GICLEE PRINTING


All our prints are produced on an Epson Stylus Pro 9800 44 inch Ultrachrome printer using archival ultrachrome ink. A selection of Epson Enhanced Matte, Epson Premium Luster, Epson PremierArt Water Resintant Canvas, Epson Somerset Velvet are individually profiled using the Xrite EyeOne calibration tool. The digital files are prepared for printing with Adobe CS3 on a Mac Pro G5 running ColorBurst RIP software.

 

Controlled colour enviroment, production staff, file storage, Digital copy work.

 

A great combination of products and technology that ensure consistent quality results. Colour accuracy is determined using a GTI Print Viewer with day light balanced bulbs.

 

 

The Process

 

1- GETING THE IMAGE

To begin the process we need the image in our system. You can either use our FTP site or bring the image with you to our store (for more information about the FTP site give us a call).

 

For a better result we recommend an image already scaled to the desired size and a resolution of 300 dpi.

 

If your image or artwork needs to be digitized, QSQ offers custom hi-resolution scans from transparencies, negatives, or unmounted flat art. Scanning prices are based on the size of your original and the resulting file size.

 

2- ADJUSTING THE IMAGE

This phase include the cropping, resizing, and/or colour correction (this service is included in the price) if it’s required in order to match your image as close as possible. We cannot guarantee an exact match, but we will do everything possible to bring your images to life.

 

If your image needs a major photoshop work, we also offer the service of "Photoretouch, Photorestoration, Editing and Major colour correction).

Go to Image Processing.

 

For printings (works) on Luster or Matte we leave an extra 0.25" white border to facilitate the mounting process. For Canvas printing we add 2" for stretching purposes.

3- PROFILING

Once the image is completely adjusted we apply the proper profile (depending on the colour desired?). This process allows us to see exactly how the final printing is going to look on the surface selected (Canvas, Luster, Matte, etc...).

 

4- PRINTING

When everything is ready we begin the printing process.

 

We offer between 24 to 48 hours turn around depending on the quantity of images ordered.

 

If the prints are going to be framed behind glass, we strongly suggest waiting a minimum of 72 hours.

 

5- FOAM CORE MOUNTING (Just for Paper)

For those that are not going to frame their prints, QSQ offers the option of Foam core mounting.

6- STRETCHING (Just for Canvas)

All of our stretching are done on site. This allows us to be closer to your requirements.

 

Depending on how you're going to display your canvas (with framing or hung stretched as is), your options for stretching need to be considered before final printing. That is why we recommend any of these four options.

 

 

7- CLEAR COATING

Clear coating provides a 99% UV block as well as the necessary surface protection. It also provides sufficient protection for post embellishing or print enhancement.

 

Is recommended for photographic and fine art reproductions that are going to be displayed without glass in order to protect the prints from the environmental contaminants.

 

Clear coating is NOT optional for canvas output.

 

8- PICK-UP

At this point, your print is ready for pick-up.

 

In the case of shipping needs, we will decide the way to do it. Billing for special deliveries are subject to change once the official statements have come through.

 

We suggest that you pick-up your prints in person, so that your invoice will be final at the time of pick-up.

 


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Epson Technology

 

To produce our archival prints with amazing colour integrity, gloss-level, and scratch resistance we use Epson Stylus Pro 9800.

 

The Epson 9800 produces professional neutral and toned black and white prints with higher density levels and virtually no bronzing. Furthermore, delivers an astonishing resolution of 2880 x 1440 dpi. The Epson 9800 is capable of handling almost any media type, in roll or cut sheet, up to 44-inch wide.

 

Epson UltraChrome K3™ ink technology utilizes eight colour pigments, including a three-level black technology, which significantly increases the potential quality output for professional colour and black and white prints. According to Epson, these inks offer the widest colour gamut of any ink currently available on the marketplace (an increase of approximately .2 Dmax to the Ultrachrome). The addition of the third black ink allows the Epson 9800 printer to produce true monochrome (black and white) inkjet prints. The Epson k3 inks also utilize "High Gloss Microcrystal Encapsulation Technology" which comes built into the Epson 9800 printer and serves to minimize bronzing on glossy papers.

 

 

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The Materials

- EPSON ENHANCED MATTE:
Archival quality 76 years approximately
Flat matte surface provides the optimum photographic platform.
Heavyweight stock delivers true photographic feel.
High colour gamut yields remarkable colour reproduction.
Epson Archival Ink compatibility ensures exceptional lightfastness ratings.

 

- EPSON PREMIUM LUSTER:
Archival quality 71 years approximately
Luster “E” surface finish.
Dries instantly for easy handling with Epson inks.
Highest colour gamut available for vivid colour reproduction.
10 mil thickness for accurate photographic feel.

 

- EPSON PREMIERART WATER RESISTANT CANVAS:
Archival quality 75 years approximately
Glossy surface with unique texture for true artist look.
Water resistant for increased durability.
Highest resolution canvas for outstanding reproduction.

Poly/Cotton blend, stretchable for framing.

 

- EPSON SOMERSET VELVET (Roll, 255 g/m2, 19 mil)
Archival quality 75 years approximately

Velvet surface for fine detail and accurate reproduction.

Acid free to preserve fine art and photos.

100% cotton hot press for long term durability.

Outstanding D-Max for print with exceptional contrast.

 

- EPSON TEXTURE FINE ART (Roll, 225 g/m2, 15 mil) (NEW)
Archival quality 75 years approximately

Textured surface for a true artistic appearance.

Acid free to preserve fine art and photos.

100% cotton rag for long term durability.

Rich black images for prints with exceptional contrast.

 

 

Additional Papers are available upon request.

 

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IMAGE PROCESSING

 

Our approach to High resolution scanning is not about the number of scans per minute, it's about scanning each image correctly. The original scan must take into consideration hue, contrast, exposure and resolution. Our Epson Perfection V500 Photo scanner gives us the opportunity, not only to scan from transparencies, negatives, photographic prints or original artworks, but also to offer extraordinary quality and versatility with 6400 dpi resolution and an earth-friendly LED light source for greater productivity.


In adition and with an extensive background and more than 10 years of experience on Adobe Creative Suite, we can process your image from the very beginning (RAW file proccesind, Photo-Retouch, Photo-Restoration, Colour Correction and/or Editing). QSQ also can take care of your Graphic Design needs.

 

 

OTHER SERVICES

With very competitive prices we offer the service of Business cards and Post cards printing. For more details about pricing and turn around times go to PRICING.



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