Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an Archival Canvas Print & A Poster Print?
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Archival Canvases
My archival canvases are printed with Epson UltraChrome inks that has a WIR (Wilhelm Imaging Research) display permanence of up to 200 years.
My Limited and Open Edition canvases are printed on Epson Exhibition Satin Canvas, which is a heavy weight canvas of 395 g/m2, making it suitable for gallery and museum quality prints. It's acid free, which means the canvas won't yellow over time.
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Poster Prints
Inks that are not archival can fade and yellow rapidly. Cheaper canvas is liable to tearing, ripples and scratches as it's often much thinner.
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How Else is my Archival Canvas Print Protected?
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I brush on a musuem grade gloss by Breathing Colour. I try to mimic brush strokes of the original painting to give each canvas print a unique look.
The Breathing Colour varnish is designed to protect the surface from UV destruction and provide dust and water resistance. It is not waterproof and you cannot clean it with harsh chemicals such as bleach. If you need to clean your canvas print, only dab with light soap and water.
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Why do you ship canvases rolled?
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Canvases are shipped rolled to avoid damage in transit. If a stretched/mounted canvas is subject to extreme temperatures, such as we experience in Canada, then they are more likely to warp on the board or ripple, or worse, become brittle and tear around the staples.
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If you are local or are in the area and are able to pick up, I can have canvases mounted for you. I may require a few days notice to prepare the canvas.
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What should I do with a Rolled Canvas?
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Your best option is to take your rolled canvas to a professional framer. There, they will offer you several options.
Stretched Canvas
Many people will just get the canvas 'stretched'. This is the basic way to display a canvas, and most economical. The framer will custom make a wooden frame, with a special, slight lip, the exact size of the canvas print. They'll stretch it over the frame, and staple it to the side or back to secure it, providing even tension across the surface. You will not see the frame all all. To see a time lapse of how I stretch a canvas, click here..
Framed Canvas
You can frame a canvas using a traditional frame, just be aware the frame needs to be deep enough to cover the sides of the stretcher bar, otherwise it'll stick out from the back and won't sit flush on your wall.
If you frame it in this way and don't have matting around the canvas print, you do not need glass as the UV varnish already gives it the necessary protection. If you decide to go this route, and have matting around the canvas, you will need glass to protect the mat from dirt and grime.
Float Framed Canvas
Another option is to frame your stretched canvas in a float frame. Some choices you'll need to make is how much of a 'gap' would you like between the frame and the stretched canvas, and how deep your frame needs to be, e.g. do you want your canvas to poke forward of the frame, be flush with the frame or recessed in the frame?
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When it comes to mounting and framing, there are no bad choices, only personal preferences. A framer is there to make suggestions, but it's up to you to make the final choice, after all, you're the one who will be enjoying the framed art for years to come, not the framer
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How Long Should I Allow for Shipping?
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Canvases
All orders are custom made at the time they are ordered and require 48 hours to process. Once printed, the UltraChrome ink require 24 hours to fully dry. After that, I apply the museum grade varnish, which requires a further 24 hour curing time.
When everything is fully cured, I'll package up your canvas and certificate of authenticity and get it in the mail to you with tracked expedited shipping. Check your mailbox for notifications of your tracking number from my website and from the delivery company.
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Greeting Cards & Calendars
These are shipped letter mail and are untracked.
Delivery times may vary throughout the year and are not within my control.
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If I am away from my studio, there will be a note at the top of my website indicating any delays in order fulfillment.
I'm Not Happy With My Order, What Should I Do?
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Please please please contact me directly.
Send an email to paintbrushsam@yahoo.ca, please include your order number and as much information as possible.
I take great pride in providing the highest quality artwork, so if there is anything amiss, please let me know right away. Take photos of any issues and get them to me ASAP, I will do my utmost to resolve, replace or refund appropriately.
In the unlikely event of a replacement or refund, you will be asked to return the artwork, so please keep hold of packaging.
Do You Offer Art Classes?
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At present I do not offer art classes in my style.
I have taught paint nights, beginner workshops and led a professional development day in art for Elementary School teachers.
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Do You Have a Studio the Public Can Visit?
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My little studio is based out of my home at present. I'm happy to have visitors come and visit if they'd like to see my work space, I just ask you to contact me ahead of time to set up an appointment.
I also take my work to lots of different exhibitions, shows and markets throughout the year, the where and when can be found on my 'Exhibitions & Shows' page.
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