1.0 Ordering

2.0 How Do I Mount A Glass Art Print?

3.0 What Size?

4.0 Why Glass?

5.0 Image/Photo Selection?

6.0 File Upload Requirements

7.0 Image Preparation & Requirements

8.0 Glass Print Capabilities

9.0 General Questions

10.0 Returns

11.0 Shipping

12.0 Camera Information

13.0 Definitions & Terminology

1.0 ORDERING

1.1 How do I place an order?

Simply decide if you want to UPLOAD YOUR OWN IMAGE or CHOOSE FROM OUR LIBRARY.

   

The rest is easy, follows the steps 1 through 4

1.3 Shopping cart has items, but I cannot see them?

Clear your browser’s cache and history.

1.4. Is my order and credit card information secured?

Yes. The company securely processes all credit card information directly with the credit card companies or through Pay Pal’s secure system. We use the highest levels of security required by all the credit card processing companies. Always remember that you should not provide your credit information as a result of an unsolicited email. Glass Art Print Company will never send an email asking for your credit card information.

1.5. What is my maximum order size?

To protect both consumers and the company from fraud, the company has set a processing limit of $4,000 Cdn. Should your order exceed the $4,000 purchase limit; please contact a customer service (customerservice@glassartprint.com) representative to help you with your order.

1.6. My order was rejected?

Orders will be declined for a few reasons, but the main reasons are: (1) The card was declined (talk to your bank) or (2) You have reached our company’s $4,000 Cdn spending limit. Please contact a customer service (customerservice@glassartprint.com) representative to help you with your order.

1.7. What type of credit cards are accepted?

Glass Art Print Company accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express. All orders will be processed in Canadian dollars and converted to your country’s currency by your credit card company; therefore, using the credit card company’s daily exchange rate. Paypal is also an accepted form of payment.

1.8. Do you use Pay Pal to process orders?

Yes, the company uses Pay Pal, but we also accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

1.9. How long will my order take to be delivered?

Certain stock images can be printed and shipped within 7 days. Upload Your Own order may take between 1 week to 4 weeks depending on the nature of the image. The longer delivery times are a result of our team working on the best quality image as well as color matching. Please let us know if you have specific color matching requirements. 

Back to Top

2.0 HOW DO I MOUNT A GLASS ART PRINT?

2.1 How is the glass installed?

Glass art Print Company sells a wide variety of mounting kits for all glass art print options.  See SHOWCASE. Each mount is screwed into the wall and the glass art print slides in from the side.

2.2 What is included in the mounting kit?

Each mounting kit ships complete with (1) Installation Guide (2) Four Mounts (3) Screws (4) Specialized wall anchors for the extra weight of glass and (5) Allen Key (if applicable).

2.3 What types of mounts are available?

The company has standardized on CR Laurence (Authorized Reseller) mounts because these are the highest quality mounts available in the industry. There are a wide variety of mounts to choose from in our Showcase and we will happily entertain any custom requests.  The standard mounting kits can be viewed in the SHOWCASE along with some customer examples.

2.4 What is the most common glass art print mount?

The standard mounting option is the Edge Grip Kit. Edge Grips are available in Chrome, Brushed Stainless, Gun Metal and Satin Chrome.

Chrome Edge Grip

2.5 Can you make a custom mount request?

Yes, there is a great selection of mounting options available. The company has selected the highest quality and best price products for our customers; however, we are more than happy to source out alternatives or new mounting solutions. Please send an email with your request to customerservice@glassartprint.com

2.6 How do I get another installation guide?

Simply email us at customerservice@glassartprint.com and request the Installation Guide for your mounts.

Back to Top

3.0 WHAT SIZE?

3.1 What is the best size?

Size is largely dependent on the room in which the glass art print will be installed; however, customers are usually more satisfied when they go larger rather than smaller. Glass art prints have a significant impact once installed; please see some of our SHOWCASE.

3.2 How do I select the best size and aspect ratio?

If you are in doubt, please send us the details about your photo and we will let you know the best size to produce. Send us the pixel dimensions of the digital image, 7654 x 5623, usually obtained by right mouse clicking on the image , go to Properties, and click on the Details tab. The pixel dimensions are provided in the list.

3.3 How do I determine the aspect ratio from the size?

The aspect ratio is NOT the measurements of each side of the image, it's the ratio of one side compared to the other. Aspect ratios help us determine the best X and Y dimensions for your glass art print. 

