FINE ART SCANNING- Be sure to check out our unique large format scanning services.
Big Scan Info |
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SCANNING AND PREPRESS SERVICES
On This Page:
Prepress Services
Good Scan
Cruse Scanner
L.L. Bean Scan
Drum Scanning
Pricing
Prepress Services
Our prepress department can assist with graphic design, digital enhancement, photo restoration and scanning of transparencies and original artwork. Our technicians are quite skilled in Photoshop and other software.
A Great Giclee Starts With A Good Scan
When creating a giclee of a painting, the first step is to create a high resolution digital image of the painting, and superior scans yield superior prints. By direct-scanning a painting, we are able create first generation files.
Cruse Large Format Scanner
After extensive research of oversize scanning systems and digital camera backs, we choose the German-built Cruse scanner. We are one of few select U.S. giclee printers to install this premium scanning system. Other installs include such locations as the Beethoven Museum in Bonn, Germany, the Vatican's Secret Archives and NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.
Our scanner is the system of choice for reproducing artwork, rare documents, maps, artifacts, books, etc. It is designed to handle paintings up to 4" thick, so scanning stretched canvas paintings is no problem. Our scanner accommodates sizes up to 36" x 48", or larger if tiled.
Direct scanning provides precise surface detail and color information. In fact, we have reproduced several paintings considered "too difficult" to reproduce by other shops.
L. L. Bean Cover Scan
The image above is a scan of a watercolor painting sent to us for a L.L. Bean catalog. The designer was unhappy with drum and digital camera back scans purchased elsewhere. The painting was shipped to us, we scanned and returned it the following day-without problems. The agency was quite pleased with the scan noting it catpured the subtle detail and color information they needed. The file was used to produce the cover of the Winter 2003 L.L. Bean catalog.
Drum Scanning
When working with transparencies, there is no substitute for a good drum scan. Our drum scanner creates very sharp and detailed images from 35mm slides, medium format and 4"x5" transparencies. We recommend 4" x 5" transparencies shot by a qualified professional photographer. Our technicians are very experienced in scanning and working with transparencies.
Pricing
Our large format scanning prices are one of the best values you'll find anywhere. Cost is comparable or less to having a transparency made and scanned.
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Transparency Scanning |
| Fine Art Scan |
$25.00 - $45.00 |
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Large Format Scanning |
| 300 dpi |
Up To
18" x 24" |
19" x 25" –
29" x 39" |
30" x 40" + |
Large Format
(compare value) |
$99.95 |
$129.95 |
$149.95 |
| Upgrade Cost For Art Reproduction Bundle |
$60.00 |
$80.00 |
$100.00 |
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Large archive and volume scan jobs by quote
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SCANNING
BITS & BYTES
What resolution should my painting be scanned?
Artwork should be scanned so final resolution is 200 - 300 dpi at the print size.
To determine proper scan resolution, first you need to know the ratio between the original painting and print size. For example, if the painting is 8" x 10" and you want to print at 16" x 20", the enlargement ratio is 2X or 200%. Next multiply times the desired resolution. So, by scanning at 400 to 600 dpi (200dpi x 2 or 300dpi x 2), there will be sufficient resolution to print at the bigger size.
If you scan a smaller slide or transparency, scanning at 1,500 to 4,000 dpi or more is common.
Aren't high resolution files big?
Yes, they certainly can be. Using the above example, a 8" x 10" file at 600 dpi is about 82 megabytes in size.
Can I scan my own paintings and slides?
Usually only recommended if you have high-end professional equipment and proper training.
How are digital files created to print giclees?
For fine art, a.) Scan painting on flatbed scanner, or; b.) Scan transparency of artwork, or; c.) Photograph painting via camera with high-end digital scanning back, or; d.) Direct scan with specialized large format fine art scanner (best).
If direct scanning is so good, why doesn't everyone offer it?
Simple, special large format scanners for fine art are very expensive- hitting 6 figures!
Can I take a digital photo of my painting for making giclees?
Probably not. To get good quality, you need much higher resolution and special lighting equipment.
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