FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Artefex FAQ page. Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions from professional artists about our archival art panels. Our mission is to provide you with the most stable, durable, and professional painting surfaces to ensure your artwork is preserved for generations.

SHIPPING INFORMATION

Q1. Do you ship Artefex ACM panels internationally?

Yes, we ship worldwide. If you have a specific requirement or see a high shipping cost at checkout, email us and we will look for the cheapest available option. We have contracts with shipping companies to keep ACM panel shipping costs reasonable.

Q2. What carriers and methods do you use for ACM boards and copper panels?

We use reliable international and domestic carriers, selecting methods that balance speed and cost for aluminum composite panels, copper panels, and mixed media panels.

Q3. How are aluminum composite panels packaged to prevent damage?

Panels are protected with corner guards, foam wrap, and double-wall cartons. Large ACM panel sizes may ship with additional bracing so surfaces arrive flat and clean.

Q4. Can I request custom packing for museum or gallery shipments?
Yes. Tell us about requirements and we will add protective interleaving, rigid sheets, or crate solutions for high-value oil panels or copper panels.
Q5. What is the typical delivery time for ACM panels in the USA and abroad?
USA transit is usually 3 to 7 business days. International delivery is typically 1 to 3 weeks depending on customs.
Q6. Do you offer combined shipping for bulk orders or schools?
Yes. Combined shipping and freight options reduce costs on large orders of ACM boards or mixed media panels for studios, universities, or ateliers.
Q7. Are shipments insured?
Yes. All shipments are insured against loss or transit damage.
Q8. What should I do if a panel arrives damaged?
Photograph the packaging and the panel, then contact us immediately. We will resolve with a replacement or refund according to policy.
Q9. Do you ship to PO Boxes or APO addresses?
Smaller packages can ship to PO Boxes or APO where carriers allow. Oversize ACM panel sizes must go to a street address.
Q10. How are customs duties or VAT handled on international orders?
Import taxes, VAT, and brokerage fees are paid by the recipient. We provide accurate documentation to speed clearance.
Q11. Can you ship panels flat rather than stacked to avoid scuffing?
Yes. We separate panels with clean sheets and pack flat when the order size allows.
Q12. Do you ship hazardous materials with panels like solvents or varnish?

Panels ship separately from hazardous items. If you add mediums or solvents, they may follow different rules and transit times.

Q13. Can I use my own shipping account or preferred carrier?

Yes. Provide the account number and pickup instructions at checkout or by email.

Q14. Do you ship to art retailers such as DickBlick or to framers?

Yes. We can ship directly to retailers, galleries, or framers upon request. Many customers compare our ACM panels to wood panels sold at DickBlick.

Q15. How do Artefex ACM panels compare to wood panels for shipping risk?

M is dimensionally stable and resists warping, which reduces shipping-related deformation compared to many wood panels, especially in large formats.

PAYMENT INFORMATION

Q1. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit and debit cards, PayPal, and secure checkout options commonly used by artists and institutions.
Q2. Can I pay in multiple currencies?

All prices are shown in USD. Your bank handles any currency conversion for international orders.

Q3. Do you charge sales tax or VAT?

We collect sales tax where required in the USA. International customers may owe VAT or duties on delivery.

Q4. Can I request a formal quote or invoice for a school or museum?

Yes. Contact us for a written quote on ACM panels, copper panels, or mixed media panels. We can include ACM panel sizes and quantities.

Q5. Do you offer purchase orders for institutions?

Approved institutions can use POs. Contact support to set up terms.

Q6. Are discounts available for bulk orders of ACM boards?

Yes. Quantity tiers are available. Email your list of sizes, such as 3 mm ACM panel and large sheet cuts.

Q7. Is my payment information secure?

Yes. We use PCI-compliant processors and encrypted checkout.

Q8. Can I split payment across two cards or mix card and PayPal?

Contact us for assistance. We can often accommodate split payments for large orders.

Q9. Do you price-match ACM panel price found elsewhere?

If you see a better ACM panel price from an authorized source, contact us. We focus on fair pricing and professional-grade quality.

Q10. How are shipping charges shown at checkout?

Rates are calculated by weight and dimension. If a rate looks high, email us: help@artefex.biz to review cheaper options based on our carrier contracts.

