Canvas Art FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Image Basics…
Can you create a canvas from a mobile/cell phone camera?
Will I see an on-screen ‘proof’ of my mini canvas before it goes to print?
How do I send/upload my photo to you?
How do I get the photo from my camera to my computer?
What if I don’t have a digital camera?
What file formats do you accept?
What resolution/file size does my image need to be to ensure a good quality print?
Can you print any image I send you even if I didn’t take the photo?
Your Mini Canvas Art…
Where and how can I hang my finished mini canvas?
Does my image wrap around the sides of the mini canvas (“gallery wrap”)?
What materials do you use to make my mini canvas?
How are your mini canvas prints stretched?
What protection do you offer against fading or accidental damage?
How should I care for my mini canvas?
Can you tile one photo across several canvases?
Can I have any other sizes than those listed on MiniCanvas.co.uk?
Image Editing
Can I preview the digital editing before it is printed?
Will my canvas be the same as the preview image that I see online?
Should I edit my image to the correct size prior to sending it to you?
Can you edit/crop my photo to how I want it to look?
What if my photo has red-eye?
What if my photo is damaged or not of the highest quality?
I have a fairly old photo which is faded and discoloured can this be used?
Will my photo look blocky or blurry when made into a mini canvas?
Will the colours I see on screen be the same as the finished canvas?
Can you combine images from more than one photograph into a single image?
Can I ask a special request of the graphic designer?
The Order Process, Payment Options etc…
I’m nervous about online shopping. Am I protected from possible fraud?
I wish to place an order but would rather not pay online – what can I do?
Do I need to create a customer account for placing an order?
What payment methods do you accept?
Mini Canvas FAQ Answers
Image Basics…
Can you create a canvas from a mobile/cell phone camera?
Yes, of course – that’s one of the driving influences behind introducing mini canvases to the market! The beauty of mobile/cell phone cameras is that you generally take your phone everywhere with youmaking them fantastic for capturing photos of situations that you maybe wouldn’t have been able to in the past. After all, unless you have planned a trip out, your normal camera is likely to be at home!
A mini canvas provides a perfect way of presenting your precious memories from ANY image, from ANY mobile phone camera.
Will I see an on-screen ‘proof’ of my mini canvas art before it goes to print?
In order to speed up the manufacturing and dispatch process we do not send a preview as default. After placing your order, there is an option that you can select which tells us whether you wish to receive a preview prior to printing. We are happy to send you a preview, but please bear in mind that this will mean the order process is slowed down slightly. If you are not in a rush to receive your canvas print this may appeal to you.
How do I send/upload my photo to you?
This is really easy! After placing your order you will automatically be taken to our ‘detailed order’ page. On this page you will see any items in your order that we need more info about. One of the options is an image upload box, and using this you will be able to view the files on your computer. You simply navigate to the folder where your picture has been saved and select the image file that you want to use to make your mini canvas art. If you have ordered more than one mini canvas you will be asked to select more than one image – it really is very simple!
How do I get the photo from my camera to my computer?
With your camera, you should have received a cable to connect your camera to your computer and a software application that will allow you to automatically transfer the photos from your camera to your computer. Normally, your photos are then saved to the “My Pictures” folder on a PC and the “Pictures” folder on a Mac. We are also OK to accept memory cards by post, which may make it easier for you – we will return these with your canvas, but please note that we cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damages.
What if I don’t have a digital camera?
We can create your mini canvas from a ‘real’ photo. We realise that even in this digital age many people have either not switched over from film, prefer the results produced by film, or simply wish to use an old photo as the basis of their canvas print – after all displaying a canvas print is all about preserving memories for many people – many of these memories were captured before the digital era that we are currently in!
If you wish to send us a real photograph to make your canvas, we recommend that you use suitable packaging to send it to us in as good condition as possible. We will return your photo with your canvas.
What file formats do you accept?
We are happy to accept almost any image format, but prefer to work with JPEG’s, PSD’s or TIFF’s. We recommend that you send us the highest resolution and quality photo available, no matter how big the file is. The better the quality of the original photo, the better your mini canvas will be. The size however is not as important with a mini canvas, as we frequently reduce the image size rather than attempting to make it bigger, which is where quality issues can occur.
What resolution/file size does my image need to be to ensure a good quality print?
As mentioned above, the higher the resolution the better. However, please note that this is not as important for mini canvases due to the small sizes being printed. We do use specialist software to assist us in changing the size of an image and can normally work almost any image that is sent to us. An important thing to note, for future reference, is to set your digital camera up to be using the best quality setting available. A lot of cameras ship as default to a lower quality setting so that you can fit more pictures into the cameras memory, so it is always wise to amend this setting also for all future photos (and buy a bigger memory card for storage if necessary!)
In summary, the better the quality of the original photo, the better the results will be when printing to canvas.
Can you print any image I send you even if I didn’t take the photo?
