General Inquiries

What are your hours?

8:30 – 5pm, Mon. – Fri.

Do you need an appointment?

Normally you do not need an appointment. If you have a specific need or project that would benefit from having an appointment, we are happy to set one up with you.

Are one on one consultations available?

We do offer “studio visits” which involve making an appointment and working with one of our production artists on your project. Price is based on time and materials. Contact us for more details.

Do you ship prints?

Yes, we offer packing and shipping domestically. Price is based on final, size weight, carrier, destination and timeframe. We can provide an estimate or use the “ship calculator”.

Do you represent artists?

No, we work closely with artist in production and fulfillment of their artwork but do not directly represent them.

Do you do order fulfillment for artists?

Yes. We can usually handle all steps in the process from order to delivery.

Printing

Fine Art & Photo

What is a Giclee print?

Inkjet printing adhering to archival and limited edition standards.

What type of printers do you use?

Top of the line Epson inket printers. We use the latest in technology inkjet printers using archival multicolor inks which produce the widest possible range available.

What type of papers and canvas do you offer?

We offer a wide range of matte and coated papers and canvas in our photo and fine art categories. The papers range in weight, white point and texture to off the best solution for your type of image. All our fine art papers are tested and rated archival.

What type of inks are used in your printers?

Pigment based archival inks.

What resolution should my file be?

The ideal is 300dpi at the size being printed. With this said, there are many variables that determine whether a file is “good” enough. We recommend discussing with us any questions regarding this.

What type of file do you prefer?

We recommend a .tif file. We also accept most common file types such as jpgs.

What color space do you prefer?

We recommend Adobe98 RGB. sRGB and other color spaces are also acceptable. We suggest providing us the file in whatever the current file is saved in.

What is the difference between a photo and fine art paper?

Photo papers may not be rated archival and they tend to be lighter weight. With that said, they are rated to last many many years. Fine art paper have been tested and rated archival, tend to be heavyweight. Fine art papers and canvas typically have ratings of 35+ years.

How long will my print last?

Photo papers are rated to last 15+ years. Fine art papers and canvas are rated 35+ years. Ultimately, the bigger factor will be storage and environment. For example, a print not behind glass or in direct sunlight even if behind glass, will age quicker than not.

Are there discounts for quantities?

We treat each project as unique. Quantity and reprint discounts are listed on our price list. Volume and other discounts may be available and applicable so we encourage inquiries on your particular project and need.

What are color profiles?

Color profiles are a set of instructions embedded into a file that provide important information about the file. This information is part of the process of color management which produces predictable results from step to step in the process.

Why doesn’t my print look like my screen?

Computer or phone screens are optimized for viewing text. When viewing photos, they are usually not accurate. On top of this, monitors and phone screens will vary depending upon brand, user setup, and age. Because of these variables, the screens can be misleading. The ideal solution is to have your monitor calibrated to follow color management standards. If interested, we can recommend solutions.

How big can you print?

Currently, we have a 64” wide printer. There are a limited range of papers available for this maximum width. Please contact us for further details.

What is the normal turn time for printing?

For prints up to 16 x 20, the standard turn time is two working days. For prints 16 x 20 or larger, a proof step is included in the process and price. The proof step standard turn time is two working days, then two days after approval for final print. Turn times may vary for large quantities.

What is a proof print?

We’re happy to include the advantage of a proof print on print orders 16 x 20 or larger. A proof consists of a small overall version and a test strip of the image at the final size on the final paper. This allows for a review of the image before printing the final.

What is a deckled edge?

Deckled edges are “torn” edges that result in a hand made look to the final print. We offer this on our fine art matte only. The price is determined by the final size.

Can I print provide the paper?

Clients can provide paper as long as the paper is compatible with our printers. Most inkjet papers are ok. Other papers are determined case by case.

Do you print on fabric?

We do print on a limited number of fabrics and have samples to review. Most are special order so there are qualification in time and volume. Generally, pricing follows the fine art printing category.

Do you print on film?

We do offer printing on clear, milky and backlit film up to certain sizes. Pricing is the same as fine art printing.

Do you print wallpaper?

We do offer wallpaper printing. We can print on traditional wallpaper as well as removable. This is a specialty product so please call for pricing and to discuss details.

Prepress

What is a pre press proof?

A prepress proof is a print that follows strict guidelines to produce a color accurate representation of a file bofore proceeding to press. Pushdot adheres to these standards of calibration, printer, paper, and software.

What size is a pre press proof?

Standard sizes are 16 x 20 for a full size with 1⁄2 sizes available. Oversize proofs are available but please contact us with details.

What color space should I provide the file for a pre press proof?

Files should be in the color space you’d like to check color for. They can be in either RGB or CMYK. Please include the specific color profile you’re intending for accuracy.

What should the resolution be for a pre press proof?

Ideally 300dpi.

What is the normal turn around time for a press press proof?

24 hours is standard but many times quicker turn times can be accommodated.

Are their volume discounts for pre press proofs?

For larger quantities discounts are available. Please contact us about your particular project.

Portfolio

What is portfolio printing?

Portfolio printing is many time similar to book printing. Or it can be single prints displayed in box. In either case, Pushdot has many years of printing portfolios for local, regional, and national photographers. Many times it involves double sided printing as well as finishing. Although pushdot does not do binding, we can recommend talented bookbinders. Each portfolio project is unique so contact us about your specific need.

Scanning

Flatbed

What type of scanner do you use?

