Packing And Delivery

How a panel leaves our Randburg floor

Once a print has passed colour approval and final inspection, it moves into packing. We protect the coated aluminium face first, then the corners, edges and any hanging hardware. Gloss, matte, white and brushed finishes all need a slightly different wrap method because fingerprints, scuffing and rub marks show up differently on each surface. The aim is to keep the panel clean and straight from our Randburg base to your door or collection point.

Each order is checked against the job sheet before it leaves, including size, finish, orientation and mounting choice. If a panel is going with stand offs, adhesive hangers or a hidden rail system, those parts are packed seperately and marked clearly so nothing gets missed at the receiving end.

What is included in the packing stage

Packing is not just a box around a print. It is a set of protective steps that suit aluminium photo panels and the way they travel inside a courier network. We use corner protection, surface wrap, rigid outer packing and clear labelling for upright handling where needed. For larger sheets, we also check flex points so the panel does not bow during transit.

• Surface wrap for the printed face and rear
• Corner and edge protection for handled items
• Rigid boxing for smaller panels and flat cartons for larger ones
• Labelled hardware packs where mounting pieces are included
• Dispatch marking for collection, local delivery or national courier handover

Clients must own the images they send or have the right to use them. If there is a reprint after damage in transit, the file and finish details are kept on record for matching, which helps when a replacement needs to look consistent with the original run.

From file sign-off to dispatch truck

The packing and delivery process starts only after the image file has been approved for print. That means the resolution, crop, colour profile and final dimensions must be in order before the panel is made. A file that looks fine on a screen can still show softness on aluminium if the source image is too small, so we review that before release. For large wall pieces, we check viewing distance and layout as well, especially when a multi panel set has to line up across joins.

After packing, the order is routed either for collection in Randburg or for delivery to Johannesburg, Midrand, Sandton, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban or Gqeberha through a courier or local run.That keeps the handover practical instead of rushed.

• File approval and size confirmation
• Print, cure and final surface inspection
• Packing with finish specific protection
• Courier booking or local delivery allocation
• Tracking or collection handover once dispatched

Timing for local handover and national courier runs

Turnaround depends on the panel size, quantity, finish and whether hardware or custom sizing is included. A single standard panel can move through packing quickly, while large orders, test panels or multi piece sets need more handling time. We give clients a realistic dispatch window before the order leaves, not a guess that changes later.

Local Johannesburg orders are often packed for collection or same-area delivery where routing allows it. National deliveries are sent through trusted courier routes to major centres and outlying areas. In busy periods, road closures, weather or courier backlogs can stretch timing a bit, so we advise clients to plan for a small margin if the panels are needed for an opening, install or presentation date.

Glass, timber and loose decor are not part of this service, so the pack sizes stay controlled and easier to handle. The client gets a cleaner unpacking process and less risk of damage on arrival.

Pricing that follows the size of the job

Packing and delivery pricing is worked out from the actual order, not a flat guess. The main cost factors are panel size, quantity, finish, mount type, packing material and delivery zone. A small matte print for office reception needs less packaging than a large brushed finish display travelling to the Cape over a longer courier route.

We also look at whether the order needs extra protection because of a delicate mounting layout or a premium surface. Clients ordering several panels at once may find it more efficient to group the dispatch into one shipment, especially for offices, hospitality spaces or exhibition work. The pricing approach stays transparent: you pay for the handling the job really needs, nothing padded in for the sake of it.

• Single panel and multi panel shipment options
• Local collection or courier delivery
• Packaging adjusted to finish and size
• Special handling for larger or heavier pieces

Aftercare once the box is opened

When the panel arrives, open the carton on a clean flat surface and lift it by the sides, not the face. If the print was packed for a gloss finish, avoid touching the front until it is on the wall because fingerprints show faster on that surface. Matte and brushed finishes are more forgiving, but they still need clean hands and a soft cloth if a mark appears.

Keep the box and inner protection until you are sure the panel is undamaged, especially for long distance deliveries. If the panel is going straight into a humid space, such as near the coast or in a room that gets a lot of temperature change, let it acclimatise briefly before mounting. That small step helps with handling and reduces the chance of snagging during install.

We also keep notes on finish, size and hardware so if a replacement panel or matching set is needed later, the details are on hand. That is useful for galleries, offices and photographers who may add to the same wall over time.