PanelPop

Can you hang them outside? Yes, with care. Anything that is exposed to direct sunlight will deteriorate in some way, so rule of thumb, hang it outdoors but try to avoid direct sunlight. Under an awning or shaded area. What it won’t do is form condensation and warp. The PanelPop uses a new generation UV-cured ink, the same stuff they use for billboards. These inks resist fading for 3-5 years in direct sunlight, so if you keep them out of direct sunlight they will last a long time. With regards to the timber frame, it’s like any outdoor timber product it will need some attention every couple of years. Some decking oil will help retain its natural colour.

How is the frame finished? We apply a layer of tung oil which gives a tough, highly water-resistant finish which does not darken noticeably with age as does linseed oil. This is not to say that it is a colorless finish; it still has a slight golden tint. Tung oil is also sometimes called “China wood oil”. It has been used for hundreds if not thousands of years in China to seal decorative and marine wood.

Is it fragile?  Put it this way, you need to care for it as you would a painting on canvas or a picture in a frame. If dropped a panel will probably crack, this may be hairline or fatal. Treat a PanelPop as you would a glass frame - weight test the hanger and avoid high wind zones.

Photo PanelPops are washable. To wash use warm soapy water and a clean cloth. Do not use methylated spirits or other solvents as this will damage the ink.

Are they archival? Let’s not get embroiled in an answer on the ambiguous topic - let’s talk about permanence and durability. There is no paper so there is no future acid threat. It’s scratch resistant. It can ride bumps without cracking, and the ink we use is rated to go outside and resist fading for 3-5 years in direct sunlight.

How much do they weigh?  Somewhere in-between canvas and glass framed items. In the freight table below there is an approximation of the weight of each size.

Can I choose the timber? Not really, we use timber that we save from landfill and as such cannot predict what we will have in stock. We will list what we have been given if you call in. If you bring the timber in that's another story - contact us at info@panelpop.com   We want long straight lengths, but (radiata) pine is no good. So if you’re demolishing a house or ripping up a floor and thinking about putting it in the bin - give it to us (its cheaper). In Melbourne drop to us or we’ll try and come and get it.

BLANK PanelPop

What materials can you use?   PanelPop’s are perfect for working with dry pigments through to water colours, oils and acrylics. In fact anything you would work on paper or canvas with can be applied to the PanelPop.

How many times can you wipe off a blank? This depends on the type of material used and how you wipe it off. Grey lead pencil can be washed off with the scourer side of a sponge and water many many times. If you are using other dry pigments such as charcoal, coloured pencils, crayon and pastels, over time these may discolour the PanelPop with intense use and cleaning.  If you use a water based material the surface will absorb some and it will stain. So if you want to use it over and over again use dry pigments and use some fine steel wool (grade 000). You will notice after time it will reduce in its whiteness but by then we hope you have the perfect picture and it’s on your wall or in a gallery.

How do they differ from canvas? Firstly they start framed. You can correct a mistake and use a broader selection of mediums on the PanelPop surface. You can also create cross medium pieces ie: paint over a photograph. The difference with photograph on PanelPop is the smooth surface giving sharp definition and free of textured weaves.

How do they differ from paper? It’s framed! People think paper is the cheapest medium to work on, but when it comes to getting it on the wall it becomes very expensive when using traditional framing. With PanelPop the piece is ready to hang as soon as you make your final touches.

PHOTO PanelPop
What resolution does a photo need to be?  Firstly we encourage you to upload the highest resolution you have (max file size is 100mb). This will give you the most options of sizes. Our software calculates the largest possible size based on our printer specifications. 

Can I send a photo from my mobile phone? As long as they have a decent resolution (see above). We have done a test with a 5 megapixel iphone and we can make a 200 x 300 so try an upload and see how you go.

Why don’t they bring back tram conductors? Economic rationalism, stubbornness and general bad judgement and mean spirit.

Why don’t you just concentrate?  It’s hard - there’s a lot going on.

Why don’t we stop now? No, I have more questions.

How do I know you won’t use my photo for another reason? That would be just rude and we live by our privacy policy. If we see your image and are blown away we may contact you and ask if we can sell it on your behalf.

How do they differ from traditional framing? They are mostly made of waste materials that would otherwise have ended up in landfill. There is no glass or perspex so you can see your picture from any angle free from reflection. Without glass there is distinct improvement in the sense of depth within the photo.

How long does it take to ship? From the time you order it will take 10-15 working days to finish your PanelPop. We use a courier service for PanelPops up to 760x500 and it will take a couple of days to ship anywhere in Australia. So to be safe allow 3 weeks from order. We hope it will be a lot quicker! For overseas allow 6 weeks as we send by sea. For larger PanelPops, oddly enough these may be quicker as we use an art courier service. It costs a bit more but it'll cut the time in half.

Can I buy other peoples' photos or art? Have a look at our gallery section. We have selected some of our favourite images be it photography, drawing or painting. They have been scanned and printed on a PanelPop and a really good royalty % goes back to the artist (even if we own the original). 

What materials do you use to make them? PanelPops are made from re-used timber, re-used polystyrene, some textile and a stone material.

Where are they made? Melbourne, Australia. Contact us if you’re interested in setting up your own PanelPop shop.

How long has the company been in business? Forever it seems. Two years actually, but Tony has been making these panels for over 7 years so he knows what he’s doing.

What is the operating philosophy of the company? This maybe our problem, but we don't really follow a philosophy. We follow invention and questions such as, "What else can we use panels for? Can they hold a roof up? How big can we make them?"

Freight Table: This bits been a bit of trouble. We know the PanelPop is hardy, but its not going to take great weights of pressure and therefore the Post is a little brutal for the pops. We use a courier service around Australia and DHL for international shipping. If you need to know a price contact info@panelpop.com with size and destination.

Thanks and email any other questions if you feel we've missed some.