FAQs

Find the answers to our most common questions on this page or click our chat icon in the bottom right corner to ask us directly.

General Questions

Artwork Scanning & Photography

  • We use WideTek 3D scanners to capture originals up to 120 × 180 cm in a single pass. This ensures exceptional accuracy, including textures and brushstrokes.

  • Yes. For oversized or delicate works, we offer colour-calibrated photography with studio lighting and reference charts. We also arrange on-location photography for studios or galleries.

  • High-resolution TIFFs (16-bit, Adobe RGB) as standard. JPEGs and downsized files are also available on request.

  • Yes. We insure works up to £50,000 in value. For higher-value works, please inform us in writing so we can arrange additional cover.

Printing

  • Giclée is a fine art printing process using archival pigment inks on museum-grade papers and canvases. We use Canon’s latest Pro Series printers (24”–60”) and a 64” Epson SureColour 80600s for a wide colour gamut and archival quality.

  • When produced on certified archival papers and displayed properly, giclée prints can last over 100 years without perceptible fading.

  • We stock a curated selection from Hahnemühle, Canson, and Innova, including:

    • Smooth cotton rag

    • Textured etching

    • Baryta

    • Lustre

    All are acid-free, lignin-free, and comply with ISO 9706 permanence standards.

  • Yes. We also produce:

    • Canvas prints (stretched and ready to hang)

    • HD acrylic face mounts (vibrant gloss depth)

    • Aluminium dibond prints (sleek matte finish)

  • We use pigment-based inks, which are fade-resistant and archival. Pigment inks provide superior stability compared to dye inks.

  • We use X-Rite Eye-1 profiling and maintain a colour-managed workflow. Printers are calibrated daily. Proofs are recommended for colour-critical work.

  • Up to 1.5 metres wide by any length. Larger projects can be tiled or mounted in panels.

File Preparation & Upload

  • Files can be uploaded directly via our website. For larger files, we provide a dedicated upload link. We also accept WeTransfer, Dropbox, or Google Drive.

  • TIFF, PSD, JPEG, and PDF. Files must be flattened with embedded ICC profiles.

  • 300 dpi at print size is ideal. Larger works can still print well at 180–240 dpi, as viewing distances increase.

  • Ideally yes, but we are happy to help. File editing or adjustments are billed at £65 per hour, in 15-minute increments.

Proofing & Colour Management

  • Yes. Hard proofs are available for £10 each. These are the most reliable way to verify colour and detail before a full run.

  • We do not generally provide ICC profiles as we recommend hard proofs for accuracy. However, we can advise on monitor calibration tools and techniques.

  • Most screens are too bright by default. We recommend using a calibrated display and reviewing hard proofs to ensure accuracy.

Framing & Mounting

  • We work with all major UK moulding suppliers, including Nielsen aluminium profiles. We also produce bespoke wooden frames which can be painted, stained, or waxed by hand.

  • We offer standard float glass, UV-protection glass, and anti-reflective museum glass.

  • We mount onto foamboard, dibond, aluminium, and acrylic. We will advise on the best option for your project.

  • Yes. All framed or mounted works include the appropriate fixings.

Care & Use

  • Always handle prints and frames with clean, dry hands. Avoid touching the printed surface directly, hold edges only. Do not place heavy objects on prints or frames.

  • Store flat until framing to prevent bends or creases. Keep in a dry environment away from direct sunlight. Use archival mounts and frames for best longevity.

  • Hang away from radiators, fireplaces, or damp areas. Dust gently with a dry, lint-free cloth, never use cleaning sprays or water. Avoid stretching, pressing, or leaning items against the canvas surface.

  • Handle with gloves to prevent fingerprints. Clean gently with a microfibre cloth only. Avoid household cleaners and abrasive cloths as they can scratch the surface.

  • Yes. Our HD Acrylic Prints (also known as perspex-mounted prints) are printed on photographic film and permanently sealed behind acrylic, making them resistant to moisture and ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or high-humidity areas.

  • Hang using appropriate wall fixings for the weight. Avoid hanging in direct sunlight to prevent fading. Use a soft cloth to wipe the glass/acrylic front. For stubborn marks, use glass cleaner sprayed onto the cloth (never directly on the frame).

Additional Information

  • Yes. Framed, acrylic and HD Acrylic pieces are supplied ready to hang with the appropriate rear fixings (cord, D-rings, split battens or aluminium subframes depending on size/weight). We don’t supply wall screws or plugs, as these depend on your wall type. Please use suitable fixings for brick, plasterboard or concrete walls.

  • Mounting is the process of bonding a print to a rigid substrate (e.g., foamboard, aluminium or dibond panel) for stability, presentation and protection. Depending on the product, we may also add a protective face (e.g., acrylic) or a seal/lamination. It keeps the surface smooth, resists waves and makes installation easier.

  • Yes. We offer low-cost hard proofs on your chosen paper to verify colour and detail before a full run. This is the most reliable way to ensure a perfect match, especially for colour-critical work.

  • Gloss maximises depth and saturation, perfect for vibrant colour and photographic work. Matt (non-glare) reduces reflections in bright spaces and suits darker, high-contrast art. Because the image is sealed behind acrylic on photographic film, both finishes are moisture-resistant and long-lasting.

  • Fine Art Prints on paper or canvas: No bleed is required. We print to the exact size ordered, so please supply your artwork at the final print dimensions.

    Acrylic and Aluminium prints: We trim approximately 5 mm from each edge to ensure a clean finish. You don’t need to add bleed yourself - we’ll set this up for production - but please ensure important details (like signatures or borders) are kept at least 10 mm away from the edges.