• More
  The aspect ratio of an image is the ratio of the width of the image to its height, expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (3:2). That is, for an x:y aspect ratio, no matter how big or small the image is, if the width is divided into x units of equal length and the height is measured using this same length unit, the height will be measured to be y units. For example, consider a group of images, all with an aspect ratio of 4:3. One image is 40 inches wide and 30 inches high, each divisible by 10. Another image is 71.12 centimetres wide and 53.34 centimetres high. Alternatively, a 3:2 ratio picture might be 9” x 6” (each dimension divisible by 3). In addition, if I have a rectangle that measures 4800 by 3600 pixels, this rectangle has an aspect ratio of 4:3.

3.4 How big is X cm x Y cm (X” x Y”)?

The most popular size is about 76.2 x 50.8cm (30” x 20”) through 83.8 x 55.9cm (33” x 22”) while the second most popular size is 101.6 x 76.2cm (40” x 30”).

21” x 14”

30” x 20”

40" x 30"

Back to Top

4.0 WHY GLASS?

4.1 Why glass?

Glass art prints are durable and UV protected which means no vinyl peeling up or fading in the sunlight, and a full range of colors for your images, whether art, photo or company logo. In addition, glass is a new print medium that results in a big impact print on your wall. The effect is very different from canvas or typical photo enlargements.

4.2 Glass art prints?

It’s different. Glass art prints are a completely different alternative to standard art mediums such as canvas, standard enlargements and photo prints in which you frame. Often it is hard for the company to describe a glass art print, but once you see it, you won’t believe the beauty and the wow factor.

4.3 Unique!

Because glass art is so unique, it is a high impact art piece for front entries, living rooms, offices, lobbies or special places like the baby’s room or the den.

4.4 Alternatives.

Glass art prints offer unique lighting options: Lighting your glass art print has unique effects because the light can affect the image from behind as well as from the front. Glass art prints gives the option for back lit pieces. In the future the company will provide LED, incandescent and fluorescent lighting options.

4.5 Are glass art prints tempered?

Yes.  Tempering is the process of heating and then quickly cooling the glass to increase the durability of the glass. All glass art prints are tempered.

4.6 How durable is the glass art print?

Capturing your memory in glass art will last a lifetime since the image does not scratch, peel, fade or crack. By using ceramic inks and baking the glass art prints at very high temperatures, images are fused into the glass. In addition, all glass art prints are tempered to improve durability.

4.7 Will glass art look good?

The final glass art print is a very precise product including specially cut glass, custom cut edges, drilled holes (for standoff mount applications) and nicely finished mounting hardware. Combining these features with your image selection ensures an outstanding new art piece (photo enlargement) for your wall.

Back to Top

5.0 IMAGE/PHOTO SELECTION?

5.1 What should you expect from a glass art print?

Printing on glass is a unique and new alternative medium for digital images to be printed on. Do not expect the exact same effect as a canvas or paper printed image. In fact, printing on glass allows the company to exceed typical size constraints associated with canvas and prints. This means customers can get a significantly larger print than they normally would with traditional art mediums.

5.2 What produces the best large prints?

Images with fine details and or many shades of colors are better handled in larger prints. Black and whites always look fantastic due to the nature of the ceramic inks. Try to avoid fluorescent and very bright colors as they are often difficult to perfect, but we are always willing to try.

5.3 What affects the quality of smaller prints?

Smaller prints (12” x 9”) with fine details or many color shades tend to print with grainy results at 454dpi. You can imagine a square inch in a 12” x 9” has much more information than 1 square inch from a 40” x 30”.   Abstract images or images with fewer details look great in smaller sizes as well as larger sizes.

5.4 What makes the best quality?

Darker overtone images are more glass art print friendly than bright images and fluorescent colors. If in doubt about an image, please send your image to us and our print team will review it. If, for some reason, we cannot print your image, your money will be refunded. As the ceramic ink technology evolves, the color gamut will improve.

5.5 Can you do Black and White or Sepia glass art prints?

Yes, converting a digital image to black and white or Sepia creates an excellent glass art print.  Glass Art Print Company’s technical staff will correctly convert any color image to black and white or Sepia for a small fee. See Size & Price Guide.

5.6 Can I send you a photo?

Yes, just make sure that your photo is a high resolution image. At a minimum the original image should be around 8MP in order to use the UPLOAD YOUR OWN IMAGE functionality.If you are having any trouble with the UPLOAD YOUR OWN IMAGE utility, please contact Customer Service to make alternate arrangements.

