Art Scanning and Digital Capture

Artwork Scanning and Digital Capture

Artwork scanning is a top priority at our fine art print studio, where we collaborate with artists who paint, illustrate, draw, and explore mixed mediums, including large formats. In today’s digital era, the significance of archiving and digitizing artwork for web presentation is critical for creating impeccable prints. Discover the world of archival prints and giclees, capturing the true essence of your original artwork through expert scanning, which is the crucial first step in the artwork reproduction and giclee printing process


WHAT TYPES OF ARTWORK CAN YOU SCAN?

We’ve scanned and captured many types of artwork up to 96″ wide – here’s just a sample of some:



  • Watercolor, acrylic, and oil paintings 
  • Charcoal and pastel drawings
  • Mixed media historic documents
  • Maps
  • Glass plate negatives
  • Quilts and textiles
GET IN TOUCH

SPECIALIZED ARTWORK SCANNING

The image capture process begins in our “Scanning Cave” reduced-glare environment. Using specially designed lighting, top-of-the-line cameras and scanners, and a tried and true cross-polarization process, we capture a high-resolution digital image of your work. 

PRECISION COLOR MATCHING

We use specialized color matching software for accuracy and efficiency. Since each artwork and medium (oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc.) has a unique range of colors and pigments, our custom setups offer high resolution and high accuracy.

SUPERIOR RESULTS

The result is a faithful, print-ready file with the best possible match to your original. To ensure quality, add a proof print on paper or canvas. We are happy to do further custom edits in case you need to improve upon the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • TURNAROUND TIMES

    7 business days for scanning/capture, file setup, and preparation of test print. After test prints are approved, we generally require 4 business days for prints on paper, and 2 weeks for prints on canvas. While we always try to accommodate your specific project requirements, turnaround may vary due to workload in house. Larger projects may require 1-3 weeks turnaround, depending on the scope of the project.

  • DO YOU DO RUSH ORDERS, OR "SCAN WHILE YOU WAIT" SERVICES?

    We offer 2-day rush orders for scanning if our workload allows it. Add 50% to the costs listed. Same-day rush capture service may be available depending on projects in house. Add 100% to the costs listed above for capture fees. Please call 510-227-8334 for scheduling.

  • SCANNING OR DIGITAL CAPTURE - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

    Both methods create digital files of your artwork. Larger paintings, or those with textured brushstrokes, metallic paints, and/or glossy surfaces must be digitally captured using our capture system with up to 400 megapixels of resolutiom. We use a suite of color matching software for best possible color match to the pigments of your originals. Our optimized lighting enhances brushstrokes and fine details. Cross polarization is used to eliminate or control reflections. All in all, it’s a finely tuned system that records the subtle hues, delicate details, and color fidelity of your original artwork.

  • WHY DO METALLICS COST MORE TO CAPTURE?

    Artwork with metallics and iridescents can require multiple scans and extra editing time to properly capture the range of detail.

  • WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM SIZE YOU CAN SCAN?

    The largest painting we’ve captured to date was 52″ x 96″. The medium was charcoal and pastel on Arches paper.

  • WHAT ABOUT SHINY ORIGINALS AND FRAMED PIECES?

    We handle metallics and other shiny materials with a custom lighting setup and filters that reduce or eliminate glare. Additionally, this lets us scan most framed pieces without needing to remove the frame (or glass). Additional charges may apply if complex edited is required to reach color accuracy (this may occur if the glass is UV coated, for example).

  • CAN I BRING MY OWN SCANS OR FILES?

    We can work from your own scans or digital captures, provided their quality and resolution is suitable for printing. Imaging, correction, and color matching is $150/hr, billed in 1/4 hour increments. Proof prints are $20. If you have copy slides of your artwork, you’ll need to order a drum scan in addition to the setup fees listed here.

  • CAN I SEND YOU MY ORIGINALS FOR SCANNING?

    Yes! Please click here for our artwork scanning form and imaging agreement. You’ll need to fill these out and submit them with your artworks.

  • CAN YOU COME TO MY STUDIO AND SCAN MY PAINTINGS?

    Contact us for offsite day rates in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Online Ordering

Our online ordering include the best, quickest, easiest path to fabulous print products from your images. From your web browser.