Showing posts with label dye sublimated printing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dye sublimated printing. Show all posts

Friday, October 22, 2021

Celebrating 20 Years of Printing Services!



KeenArt Media has been offering high quality printing services to clients all across North America since 2002. Aside from the quantity of services, the quality is also highly important to this company. KeenArt Media prides itself on being able to reward its clients with beautiful artwork as well as support many artists across the continent by helping promote their works! This family run business understands the importance of community as well as how to connect with other artists, other small businesses, and everyday people looking for somewhere to turn. Reflecting on all that has been accomplished at this business over the last 20 years can seem overwhelming, however this article will help break down all the printing services offered here at KeenArt Media.  


About us - Vancouver Fine Art Print & Giclée On Canvas Prints 


When one hears printing services, they often think of a fax machine or Staples. However here at KeenArt Media, we do more than just print an invoice. We offer printing services on a vast variety of materials, such as fabric, canvas, metal, wood, mounts, ceramics, and fine art papers. We use fine art archival inks on giclée materials! With all these options available, KeenArt Media still offers a quick turnaround time, competitive prices, and free shipping (over $99).



Fabric is an excellent choice of material when it comes to dye sublimation, our printing technique. We offer a vast selection of fabrics including; Mesh, Spandex, Jersey, Twill, Holographic, Woven, and Linen to name a few.  However there are two distinct material bases that are used which are Knit and Woven. The main differences between the two are that knit naturally drapes and flows (for items such as apparel, flags, or tablecloths) whereas woven is more sturdy and hardwearing (for items such as banners, signage, upholstery). The only common factor between these materials is that they must be polyester based. This is because the polyester absorbs and locks the ink into the material, making sure it won’t fade or crack. If you’re unsure about which fabric is best suited for you, we also offer fabric sample packs that include ten 7” x 7” polyester fabrics, however we do not accept fabrics supplied by customers. Our fabrics can be used for any clothing type such as T-shirts, leggings, masks, uniforms, active sportswear, and outerwear as well as items such as promotional banners or home wear such as curtains, tablecloths, or tea towels. All fabrics are recommended hand wash or machine wash cold and hang to dry. Our fabrics can be printed on any custom size no larger than 64” x 44”.



 

Polyester Fabric (above)


Vancouver Fabric Printing - Dye Sublimation on Polyester Fabrics 


Our printing services can be used perfectly for gifts, especially when the printed material is a ceramic such as a mug or an acrylic block. Using dye sublimation, we are able to print on ceramic mugs that feature a polyester coating. These mugs come in both 11oz and 15oz sizes as well as come in rather a pearl coating or a black coating with a white patch. The mugs come both dishwasher and microwave safe as well as come scratch resistant with long lasting durability. The finish of the ceramic mugs is a glossy appearance on top of any image of your choosing. The image can appear on one side for a dimension of 3.15” x 3.15” or wrap around the mug for a dimension of 8.46” x 3.15”. These mugs are the perfect gift for a loved one, a co-worker, or a client. The Acrylic Blocks are small 1” thick free standing clear acrylic blocks that have face mounted a print inside using a clear double sided adhesive. These blocks come in sizes ranging from 4” x 4” to 6” x 9” and can weigh up to 2.3lbs. The prints featured inside come in a glossy finish and the brilliant colour produced can last up to 75 years! These blocks are mainly decorative however they can be used as paperweights as well. We recommend that they are perfect as gifts or in an office space!




Vancouver - Mugs - Photo Gifts 


Vancouver - Acrylic Blocks - Photo Gifts 


Fine Art Printing doesn’t necessarily need to be printed on a fancy material, but can go back to its origins of paper prints. At KeenArt Media, we offer an assortment of fine art papers to choose from that way you will always take home something unique and special to you. Our fine art papers come in papers such as Hahnemuhle (William Turner, German Etching, Fine Art Baryta, or Photo Rag/Brilliant White), Moab (Entrada Rag Bright, Entrada Rag Natural), and Exhibition Fine Art Fiber (High D Max). We also offer Coated Papers such as Enhanced Matte and Double Weight Matte as well as Photographic Papers such as Premium Luster, Premium Glossy, Premium Semi Glossy, and Moab Slickrock Metallic (Pearl or Silver). The photographic papers are best for a professional photography appearance whereas our fine art papers are best used for museum quality archival prints or reproductions. No matter the material, our options in fine art printing are perfect for all artists, photographers, and designers alike! Aside from Fine Art Prints, we also offer Greeting Cards which are perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just staying in touch. Our cards come in 5” x 7” foldable greeting cards, 5” x 7” flat cards, or 4” x 6” postcards. All cards are available in glossy, matte, or elegant linen finishes and use archival pigmented inks when printed on. The cards can be vertical or horizontal and come with a white mailing envelope.