5.7 Where can I get a good photo or image from a Photographer?

Glass Art Print Company’s library has a special section for our photographers. The company is supporting photographers; therefore, some images may have a license fee associated with the image. This fee will be added to the total charge for the glass art print if you have selected an image with a “license fee”. License fees vary depending on the photographer.

5.8 Where can I get a good photo or image?

If you cannot find an image in our library, there are many online images sources available. The company does not recommend any one source. License fees will range from very expensive to free, but just focus on finding that special image that satisfies your goals.

Back to Top

6.0 UPLOAD YOUR OWN & FILE UPLOAD REQUIREMENTS

6.1 What electronic file format is accepted?

TIFF is the preferred format, but the company accepts all the following file types including JPEG, JPG, TIF and TIFF. Our designers can work with other formats, but the upload your own tool requires the aforementioned file types. Please contact us directly if you have another file type. 

6.2 What file size limitations do we have?

The printer wants the largest possible file available with the most data in them. Small image files often print ok pictures, but the largest available file size will ensure the best glass art print. Cameras that produce 8- 10 MP (Megapixels) or greater will produce excellent images. Photo editors can further enhance the file by cleaning it up which will create a better final image. The larger the file size, the longer it will take to upload. The "Upload Your Own" application can accommodate up to a maximum file size maximum of 150MB.

6.3 How do I upload the file to Glass Art Print Company?

Go directly to UPLOAD YOUR OWN IMAGE and follow the "3 Easy Step" instructions. Be sure that your file type is either JPEG or TIFF an no greater than 150MB.

6.4 How can I send you a file without using the Upload Your Own utility?

You should only have to use alternative services (YouSendIt Dropbox) if you are uploading a very large file or if you do not have a TIFF, TIF,JPEG or JPG file. Should you meet these requirements, please contact customerservice@glassartprint.com in order to receive the link to our FTP folder.

Back to Top

 

7.0 IMAGE PREPARATION & REQUIREMENTS

7.1 How do I get the file to the Glass Art Print Company

Follow this link to the UPLOAD YOUR OWN IMAGE tool.

 

7.2 How do you get the best enlargements?

It is best to start with a very high resolution digital picture. The more information that is captured in the digital file produces better enlargements. Photo editors can further enhance the image by cleaning it up and fixing sections.

 

7.3 What is the reccomended DPI for our Image?

The company will accept any DPI, but we always print at 454dpi unless something unique is required. It is best to provide us with a 300dpi or greater image.

 

7.4 What file type do we require?

TIFF, JPEG, JPG and TIF. TIFF is the preferred format for the glass art print process. These file types are the only file types accepted by the "Upload Your Own" application. If you have another file format, please contact customer service to arrange for delivery. The system's maximum file upload is 150MB.

 

7.5 What version of Photoshop do we use?

The company uses Photoshop and Illustrator CS4

 

7.6 What dimensions are required for the digital file?

The original image will have its own dimensions built in as a result of the camera that was used. This is the reason for typical camera dimension sizes that include 4:3 and 3:2 ratios. And we always offer custom dimensions to meet your special requirements which may require cropping and adjusting the picture in the glass.

• More
  The minimum photo dimensions that we want to produce an image should have a total of approximately 8.1MP (8.1 million pixels), or 3500 x 2300. On rare occasions, smaller images produce satisfactory results providing the glass art print is not too big. For example, a 2140 x 1440 (3MP and 1.02MB) produced an excellent 30” x 20” glass art print. In this case, we will accept and review the image.

 

7.7 What happens to an image when I want to change it from the original picture size to fit a specific size?

In other words, what happens when the aspect ratio of the photo produced by your digital camera does not match the ratio of the glass art print size that you have selected? Your image will get cropped to fit the aspect ratio of the selected glass size. Our designers will correctly center and adjust the image accordingly to give you the best results. Should there be any doubt, a customer service representative will contact you to discuss.

• More
  Below is an original picture taken with a camera that had a 3:2 aspect ratio, but the customer wanted it printed on a 28x21 print.
   
  Original 3:2 Image
   
   
  28x21 Printed Image (Cropped)
  
  
   
  Solution: There are two things that you can do to overcome the difference between the aspect ratio of your camera and the aspect ratio of prints.
  
