--- type: page title: FAQ handle: faq url: https://51a7c6-62.myshopify.com/pages/faq published_at: '2026-04-12T23:54:51.000Z' --- FAQs: Answers to Your Questions =============================== About Our Art ------------- ### What is melanin art? Melanin art is wall art that celebrates Black skin, culture, and identity. Figurative portraits, Afrocentric scenes, and abstract pieces that put Black life at the center of the canvas. At Melanin Art, every piece begins as an original oil or watercolor painting by artist [Robert Lawrence](/pages/about) and is reproduced on museum-grade giclée canvas, ready to hang. Read the full guide: [What Is Melanin Art?](/blogs/news/what-is-melanin-art) ### What makes Melanin Art different from other art stores? Every piece starts as an original painting by artist [Robert Lawrence](/pages/contact), created in oil on canvas and watercolor on paper, then reproduced as a museum-grade giclée print. We're Black-owned, and every work celebrates Black culture, heritage, and excellence. Nothing here is mass-produced or pulled from a warehouse. When you order, your piece is printed fresh, just for you. ### What are your prints made from? Museum-grade archival canvas paired with giclée inks, the same fine art printing process used by galleries worldwide. The result is rich, vibrant color that holds up for 100+ years with proper care. This isn't a poster. It's a piece you can pass down to your children and grandchildren. ### Are these original artworks or reproductions? Both, in the best way. Robert Lawrence paints every original by hand in oil and watercolor, and each print is a giclée reproduction of that original work on archival canvas. You're not getting clip art or stock images. You're getting a real painting, faithfully reproduced at museum-grade quality. ### What sizes do you offer? Every piece comes in multiple sizes. Check the size chart on any product page to see your options. Not sure what fits your space? Send us a photo of your wall at [cs@melaninart.com](mailto:cs@melaninart.com) and we'll help you pick the right size. ### Will the colors match what I see on my screen? Our giclée process is designed to faithfully reproduce the original painting's palette, and most customers tell us the colors are even more vibrant in person. Every screen displays color a little differently, so there may be slight variation, but what arrives at your door will be true to the original work. ### How should I care for my artwork? Keep it simple: hang away from direct sunlight and high-humidity spots, and dust gently with a soft, dry cloth when needed. No sprays, no water, just a light touch. That's all it takes to keep your piece looking gallery-fresh for generations. ### Do your canvas prints come ready to hang? **Stretched Canvas** arrives with sawtooth hanging hardware pre-installed on FSC-certified solid wood stretcher bars with a seamless gallery wrap. Straight from box to wall. **Framed Canvas** comes with secure hanging hardware pre-installed inside a handcrafted floating frame. Available in four finishes: Black, Gold, Silver, or Walnut. **Canvas Print (unframed)** arrives rolled in protective packaging so you can pair it with any custom frame of your choice. ### How do I choose the right size for my space? We offer three orientations, each in five sizes: **Portrait (vertical):** 12x16, 16x20, 18x24, 24x32, 30x40 inches **Landscape (horizontal):** 16x12, 20x16, 24x18, 32x24, 40x30 inches **Square:** 12x12, 16x16, 20x20, 24x24, 30x30 inches A good rule of thumb: your art should be about two-thirds the width of the furniture below it. You can view a visual size guide on any product page by clicking "Size Chart" next to the size selector. Still not sure? Send us a photo of your wall at [cs@melaninart.com](mailto:cs@melaninart.com) and we'll help you pick. ### Can I commission a custom piece? Yes, we do take custom commissions. If you have something specific in mind, reach out to [cs@melaninart.com](mailto:cs@melaninart.com) with your idea and we'll work with you to bring it to life. ### Are your products eco-friendly? We take sustainability seriously. Our prints use eco-solvent giclée inks on acid-free, pH neutral canvas. Our stretcher bars are FSC-certified, meaning the wood comes from responsibly managed forests. Every order is shipped in recyclable cardboard made from recycled materials with minimal plastic. And because every piece is made to order, there is zero overproduction waste. Shipping & Returns ------------------ ### How long does shipping take? Every piece is made to order. Standard delivery takes about 4 to 8 business days from order to door, with 2 to 3 business days of processing plus 2 to 5 business days in transit. Priority processing is available for an additional charge determined at checkout and ships in 1 business day, for arrival in about 3 to 6 business days. You'll get a tracking number by email as soon as it's on the way, sent via USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Weekends and U.S. holidays are not included in estimates. We ship to all 50 U.S. states, but not internationally or to PO boxes, APO/FPO addresses, or U.S. territories. For full details, see our [shipping policy](/policies/shipping-policy). ### Do you offer free shipping? Yes, standard shipping is free on every order within the United States, with no minimums and no codes. Priority processing is available for an additional charge determined at checkout. ### How can I track my order? You'll receive a tracking number by email as soon as your order ships. Use it to follow your package every step of the way. Something look off? Reach out to us at [cs@melaninart.com](mailto:cs@melaninart.com) and we'll sort it out. ### What is your return policy? You have 30 days from delivery to return your order if it's not right for you. Items must be unused and in their original condition and packaging, not hung or installed, with all inserts included such as hanging hardware, the certificate of authenticity when applicable, and any care cards. For change-of-mind returns, you cover return shipping (about $20) and a 20% restocking fee is deducted from your refund. Once we receive and inspect the return, your refund is issued to your original payment method within 5 business days or less. Final sale or clearance items and personalized or custom-commissioned artwork are not returnable. For full details, see our [return policy](/policies/refund-policy). ### What if my artwork arrives damaged? Every piece is carefully packaged to arrive in gallery-perfect condition. If something happens in transit, email [cs@melaninart.com](mailto:cs@melaninart.com) within 72 hours of delivery with your order number, item details, and clear photos of the damage including the packaging. Once approved, we cover return shipping and send a free replacement at no cost to you. Reports made after 72 hours may not qualify for a refund or replacement. For full details, see our [return policy](/policies/refund-policy). ### What payment methods do you accept? All major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, and other secure options at checkout. Every transaction is encrypted and protected. Orders & Gifting ---------------- ### Can I cancel or change my order after placing it? Because every piece is made to order, we start working on it quickly. If you need to cancel or make a change, email [cs@melaninart.com](mailto:cs@melaninart.com) as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Changes are not guaranteed once production has begun. ### Do you offer gift wrapping or gift messages? You can add a personalized gift message at checkout. Every order arrives beautifully packaged and ready to hang, making it the perfect gift for birthdays, housewarmings, Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and Valentine's Day. Free shipping is included on every order. ### Do you offer bulk or wholesale pricing? Yes, we work with interior designers, offices, and organizations on bulk orders. Email [cs@melaninart.com](mailto:cs@melaninart.com) with details about what you're looking for and we'll put together a custom quote.