When you upload or send us your image(s), you automatically acknowledge that you are either the copyright owner of the image(s), or have obtained written permission from the copyright owner. This permits us to print your mini canvas according to the details provided with your order. Please see our Terms & Conditions for further information.
Your Mini Canvas Art…
Where and how can I hang my finished mini canvas?
There are several options. Our favourite is to display them on our optional mini display easels, which provides the perfect way to show off your masterpiece on your desk, fireplace, windowsill, bedside table etc. Without the easels, you can choose to either fix your mini canvas on the wall if you wish to in the same way that you would with a ‘normal’ sized canvas, or you can still display them on your desk etc but without the easel. We have a few dotted around our office and workshops which are leaning up against monitors for example. They still look OK, but this doesn’t provide the same effect as using the purpose built mini easels.
Alternatively, you may spend a lot of time travelling between offices, hotels etc – if this is the case, you can take your mini canvas with you (with or without an easel!). This way, you are never far away from your most precious memories 
We have had some customers even email us to tell us that they take theirs with them in the car whilst travelling – ideal for taxi drivers, lorry drivers, field sales etc
Does my image wrap around the sides of the mini canvas (“gallery wrap”)?
We give you a number of options regarding the way your stretched canvas art is finished at the edges. The most popular method with other canvas manufacturers is to create ‘gallery wrap’. Just as with our full sized canvas prints, we do not favour this approach for one main reason – you lose the edge details of your image to the side of the frame. This means that when you view your canvas from the front a substantial amount of the image is lost to the sides which can drastically change the way that your image looks.
We prefer to ‘clone’ the edges of your image as this keeps your original image in full view from the front of the canvas, whilst allowing the image to flow nicely around the edges of the frame.
We also offer plain coloured edges. If you select this option we will add a plain edge that matches the dominant colour in your canvas print. You can choose which approach you prefer after you have placed your mini canvas order.
What materials do you use to make my mini canvas?
We are currently using an ultra white 350gsm 100% natural cotton canvas and print with Epsons Ultrachrome inks, which are fade resistant for a minimum of 75 years. This is the same canvas that we use on all of our full sized orders, so you can be assured that it is an excellent quality product. We do test other types of canvas from time to time, but will only ever send finished products out using a product that is at least equal to our existing material.
How are your mini canvas prints stretched?
After printing and varnishing, the mini canvas is stretched by hand and stapled to the rear of our special durable wooden blocks. We then apply a backing to make things look nice and neat, which ensures a professional looking finish.
What protection do you offer against fading or accidental damage?
All pictures will of course eventually fade. There are several major factors that will affect the fading process. The prime culpritsare UV light, natural light and heat. The high archival inks that we use when printing onto canvas material have been formulated specifically for this purpose and will remain fully vibrant for over 75 years in normal indoor lighting.
On ALL mini canvases, we also apply two coats of museum grade Giclee varnish. This will offer further protection against UV damage and other physical damage such as yellowing, moisture and scratches and knocks to the canvas surface. As with any other print or painting, avoiding direct sunlight will maximise the expected life.
Another benefit of applying Giclee varnish to your canvas is that it will also enhance the colours of your canvas beautifully. We use a satin varnish that really lifts the dark colours whilst it also avoids adding a substantial amount of shine to your canvas.
How should I care for my mini canvas?
As mentioned in the previous question, we apply a museum grade Giclee varnish that will provide added protection. We still suggest that you do not expose your canvas print to moisture and do not clean with a wet and damp cloth. Also, do not use any cleaning chemicals.
Can you tile one photo across several canvases?
Yes! See our ‘Mini Split Panel Canvas’ section. We are flexible about what we will create for our customers if there is something specific that you have in mind please get in touch with us. You can read more about our split panel mini canvas art by following the menu links in the right hand ‘panel’.
Can I have any other sizes than those listed on MiniCanvas.co.uk?
Yes! We only sell mini canvases through this website, but our main website is where we sell ‘normal’ sized canvas prints from, specialising in transferring your photo to canvas in all sizes. We have listed the most common sizes on our website but if you want something different just let us know and we will see what we can do!
Image Editing
Can I preview the digital editing before it is printed?
Yes, of course. There is an option that you can select on the order form which tells us whether you wish to receive a preview prior to printing. We are happy to send you a preview, but please bear in mind that this will mean the order process is slowed down slightly. If you are not in a rush to receive your canvas print this may appeal to you.
Will my canvas be the same as the preview image that I see online?
If you request a preview this will show the exact way that your image has been cropped and the kind of edge that you select (cloned, wrapped, plain colour etc). The image that weuse for the preview file is the same image that we send to the printer.
Should I edit my image to the correct size prior to sending it to you?
No, although you may think this is helping us, more often than not it doesn’t actually help but can cause delays and problems. We are happy to make any specific amendments to your image – on the order page there is a ‘Comments’ box that you are welcome to add any information to.
