December 3, 2008  
  You are here:  ProductsGallery WrapsGallery Wraps FAQs    
Frequently asked questions about gallery wraps including questions about the 3D preview, consultation, visual opening, digital stretching, image bleed, border, digital signature, file size, retouching, printing, production, pricing, and shipping. From Collages.net 
 
   Free Sign Up
   collagesNewsletter
   Photographer's Login
   collagesColor
 
 
Gallery Wraps FAQ  
1. What makes a gallery wrap different from a traditional canvas print?

A traditional canvas print is simply an image printed on artist canvas. A gallery wrap is a high-quality artist canvas print that is treated and wrapped around a wooden stretcher. Gallery wraps can be hung unframed.

2. What does the price include?  

The order total for your gallery wrap includes the stretched print with a protective coating, hanging hardware, FedEx 2Day® shipping, and, if necessary, a consultation with one of our skilled lab technicians.

3. How do I schedule a consultation?

There is no need to schedule a consultation. If our Collages.net trained technicians have questions, suggestions, or concerns while reviewing your order, you will be contacted via phone or e-mail for a brief consultation. If you have a question, you can contact Collages.neCustomer Service at (877) 638-7468.

4. What is image bleed?  

Image bleed is the extra portion of the image that is wrapped around the sides of the gallery wrap canvas.

5. What is the difference between digital stretching and image bleed?

     Image bleed is anything that extends past the visual opening of the gallery wrap. 

     Digital stretching is a type of image bleed. This is when parts of the image are digitally stretched to    
     complete the required amount of image bleed.

     Patterns such as leaves and grass are easier to clone; however, some images work better with 
     image bleed than others. Skin tones and subtle shading are extremely difficult to seamlessly  
     replicate. When your image is reviewed, a Collages.net technician will recommend a particular type of 
     bleed or border based on your image.

6. What is a border?  

A border is solid color added to the edges of your gallery wrap image, i.e. the color of the flowers from the bride's bouquet. You have the option of requesting a color border instead of having image bleed added. This is also a more cost-effective way of wrapping the edges of your gallery wrap, as it takes less time to add solid color than it does to add actual image.

7. What is a visual opening?  

A visual opening is the focal point of the gallery wrap print. It is the area of the picture visible from the front, not the portion wrapped around the edges of the canvas.

8. Is it necessary to add image bleed or a solid color border in my gallery wrap file?

You may choose to shoot an image with extra space on the edges; gallery wraps look best when the image is shot with the final print in mind. The visual opening can then be cropped in closer and you will have a natural image bleed. Just be sure to leave two inches of extra image on all four sides outside of the desired visual opening.

If your image does not allow for this, an image bleed or a solid color border will need to be added. It is necessary to add this to the file because it ensures that there will be no visible end to your image as it wraps around to the back of the gallery wrap's wooden stretcher. A solid color border gives the image a polished look even if the pattern is not able to be replicated.

It is necessary to have one or the other because your file will not be properly justified on the print area without it. If you do not include image bleed or a solid color border in your file, a professional at Collages.net pro color lab will add one or the other for an additional charge, depending on the type of pattern included at the picture’s edges.

9. How do I set up the bleed in my gallery wrap file?  

There are a few different ways to add bleed to your file. The simplest way is to add image bleed when the photograph is taken. This is because it is easier to shoot a wider frame and use the excess image to wrap around your gallery wrap rather than adding parts to the image. When setting up the image bleed, please make sure that there are two inches of extra image on each side (a total of four inches on each dimension).

Another way to add the image bleed is to create a blank page in your photo editing application that is an extra two inches in on each side. Next, copy and paste parts of the picture onto the white borders. You may also use a Transform to stretch the edges of the picture to the edge of the white. Use the Clone and/or Healing tool to rid the image of the harsh edges where the visual opening and image bleed come together.

10. How do I create a border for my gallery wrap?  

If you would prefer a solid color border for your gallery wrap, simply create a new document four inches larger on each dimension than the finished size. Crop your picture to the specified format so no image wraps into the solid color border, then import it into the blank page as a new layer and center it. Next, using the Eyedropper tool, choose a color from the image and fill the background with the selected color. Finally, flatten the file so all of your layers become one.

11. What types of files do you accept for gallery wrap orders?

We accept JPEG and TIFF image files.