  1. Crop Your Photos Before Printing: When the aspect ratio of your camera does not match the ratio of the print, crop the image yourself before you send it to be printed. If you don't do this, it will be up to the printer to decide how much of the image to keep and how much to crop. When you pre-crop the image to the correct aspect ratio, you ensure that important parts of your photo don't get chopped off.
  
  2. Chose the same aspect ratio: Simply find out what is the aspect ratio of your camera and calculate the size. If you have a 4:3 aspect ratio camera, multiply both numbers by a factor of (5, 6, 7, 10, etc) to calculate a picture size (20x15, 24x18, 28x21, 40x30) that matches your room.

 

7.8 What is the typical distance that the picture will be viewed?

Although this might seem unimportant upfront, many users will not have the highest resolution cameras or pictures. If the viewing distance is known, then there is more flexibility with sizes for a given picture. For example, if you want to get a 40” x 30” picture, the minimum viewing distance should be 35” or greater.

 

7.9 Pixels per inch (PPI)

A measurement of image resolution that defines the size an image will print. The higher the PPI value, the better quality print you will get--but only up to a point. 300 PPI is generally considered the point of diminishing returns when it comes to ink jet printing of digital photos.

Many will be happy with the sharpness provided by 200 PPI, although an even lower PPI may suffice depending on the viewing conditions. For instance, many wall posters assume that you will not be inspecting them from 6 inches away, and so these are often less than 200 PPI.

 

7.10 Will my photo be altered in the final production?

To avoid having your image arbitrarily clipped (cropped) by the photo preparation team, you should crop the photo to match your glass art print size. You can do this with the company tool (Upload Your Own) or use a photo editing tool. Otherwise, our design team would be happy to adjust the photo for you.

Back to Top

 

8.0 GLASS PRINT CAPABILITIES

8.1 Can you print on the entire glass?

Images utilize the full glass surface, with a 1mm clear space edge so the ink does not run off the sides during the printing process. This 1mm is barely visible unless inspected up close. Customers may select to have offset printing done which prints the image 2-5” in from the edges and this non printed space is called the “clear space”.

 

8.2 Can I leave areas of the glass without print - "Clear Space"?

Images can be printed anywhere on the glass, leaving specific areas of "clear space" (clear glass with no print) which the view can see through.

 

8.3 What DPI is the image printed at?

All glass art prints are printed at 454dpi with the latest in ceramic ink technology.

 

8.4 What is the largest size that can be printed?

The largest glass art print of any shape that can be printed is 4'11"' x 9'10" (59” x 118” or 149.86 x 299.72cm). It is possible to go up to 9’ x 12’ (108” x 144” or 274.32 x 365.76cm); however, we would have to outsource the tempering which will require some additional charges.

 

8.5 What is the smallest size that we can print?

The smallest glass art print that can be printed is 8” x 8” (203.2mm x 203.2mm). Keep in mind that there are minimum fees; therefore, it is the same price to create a 12”x12” glass art print.

 

8.6 Picture enlargements – Can I enlarge past 8” x 10”?

Printing on glass allows the company to exceed typical size constraints associated with canvas and paper printing due to the unique effects of glass.

 

8.7 What type of ink is used?

Specially designed ceramic inks are used to print the images on the glass. The ink becomes part of the glass structure once heat cured (baked) 427°C (800°F) and tempered at 746°C (1375°F).

 

8.8 What are the applications for glass art prints?

Wherever glass is used, Glass Art Print Company can provide a standard or custom solution to meet your needs. Some examples include:

• Corporate signs
• Home Decor
• Artwork (Scenic, portraits, cars, sports, pets and much more)
• Glass table tops
• Glass tiles
• Shower stall glass
• Coasters
• Placemats
• Merchandising
• Trophies
• Table top art pieces
• Pro sports team prints
• Outdoor business signs
• Windows
• Commercial applications
• And much more...

Back to Top

 

9.0 GENERAL QUESTIONS

9.1 Can the glass or image be scratched?

No, not under normal handling conditions. If you are able to scratch the image, then you have scratched the glass. 

 

9.2 How much does shipping cost?

Shipping costs are dependent on several factors (1) Glass art print size, (2) Where the print is being sent to and (3) Shipping service level. As you can imagine, the larger the print, the more it weighs. The company has standardized on Federal Express. Although you can proceed through the checkout process to obtain a precise shipping quotation, the table below can be used as a guideline. See Shipping section below.

