Tuesday 24 March 2026
Last Tuesday, was a “Printing and Presentation” Workshop led by Duncan from DNA Printing. Whether you are a fan of home printing or prefer using external labs, the session provided a comprehensive roadmap for turning digital files into gallery-ready art.
Print file preparation
The process starts long before the ink hits the paper. Duncan emphasised that prints are often returned darker than expected because either the Author hasn’t set the white point or the screen is too bright. Screens are backlit whereas prints are viewed as reflected light. Screen calibration is vital, to ensure the Author sees as close a representation of the print on their screen. As a “rule of thumb” it is recommended to dim your screen to 50% brightness and edit using a background colour that matches your intended mount (or use mid-grey if not wanting to switch and change the workspace frequently).
The subject of Aspect Ratios was reviewed. It is recommended to stick to standard ratios like 10×8 or 6×4 makes printing easier, cheaper, and more consistent.
File Formats: When using external printers (internet or local printer) create a standard format (JPEG or TIFF) file. While some printers accept Photoshop files, many cannot open proprietary software formats.
Choosing Your Materials
When it comes to paper, one size does not fit all. Lustre paper is a reliable “workhorse” suitable for about 80% of images, but highly saturated shots may look better on Glossy or Metallic paper. For a more painterly aesthetic, textured Art paper is the preferred choice. Also, remember that any pure white areas will not receive any ink, but rather take their tone from the selected paper.
Pigment-based inks are usually recommended for longevity and the images produced can last 20 to 30 years in daylight, whereas dye-based inks may only last 6 or 7 years before fading. However, if being kept in albums, cupboards etc. dye-based inks are a cheaper option and will last for a lifetime.
The Finishing Touch: Mounting and Matting
Presentation can make or break an image. The “Golden Rules” for mounting include:
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Stay Acid-Free: Use only archival materials to prevent your prints from yellowing.
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Avoid Permanence: Never adhere a print permanently to a backing board. Instead, use a T-hinge or corner mounts.
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Bottom Weighting: For a professional look, make the bottom border of your mat 10-15% wider than the top and sides. This counteracts the optical illusion that a print is “sliding” down the frame.
Finally, handle your work with clean and dry hands (or use cotton gloves) and allow the print time to “outgas”; to dry and release trapped vapours before presenting.