Vancouver Fine Art Prints, Art Print Art Posters Canvas Art, & Framed Art Pictures- Prints Plus Posters 


Vancouver Custom Greeting cards, Postcards, Photo Cards, Picture Cards - Make your own card online 


A Plaque Mount is a modern way to display your art without using a frame. Using a wood fiber plaque, the artwork is mounted on top and sealed with a matte, UV protected laminate. The wood plaques come with a beveled edge that is available in multiple different colours. Plaque mount art is permanent, durable, and long lasting as well as protected against moisture, smudges, and scratches. We offer five main plaque mount styles including Standard/Flat Plaque Mount, Box/Flush Plaque Mount, Float Plaque Mount, Matted Plaque Mount, and Combo/Raised Plaque Mount. 

Dry Mounting uses a poster or a photograph and uses heat to attach the print to a surface. The benefits of dry mounting include preservation, avoids wrinkles or tearing, and easy display. Dry Mounting a print can be done on multiple materials such as Foam Boards, Plywood, Sintra, Matboards, Coroplast, and Mighty Boards. This method is perfect for photos, posters, newspapers or magazines, maps, collages, puzzles, artwork, blueprints, certificates, letters and much more!

A Plexiglass Face Mount is similar to a plaque mount as it is a frameless display of art. However instead of laminating a print onto a surface, a Face Mount displays art between a sheet of aluminum and a sheet of clear plexiglass, then they are all fused together. This is done using a cold press. This permanent bond creates a 3D like effect with enhanced vivid colours. This is a perfect option for photographs or artwork printed on metallic or glossy paper.

Block / Plaque Mounting, Vancouver Mount & display photos on MDF 

Vancouver Custom Size Mounting Boards - PlexiGlass, Foam Cores, Dibond, Gator Board, Mighty boards, Sintra (Plastic), Plywoods, Coroplast, Matboards 



Vancouver Face Mounting Prints On Acrylic/PlexiGlass - Acrylic Face Mounting 


Our Canvas Prints are offered in four different forms; a rolled canvas print, a thin canvas gallery wrap, a thick canvas gallery wrap, and a framed canvas print. Our thin canvases come mounted on a ¾ stretcher bar frame whereas our thick canvases come mounted on a 1 ½ stretcher bar frame. Our canvas fabric is made from an archival poly/cotton blend that is acid free, water resistant, stretchable for framing, and instant drying. These canvases can be printed as small as 6” x 6” up to as large as 144” x 64”, as well as on round canvases. We use the special printing process of Giclée which uses high quality, archival, pigmented inks. When printing on canvas, there are four different edge wraps to choose from including mirror canvas wrap, pixel canvas wrap, image canvas wrap, and solid colours.  



Pricing, Photos On Canvas Prints Vancouver - Photos On Canvas Fine art Prints & Gifts 


We offer original handmade oil paintings here at KeenArt Media. Instead of finding and hiring an artist on your own to paint your images, we already have an artist on hand! All you have to do is select your photograph and we will have an artist create an original oil painting version within the month. Our artists are able to paint landscapes, portraits, florals, abstract, and classical reproductions. All the artists are highly skilled and experienced in oil painting, and you will be guaranteed a beautiful original piece of art! 


    KeenArt Media also offers a program in which local artists can upload their artworks to our website in order to get more exposure, and are able to sell their artwork through our business. This program is available to artists, photographers, and art galleries for free. All the artist has to do is upload their artwork, and set their prices and sizes offered. All information can be updated by that artist at any point in time.


