FAQS

Who are The Colour Barn? Where are the bricks and mortar?
The Colour Barn is the Canvas specialist element of Hudson Display Services Ltd.
There are three IPA qualified Colour Management Masters in the UK, as of Dec 2011, and they all work at Hudsons.
The full address is Hudson Display Services Ltd, The Colour Barn, Hockley, Essex, SS5 5LT, where we have been since the company opened. You can see us clearly on Google Maps, Google Earth and Google Street view, if you like that sort of thing.

How long will my canvas last?
Treated well the canvas will last more than 35 years, some accelerated tests suggest substantially longer. For example, Wilhelm tests on one of our canvases suggest a life expectancy of more than 75 years without any fading.

What type of printing is this? What is giclee?
This is wide format inkjet printing. There is an industry term giclee, which is used by many to differentiate commercial inkjet printing - for example posters and signage - and art printing. The reality is that the same machines used for high quality light box graphic printing are used for "giclee" printing, and the skill level of the operator is the key factor. Given enough money anyone can buy a racing car, and call themselves a racing driver, but put a novice behind the wheel and you'll soon see the difference. We're not novices.
We could use the word "giclee" but frankly it's pretentious and unnecessary. We are very good at wide format inkjet printing, we're proud of that, and prefer to call it what it is.

How long until I receive my canvas?
If you're on the UK Mainland you can expect to receive your canvas within 5 working days, normally sooner. If you have a specific delivery requirement, please call on 01702 232500 and we'll do everything we can to accommodate.

What are the standard canvas print sizes?
This website allows for the purchasing of eight sizes at two different depths. We can of course create canvases at any size. If you need something specific please call on 01702 232500 to discuss.

What if the proportions of my photo are different from the canvas I choose?
Good question - we will make "small" decisions. Where the proportional change doesn't hugely affect composition or content we will make the amendments and proceed. Where we feel the image is being changed by the crop, we'll e-mail you a proof to check and sign off before the canvas is made.

Will my photo be good enough quality to blow up to the size I want?
When taken professionally almost certainly yes. Your files should be jpg between 1MB and 14MB in size. Other file types are often usable but are not uploadable via the website. Call 01702 232500 for help with this.

How do I send in my photo?
Upload digital files as .jpg thought the website, or call for assistance with other file types. 01702 232500

What should I consider when deciding on the size of canvas print to go for?
How big is your wall? How big is your door? How big a statement do you want to make?

How deep are the stretcher bars?
The Premium Pine frame is 25mm deep. The Gallery pine frame is 44mm deep.

Do you wrap the image around the sides of the frame?
By default we aim to wrap all images. To us the depth of the canvas is part of the beauty of it. However, sometimes your image won't really suit wrapping. If someone is close to the edge of the photo it might look odd to wrap them around the edge! If we look at your image and determine it doesn't suit wrapping we'll contact you to confirm a way forward. Of course, if you don't want wrapped edges, just specify what colour you want the edge to be in the Special Instruction box.

How do you get the colours right?
Professional photographers and good digital cameras include what's known as an ICC profile in your file. Provided this is intact we'll know how your image is supposed to look, and your canvas will be exact to that. Of course, that means our print will match your file. It doesn't mean your monitor is accurately displaying your file - if you are concerned about colour, please call us on 01702 232500. The UK's three IPA qualified colour management masters all work here, so there'll be someone on hand who can help you.

Can you change a photo from colour to black and white?
Yes.

How do I hang the canvas?
The canvas has a metal "toothed" bracket on the back. This will sit nicely on an exposed screw, and pull the canvas tight to the wall. (Little plastic "bumpons" on the back ensure the canvas sits evenly tight to the wall.

Are the canvases sealed?
Yes they are. We use Lyson Print Guard to protect the print and extend the product life. This is not a lacquer though. We suggest you treat the printed canvas as you might an original oil painting.

How can I clean the canvas?
Dust as normal. We don't suggest wetting the canvas or using any sort of chemical. Should the canvas get wet there are things you can do. See Canvas Care.

Delivery?
We use TNT or Fastway for deliveries depending on area. Both have proven reliable in terms of both delivery time and minimal damage or loss. You will be required to sign for delivery. Do not accept any delivery where there appears to be damage. The drivers understand that they may have to wait whilst you inspect a package.

How much is delivery?
Most canvas deliveries are £15. This includes the substantial packaging we use to ensure it reaches you intact.

How do I send in my photo?
Upload through the website, or call us on 01702 232500 for other options.