service and mainland UK deliveries are on a next working day service from the date of despatch.
- Will My Canvas Be Delivered In Time For Christmas
At present, we are dedicating more staff to the production of orders to ensure the fastest possible turnaround. As such, we are shipping most orders within 2 working days. We use a next working day courier service for all mainland UK deliveries and so your order should arrive in 3 working days.
Our cut-off for pre-Christmas deliveries 2009 will be Monday 21st January at 9am.
Orders received after 9am on Monday 21st will be shipped for delivery from January 4th.
- Which courier will my canvas arrive with?
Bespoke Artwork
- What is bespoke artwork?Bespoke artwork is altering your image, such as time and date removal, contrast alteration, red eye correction and blemish concealment. Upload your art work as normal and select bespoke image button in options section 4. Then give a brief description of what you would like to be altered on the image. The image will be altered and you shall receive a proof within 48 hours. Then simply send a conformation email and you shall receive your print within 5 working days.
- What is bespoke artwork?
Questions about pricing?
- What happens if I find the same service cheaper?We offer cutting edge print technology along with the very best levels of customer service and we do so at the best prices around. We are confident that you will not find a better price on an equivalent quality product from elsewhere but in the unlikely event that you do, please let us know and we will guarantee to beat that price.
- Sales and promotionsUnlike our competitors we do not need sales and promotions. We offer a premium service with a superior product at the best price possible all year round. All to often in the printing industry prices are over inflated and then reduced in a so called sale. This may work in the short term, but there is nothing more annoying than a never ending sale, or a sale just after you have purchased your goods. For this reason we make a very simple pledge to our customers that we will never use these tactics.
- Trade work
We welcome all trade work.
Over the years we have built up special relationships with all of our trade customers and understand their needs and do our utmost to fulfill those needs.
We offer complete confidentiality for all trade orders. If you would like to discuss working with us on a trade basis, please call.
- What happens if I find the same service cheaper?
General.
- Who are Printdesigns ?With over 10 years of experience in the printing industry are quality of print and service has been second to none.
- Who are Printdesigns ?
More Questions....Please Just Call!
- We are here to helpIf you have any questions regarding our products or you need an update, reassurance or advice on any aspect of your order then please just call. We believe in running a business based on helping our customers and providing the high level of care and service that we think you deserve. Our office opening hours are 9am until 5.30pm so please just call if you need to.
- We are here to help

