Printing

In a fully color-managed printmaking studio all the component elements - scanners, digital cameras, presses, ink sets, papers, canvas and other substrates - have been carefully selected, calibrated and profiled to make sure that the printmaking is to the highest possible standards, combining superior print quality with maximum archival life and maintaining consistent results at all times. This is particularly important when an edition is to be printed in several runs, or is to be printed on more than one substrate eg. paper and canvas. In a color managed system, the results will match even when printed at different times or on different materials.

Over the years, these are the components which we have come to trust and are confident recommending to our clients:

Presses
We work with Epson 9600, 9900 and 11880 presses using Epson UltraChrome and UltraChrome K3 pigmented inks. These are 7 and 8-color high density pigmented inks which offer rich, vibrant color, an ultra-smooth print surface, enhanced durability and lightfastness, and color stability that is rated to resist fading for over 100 years. Some of our presses are set up with Matte Black inks, some with Photo Black inks; we are ready to print on any material at any time.

​

Papers
We print on a selection of Innova, Hahnemühle and  Crane fine art papers with surfaces ranging from ultra-smooth to heavily textured. All are heavy-weight (285-365gsm), acid free and made without optical brighteners so that the paper base will not shift color over time. We prefer to print on sheets rather than on a roll, because in our experience prints smaller than 30”x40” retain curl when cut from a roll. Anything larger than 30”x40” is not nearly so susceptible to curl and is printed on a roll. Our pricing is adjusted to keep the cost of printing on a sheet on a par with printing on a roll.

For photographic images and posters, we offer a medium-weight (300gsm) photo-luster paper with brilliant colors, satin finish and excellent handling characteristics. For studio portraits and fine art photography, we recommend Hahnemühle Photo Rag and Innova FibePrint which offers exceptional printing characteristics (enhanced D-Max, truly neutral black and whites, exceptional detail in the shadows and highlights) on a 300 gsm heavy-weight paper that has the look and feel of a traditional silver halide photograph.

​

Canvas
We print on a medium-weight textured canvas with a semi-gloss finish and a heavy-weight smooth canvas with a satin finish. The heavy-weight canvas is extremely pliable and lends itself well to gallery wraps.

​

Satin Fabric
We print on a water-resistant satin cloth with a semi-translucent texture. The fabric does not unravel when cut and lends itself well to banners, backlit displays and wall hangings.