Print Guidelines

Overprinting/Trimming

For photographic prints we utilize an industry standard overprinting process that enlarges images sent to us by 2% to ensure complete exposure of the photo paper in the machines. For fine art prints there is a small amount of loss at the edges due to the trimming process.  

This small amount of loss combined with any sort of requested mounting will cause information along the outside edge of the final prints to be lost. It is important that an acceptable amount of room is left between any important aspects of the image and the edge of the file.  

Undersized Mounting

Our substrates are undersized by 1/16” to 1/8” to ensure a flush edge. If we did not undersize the mounting boards, then it is possible that the adhesive could be exposed after the print is mounted due to tolerances in paper widths and print sizes.  

Note that Standouts, Bamboo Panels and Wood Prints are undersized by a full 1/4". 

Border Widths

These are our suggested minimum guidelines for border thickness or distance away from the edge of the file for important elements: 

Unmounted

8×10 and smaller: 0.25”   
11×14 to 16×20:  0.5”  
16×24 to 20×30: 0.75”  
20×30 and larger: 1”  

Mounted

8×10 and smaller: 0.5”   
11×14 to 16×20: 0.75” 
16×24 to 20×30: 1” 
20×30 and larger: 1.25”

Tips:

• Borders are not recommended for prints mounted on Standout, Bamboo Panels, or Wood Prints. Those substrates are all undersized by 1/4". A minimum of a 1” border would be necessary on any size. The thicker the border the better.
• No border will ever print exactly uniform on all sides. The thicker the border the better. This will make the border appear uniform, even if it’s not exact.
• Frames tend to have a 1/4” lip. If our substrates are 1/8” undersized, there should still be 1/8” available to hold the print. Some framers will oversize their frames by 1/8 - 1/4”. Check with your framer to confirm the exact size of the back of the frame opening to ensure the print will not fall through the opening.