Vancouver Handmade oil paintings from photos to artist Canvas - Oil Paintings Reproductions of famous artists; portraits, floral, landscapes, abstract oil paintings 


Vancouver Artist Gallery program , Giclée Art Print Art Posters Canvas Art & Framed Art Pictures- Prints Plus Posters 


Dye Sublimation is the printing process of using heat to infuse inks into a material. The materials we offer to dye sublimate on aside from fabric, are metal such as aluminum, and wood in particular natural. Each print is given a frameless appearance, is permanent and durable as well as scratch resistant, and easy to clean. The natural wood prints are made out of a maple veneer with a low gloss coating, all wood prints are ready to hang as they have pre drilled keyholes in the back. The metal prints are made from aluminum panels which enhance all photographic highlights as well as create a gloss finish. The metal prints come in three different display options including a table easel, float mount hangers, and a ¾ inset frame. Both the metal and wood prints are available in sizes as small as 2” x 3” up to 60” x 40”.



Vancouver Metal & Natural Wood Prints - Dye Sublimation on Aluminum and Wood 


For 20 years KeenArt Media has been perfecting the art of printing. Printing services of many methods and materials used to create endless options for our customers. From Canvas and Fine Art Prints to Metal, Wood, and Fabric Dye Sublimations to Plexiglass, Face, and Dry Mounts. As well as many gift options such as Mugs, Handmade Oil Paintings, and Acrylic Blocks! KeenArt Media strives to create the best printed products for your home, your clients, and yourself! Our printing services are guaranteed to meet your needs and help assist you in any photo reproduction way possible!



For more information: Vancouver Canvas Photo Prints, Custom Made Picture Frames & Plaque Mounts, Face Mounting Prints On PlexiGlass 


Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Printing on Fabric: A History of Dye Sublimation

    Printing on material items such as fabrics, metals, and ceramics is the perfect way to give a personalized gift. Using a special century old printing process called Dye Sublimation allows our company to create unique artwork. Each product comes out fun, original, and completely unique for the receiver.

Special Printer


    The printing process of Dye Sublimation can be applied to polymer coated wood, plastic, or aluminum, as well as polyester fabrics. This is done using heat and pressure, instead of using a printer directly on the chosen material. Before beginning to dye sublimate, the image is first printed on transfer paper using special inks. Then the paper is placed face down on the chosen material, soon after the heat and pressure are applied. The inks from the paper begin to sublimate, the process of turning from solid to vapor state, and saturate into the chosen material whilst expanding with the heat. After the material has cooled, the image is trapped permanently within the surface as the fibers have retracted.

    In 1957, Frenchman Noel de Plasse invented Dye Sublimation printing. Although at the time, it was referred to as transfer printing. De Plasse’s discovery found that dyes could easily sublimate when utilized with high temperatures. This approach was first commercialized by a company called Sublistatis SA. Prior to this revelation, the study of inkjets and an early encounter with piezoelectricity can both date back to the early 19th century. This is relevant as both were later on combined to create the process of sublimation.

Printed Fabric

    When printing on polyester fabric, it is unlikely that the images will fade or crack for many years to come. This is due to the fact that the dyes have been directly absorbed into the fabric, becoming one. The dye sublimated image is protected against UV damage, ozone gas, and air pollution which furthers its lifespan to decades. Over time the image will eventually fade when used regularly or with normal washing. There are two distinct choices of fabrics used. The first being a woven material for sturdy and hardwearing banner stands, exterior banners, or exterior signage. The second being an upholstery knit material that drapes and flows more naturally, and is best used for custom apparel, indoor flags and banners, photographic backdrops and table covers.

Printing on fabric is an easy process for an original gift! With our wide variety of fabrics available, you can create your own tapestry, clothing, or signage. We also supply t-shirts and face masks if you’re unsure where to start. Using the process of dye sublimation on fabric is a simple and long lasting product with endless possibilities for creation! Show us your creative designs and get them printed on fabric today!


Visit our official website for more information!


Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Dye Sublimation on Natural Wood

Dye Sublimation is a printing process in which a heat press infuses ink into a material. The material we will be learning about printing onto today is wood. In this post, we will discuss the step by step process of how to dye sublimate as well as the pros and cons of the product itself. Before you dye sublimate, you must have the proper materials to get started. The first material you will need is a blank wood panel. 


As you can see, it has a blue film on one side. This is because this is the side we will be printing onto as it has a thin coat of polyester which is what the ink will lock onto. These wood panels come in a few different sizes but limited shapes. The sizes range from as little as 8" x 8", all the way up to as large as 20" x 30". For more sizing information please see our website for further details by clicking here.



