FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Are you still shipping during the Covid-19 situation?
Yes we are! We are a small familly business and can continue to keep printing and sending our orders without causing any extra risk and while still maintaining social distancing. During this period of time we are looking at slightly delayed delivery times, more like 4-5 days rather than 3. As always if you have any questions drop us a message on the live chat or email: sales@woodprints.co.uk
Wood Print? What Exactly is a Photo Printed on Wood?
Believe it or not, we get this question all the time. The answer is simple. To print a photo on wood is exactly what it sounds like – we take digital photos and print them directly on sustainable plywood.
Wood photo prints differ from other methods like photo mounting and dye sublimation printing on wood in that it does not print the picture on paper first and then glue or heat transfer the picture to the wood surface. The picture is literally printed directly onto the wood surface, providing a richer, more vibrant result.
One of the coolest features of wood photo printing is how the natural lines of the wood grain show through the lighter colours of an picture or photo. The primary reason for this is that no white ink is used in the printing process, so any white colour is replaced with the natural colour of the wood.
Plywood is such a cool canvas for printing because every print is unique. Like a fingerprint, no two sheets of plywood have the same grain signature, so every print – regardless if the same picture is used – becomes a unique piece of art. The natural colour of plywood also makes for a great frame, and as result we offer our wood photo prints two ways – edge-to-edge with no margin or centred with margin.
How do I hang my print on the wall?
We cut a T shaped slot into the back of every print, you can use this to hang the print on a nail or a hook.
Tell me about your delivery policies?
All products are printed and shipped with 3 - 4 days, if you need your print in a rush let us know and we will do what we can to help! We only use tracked next day courier services. Shipping is free for all orders.
What resolution do you recommend per size of print?
The bigger the file size the better! Try to send us original photos straight from your camera or phone, downloads from Facebook or instagram tend to be low quality. We like to have all files to be 150 dpi (dots per inch) when scaled to the size you are ordering, but we can use files at 75 dpi (anything lower will look pixelated). One of our team will review your photos before printing and let you know if there are any issues.
How do I know if my artwork will look good printed on wood?
Good question. When selecting the finishing options to be printed on wood, you should consider the following:
By selecting HD White finish, no wood grain will show through your image making it really stand out when printed. This finish is a perfect option for close up family photos, black and white photography, and fine art images.
When selecting Natural wood finish the natural lines of the wood grain will show through in all the lighter colours of an image adding a level of depth to the wood print.
When printing with a Natural wood finish, please keep the following in mind:
- We do not print with white ink, so any area in your photo or art work that is white will not be printed
- Lighter colours will be more transparent and show more grain
- Darker colours like black and blues will print more opaque and show less wood grain and will darken
- Natural Imperfections in the wood will be visible, wood is a natural product.
Can I print more than one photo per piece of wood or the same image on multiple wood panels (ie. photo collage/montage)?
Yes, simply choose the size you want for each panel, upload the image, and then crop it to the desired area for each panel. You can print whatever you like on any one piece of wood. Additionally, if you need help with layout or want a professional eye to give a second opinion on your print, contact us for a design quote.
HD White vs Natural Grain? What's the difference?
Our prints have no white ink, for a normal paper print the paper provides the white in a photo. For our natural grain prints we print straight onto the wood with no undercoat, so for prints with lots of white this will show through as the natural brown colour of the wood.
Whereas for HD White we add a white underlayer onto the wood. So first we have the natural wood, then we have the white layer (some wood grain will still show through) and then we have your photo. HD White adds white to the print, so if your photo involves lots of white or light colours if you don't go for HD White the print will look darker.
Can you do Black and White prints?
No problem. However, if you truely want Black and White you'll have to go for the HD White option, otherwise you'll have more of a Black and Brown print (although we still love these!
Can you do custom sizes & shapes?
Yes, of course! For pricing on custom sizes just get in touch sales@woodprints.co.uk
Can you do discounts on bulk orders or for trade?
In some cases, yes! Just get in touch, sales@woodprints.co.uk for pricing information.
Do you work with artists?
Yes we do, we are happy to supply samples to artists and photogragers. Just get in touch with more details of your project.
Prints on Wood Care Instructions:
How do I take care of a wood print?
Taking care of a wood print is just as easy as taking care of any other piece of fine art, and in general, the same rules apply. Make sure to use only a damp, 100% cotton or microfiber cloth when wiping dust off your print. Do not get it wet, scratch, or wipe the front with abrasive materials. Do not expose the piece to fire or any other damaging substance. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us before you make a purchase online.
Does the ink smear or run if it gets wet?
No. Due to our durable printing method, water will not smear your ink. There is the possibility, however, that the ink may smear if you expose it to harsh cleaning chemicals or any other liquid besides water. Be sure to use only use a damp 100% cotton or microfiber cloth when wiping dust off your prints.
Can I hang my print on wood in my bathroom?
Yes. Our wood prints have no problem with moisture. We have tested prints on wood in our own bathrooms, and they look great. If condensations builds up, wipe them off with a cloth or towel; no problem. Just be careful not to knock them off the wall!