  • The safe area is the margin inside your artwork where text or key details should not extend. For acrylics and aluminium prints, keep critical details at least 10 mm inside the edges to avoid accidental trimming.

  • If fonts are not embedded, your document may look different on our systems. Always embed fonts or outline them before sending to us.

  • For best results, export to PDF/X-4 or TIFF with your ICC profile embedded. Avoid JPEG compression at low quality. If you’re unsure, send us your native file (PSD, TIFF) and we can advise.

  • Arteum specialises exclusively in Giclée printing using pigment inks on archival papers. C-Type prints are made with traditional light-sensitive photographic paper and chemicals, which we do not offer. We focus on Giclée for its superior longevity, colour accuracy, and material versatility.

  • RGB files contain a wider colour range than CMYK. Our 12-colour pigment printers can reproduce far more colours than traditional CMYK press processes, which is why we ask for RGB files.

  • Our Canon Pro series use 12 pigment inks and our Epson SureColour uses 11 pigment inks, both designed for smooth tonal transitions and maximum colour range.

  • We can print up to 1.5 m wide by virtually any length for paper and canvas. For large acrylics, we recommend panels or subframes for safe handling and installation. Minimum recommended size is around 150 × 150 mm for paper prints.

  • We stock a curated range of Hahnemühle, Canson, and Innova papers. Popular choices include:

    • German Etching – a textured, velvety matte paper (310 gsm)

    • Photo Rag – smooth matte cotton paper (308 gsm)

    • Baryta – satin sheen for photography

    • Photo Lustre – semi-gloss versatile paper

    All are acid-free, archival, and compliant with ISO 9706 permanence standards.


  • A hard proof lets you check colours, detail, and paper choice before committing to a full edition. This is especially important if you sell limited editions and need exact consistency.

  • Yes. To keep lead times short, orders with different production schedules may be shipped separately. You’ll receive tracking for each shipment.

  • When your order dispatches, you’ll receive an email with tracking. You can also check your order status in your Arteum account.

Editions & Certifications

  • Yes. We can create certificates featuring Hahnemühle laser-etched foil labels and our custom embossing.

  • Yes. Digital signatures can be applied where artists cannot sign in person, or for media such as canvas or acrylic where digital signatures are more practical.

Packaging & Shipping

  • Small prints are flat-packed with archival tissue and reinforced boards. Larger prints are rolled in heavyweight tubes. Framed works are carefully boxed with corner protectors and bubble wrap.

  • Yes. Both flat pack and tube options are available. We will quote based on order size and quantity.

  • Yes. We ship with DHL International, typically 3–5 working days. All shipments are tracked and insured.

  • If an item arrives damaged and we require it back for inspection, Arteum covers the return cost. In some cases we may not ask for the item back, depending on value and reuse potential.

Damage & Returns

  • Please notify us within 48 hours of delivery. Take clear photographs of the packaging and the damaged item before unwrapping further. Email these to our support team with your order number.

  • In some cases, yes. If we require the item back for inspection or reuse, Arteum will cover the cost of return shipping. For smaller items or when it is not cost-effective, we may not request a return.

  • Yes. Once we have confirmed the damage, we will either reprint and ship a replacement at no cost to you or issue a refund where appropriate.

  • You may refuse delivery and ask the courier to record the damage, or accept it and photograph the outer box and inner contents before unwrapping further. Keep all packaging until we confirm next steps.

  • Yes. We cannot accept responsibility for damage reported after 48 hours of receipt, or for items damaged due to incorrect handling or storage once delivered.

Delivery & Turnaround

    • Fine Art Prints (Unframed): 2–5 working days

    • Mounted & Framed Prints: 10 working days

    • Hand-stained frames / embellished prints: up to 15 working days

  • Most UK deliveries are sent via DHL on a next working day (24hr) service. Larger items or remote locations may take up to 48 hours.

  • Yes, if you have a tight deadline, we can prioritise your order for an additional charge. Please contact us before ordering to confirm availability.

    • FREE DELIVERY on print orders over £75

    • FREE DELIVERY on products over £500

    • Standard delivery charges apply otherwise - View Delivery & Shipping Info

Payments & Pricing

  • We accept all major credit and debit cards, PayPal, Stripe, and bank transfer. Trade accounts are also available.

  • Our pricing is already competitive. Large-volume or institutional projects can be quoted on request.

  • Yes. Our sample pack costs £15 and includes a £15 voucher redeemable against your first order.

  • Yes. File editing or preparation is charged at £65 per hour, in 15-minute increments.

Quality & Guarentee

  • We log paper type, printer, ICC profile, and ink batch for every print, ensuring exact reprints in future.

  • Contact us immediately. We stand by our quality and will reprint or refund if necessary.

White Label & Fulfillment

  • Yes. We can ship directly to your buyers under your branding.

  • Yes. Artists can supply their own labels, inserts, or stickers, which we include when packing.

  • Yes. We can produce bespoke CNC-cut presentation boxes, and also provide hand-numbering and embossing.

Other Services

  • Yes. We can arrange professional installation in homes, galleries, or hospitality settings.

  • Yes. Files are securely archived for easy reordering.

Advanced & Technical

  • Matte papers (such as rag and etching) have a velvety, non-reflective surface suited to drawings and painterly works. Baryta papers mimic traditional darkroom fibre prints with richer blacks and subtle sheen, ideal for photography.

  • No. We print in RGB using 12-colour pigment ink systems, offering a far wider gamut than CMYK.

  • Yes. For critical projects, we can supply Delta E measurements comparing the file to the print.

  • Yes. All papers meet ISO 9706 permanence standards, and our framing follows Fine Art Trade Guild conservation guidelines.