our process

With thumbprints you can trust in the process because we only use the highest quality inks, canvas media and printing facilities. Our team are masters at framing and stretching canvas which should be classed as an art of its own. Thumbprints specialise in one thing only... CANVAS PRINTING! We are one of the rare canvas companies that does everything from printing the canvas to making the frames to stretching the canvas, all by ourselves. This means you’re not paying extra for the framing company and printers. We use the same gicilee printing process used in London galleries. 

Ink and printer

We use the iPF8000 which is simply exceptional. This 44” device incorporates Canon’s new 12-colour pigment ink system, which is capable of delivering the broadest colour gamut in its class. Two new high density print heads produce a droplet size of 4pl and have an incredible 30,720 nozzles in total, allowing the iPF8000 to combine quality with levels of productivity that far exceed expectation, well outstripping many competitive models. This combined with Canon inks which have a 75 year archival life and you have the perfect gift or masterpiece. Other inks will start to fade in a year.

Canvas

Our canvas is the highest quality material available for printing images. Thumbprints will not reduce the quality of its product to sell at a cheaper price. The canvas we use is a polyester / cotton blend and is designed specifically for printing photos and the reproduction of art. It is acid free and has a 75 year archival quality. Meaning the prints will last for generations to come.

Frame

Thumbprints makes its own frames which gives you the opportunity to get creative and make whatever size canvas you want no matter how odd. You can also select between a 3.5cm, 4cm and 6cm framing edge. Our timber is a finger joint pine - perfect for canvas stretching and is put together using a special framing machine called an underpinner. This is the reason why our canvases are stronger than so many others out there.

Laminating

We offer you two styles to finish off your masterpiece - matt and glossy. This makes it look better and helps protect your picture and make it dust and water-resistant. We give it two coats, which is something you just won’t get from the bigger and cheaper companies out there. To take care of your canvas print just get a damp cloth and wipe over it when it is dusty. Our products look so good because we put our individual thumbprint of approval on each and every one.

Stretching

We have imported a special stretching machine from America. This machine allows us to take out the human error of over and under stretching the canvas, hence no cracking along the edges or loose canvas like you get from other companies. We are one of the first to be using this machine so you can be assured a perfect stretch every time!