FAQs ----  Frequently Asked Questions

We do not publish post cards or sizes smaller than those offered on this site.

CHOOSING YOUR MEDIA
Each of our medias imparts its own personality onto the images being printed on it.
We use only UV-resistant, Kodak inks.

Canvas
We print on Kodak 19 mil canvas. It is a smooth, matte-finished canvas with a cloth-like feel and a fine texture. Colors look very bright and vibrant on the canvas. Unlike watercolor or photogloss, canvas is traditionally stretched on stretcher bars, without mats or glass. Framing is optional. I’ve never seen anything printed on canvas that didn’t look great, and I especially recommend it for ‘linen’ postcard images. Canvas giclees are waterproof and, properly stretched, can be used in a protected outside location.

Photogloss
We print on Kodak premium 270 gram photogloss paper. Photogloss has a smooth, shiny surface, and is ideal for ‘real photo’ postcard images, since it makes them look just like photographs. I do not suggest using photogloss for ‘linen’ postcard images. Our printer reproduces the image of the linen cards’ texture, and I find the smooth, shiny surface of the photogloss is not the best choice for these images. 
Photogloss prints are traditionally matted with glass and framed.

Watercolor 
We print on Hahnemuhle 190 mil watercolor paper, a heavy, lovely paper with a medium texture and matte finish. Watercolor is a great paper for anything: photographs, linens, cards early and cards late - everything looks good on watercolor paper. The heavy paper absorbs ink readily, so colors tend to be more muted when printed on watercolor paper, as opposed to either photogloss or canvas.

Color brightness most to least: canvas>photogloss>watercolor
Media shininess most to least: photogloss>canvas>watercolor
Media "grit" most to least: watercolor>canvas>photogloss

We would be happy to help you make media selections, and discuss the various options available to you. You are always welcome to email us with questions about making the best media choice for a specific image.

CUSTOM WORK FROM YOUR MATERIAL
We routinely work with clients' vintage artwork and photographs. There are additional fees involved. If you have your own artwork, please contact us by email at americanpostcard@comcast.net.

SHIPPING
We ship all our prints rolled in a triangular tube.

Florida clients! FYI: UPS "ground" service between Florida addresses is basically ‘next day.’ Don’t overpay, when it’s going to get to you the day after we ship it, no matter what level of service you select.

If it’s absolutely, positively got to be there on a certain date, please let us know. If your print has to be to someone by a certain date, it’s good to let us know via email, and we’ll make sure it gets there on time.