An Espon professional graphic arts oversized scanner.

How large can you scan on your flatbed scanner?

12 x 17.

What resolution should my scan be?

This is determined usually by the end use. We will scan according to what your end use.

Can we scan 3-D artwork?

No.

What color space should the scan be in?

By default, we will return the scan in Adobe98 RGB. Any other color space is available upon request.

Will the scan match the artwork?

Every effort is made to match the scan to the artwork. Because of differences in monitors and printers, final adjustments need to be made based on this.

What is the normal turnaround time for a flatbed scan?

Two days is normal but many times we can accommodate quicker times.

Do you offer volume or any other type of discounts?

Yes, please inquire based on your particular project.

Film

What type of scanner do you use?

An Imacon 848 virtual drum scanner.

What size can you scan film up to?

4 x 5 inches.

What resolution should the scan be?

This is determined usually by the end use. We will scan according to what your end use.

What should I expect from my film scan?

The scan will be cleaned of any dust that may have resulted from the scan. Spots and scratches in the original can be cleaned up for an additional time cost.

What color space should my film scan be?

By default, we will return the scan in Adobe98 RGB. Any other color space is available upon request.

Will my film scan match my original?

Every effort is made to match the scan to the artwork. Because of differences in monitors and printers, final adjustments need to be made based on this. We request a reference proof or file if available on color negatives. This allows us a starting point for color and contrast. If not available, we will use our best judgement.

What is the normal turnaround time for a film scan?

Two working days.

Do you offer volume or any other type of discounts?

Yes, please contact us for your particular project.

Capture Studio

What is the maximum size possible of a studio capture?

5 x 10 ft

What is the process of a studio capture?

Our professional photographer utilizes techniques in lighting along with a Betterlight digital back and processing software designed to product the highest level reproduction possible. Experience is vital in this process.

What resolution should my studio capture be?

This is determined usually by the end use. We will scan according to what your end use.

What is the color space for my studio capture?

By default, we will return the scan in Adobe98 RGB. Any other color space is available upon request.

Will my studio capture match my original?

Every effort is made to match the scan to the artwork. Because of differences in monitors and printers, final adjustments need to be made based on this. As a first time client, we provide a complimentary proof print to show you’re the results. Thereafter, proofs are available for for a fee.

What is the normal turnaround time for studio captures?

3-5 working days.

Do you offer volume or any other type of discounts on studio captures?

Yes, please inquire about your specific project.

Restoration/Photoshop Composition/Prepress Retouching

What is Photo Restoration?

Photo Restoration is generally restoring of photo from defects and fading due to age. This requires reviewing and analyzing the project best suited to making an appointment.

What is Photoshop composition?

Composition work is generally combining or creating effects in Photoshop to recompose a photo. This requires reviewing and analyzing the project best suited to making an appointment.

What is Prepress Retouching?

Prepress retouching is generally Photoshop work specifically for imagery going to press. Color matching and retouching work are many times part of this process as well as utilizing prepress proofing for confirmation. This requires reviewing and analyzing the project best suited to making an appointment.

Mounting and Finishing

What type of mounting and finishing does Pushdot do?

We utilize a process called “cold press”. This involves using cold adhesives along with pressure to adhere the print or artwork to a substrate.

What is the max size your can mount and finish?

54” although there are limitations in materials and substrates.

What is a substrate?

A substrate is the material used underneath the print or artwork. Most of the times is this a rigid board.

What is a plex sandwich?

A plex sandwich consists of a print sandwiched between clear plex on the front and dibond on the back . A reverse hanging cleat is included which results in the final print appearing to “float” off the wall. It’s a delicate process which requires special adhesives and skills. The result is a stunning display!

What is sintra?

Sintra is a high density plastic that is smooth and weatherproof. Great for prints being framed. Available in either white or black and different thickness.

What is Dibond?

Dibond consists of a sintra sandwiched between to thin sheets of aluminum. This results in an extremely rigid yet lightweight substrate. It is great as all around material that is considered archival.

What is gatorboard?

Gator Board is a lightweight and similar but much more rigid than fomecor.

Available in either white or black and different thickness.

What is aluminum?

Aluminum is the best in rigidity and durability. It is available in either square or rounded corners. Weight may be an issue on larger pieces.

Do you print directly to aluminum?

No. We offer metallic paper mounted to aluminum as a solution.

What is a laminate?

Laminate is an extremely thin layer of protective coating which results in added durability. We use a luster finish which has very low glare. If a print is not being being protected by glass or plexiglass, we recommend this.

What is a reverse cleat?

A reverse cleat is a hanging system that involved one cleat attached to the back of the board and a reverse cleat attached to the wall. The result is a simple yet sturdy hanging solution which also has the effect of the final print “floating” off the wall.

What is a sintra center hanger?

This an economical solution for hanging. It generally is a small single rectangle sintra block permanently attached to the back of the board with a single hole for use with a screw or nail.

What is a metal hanging clip?

A metal hanging clip is an economical small rectangle shaped piece of metal that attaches to a soft board like gatorboard. It then attaches to a wall screw on nail.

What is rag board?

Rag board is heavyweight paper board that is lightweight and archival.

How big can you mount and finish?

Our press is 54” wide. Limitations beyond this are in materials

How long does mounting and finishing take?

Normal projects take 2-4 working days.

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We are requiring appointments before visiting and masks and social distancing are mandatory. Thank your for your understanding.