Company

How did flōt·art get started?

flōt·art was founded by Neil Donaldson, who is a fine-art nature photographer. The expense of traditional framing methods combined with the problems inherent in the process; glare from the glass, pictures hanging crooked on the wall, and size limitations set him on a search for a better way to display his photographs. The search led to the process he dubbed “float mounting”. When he started displaying his photographs in this way, Neil received many requests from other people to mount their photographs in the same way. Thus, flōt·art was born.

What does the name flōt·art mean?

The name flōt·art (pronounced “float art”) is descriptive of the product — your art (digital image) floats elegantly on your wall.

Products

What is flōt·art?

flōt·art is the affordable alternative to traditional framing methods.

flōt·art crafts a print from your digital image file using archival paper and inks. This print is bonded to a premium wood substrate using archival quality dry-mounting tissue. The mounted print is then covered with a tough, durable, transparent UV vinyl film and treated with heat and pressure to produce a tightly sealed laminated panel. The panel is carefully trimmed and the edges are finished with black enamel. A wood flōt·mount is added to the back of the panel. You receive a beautiful, ready-to-hang print that floats elegantly on your wall.

What flōt·art sizes do you offer?

flōt·art is available in sizes from 8″ x 8″ and up to 48″ x 96″

How big can I make my print?

30″ x 45″ prints from 10 megapixel cameras are common. See the blog post, What Size Can I Make My Print? Part 1 ,

What resolution should I make my image?

The resolution of the image produced by your camera is measured in pixels. For example your camera might be capable of capturing images that are 3,000 by 4,000 pixels (or 12 megapixels).

When your image is printed on paper, each pixel is converted into a dot of pigment on photo paper. Resolution of the printed image is measured in pixels per inch (ppi). A given image can be printed at different resolutions depending on the size of the print. For example, a 20″ x 30″ print of a 3,000 x 4,000 digital image has a resolution of 200 ppi. A 30″ x 45″ print of the same image has a resolution of 150 ppi.

Generally, small prints are viewed more closely and need higher resolution. Large prints are viewed from a greater distance and the resolution can be somewhat lower. The minimum resolution for flōt·art prints are based on this principle. Specifically, prints 16″ x 24″ and smaller require a minimum resolution of 180 ppi. Prints larger than 16″ x 24″ require a minimum resolution of 150 ppi.

What if my image doesn’t have enough pixels to print the size I want?

If you have a high quality image (it is sharp and well exposed) use photo editing software to increase the resolution as necessary. Setting the resolution at 300 ppi is optimal. See the Resources page for links to sites that offer free photo editing software.

Will the flōt·art I receive look exactly like it does on my monitor?

There will always be a slight variation between the print and the computer monitor. There are a few reasons for this:

1. Prints are capable of showing more colors than monitors.
2. Your monitor shows projected light (the light shines directly through the image on the computer monitor). Your print shows reflected light (the light reflects off the print itself).
3. The type of light that is illuminating your print will change the way your print looks. If you look at your print outside, then in your kitchen, then under a lamp, then in the bathroom, you’ll see the image become lighter, darker, warmer or cooler. Your monitor has specific lightness, darkness and color temperature, and you need to look at your print in a similar light to view your print accurately.
4. Individual monitors will display the same image differently.

Our color-managed workflow will give the best results possible. However it is important that you test and calibrate your monitor to ensure that it is displaying colors as accurately as possible. The blog post, Calibrate Your Monitor for Better Results , gives tips on evaluating and calibrating your monitor. See the Resources page for links to sites that offer monitor calibration tools.

How do I install my flōt·art?

flōt·art installs easily with a simple cleat that attaches to the wall. See the Installation & Product Care Guide (PDF) for all questions related to flōt·art installation and care.

What if I notice a slight bowing of my flōt·art?

The wood panel is flexible and slight bowing, especially on large pieces, is not unusual. However once you mount your flōt·art on the wall the wall cleat will straighten out the bow.

Ordering

How do I order flōt·art?

Ordering your flōt·art print is easy!

• From the Order flōt·art page, find the size category you desire.
• In the adjacent drop-down box, select the flōt·art print size you want. Don’t forget to type in the name of the image file you will be uploading and click the “Add To Cart” button.
• Select any additional services you want such as retouch or restore and click the “Add To Cart” button.
• Check out is safe and secure with PayPal. If you don’t have an account, and don’t wish to open one, you can pay safely and securely with your credit or debit card.
• When check out is complete you will be sent to a page to upload your image file(s).  If you want to take advantage of our free image enhancement service (basic cropping, resizing and exposure, contrast and color adjustments), or if you ordered retouch/restore services, indicate what you would like us to do in the comment section.  If you would like us to contact you to discuss your image leave a phone number and a good time to reach you in the comment section.

Do you charge sales tax?

We collect sales tax for shipments to California only.

Uploading Images

What file formats does flōt·art accept?

• We accept .jpg, .tif and .psd files.

How do I upload my images to flōt·art?

• When check out is complete you will be sent to a page to upload your image file(s).

What if I’m not sent to the upload page after I place my order?

• We send an order confirmation email that includes a link to the page where you can
  upload your image file(s).

What if I have problems uploading my image?

• Contact us and we will help you.

Gift Coupons

What are Gift Coupons?

Gift coupons allow you to give flōt·art to friends and family as a gift. We will email a gift coupon code to you. When the gift coupon code is entered on the checkout page, the order total will be discounted by the value of the gift coupon. Gift coupon balances do not retain unspent value for future use so be sure to use the full value when placing your order.

Can I print Gift Coupons?

If you would like to download and print a gift coupon, click here . There are spaces to fill-in the gift coupon code and value.

Shipping

How much do you charge for shipping & handling?

We carefully package your flōt·art print before shipping to you. Everything you need to hang your beautiful print is included. Shipping and handling charges are calculated as follows:

All shipments include insurance.

Returns

What is your return policy?

We want you to be as excited about your flōt·art print as we are.  You can return flōt·art for any reason within 15 days of receipt for a full refund. If the reason for return is because it is defective or damaged in shipping, we will repair or replace the flōt·art product and ship it to you free of charge.

How do I return a product?

Use the Contact form on our web site to communicate your request and the reason for the return. We will instruct you how to return the product.

Warranty

What is your warranty?

flōt·art is warranted against failure for the lifetime of the product. If you experience any problem with the product, you can return it. Upon return of the product we will repair or replace it and ship it to you, unless we determine that the damage was caused by mishandling or improper treatment. Use the Contact form on our web site to communicate the warranty concern. We will instruct you how to return the product.