Art to be Square
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Frequently Asked Questions
....And Their Answers

   
 

Tools To Be Square

Can I use my own pictures/art?

Absolutely, we encourage the use of your own art and photographs.
Please note, we are a family run business and will not reproduce offensive images.

Are there any additional fees to use my own pictures/art?

No, not unless you have requested us to touch up your photos 
(scratches etc.) We charge $50/hour for artwork touch up. Each individual piece is different, so please
contact us about your specific project needs.

What are the best pictures to use to make a decorative tile product or wall hanging?

You'll want to choose images that are IN FOCUS and have a simple background. Please see our
Successful Imaging Page for more details.

What size picture is best and how do I know if my digital image is big enough for the product that I want?

We can use your actual photograph (3 x 5 up to 8 x 10) or a digital image.
If you have a digital image that you want to use, please see our
Successful Imaging Page for a full discussion on file size limitations. 

I saw a picture in a magazine/book/calendar that I love, can we use that?
 

Most of the time, we can not use an image that is in a published document. Rights to images in magazines published after 1922 usually belong to either the magazine or to the photographer who took them. If you wish to have a copyrighted image reproduced you will need to arrange with the owner of the copyright to obtain permission to have it reproduced. 

I have a picture from a professional photographer, can I use that?
 

You can use the picture ONLY if you have written permission from the photographer. Most photographers do not offer the products that we 
offer and are often happy to give their permission. Sometimes, the photographers will not give their permission. The original photographer 
has the final answer. A fee may have to be paid to the photographer for the use of their image.

Can I have multiple images or photos on one wall hanging or tiles?

Yes, collages are a wonderful way to decorate your custom tiles or wall hangings. 

Can my photo be enlarged and made into various sized wall hangings composed of many tiles or stones?

Yes! We can enlarge your photo or art and make it into a variety of sizes and shapes. We can even help you figure out what sizes would look best in your space if needed.

I have a design I created myself, can I send it to you to have it put on a wall hanging? 

Sure! We love to help designers and artists by rendering their images and designs on new media.

Will my wall hanging look exactly like the image I submitted?

Art To Be Square strives to produce the highest quality image reproductions. Color reproduction will vary slightly based on the tile body selected for your project. If we feel we cannot achieve satisfactory results, we will contact you to discuss. 

How do I mail my photograph or art to you?

You can email us a digital file, send a digital file on CD, or mail us an
original photo or art piece.

Will I get my photograph/art back?

Yes, we use your original to scan only. Your original is not damaged in any way and will be returned to you with your order.

How do you get the image on the tiles? 

We use a heat transfer process called Dye Sublimation. During the heat transfer process, the molecules of the sublimation dyes turn from a solid to a gaseous state and penetrate the surface of the tiles. When the tile cools, the dyes return to their solid state and are permanently impregnated into the tile.

Does this process destroy or damage my printed photo in any way?

Not at all! All we do with the photo you provide is scan it, If you already have a high resolution picture on your computer, we will be happy to use that too. Photos on CD can be used as well.

Can I supply you with my tiles? 

The process that we use requires the use of specially coated tiles, so we can not use tiles that you or your tile store provide. We currently have many different types of tiles available in different sizes to fit your needs. See our Tile Specifications Page for the recommended uses for each type of tile and the sizes available. 

I see a wall hanging format that I like, but I need it in a different size, what do I do? 

If you need a custom sized wall haging, please call us at 1.800.579.1423  or 
contact us be email. While most images can be cropped to fit most wall hanging sizes, some cannot, due to the proportions of the artwork. When you call us, we can discuss your specific project and needs with you to determine how we can help you. 

I'm not sure which tile type to order - what do I do? 

Please see our Tile Specifications Page. This page gives details of each of the tile types and their suggested uses. If you are still unsure, call and we'll discuss your specific project to determine the best choice for you. 1.800.579.1423 or
contact us by email.

Do you have bull-nosed or finishing tiles available? 

No, our special tiles only come with unfinished edges. We suggest that if you plan to use your mural in a backsplash, you can either finish the mural piece with coordinating colored tiles that are bull-nosed or use a framing tile to frame the mural. We do offer mounting and framing (wood frames) as an additional service for wall hangings.

What is included in the price of the tile wall hangings? 

The price of the wall hanging includes: The tiles that make up the mural - each with a grid number marked, a grid layout, installation and care tips.

