FAQ's
There are a number of questions or queries you may have prior to creating your own piece of art. Hopefully these will be covered below. If you have not found your answer, please email us at sales@4memories.co.uk
How to send your images?
The easiest way to submit your images is through to email via JPEG format, but try not compress when converting to JPEG. Some images may be difficult to email because they are too large. In this case we recommend you send them on a CD/DVD as an uncompressed TIFF file, which will be returned, or through an online service such as www.yousendit.com which is free to use. If using this service, please email us at sales@4memories.co.uk to notify us that your image has been sent through this.
I don’t have a digital image?
No problem, send us your photo and we will be happy to scan it for you for no additional charge. The image will be returned with your print. Alternatively, if you wish to scan the image yourself, please set the scanner to a minimum of 300dpi.
What is dpi?
Dots per inch (dpi) is the resolution of a file when printed to a certain size. The higher the dpi the better the quality of the final print out. Ideal dpi is 300 however images with a dpi of 100 are acceptable. When taking images on digital cameras, set it at the highest resolution, ie. a 2048 x 1536 will mean the ideal print size would be 20” x 15”. It is important to maintain the aspect ratio when enlarging on either side. If it is not possible to print to your exact size requirements, or that your image quality is not good enough, we will advise you.
What if there are marks on my image?
We will be more than happy to remove any marks and scratches on your say so, as well as red eye reduction. There is no extra charge for this service.
I want to see how the final print will turn out?
You may order an A4 sized print of the full or a section of the image for flat fee of £3.00 to allow you to check the final colour and any changes that may have been made to the image. This is recommended where colour is important. We are more than happy to email you the image before going to final print, but please note different monitors and TFT screens will have different colour settings.
What is gallery wrapping?
This is where the image goes around the frame on all 4 sides. The canvas will be stretched and wrapped around the edges. The corners will be carefully folded and tucked in, the canvas on the back of the frame will be covered by tape to give a finished look. Therefore it is important to ensure that the main subject of the image is not too close to the edges to prevent it from going around the sides, unless of course you would like for that to happen! Alternatively, you can go for a plain edge where the sides is the natural colour of the canvas with your whole image remaining on the front.
What materials do you use?
We print on 390gsm cotton artist canvas, using pigmented inks which are UV protected fade resistant. The expected life expectancy of canvas prints is at least 75 years, providing they are kept out of extreme conditions. Hopefully you won't wait that long to place your next order!
For banners and posters we use a 120gsm or a heavy duty 180gsm matt coated paper which is suitable for indoor purposes only.
What stretcher bars do you use?
All images will be stretched around adjustable wooden bars. We offer 2 types of bars either a 18mm or 38mm deep. They have a rounded edge on 1 side to ensure the canvas is kept above the stretcher bar. In addition the bars also allow for wedges to be placed in each corner. On the larger frames, we may include centre bars for added protection.
I don’t want my image stretched?
No problem, simply inform us and we will be more than happy to send it as an unstretched image, please let us know if you would like us to add the borders should you choose to have it stretched in the future.
There is a size I want which is not listed?
Email us at sales@4memories.co.uk with your requirements, and we will be happy to quote you.
What are your delivery charges?
Currently we do not charge delivery on any canvas prints or the banners or posters.
How will my order be delivered?
All orders are sent by the most economical method which depends on weight and size. Mostly, we use Royal Mail's 1st class post and we always obtain a certificate of posting. We also use a number of other courier services for the larger and heavier shipments. As parcels are quite large, someone will need to accept them in person. Should this be a problem at your home address, we recommend providing an alternate address such as work etc.
To ensure your stretched canvas reaches you in the safest possible way, we will wrap it with kraft paper before multiple wrapping with bubblewrap for extra protection. All stretched images are marked "fragile". Unstretched prints, banners and posters will be sent rolled in cardboard tubes. Should your print arrive damaged in anyway, please notify us within 24 hours. Due to the size of the parcels, someone may need to be around to accept delivery.
How long will my order take?
Our normal dispatch time is upto 7 working days from receipt of cleared payment, this may be slightly longer if we are making any adjustments. However, the majority of the time it will be sent a lot quicker. If you require your order urgently please let us know and we will try to be accomodating.
Do I need anything to hang my print?
No, your print will be delivered ready to hang on your walls, we even supply the picture hook. All we recommend is that you hang your prints away from extreme conditions such as high temperatures and bright lights.