Q11. Do you charge a cut fee for custom ACM panel sizes?

No.

Q12. Can I use coupons or promotional codes?

If a promotion is active, enter the code at checkout or mention it when requesting a quote.

Q13. What is your refund policy?

Undamaged, unused stock sizes can be returned within policy windows. Custom-cut ACM is typically nonreturnable. Contact us for details.

Q14. Do you offer subscription or recurring billing for studios?

We can set up scheduled shipments or standing POs for consistent replenishment.

Q15. Can I buy Artefex ACM panels at DickBlick and still request support?

Artefex is the brand. If you purchased elsewhere, we will help with product questions. For order-specific issues, contact the retailer.

Frequently Asked Questions: Expert Guidance for Your Archival Foundation

Choosing the right support for your art is the most critical decision in ensuring its longevity. At Artefex, we aim to provide total clarity so you can move from curiosity to commitment with confidence. Below are the technical answers to the most common questions regarding our professional aluminum composite panels.

Technical Specifications & Performance

Why should I choose ACM panels over traditional wood or canvas?

Traditional wood-based supports (MDF, hardboard, plywood) are hygroscopic, meaning they expand and contract with humidity. This constant movement is the primary cause of cracking and paint film fatigue. Artefex ACM panels are environmentally "blind" and 100% warp-resistant. By providing a chemically inert and physically stable core, we eliminate the risk of substrate-induced degradation, protecting your work for generations.

What is the difference between 3mm and 6mm panels?

  • 3mm Panels: The industry standard for portability and works up to 24"x30". They are lightweight, slim (1/8"), and fit perfectly into standard frames and plein air carriers.
  • 6mm Honeycomb Panels: Engineered for monumental scale (up to 5’ x 10’). They utilize an aerospace-grade honeycomb core to provide maximum rigidity with a 60% reduction in weight compared to solid-core boards.

Are Artefex panels truly archival?

Yes. We use only museum-grade materials, including archival-quality aluminum skins and pH-neutral, non-reactive cores. Unlike wood, our panels do not contain lignin or acids that can rot canvas fibers or discolor paint layers over time. When used with our recommended primers or archival-clad surfaces (like our BEVA-mounted linens), they represent the highest standard of archival support available today.

Surface Preparation & Compatibility

Which surfaces do you offer for your panels?

We provide over 22 different surface options to match your technical needs, including:

  • Lead-Primed Linen: The traditional choice for oil painters seeking maximum archival bond.
  • Oil-Primed Linen & Cotton: Specialized for responsive oil painting without "Sinking."
  • Acrylic-Primed: Versatile surfaces for oils, acrylics, and mixed media.
  • Specialized Media: Copper-clad, silver-point, and paper-clad options for watercolor and drawing.

Do I need to prime the aluminum panels myself?

If you purchase our pre-clad or factory-primed panels, they are ready for immediate use. If you purchase raw or unprimed ACM, the surface must be degreased and prepared with a professional-grade primer (such as a metal-etching primer or high-quality acrylic dispersion) to ensure a permanent mechanical bond.

Can I use Artefex panels for resin and mixed media?

Absolutely. The rigid, non-flexible nature of our aluminum panels makes them the premier choice for resin art and heavy textures. Unlike canvas, which can sag under the weight of resin, our panels remain perfectly flat, ensuring an even pour and preventing the structural cracking that occurs on flexible supports.

Ordering, Shipping & Customization

Can I order custom sizes?

Yes. One of our most valued "Middle of Funnel" services is the Artefex Custom Panel Builder. You can specify your dimensions to the fraction of an inch. We precision-cut, deburr, and clean every custom order in-house, delivering a professional-grade substrate ready for your studio, which saves you the labor and risk of cutting metal yourself.

How does shipping work for large panels?

Because our 6mm Honeycomb panels are engineered to be lightweight, we drastically reduce the shipping costs and logistical "Effort" usually associated with large-scale art. We ship nationwide using specialized packaging to ensure your panels arrive in pristine, gallery-ready condition.

What is the "Art Fam" Membership?

The Art Fam is our exclusive community for professional artists. Members receive early access to the "Secret Shop," special pricing on bulk orders, and technical resources to help them master the use of archival substrates. It is designed to reward our most loyal users and support their long-term creative growth.