Frequently Asked Questions: Everything About Ordering a Custom Painting
Every question you have about ordering a custom portrait painting — answered clearly and honestly. From pricing and timelines to revisions, shipping, and satisfaction guarantees.
Everything You Need to Know
Ordering a custom painting can feel like a leap of faith. You are sending a photograph to a stranger and trusting them to turn it into art. You are spending money on something you have not seen yet. You have questions — good questions — and you deserve clear, honest answers.
This page covers everything clients ask us before, during, and after placing their order.
Ordering and Getting Started
How do I place an order?
The process is simple:
- Upload your photo at paintforu.com/order/upload
- Choose your style — oil painting, watercolour, or pencil sketch
- Select canvas size and options — number of subjects, dimensions, special instructions
- Review and pay — secure checkout with full order summary
What information do I need to provide?
- Your photo (or photos, if combining subjects)
- Your preferred style and canvas size
- Any special instructions (background preferences, clothing changes, additional subjects, text, etc.)
Can I order by phone or email?
Our ordering process is online, but our support team is available via email to help with any questions before, during, or after ordering.
Photos and Reference Images
What kind of photo works best?
A clear photo where the subject's face is visible and well-lit. Smartphone photos work perfectly. Natural light is best. The expression should be natural and characteristic of the person or pet.
Can you work from old or damaged photos?
Yes. Our artists regularly work with faded, torn, and low-resolution vintage photographs. We can restore details, translate black-and-white images to colour, and repair damage.
Can I combine people or pets from different photos?
Absolutely. We frequently create portraits that unite subjects from separate photographs — couples who were never photographed together, family members from different eras, or a person alongside a pet that has passed.
What if my only photo is not great?
Send it anyway. Our art team will review it within 24 hours and give you an honest assessment. We can often work with photos that clients think are too dark, too blurry, or too small. If the photo genuinely cannot produce a good result, we will tell you and suggest alternatives.
Styles and Options
What styles do you offer?
- Oil painting — rich, luminous colours with visible brushstrokes. Our most popular style. Timeless and heirloom quality.
- Watercolour — soft, ethereal washes of colour. Beautiful for lighter subjects and dreamlike compositions.
- Pencil sketch — clean, detailed graphite work. Dramatic and elegant.
Can I request a specific artistic style?
Yes. If you want a particular look — Impressionist, Realist, Pop Art, or something else — include it in your special instructions. Our artists are versatile and can adapt to your vision.
What canvas sizes are available?
Standard sizes range from 8×10 inches to 36×48 inches. Custom dimensions are available on request. Our most popular size is 16×20 inches.
Can I add text to the painting?
Yes. Names, dates, quotes, or dedications can be added to the painting. Specify in your order instructions.
Pricing
How much does a custom painting cost?
Prices start at $149 for an 8×10 inch single-subject oil painting. The final price depends on:
- Canvas size (larger canvases cost more)
- Number of subjects (additional subjects add complexity)
- Style (oil, watercolour, and pencil sketch are priced similarly)
Are there any hidden fees?
None. The price you see at checkout is the price you pay. Every order includes:
- Unlimited free revisions
- Free worldwide shipping with tracking
- Protective varnish coating
- Professional packaging
Do you offer discounts for multiple paintings?
Contact us for multi-portrait pricing. Families ordering several portraits — for a gallery wall, for example — often receive package pricing.
The Painting Process
What happens after I order?
- Photo review — our art team reviews your photo within 24 hours
- Artist assignment — your portrait is matched to the best-suited artist
- Painting begins — the artist studies your photo and starts work
- Digital preview — you receive a preview within 7–10 business days
- Revisions (if needed) — unlimited, at no extra cost
- Final finishing — varnishing and quality check
- Shipping — free worldwide with full tracking
How long does the process take?
From order to delivery, typically 2–4 weeks. The digital preview arrives within 7–10 business days. After approval, finishing and shipping take a few additional days.
Can I rush my order?
Yes. Rush options are available for time-sensitive gifts. Contact us with your deadline and we will do our best to accommodate.
Previews and Revisions
What does the preview look like?
You receive a high-resolution photograph of the painting on the easel, showing the full portrait with accurate colour representation.
What if I want changes?
Every order includes unlimited free revisions. Common requests include:
- Adjusting skin tone or eye colour
- Brightening or softening the background
- Changing the expression slightly
- Adding or removing details
What if I am not satisfied at all?
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If we cannot create a portrait that meets your expectations after revisions, you receive a full refund.
Shipping and Delivery
How is the painting shipped?
Every painting is professionally packaged with surface protection, corner guards, and rigid boxing. The package is sealed against moisture and dust.
Is shipping free?
Yes. Shipping is free worldwide. You will receive a tracking number when the painting ships.
How long does delivery take?
- Domestic (US) — 5–7 business days after shipping
- International — 7–14 business days depending on location
What if the painting is damaged in transit?
Contact us immediately. We will arrange a replacement at no cost.
After Delivery
How should I care for my painting?
- Hang away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth every few months
- Do not use water or household cleaners on the surface
- The protective varnish coating preserves colours for decades
Do I need to frame the painting?
Framing is optional but recommended. The painting arrives on stretched canvas, ready to hang as-is. A frame adds a polished, finished look.
Can I reorder the same painting in a different size?
Yes. Contact us and we will create a new painting from the same reference at your chosen size.
Gift-Specific Questions
Can I order a painting as a surprise gift?
Absolutely. Most of our orders are gifts. All communication goes to the person who placed the order, not the recipient.
Can you gift-wrap the painting?
The painting arrives in professional packaging that is suitable for gift-giving. For an extra personal touch, include a handwritten note in your special instructions and we will include it with the delivery.
What if I need the painting by a specific date?
Contact us with your deadline before ordering. We will confirm whether standard or rush delivery can meet your timeline.
Can I buy a gift certificate?
Contact us for gift certificate options — perfect when you want the recipient to choose their own photo and style.
Ready to Order?
Every PaintedForU portrait comes with unlimited free revisions, free worldwide shipping, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Start your portrait now and see how easy the process really is.Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a custom painting cost?
Prices start at $149 for an 8×10 inch single-subject oil painting. Costs increase with canvas size and number of subjects. Every commission includes unlimited free revisions, free worldwide shipping, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
How long does it take to receive my painting?
The typical timeline is 2–4 weeks from order to delivery. You receive a digital preview within 7–10 business days for approval. After approval, final finishing and shipping take a few additional days. Rush options are available.
What if I am not happy with the painting?
Every commission includes unlimited free revisions at no extra cost. If the preview does not capture your subject perfectly, we will revise until you are completely satisfied. We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee — if we cannot get it right, you receive a full refund.
What photo do I need to provide?
A clear photo where the subject's face is visible and reasonably well-lit. Smartphone photos work perfectly. Our art team reviews every submission within 24 hours and will advise if a different photo would produce a better result.
Can you paint from multiple photos?
Yes. We regularly combine subjects from different photos, use one photo for the face and another for the body, or merge elements from several images into a single portrait. Simply upload all reference photos with your order.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Every PaintedForU painting ships free worldwide with full tracking. International delivery typically takes 7–14 business days depending on location.
Sarah Chen
Senior Art Consultant
Sarah is a Senior Art Consultant at PaintForU with over 12 years of experience in custom portrait commissions. She specialises in helping clients choose the perfect style and composition for their portraits.
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