How your panel is packed before it leaves Randburg
Every aluminium photo panel is checked before packing, then wrapped so the printed face and the edges are protected in transit. The goal is to keep the coating, corners and mounting points safe from scuffs, dust and pressure marks. For larger panels we add extra edge protection and stronger carton support, because a 900 x 600 mm panel needs different handling to a smaller studio piece.
We also check the finish before dispatch. Gloss panels need clean surface protection, matte panels need less visible marking, and brushed aluminium needs careful handling so the metal texture stays even. If a panel is being sent with hanging hardware, the fittings are packed separately or attached only when that is the safest option.
- Surface inspection before wrapping
- Edge and corner protection for transit
- Separate packing for hanging hardware where needed
- Labelled parcels for easy receiving at offices or homes
From file check to dispatch, step by step
Once your artwork is approved and the file checks are complete, production moves through colour preparation, printing, curing and finishing. After mounting and final inspection, the panel is booked for dispatch. We confirm the delivery area, the receiving address and any access details that may matter for security estates, business parks or apartment blocks.
If there is a question about crop placement, image resolution or panel size, we sort that out before the order moves forward. That saves time later and helps avoid a reprint. Customers must own the images or have rights to use them, especially for commercial displays in shops, reception areas and offices.
- File review and resolution check
- Crop planning for portrait, landscape or square layouts
- Finish selection, including gloss, matte, white or brushed
- Final sign-off before packing and dispatch
National delivery to the main centres
We deliver to Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Sandton, Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha, with packing set for local courier handling and road movement. Delivery times depend on the destination, order size and whether the panel needs custom mounting. Coastal routes can bring extra humidity, so the packaging is chosen to help protect the printed surface during travel and handover.
For office deliveries, a reception point or loading bay is often the best place for handover. For home deliveries, make sure someone is available to receive the parcel. Large panels can be awkward to leave with a neighbour, and if the order is still warm from finishing or fliiiht? no, from finishing, it should be handled flat and with care once received.
- Johannesburg and Randburg area dispatch
- Pretoria and Midrand deliveries for homes and offices
- Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha national routing
- Special handling for larger or multi-panel sets
Receiving a panel at an office, studio or home
When the parcel arrives, check the outer carton first before opening it. If there is visible damage to the packaging, note it with the driver or receiving clerk before signing where possible. Open the parcel on a clean flat surface and keep the protective wrap until you have checked the print face, corners and backing. That helps if there is a question later about transport damage.
For business clients, it is helpful to have the name of the person receiving the order and a direct office location. For residential addresses, give clear gate instructions and a contactable person on the day. In busy parts of Johannesburg, that can make a big difference when traffic and building access are both tight.
- Inspect the carton before opening
- Keep packaging until the panel is checked
- Use a flat surface for unpacking
- Provide gate, security or reception details in advance
Mounting, hanging hardware and wall readiness
Many SubAlu panels are ordered with hanging hardware, while others are fitted later depending on the wall and the display layout. We use generic hanging systems suited to coated aluminium panels, with the choice depending on panel size and where it will be displayed. Heavier pieces may need more than one support point to sit level and safe.
Before hanging, check the wall type. Plasterboard, brick and concrete all need different fixings. In offices or galleries, it helps to confirm wall space, viewing height and whether the panel must line up with other frames or signage. If the wall is not ready, store the panel flat in a dry room away from direct sun and damp corners.
- Wall type affects the fixing choice
- Large panels may need multiple support points
- Check the display height before drilling
- Store flat if the wall is not ready yet
If the panel is for a coastal town or a high-traffic space
Some delivery addresses are more demanding than others. Coastal humidity in places like Durban and Gqeberha can affect how parcels are stored after arrival, so it helps to unpack the panel soon after delivery and keep it dry. In offices, salons and retail spaces with regular foot traffic, the panel may also be handled more often than expected, so a tougher mounting position may be better than a quick wall hook.
For panels going into kitchens, entrances or areas with strong sunlight, ask about the finish best suited to the space. Matte can reduce glare, while gloss gives stronger colour pop but may reflect more light. White and brushed finishes each create a different effect and should be chosen with the image in mind.
When a reprint or matching order is needed
If a panel was damaged in transit or you need a matching piece for an existing display, we can review the original file and compare the details before moving ahead. Reprints are easier when the first panel details are still available, including size, finish and any crop adjustments. This is especially useful for offices and agencies that add panels over time and want a consistent look.
Where a previous order needs to be repeated, check that the original image file is still the correct version and that any rights for use are still in place. A clear record of the size, finish and mounting method helps avoid guesswork. It also cuts down on delays when the job has to move quickly.