What is not included in the price of the tile wall hangings? 

Extra charges include additional sample tiles, mounting, framing and shipping. 

I want to pay by a personal check, will you accept that form of payment?

yes, however, it will delay the shipment of your product. Unfortunately, due to past experience, we must hold the product until the check clears.

How long will it take to receive my tile or wall hanging?

We can usually process and ship your order within 4-6 weeks.

Can I get a rush order?

If you have a deadline, just call us at 1.800.579.1423 or
contact us by email, and for an additional fee, we can rush your order.

How do the tiles arrive for a mural order? 

If mounting and framing are not desired, the tiles are all numbered on the back with a grid number - a grid layout is also given explaining the simple numbering system. Depending on the size of the project, the tiles are double boxed or the tiles are wrapped in bubble wrap and then boxed.

Do you install the tiles? 

No. Since we ship our tile wall hangings all over the country, we do not offer installation services. If you are handy, you can install the tiles yourself,
if you are not, you can hire a local professional to help you. We are happy to answer any questions that the installer may have. We also send the wall hangings to you with the backs numbered -- so the installer can put together the "puzzle" with ease. Please note, use un-sanded, waterproof grout when you are installing the tiles.

Are the wall hangings returnable? 

No. Every wall hanging is made to order and they are not returnable. In the rare occasion that there is a defect, we will fix the defect for you. 

I broke one of my tiles, what do I do? 

We can replace a single tile from your order – Just call us at 
1.800.579.1423 and let us know which tile number you need (from the grid) and we are happy to replace the tile for you.

What if a tile is damaged during shipping or installation?

If your tiles are damaged during shipping, call us at 1.800.579.1423 or
contact us by email within 3 business days and we will ship you a new one at our expense. You must keep the damaged tiles and packaging so that it can be inspected by the shipping company. If a tile is broken during installation we can reproduce that individual tile for you at our regular price.

Can I use my single tiles as trivets or coasters?

The glossy ceramic tiles will scratch so we suggest using a glass tile, matte finish or stone tile for these types of applications.

Will my tiles fade if there are used in my kitchen or bathroom?

No, your tiles should not fade if placed in the home out of direct sunlight. Exposed to indoor fluorescent or incandescent lighting will not cause the tiles to fade even after years and years.

Can the tiles be used outside? 

The tile coatings and the inks are improving all the time. We belong to many associations so that we can offer the best tiles to our clients. Right now, there are no recommended tiles for outdoor use, however, some customers have used the tiles vertically outdoors in shaded areas and have not had any problems. The inks, however, are not completely UV stable and can/will fade in direct sunlight. Using the tiles outdoors is not recommended at this time but may be done at your own risk.

How should grouting be done?

Use a non-sanded grout such as “Polyblend Non-Sanded.” Use a grout float with a rubber face to spread grout over tiles. Ask your tile installer about grout color suggestions. Selecting grouting colors is difficult because of the many colors in the image so something neutral in a color that most pleases you is best. 

Seal the grout lines with a penetrating sealer such as TileLab 4Care Penetrating Sealer, Grout & Tile Sealer by Custom Building Products available at most hardware stores. Avoid using sealers with high gloss or a built-in finish. 

For tumbled marble tiles, you would apply the sealer to tile surface and grout lines to avoid water damage.

How do I care for my tile wall hanging once I have it installed? 

For the matte tiles, you can clean them with any non-abrasive cleaner. The glass tiles can be cleaned with any type of glass cleaner. The gloss tiles should only be dusted - if cleaning must be done use a cleaner and a cloth that you would use on fine crystal and fine silver. The tumbled can be cleaned with any household cleaner.

Will you work with my builder or interior designer? 

Absolutely. We love working with other industry professionals. We work with builders and interior designers all the time. 

Do you sell your products wholesale?

Yes, if you are a registered reseller with a tax ID number. Please contact us for wholesale pricing and terms.

I am a professional sales rep. Are you interested in representation?

Yes, absolutely. If you are a professional sales rep and want to represent us, please
contact us for more information.

I have some questions/suggestions for you. Can I contact you about them?

Absolutely! We pride ourselves on personal customer service, and our customers are of the utmost importance to us. Please feel free to
Contact us via email or call us toll free at 1.800.579.1423.

I see you have pictures of Tile Wall Hangings installed. Can I send you a photograph of mine installed? 

Yes ! We would love to add your pictures of your tile mural installation to our website!
 

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