Resolution Help

Start with the file, not the size on screen

What matters is the actual image resolution, not how large it looks on a laptop or phone. A small picture can still print well on a modest panel if it has enough pixels, while a large panel needs a much larger file to stay sharp.

As a practical check, open the image properties and look at the pixel dimensions. A square image for a 400 x 400 mm panel needs enough detail to hold up at normal viewing distance. If the panel will be hung in a passage or reception area where people stand back, you can get away with a little less than you would for a close-up office display.

• Use the original camera file where possible
• Avoid screenshots, social media downloads and heavily compressed copies
• Keep the image in colour, not a screenshot taken from a chat app
• If the file was edited, save a clean master copy as well

Where the panel will hang changes the answer

A panel viewed from 1 metre needs more detail than one viewed from 3 to 4 metres. That is why the right resolution depends on the room, not only on the file. A boardroom wall, gallery passage, shop counter or home lounge all have different viewing distances and lighting.

Bright office lighting and large windows can also reveal banding or softness more quickly, especially on glossy panels. In coastal towns with higher humidity, the finishing and mounting method must also be considered so the panel stays true and secure after installation.

• Close viewing: choose higher resolution and more careful sharpening
• Medium viewing: most standard camera files are suitable with a proper check
• Longer viewing: you have more flexibility on file size
• Low light rooms: contrast and shadow detail matter as much as pixels

Crop first, then check the print area

Many images are the right size overall but still run into trouble when the panel shape is different from the photo shape. A vertical portrait on a wide panel needs crop planning, while a panoramic landscape may suit a multi panel layout better.

Before printing, we check where important details sit in the frame, such as faces, text, logos or skyline lines. If these sit too close to an edge, they can be trimmed. That is why crop planning is part of resolution help, not an afterthought.

• Keep important content away from the outer edge
• Leave space for bleed where needed
• Check whether the image should stay full frame or be reframed
• Consider whether a split layout would suit the subject better

Gloss, matte, white or brushed finish

Finish choice affects how the image reads on the wall. Dye sublimation onto coated aluminium gives a clean, durable print, but each finish changes the look in a different way. Gloss gives strong colour pop and deeper shine. Matte reduces glare and works well in bright rooms. White-coated panels keep colour accurate and vivid. Brushed aluminium allows the metal texture to show through in lighter areas, which suits industrial, monochrome and architectural images.

For offices in Johannesburg or Pretoria with overhead lighting, matte can help with reflections. For galleries or feature walls where light is controlled, gloss can give a very crisp result. If you are unsure, we can prepare test panels before a full run.

Hardware and mounting need planning too

A good image can still be let down by poor mounting. The panel size, weight and wall type all affect the hardware choice. Smaller panels may use hidden mounts or stand-off fittings, while larger pieces need secure hanging points and careful levelling. For high-traffic areas, the back hardware must be chosen with both safety and ease of installation in mind.

We also look at packing and delivery for panels going to Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Midrand or Sandton. If a panel will travel far, the finish, corner protection and mounting method are part of the order review so it arrives ready for fitting.

• Check wall material before choosing hanging hardware
• Allow enough clearance for stand-off fittings
• For heavy panels, use proper support points
• Tell us if the panel will be installed in a public area

Send the file and the use case, not just the picture

The fastest way to get a useful answer is to send the image file plus a short note on the panel size, where it will hang and what the room is used for. We also need to know that you own the image or have the right to have it printed. That applies to photographs, artwork, logos and any other artwork sent for production.

From there we can review the file, confirm whether the resolution suits the intended size, suggest a better crop if needed, and advise on finish selection, test panels or reprint matching. At our Randburg base, the production team works through file checks, colour preparation and finishing before dispatch to Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha.