We are focused on delivering bespoke printing that meets and exceeds our client's creative visions. We are ever thankful that many new clients come from word-of-mouth recommendations for our fine art services which we provide to photographers, artists, galleries, and private individuals alike. From the largest exhibition to the simplest one-off picture, we strive to give all work the full measure of our care and attention.
Our one-to-one service allows us to work with you to navigate the possibilities, and limitations, of the archival pigment ink printmaking process to best realise your work. We can provide as little or as much help as you want to enhance and prepare your files before printing, with a specialisation in upscaling and enlargement for large format output.
Not sure how to size your digital image? Worried about colours staying true to the original? Unsure which paper would best suit your imagery and want to make some test prints? Need a very specific paper size? All of this is covered by our bespoke process.
Download our latest services price list here
GENERAL PRINTING FAQs
What papers do you have?
We have two qualities of paper – Fine Art and Folio. The Fine Art range encompasses all our archival, museum-quality papers such as Hahnemuhle and DaVinci which have been lightfast tested. We have papers such as Photo Rag, Baryta, Pearl, William Turner, but are open to using other papers; if you have a specific paper you'd like to use just give us a call and we will always try to accommodate. The Folio range is designed for portfolio/proofing use, these are quick and easy papers that you don’t need to keep for years to come. The paper base has been bleached to give you a bright white “canvas” to print on. We are able to discuss and advise on paper types to help achieve the best results for your work specifically, just get in touch.
Can I bring my own paper in?
Yes you can, provided the paper has an inkjet coating. There is a charge of £100+VAT for this option as we will need to create a printer profile for your paper so we are able to deliver the same quality in colour accuracy and get the best from the printer and paper.
What format should my file be?
We like the following file types: TIFF, EPS, PDF, PSD, JPG. However, if you have a file that’s an AI, PNG, RAW, etc. we can generally convert them to our preferred format.
What size can you print?
We can print on roll sizes up to 64” (1.6m) wide, and as long as the length of that roll – the average is 15 metres. We use DIN-sized cut sheets starting from A4 up to A2, however, we are able to trim these down to whatever size you need.
How quickly can you turn around a print?
Generally speaking, we can turn prints around in a 1-2 day timeframe. It is possible we can turn small print jobs around faster, within a matter of hours if needs be; this is dependent on our current workload. If the job is large or complex we would ask that you give us a few days to complete it. At the time of handing over the job, we will be able to give you a more accurate turnaround time.
Can you print double-sided?
We can print double-sided up to A2; there are only a handful of papers that are coated on both sides. We have been printing portfolios for many years and understand all the pitfalls of double-sided printing so we are able to take the headache out of printing your book yourself.
Do you deliver or can I collect?
We offer both delivery and collection options for all of our services and products. For delivery, we can send prints out domestically and internationally without any of our branding so your clients and customers don’t need to know the prints have not come from you. For collection, we are based in London EC1 and open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm; you will receive a notification once your work is ready to collect.
ON-DEMAND EDITION PRINTING
Chau was one of the first in the UK to offer on-demand edition pigment ink print production and we continue to give a complete solution including order fulfillment and export alongside the recording of edition numbers in paperwork. We are able to print certificates and any other relevant paperwork to accompany the artwork so you are able to offer remote print sales to your clients. If you would like to know more about this, please give us a call.
TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
How can I get my file to you?
You can use our WeTransfer page to send your digital files to us. If you are planning to come in for a print consultation you can bring your files to us on a portable hard drive.
How do I get my files print-ready?
Files should be sized to fit within DIN paper sizes, which can all be in this section, with a resolution of 300ppi. Files should be 8 bit, flat (i.e. no layers) and with an sRGB colour profile attached. We don’t need crop marks, bleed lines or safety areas - just make sure you are happy with the placement of your image on the paper size you are selecting for print.
Which file types do you accept?
We like the following file types: TIFF, EPS, PDF, PSD, JPG
DIN Paper Sizes and Standard Print Sizes
A4 210 x 297mm
A3 297 x 420mm
A3+ 329 x 483mm
A2 420 x 594mm
Will you check my files before printing?
We always check files over before printing, if any queries arise, we check them over with you beforehand so there are no surprises with the final print.
Can you trim my print to a specific size?
While we prefer leaving trimming to the framer, we can trim up to a certain size, so feel free to chat with us about what you need.