What Is a Digital Printing Studio?

If you’re an artist, photographer, designer or curator, you’ve probably heard the term digital printing studio—but what exactly does it mean? And what sets a great one apart?

At SE1 Picture Frames, our fully equipped digital printing studio combines museum-grade machinery, 30+ years of experience, and a passion for bringing creative visions to life. Whether you’re printing a one-off portfolio piece or a full limited-edition run, our studio is built to deliver professional results with precision and care.

Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a digital printing studio like ours so essential—and why we’re proud to be one of London’s finest.

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What Is a Digital Printing Studio?

A digital printing studio is a specialist workspace where artwork, photographs, illustrations, and designs are printed using high-resolution inkjet printers and archival-grade materials. Unlike home or office printers, these machines are capable of:

• Printing large-format works up to 44 inches wide
• Delivering razor-sharp detail at 2880 x 1440 dpi
• Reproducing colours with stunning accuracy using pigment-based inks
• Printing on fine art papers, canvas, and specialty stocks

A professional studio doesn’t just offer printing—it offers expert guidance, colour management, paper selection, and finishing options like trimming, mounting, or torn edges.

At SE1 Picture Frames, our digital printing services are trusted by artists, galleries, collectors, and creatives across the UK and beyond.

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Inside the SE1 Digital Printing Studio

 State-of-the-Art Equipment

At the heart of our studio is the Epson Stylus Pro 9880, a professional large-format printer fitted with UltraChrome HDR archival inks. This setup gives us:

• A wider colour gamut than standard CMYK
• Deep blacks and smooth gradients
• Fade-resistant, gallery-quality results
• Compatibility with leading fine art papers

Read more about why we use the Epson Stylus Pro 9880.

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Premium Archival Papers

We print exclusively on carefully curated, museum-grade papers like:

• Somerset Enhanced 330gsm (our default): 100% cotton, radiant white, ideal for fine art
• Hahnemühle Photo Rag: Popular with photographers for its soft matte texture
• Epson Premium Lustre: Perfect for vivid colour photography
• Woodstock Superfine 310gsm: Used for proofing or testing layouts

These papers are acid-free, lignin-free, and made to last for generations.

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Expert File Handling & Colour Accuracy

Our studio isn’t just about hardware—it’s about craftsmanship. Every file is reviewed by our team for:

• Resolution (minimum 300 DPI recommended)
• Size and cropping accuracy
• Embedded fonts and flattened layers
• Colour space (we recommend CMYK for best results)

Need help? Check out our file preparation guide or email us for personal support.

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Finishing & Framing Services

Once your print is complete, we can finish it to your exact spec:

• Trim to size or include borders for mounting
• Torn edges for a hand-finished look
• Dry mounting and bespoke framing
• Flat-packing or rolled delivery for safe shipping

We also offer full bespoke framing services right from our SE1 workshop.

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Who Uses a Digital Printing Studio?

Our clients include:

• Fine artists printing limited edition runs
• Photographers producing exhibition or portfolio prints
• Illustrators and designers selling work online or in shops
• Galleries and curators preparing for shows or archival storage
• Architects needing precise layout or render prints

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, we’re here to make the process simple and enjoyable.

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Why SE1 Picture Frames Is One of London’s Best

We’re proud to say our studio is trusted by clients across the creative industries for a reason:

Over 30 years of specialist experience
Located in the iconic Alaska Buildings, SE1
Artist-focused, with attention to every detail
Archival prints delivered in 72 hours or less
Personalised support—just email or call

When you choose SE1 Picture Frames’ digital printing, you’re not just ordering a print—you’re working with a team that cares about your work as much as you do.

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How to Use Our Digital Printing Studio

Here’s how to get started:

1. Prepare your file: Ideally 300 DPI, TIFF or PDF format, sized exactly as you want it printed (including borders if needed).
2. Choose your paper: Default is Somerset Enhanced 330gsm, but we can advise based on your artwork.
3. Send via WeTransfer: Email to info@se1pictureframes.co.uk with full instructions.
4. Turnaround: Usually 72 hours. Urgent? Just ask.
5. Collect or ship: Pickup from SE1 or delivery via Royal Mail (from £25).

Have questions? We’re just a phone call away: 020 7394 0235.

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Bonus: Proofing & Testing Options

Want to test before committing?

• Try our Woodstock Superfine proofing service: £65 + VAT per metre
• Perfect for checking colours, composition, and final layout
• Available on all roll-width formats

More info on our digital printing process here.

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Elevate Your Work with SE1’s Digital Printing Studio

A digital printing studio is more than a printer—it’s a place where your ideas are brought to life with care, precision, and archival quality. At SE1 Picture Frames, we’ve built a space where traditional craftsmanship meets cutting-edge technology.

Whether you’re producing prints to sell, exhibit, or archive, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Submit your files today or visit us in London SE1—your trusted partner in professional digital printing.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)