Q. Do you have a Gallery or Shopfront where I can view examples of your work?
We have a Gallery in Byron Bay that has many examples of our artists' work exhibited. This is a shopfront where we sell items off the wall. We also take orders and do all our own printing in the gallery.
Q. Does the artist receive commision for their work?
We represent over 50 artists and photographers who receive a percentage based comission on every sale of their work.
Q. Will the colours I see on screen be the same as the finished canvas?
All our screens are colour calibrated to match our printers so the prints will look the same as they appear on our screens. We cannot guarantee that the colours on your screens will be the same as how the prints will look as your screen settings may have enhanced brightness or colour that my differ from the original image.
Q. How do I care for and clean my canvas?
If you have purchased a STRETCHED Canvas print from us then it would have been sprayed with a protective laminate coating. The laminate spray enhances the colour and durability of the prints while providing water, dust, scratch and UV protection. We use archival inks that have been tested to guarantee resistance to fading for more than 75 years. You should still endeavor to care for your print as though it is an original artwork by not placing it in direct sunlight and transporting it carefully to avoid scratches or indents to the face of the print. If the print gets dirty or dusty your can wipe it down gently with a slightly damp cloth.
Please note that this only applies for STRETCHED Canvas prints that are laminated. ROLLED Canvas comes unlaminated and the image is more fragile hence is easier to damage until it is laminated and stretched or framed.
Q. How do you print the giclee prints?
We print directly from a digital file, sized-up in photoshop and sent to our incredible Giclee medium format printers. We can print images from one of the many artists and photographers we support, or a personal image sent to us by you. A profile is selected to match the type of medium that will be printed on, for example canvas, paper or vinyl. You may chose to order a Rolled canvas or have your Canvas print laminated, sprayed and stretched onto frames, ready to hang once it reaches you.
Q. What is the difference between
A ROLLED Canvas is your chosen image printed onto canvas and rolled into a tube case. It is ideal for those wishing to save on postage especially when sending overseas. A STRETCHED Canvas is the printed canvas stretched onto a bevelled, kiln dried timber frames so that the frame is hidden behind the print. The framed print is laminated at no extra charge - this coating provides extra vibrancy and protection. Please note that the cost of framing a ROLLED Canvas may be substantially more than if you have it stretched with us. We courier Australia wide for approximately $20, depending on the size and destination. This price is calculated in total when all items are selected for your 'shopping cart' and you have completed your selection of items to purchase.
Q. How long do they last?
The laminate spray we use to finish the print enhances the colour and durability of the print while providing water, dust, scratch and UV protection. We use archival inks that have been tested to guarantee resistance to fading for more than 75 years.
Q. How are they mounted?
If you purchase a STRETCHED Canvas print, it comes stretched onto bevelled kiln dried timber frames, strung and is ready to hang once it reaches you. In addition, you may wish to purchase a black border frame to highlight your image. We have available to purchase the Gallery Hanging System which provides a convenient way to hang your prints. Please inquire with us further about these additional options.
Q. What is the largest size prints i can order?
Our printer is 1 metre wide so for square images the maximum dimensions are 1 meter by 1 metre. For rectangular images, we can print up to 1 metre by 3 metres. Individual images from our collection have size specifications: the possible dimensions are quoted when you select the image and specify the medium and shape you want. The size of personal images is dependent upon the size of the file, however we do have great interpolation software to upsize your image to desired size. If you are concerned about the sizing and quality of your print please email us your image and your desired dimensions - we will be able to advise you accordingly.
Q. What material do you print on?
We print on several different mediums: archival Canvas, archival fine art paper, premium matte paper, premium lustre photo paper and glossy poster pro. When you select an individual image from our gallery, there is an option to select the medium you wish the image to be printed on. This allows you to select from the above mediums as well as your choice of ROLLED or STRETCHED Canvas. We are also able to print onto Vinyl, 100% Silk and other fabrics. Please email us your inquiries for any of the alternate mediums.
Q. How does the shopping cart work?
Its very simple. First select your desired image, then select a medium to print on. Next select the shape and chose a size for the image you wish to purchase: prices are quoted at this stage. Finally select "add to cart". This will automatically calculate and quote the total price, including postage and handling costs with the option to select destinations overseas.
Q. What inks do you use?
We use high quality authentic Archival Cannon inks to print all our images. These Inks are fade resistant for 75+ years.
Q. What is the expected life of a giclee print?
Retospect galleries produce high quality Australian made prints - if cared for properly, prints will last for more than 75 years. All STRETCHED canvas are sprayed with archival laminate that provides additional UV and scratch protection.
Q. How secure is your online ordering?
Retrospect uses industry standard security to protect your personal and credit card details. We use 128 bit SSL encryption on all credit card transactions, provided by the world leader of online security, Equifax Secure Inc.