12. How should I size my image(s)?

Your files should be sized and cropped to approximately 300 dpi at the final size. We prefer the image bleed to be added in the gallery wrap file, as it guarantees a cost-effective and quick production process. However, this is not required.

13. What if I don’t have the ability to resize my image(s) for my gallery wrap?

If you do not have the ability to resize your image(s), a Collages.net technician can resize them for an additional fee. This may include cropping to a different format. Please indicate if you are in need of this service in the check box when you order.


14. What are the different levels of retouching, and what do they include?

       We offer three levels of retouching for gallery wraps.  Please contact Collages.net Customer Service
       for more information at (877) 638-7468 or customerservice@collages.net.

15. What happens after I submit my order to Collages.net?

A skilled technician reviews every order to ensure that the choices you made are appropriate for the gallery wrap size you selected. If we feel the bleed option you have chosen doesn’t work, or if you have chosen a different level of retouching than your image requires, we will contact you to discuss your options. We then make the necessary changes to your file, send it to you via e-mail, and wait for your approval to process the gallery wrap order. If your file does not require additional changes, it is sent to production immediately.

16. What is the process for printing and production of gallery wraps?

Your image is printed directly on artist canvas using Epson 9800 printers. It is then treated with a protective top coat which allows for stretching without cracking the inks. This cures for a minimum of 24 hours. The print is then stretched around a wooden frame, hardware is added to the back, and the final gallery wrap product is packaged and shipped.

17. When can I expect my order?  

If your gallery wrap order does not require retouching, please allow seven business days for delivery. If your order requires retouching, please allow 10 business days for delivery.  All orders are shipped via FedEx 2Day®.

18. Where can my order be shipped?  

Your gallery wrap order can be shipped to either your studio or your customer’s home. Please remember that we cannot ship to P.O. Boxes.

19. If I order multiple images for my gallery wraps and only one of them needs adjusting, will my entire order be held up?

Each individual gallery wrap image file is placed into production when it is ready for press. One file with multiple changes will not hold up other images that are ready to print. Also, because shipping is included in the print price, no additional charges will accrue due to multiple shipments. However, we will try to ship as many gallery wraps together as possible.

20. When is my credit card charged?  

Your credit card is charged after the order information has been confirmed. If your gallery wrap file does not require special attention, your credit card is charged as soon as the technician reviews the file. If changes need to be made to your order (i.e. you have selected the “Print as is” option but no image bleed was included in the file), your card will not be processed until the additional charges are added. Please be advised that once your card is charged, the order is final.

21. What is a 3D preview?

A 3D preview is a three-dimensional rendering of the gallery wrap. It shows the supplied file at the selected size, taking into account the two inches on each side needed to wrap around the frame. This is a useful tool when deciding which size gallery wrap to order, as it shows which parts of the image will be visible from the front. For example, if a head is being cut off on one particular size, you will see this and have the option of changing the size, adding a digital stretch, cropping, or adding a solid color border to the file before the order is submitted. 

22. Why are some of my 3D previews marked "Pending?"

Only files with the "Print As Is" option checked will have a 3D preview of the gallery wrap available during the ordering process. A file requiring any adjustments will not look the same after the adjustments are made. For this reason, a 3D preview will be unavailable and will be marked "Pending" for files requiring changes until the file options are applied.

23. What is a digital signature?

A digital signature is the photographer’s name, website, or e-mail address, which can be added to the lower right corner of the visual opening in a script font for an additional fee.

24. Why is my digital signature not visible on my 3D preview?

To ensure the best size and placement, your digital signature will be added to the gallery wrap by hand. It will be available for viewing after it is added.

25. I lost my Internet connection when ordering. Do I have to start all over?

Your order information is saved until it is submitted. All you have to do is log in again.
 
26. What sizing options are available?

Our gallery wrap sizing options are listed below. For pricing information, please contact Customer Service at (877) 638-7468 or customerservice@collages.net.


   
Regular Sizes
8x10
11x14
12x12
16x16

16x20

20x20

16x24
18x24
20x24
24x24
20x30
24x30
30x30
24x36
36x36
30x40
40x40
40x60
Panoramic Sizes
5x30
10x20
20x40




Albums
| Press Printed Books | Professional Printing | High-End Cards | Gallery Wraps

 

Home|Products|collagesColor™|Sign Up Options|Workflow|Community|About|Support
Copyright 2008 by Collages.net Inc. Terms Of Use Privacy Statement