Unfortunately, if it was indeed part of the deal and your mistake, it would be good business sense to replace her print free of charge.

I concur, although it's a bit awkward because the client approved the final image -- but the flaw may not have been apparent on her screen, depending on its quality and resolution. It's difficult to have to swallow the expense of a new print, but it would make you awesome in the eyes of your client, they can show the print proudly and tell everyone who did it.

I wouldn't say that it's necessary, but it would be in good business practice to do so.

If it's a mistake, rather than just your style clashing with the print technique, then yeah I guess you should replace it. Sucky as though it may be.
Maybe she'll tip you for the effort and soften the blow?

Thanks for responding. So here is a quick update.

I forgot to mention the commission is an birthday gift. So, I will know in a few days if the commissioner wants a reprint or not.

But as I figured I will pay for the reprint. I just want to make a journal entry to make sure that it is the best action to do. And undoubtedly- everyone agrees to it (even I personally agree).

You should definitely pay for the reprint. But I think you know that! :)

I recently had a glossy print made for an image I did as a gift for a friend. Fortunately it wasn't a business transaction, but the print did end up with what essentially looked like a water stain- just because of how I painted the image. It was literally completely invisible as a digital image, from my perspective and the friend's. Essentially I ended up in this situation, where just the way I paint effected the printed product.
While I agree you should pay for the reprint (and obviously you know this already), it's worth saying that I've been in nearly this exact scenario before. It totally happens!

For future - though not all printers are the same - flaws like this should show up. So print a smaller version on a smaller printer at high quality on similar paper (gloss, semi gloss, plain etc). 11X17 is usually a good bet, or if it is YOUR machine 8.5 X 11 may even show it.

Mine does - but I have a Canon so..dunno about other printers. I know more professional ones did show my flaws before.

I worked in printing for a very long time - so I know what I'm saying - but also take it with a grain of salt because it has been 5 years since I worked in the industry. I also use to be able to see the defects on digital - but it takes a trained eye ... and I may not be able to do that anymore either.

Now, I'm rambling - I apologize.

Oh! Also work in CMYK or Adobe RGB 1998 as most printers are set up to work with that - and make sure the printer knows this is your settings.

Ugh sorry for all the edits.

Edited at 2014-08-30 04:50 pm (UTC)