FAQ

Ordering

What file type do I need to have to order through shinyprints.com?
We accept both JPG and TIF file formats. If you need to send us a different file format, please contact us.

What do I need to know about preparing my file for ordering?
Your image must have either the sRGB or adobe1998 color profiles assigned. If your photo is not assigned a color profile, the results will likely not reflect what you will expect.

Can I expect my prints to look exactly like how I see on my monitor?
The unfortunate answer to this question is no. Most people prepare their files on their computer and monitor to be exactly how they want it to look. What most people do not realize is that their monitor is likely not calibrated. Your average computer user has their monitor set to a bright, high contrast setting that makes things look "pretty". Our profiles are highly calibrated, and we recalibrate them several times a year. If you are serious about being able to receive prints that are true to what you see on your monitor, it might be worth the investment to purchase a calibrated monitor. Feel free to contact us for monitor recommendations.

What surface option should I select?
If this is your first time ordering, you most likely want to go with our white gloss option. This is by far our most popular option and if you have ever seen a metal print from an art show or gallery, this is likely what you have seen. Our White Matte option is just as nice, but without the glossy glare. White matte is better suited for areas where direct sunlight interferes with viewing a piece of art on the wall. Our Silver options offer a cool "metallic" effect in that it will replace all whites in your image with the silver of the aluminum. Understand that the silver prints will appear a bit darker and will cause your colors to shift. Its best to add a 10% added brightness to your photos and a slight bump in saturation to compensate for this surface option.

What is your typical turnaround time?
Our turnaround time depends on how busy we currently are and the size of your order. Typically, we ship your order within 2 business days after your order is placed but can take up to 5 business days if we are especially busy or if your order is larger than normal or requires special instruction.

What is the difference between your float mount and your frame mount?
For prints 20x30" and smaller, we typically use a float mount that floats your print off the wall 3/4". The float mount is made of aluminum and makes your print easy to hang with any lightweight nail. Our frame mounts are used when the print is larger than 30" and require rigid support. Our heavy-duty frame mounts ensure your prints hang on the wall with a nice, straight profile that floats 1" off your wall. All our frame mounts include mounting hardware on the back including a bubble level for fast, easy hanging.

What is the preferred resolution or DPI?
Ideally, you would like to have 180 DPI or higher. Our minimum acceptable DPI is 100 DPI, any lower and you will be given a warning if you would like to proceed and accept full liability for the quality of your print. Larger prints can have a lower DPI as they are meant to be viewed from a distance of at least 3-6 feet away. Unlike what most websites will tell you, 300 DPI is not the standard that photographers need to aim for. Even the most expensive cameras will have a hard time getting 300 DPI resolution on larger size prints. We have noticed that there is not much noticeable difference between 180 DPI and 300 DPI. In fact, we print most of our customers 40x60's and greater at a resolution under 80 DPI with no complaints. The larger your print, the lower the DPI you should expect, however this comes down to what your individual quality standards are and what you feel comfortable with.

Do you offer professional pricing for artists who resell their work or for bulk orders?
Our pricing is the most competitive in the industry, in fact we will beat any advertised competitors' price. With that said, we gladly offer pro pricing to qualified professionals. Please contact us to request access to pro pricing or if you have a special large order. Please note that you must have an account with us (its free) already before requesting pro pricing.

General Questions

What Process does Shiny Prints use for metal prints?
We use Dye Sublimation on high-quality ChromaLuxe aluminum panels. The ChromaLuxe aluminum is the highest quality aluminum panel made specifically for dye sublimation. What makes a ChromaLuxe panel superior to everything else is its high quality coating that absorbs the ink and results in a HD print that can't be matched by any other printing medium.

What is Dye Sublimation?
Dye sublimation is when an image is first printed on a special transfer paper using specially made dye sub inks. The print transfer is then placed on top of the aluminum panel where it is pressed with a heat press at 400 degrees. This allows the inks to turn into a gas and become absorbed into the polyester coating surface of the aluminum panel. The end result is a vivid print that almost has a 3D feel to it.

Why does Shiny Prints use Dye Sublimation instead of printing directly on the aluminum?
We want to achieve the greatest results possible. We explored every kind of process for producing a high definition aluminum print, and the dye sublimation process using a specific type of aluminum gave us by far and away the highest quality print that we can be proud of to offer our customers.

Why should I choose a Metal Print over a standard canvas or paper print?
A metal print outshines any other printing medium in terms of quality and durability. Besides the clarity of an image on a Shiny Print, it is also waterproof, scratch resistant and will outlast any other type of print. Metal Prints also do not need to be put into a frame and can be hanged in places where other prints are not ideal such as a bathroom or other areas where moisture is a concern.

What makes Shiny Prints different than other metal printing labs?
We work with photographers and artists to make sure we are providing the best service possible. The quality of our prints is unmatched. We understand what professionals are looking for and we are willing to work with each individual to ensure complete satisfaction. Not all Metal Prints are created equally!

Pricing

What is PRO Pricing?
Pro Pricing is a permanent discount for professional photographers and artists. To qualify for pro pricing you would need one of the following. A website with a working shopping cart, Resale Tax ID, proof that you sell at a gallery, retail location, or shows.

Will you price match a competitor?
Yes, we will BEAT any competitors advertised price including specials and coupons. Please give us a call at 866-638-3384 or email us at info@shinyprints.com and we will be glad to take your order.

I am an artist or photographer and want to frequently order from your company, do you offer contracted rates?
We offer contract rates to industry professionals and we will be glad to give you the most competitive rates in the industry. Please contact us today so we can offer you a proposal. If you currently have contract rates with another lab, please include those prices so we can be sure to beat it!

Support

What kind of support do you offer?
We stand behind all of our prints. If anything were to happen over the life of your print, we will replace it at no cost to you so long as the damage was not due to user error. Our prints will not fade (so long as it is not placed in direct sunlight), wear or break down.

My print was damaged during shipment, how can I receive a replacement?
If your print arrived damaged, please take pictures of the actual damage to the print as well as a picture of the shipping box. Email these photos along with your order number to support@shinyprints.com and we will make sure to send out a replacement right away.