 

9.3 How do I clean my glass art print?

Glass art prints are like any glass product. Customers can use any glass cleaning products on the front and back of the glass. Caution should always be taken when cleaning any glass products. Do not use any chemicals or solvents on the glass.

 

9.4 What type of glass does the company use?

All images are printed on low iron glass which is the clearest glass available. Starphire, Ultrawhite, Krystal Klear or Optiwhite are some of the clearest, low iron content and colorless glasses that are used by the company. Alternative glass can be custom ordered upon request.  Clear Float Glass (green tinge in the glass) is just one example as well as tinted glasses.

 

9.5 How long to get a glass art print created and delivered?

Prints are typically shipped within a three (3) weeks depending on the nature of the glass art print. Custom orders can take longer.

 

9.6 How do you ship the glass art print?

Since we print onto glass, the company is incredibly sensitive to breakages. Special boxes have been designed to accommodate international, domestic and local shipping. If the situation arises (typically a result of a custom glass art print size), our shipping department will custom build a crate to ensure a breakage free delivery.

 

9.7 Will the company print everything?

No.  Due to copyright reasons and laws across North America, we will not print copyrighted materials or anything found to be illegal in content, pornographic, commits libel or slander, contains discriminatory content or violates civil rights of any kind.  If you are in doubt please ask one of our customer service representatives.

Back To Top

 

10.0 RETURNS

10.1 What's your return policy?

We accept returns. Due to the significant overhead costs associated with producing glass art prints, Glass Art Print Company does accept returns, but there must be a proven deficiency in the glass art print.  Customers have fourteen (14) days to return their print.

 

10.2 How do I return a glass art print?

All return orders must be accompanied by an RMA (Return Materials Authorization) number. RMA #s will be provided by the Glass Art Print Company Customer Service representative when you email them about your return – customerservice@glassartprint.com. Returns will not be accepted without a RMA#.

 

10.3 How many days do I have to return my glass art print?

Any return must be made within 14 days of receipt of your purchase and returned in like condition in its original packaging. It is recommended that you insure your return package as Glass Art Print Company is not responsible for items being lost or damaged during return transit. We are not responsible for return shipping charges.

 

10.4 Where do I return my glass art print?

To return an item, please contact customerservice@glassartprint.com for your RMA# and RMA Form. Once completed, the shipment can be returned prepaid to:

Glass Art Print Company
26995 Gloucester Way
Langley, BC
V4W 3Y3    Canada

Tel: 604-240-4392
Attention: GAPC Returns, RMA#________

Back to Top

 

11.0 SHIPPING

11.1 How do you ship?

The company has standardized on Federal Express, but alternative shipping arrangements can be made if required.

 

11.2 Can you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship to anywhere in the world and Federal Express handles all the brokerage and duty services as part of the shipping fees.

 

11.3 Why don't we offer any shipping alternatives other than Federal Express Ground?

Simply answered, cost! Air costs pretty much tripled shipping costs. But, if you require some rush order, we would be happy to accommodate your requirements. Shipments outside of North America will ship air.

 

11.4 How much does shipping cost?

Shipping prices will vary based on the destination, size of glass art print and the level of service. The shipping table below provides you with some "guidelines" based on Federal Express Ground (4 days). International shipments, those headed overseas actually end up on International Priority which is 4 days as well. The package sizes are the three (3) main boxes that we use; therefore, the price could be slightly less for some sizes. An exact shipping quotation can be obtained by selecting your image (or upload your own), mounts and checking out. A final quotation will be provided without moving to the credit card process. All prices include applicable taxes, duties and brokerage fees which are handled by Federal Express.

 

This is a pricing guide only.

Back To Top

 

12.0 CAMERA INFORMATION

12.1 What is a good camera for taking shots?

All digital SLR (DSLR) cameras will shoot excellent photos. Some of the point and shot cameras will produce good photos as well. Cameras with the highest resolution or MP (megapixels) will provide the best image to produce a glass art print.

 

12.2 What aspect ratio is best?

The vast majority of digital SLR cameras have sensors with an aspect ratio of 3:2. It is likely best to choose a glass art print size in the 3:2 ratio groups. However, you can really have any size you want, the image might get cropped and centered differently from the master image. Cameras made by Olympus and Panasonic use a newer system with a 4:3 aspect ratio.

 

12.3 How big is the file?

Generally speaking the larger the file size, the more information is available for us to print the best glass art print. Experience has shown that the following pictures printed wonderfully for the specified sizes.