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All prints are custom digital prints on Duratrans super glossy paper, unless otherwise specified or requested. Duratrans is a very high gloss, polyester-based paper that provides remarkably vivid prints, comparable to Cibachrome or Fuji Supergloss before the advent of digital printing. They are archival prints that will last for decades when properly cared for. However, the prints will fingerprint easily and such marks cannot be removed without special chemicals. For this reason, prints should be handled only with soft cotton gloves or on the borders of a float mount unless overlaminated.

The most popular print sizes are 11x14 and 16x20. Smaller prints look great when mounted in a series or matted and framed, but may get lost if displayed individually on a large wall. Larger prints may be expensive to mount, mat, and frame, but can have terrific impact when prominently displayed.

Cropped vs. Full Frame Prints

One decision that you will need to make is whether you want the image printed cropped or full frame. The aspect ratio of a 35mm slide is 3:2. Standard print sizes such as 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, etc., do not match this ratio. Thus, to print an image at 8x10 or one of these other standard sizes requires cropping off part of the length of the image. With some images this is acceptable, even desirable. With most, however, you will not want to alter the original framing or composition. Printing the image "full frame" will retain the entire image area, but result in a slightly smaller print. For example, an 8x10 print printed full frame will result in a print size closer to 6.7x10 (the lab will trim the 8x10 paper to eliminate the black bars along the long sides of the image, resulting in a smaller final print). Though the print will be slightly smaller, or "narrower" than a cropped print, the price remains the same because the same amount of materials are used. Of course, full frame prints in specific sizes, such as 8x12, 12x18, or 16x24, are available. Please contact me for pricing on these custom sizes.

Mounting, Framing, & Alternatives

The choice of mount is an important decision and depends largely on how the print will be displayed. Gatorfoam is a rigid but lightweight backing with a matte black finish. Unlike foamcore, it will never warp, even in a humid environment. For this reason, gatorfoam mounting is highly recommended.

Float mounting is the most practical and flexible option. It allows easy insertion of the mounted print behind a mat in a frame. For example, an 11x14 print float mounted on 16x20 gatorfoam can be placed behind a 16x20 mat in a 16x20 frame quite easily. On the other hand, to place an 11x14 print behind a 16x20 mat in a 16x20 frame, the thickness of the gatorfoam makes it necessary to cut out an 11x14 hole in a 16x20 piece of foamcore, precisely aligned with the mat opening, into which the mounted print may be placed before placing it in the frame. Thus, flush mounting is recommended only if the print will be displayed in a same-size frame without a mat, or unframed. Float mounted prints can be weighted to counter the illusion of off-centeredness that results when bordered or matted prints are hung on a wall. ¼" weighting is recommended, though more, less, or none, is available.

An inexpensive and attractive alternative to the expense of framing is to float mount the print on gatorfoam and simply attach it to the wall with velcro or double-stick tape. The matte black finish of the gatorfoam complements the vivid colors of the print nicely, and the gatorfoam border obviates the need for a mat. The result is quite striking. A flush mounted print may also be displayed in this manner. If the print is to be displayed in this fashion, however, overlamination is recommended in order to protect the print.

Another exciting alternative to framing is to mount the print behind a same-size piece of clear plexiglass. The plexiglass is transparent against the print, but enhances the lighting in a way that makes the print appear incredibly glossy and strikingly realistic. This option is more expensive than traditional mounting, but offers superior protection for the print and eliminates the need for framing. Plexiglass is especially recommended for very large prints. Prices for plexiglass mounting are available on request.

Overlamination

A glossy lamination is available to protect the print against fingerprints and other marks. The lamination cuts down on the bright gloss of the print slightly, but the effect is barely noticeable. A laminated print can be cleaned with normal household cleaners such as Windex, making it easy to remove fingerprints and even certain types of ink and other marks.

Lamination is strongly recommended if the print is to be displayed unframed in a high traffic area. If the print will be displayed under glass (clear glass, not glare-free, is recommended to preserve the impact of Supergloss), lamination is unnecessary, provided the print is handled carefully at all times prior to framing.