 Next we have transfer paper which is what the image will be printed onto first before the wood. The ink we will be using is water based and produces high intensity colors. However, the ink cartridges do not produce white pigment therefor any image with white shadings will show the natural material beneath, in this case natural wood.


After we have collected all our materials we can begin to dye sublimate using our heat press. First we will apply a sheet of brown paper as the bottom layer on our heat press. On top of that we will apply the transfer paper with the image printed on it face up. After peeling off the blue film, we will apply the wood panel face down on top of the transfer paper, making sure it is centered and lined up with the transfer paper image. We will then add heat resistant tape to the panel and paper on all four sides to keep them from moving around so that the image will not get distorted when printing. Lastly we will apply a top layer of brown paper on the wood. The heat press is then closed for approximately one minute at around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the heat press is applied, the heat and pressure infuse the inks from the transfer paper into the polyester coating on the wood panel. There is no chance of the image peeling or bubbling as it is not a layer on top of the wood but infused into the wood. Once it is done cooking, we will put our oven mitts on for safety and take the materials out of the heat press. Set them aside to cool before opening.



 Here we have the final product of dye sublimation on natural wood. As you can see the image has a warm earthy tone giving it a vintage appearance. The ink coloring is bright, vivid and rich once printed on the wood. That being said, the wood can give off a yellowish tone and can be harsh on certain images and colorings. It is noteworthy to mention that printing on wood is most suitable for photography images and not recommended for family portraits. 
The laminate coating creates a scratch proof, water resistant protection and gives off no glare.


All wood panels come with predrilled keyholes so it is ready to hang and requires no frame. A bonus is that as it is a solid piece of wood, therefor damage is less likely as there is no delicate features such as glass or a frame. 
There are multiple product material options available when it comes to dye sublimation and no matter which version you choose, you will end up with a very unique long lasting piece of art.



Friday, January 5, 2018

Happy New Year + New Products!

Happy New Year, everyone!

We hope everyone's had a great holiday and rest these past couple of weeks. With the holiday rush out of the way, we can now breathe a big sigh of relief and return to our regular turnaround times:

Product/Service Super Rush Rush Standard
Turnaround Time
Canvas Gallery Wraps/Transfer 1 day 2 days 3-5 days
Custom Made Picture Frames 1 day 2 days 3-6 days
Dye Sublimation - Metal & Wood Printing 1 day 2 days 3-4 days
Dry-Mounting, Stretching & Coating 1 day 2 days 4-6 days
Rolled Canvas / Fine Art Prints 1 day 2 days 2-4 days
Restorations, Collage & Popart Designs & Image Effects 1 day 2 days 3-4 days
Artwork Scanning 1 day 2 days 3-6 days
Plexi Face-mounting 2 days 4 days 6-8 days
Resin Coatings 2 days 3 days 4-6 days
Plaque Mounting & Greeting Cards 3 days 4 days 6-8 days
Handmade Oil Paintings 2 weeks 3 weeks 4-5 weeks


In the joy of the new year, we also have a few new dye-sublimated products, launching soon! For example...





11oz Pearl Coat Mugs A high quality premium AA+ grade polyester coat ceramic mug available in bright white gloss finish. These mugs are coated with our super white pearl coating allowing images to be brighter and more vivid. Perfect for colourful images, photos, or brands. Also comes in 15oz  or 11 oz Black with White Patch
  • Dishwasher Safe - Rated for up to 3500 cycles
  • Microwave safe and heat resistant
  • Lead and cadmium free
  • FDA Compliant
  • CA Prop 65 Approved
  • Ceramic Platinum 32 Handle Strength Test






Follow us on Facebook for more updates on when these will go live!

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KeenArt Media is a family-owned printing company specializing in fine art prints and reproduction services, such as scanningdry mounting, and dye sublimation (onto metal or wood!). Whether it's for the home or for the gallery, we have you covered.  Inquire today!

KeenArt Media Ltd. Toll Free: 1-88-533-6278
www.VancouverOnCanvas.com
Working Hours:
8:30 AM to 5:00PM Monday to Thursday
8:30 AM to 4:00PM Friday