The reason that we prefer customers not to edit their images is because quite often we receive photos that have had background details cropped away for example. If the remaining image dimensions are not in the right proportion to the canvas size that is ordered (which is often the case), we are unable to create the correct size image for printing. If we receive the original, unedited image we can make any adjustments as required. Amending image colours for example before sending us your image is fine but when you resave the image please ensure you use the best quality settings.
Can you edit/crop my photo to how I want it to look?
Yes, of course. As mentioned in the previous answer, a free service for general editing of your photos is included with your order (red eye removal, date stamp removal, colour enhancements etc are free). If your photo requires more extensive editing (background removal, large restoration work etc) we will charge a small fee for this, but will advise you before we start any work.
What if my photo has red-eye or a date stamp?
No problem, red eye removal is included as a matter of course. Prior to printing we will remove any other small obvious blemishes also.
What if my photo is damaged or not of the highest quality?
We are always happy to do our best with any image. We have to deal with damaged photos on a case by case basis but can normally fix them to a good enough standard to make into a canvas print. We will assess the amount of time we estimate that it will take us, and if there is an additional charge we will advise you prior to starting any work.
We will also always provide an online preview of the work carried out prior to printing, to make sure you are happy with it.
I have a fairly old photo which is faded and discoloured can this be used?
As above, we will need to assess the image first. We have a great team of designers who are experts at restoring images etc so we are confident that in nearly all situations we will be able to make your photo useable. However, we will need to advise any additional costs prior to starting work to ensure that you are also happy. Again, an online preview will be provided prior to printing for you to review.
Will my photo look blocky or blurry when made into a mini canvas?
Our expert designers work on a cases by case basis and will apply any necessary effects to ensure your image looks as good as possible. The quality of the original image that you send to us is the most important factor to consider. If your photo is a good resolution/file size and is sharp to begin with then we have a better starting point. This will help us to ensure that your canvas will not look blocky or blurred.
All images are made up of thousands of pixels (small blocks of information). If you were to take an image and enlarge it to ten times its original size you would simply be expanding those blocks and that will result in the image looking ‘blocky’ or ‘pixilated’.
Using a variety of different, specialist imaging software we use the most up to date enlargement algorithms. Rather than just making the expanding blocks bigger, this software will help us to intelligently create new pixels based on the existing information contained in the image. The result is that the image is much sharper and retains the original detail and colour values.
To enhance your canvas, we can then soften or sharpen the whole image or specific parts as necessary.
Will the colours I see on screen be the same as the finished canvas?
No, this cannot be guaranteed. All monitors have different colour settings and most ‘at home’ computers are not calibrated. We use special equipment to calibrate our monitors to ensure that the canvas prints look exactly as they look on our screen. However, if your monitor is not calibrated in the same way, then what we see will be different from what you see on your monitor. This means that there is a strong possibility that the canvas print colour will be slightly different from the one you will have viewed on your monitor.
The canvas that we print on is professionally colour profiled to match our on screen colours, and we use specialist printer software to manage the colour profiles of every print to ensure its accuracy.
Can you combine images from more than one photograph into a single image?
Yes. You are able to send us several images and have them all put onto one canvas. We will soon be adding a number of different styles of canvas montage to our website, but in the meantime are happy to manage this manually at no extra cost.
Simply provide us with detailed instructions when placing your order. In the comments box on the order page you can tell us how you want us to combine these photos into one image. We don’t charge extra for this service.It’s absolutely free – for now!
Can I ask a special request of the graphic designer?
Yes, no problem. We will always try to accommodate any requests. On the order page simply add any information to the comments box and we will see what we can do! We may need to contact you via email to clarify anything and to advise of any additional costs if necessary. Our expert designers are able to do pretty much anything with your original photos, such as: eliminating figures and objects from photos,combining figures from different photos into one image,create colour images from black and white photos, changing the background, and even fix damaged or old photos.
The Order Process, Payment Options etc…
I’m nervous about online shopping. Am I protected from possible fraud?
Yes. All payments are currently being processed using PayPal, an independent payment processor. PayPal is a global leader in online payment solutions with more than 160 million account holders worldwide. You have two options with the Web Payments Pro service – to pay either directly through your PayPal account if you have one or using your debit/credit card in which case PayPal will process your payment in the background. PayPal are renowned for their industry-leading fraud prevention systems.
I wish to place an order but would rather not pay online – what can I do?
We are happy to accept UK cheques. We will be adding this as an option which can be selected in our shopping cart shortly, but in the meantime please contact us for more information if you wish to send a cheque in for payment. Please note that we have to wait 3-4 days for clearance before proceeding with your order
Do I need to create a customer account for placing an order?
Yes. We have made it as easy as possible and only ask for the ‘essential’ information to process/track your order through to delivery. If you place any future orders (which w ehope you will) all you will need is your email address and our system will recall the rest for you. We do not store any payment information and treat all customer data as strictly personal. Your information will not be abused in any way. Please see our terms and conditions for more info.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept most debit and credit cards, PayPal and UK cheques. If you wish to use a different method of payment please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you!
We hope you enjoy your mini canvas art!