Why Technology Matters When Printing Photos on Metal

Metal printing is one of the fastest growing art sectors in the West. If you’re thinking of printing photos on metal, you can’t afford to overlook the importance of high-quality technology.

Technology has made it easier than ever to transfer your original art, but the transition isn’t always smooth. Sometimes your colors come out faded or you lose precious detail. Even worse, incompatible printers can create metal prints that don’t hold up to scratches or water exposure.

We know the importance of technology first-hand – your anniversary gift, gallery showing, or trade show deserves nothing less than the best. We’ll break down our printing process, the metal we use, and why our solutions result in long-lasting, brilliant metal prints.

If you’re in a hurry, read our key takeaways on metal printing quality below:

• We use specialized dye sublimation technology made specifically for metal prints
• Our go-to printing solution is Epson’s leading F-series
• ChromaLuxe aluminum is the best all-around metal option compared to stainless steel and copper
• We provide custom sizes and custom shapes to individualize your metal prints
• You can also choose between several finishes to stay true to your vision

Source Image: Unsplash

How Do You Print Photos on Metal, Anyway?

There’s a big difference between a superficial metallic sheen on a paper print and a durable metal print. Our metal printing process is specifically designed for the unique needs of printing paintings, photos, and designs onto metal sheets.

We’ve committed ourselves to Epson’s dye sublimation technology, a unique printing method that results in the highest quality metal prints. This process works by printing an image on a specialized transfer paper, then placed on a metal sheet with a heat press at 400 degrees. This blend of heat and pressure turns the ink into gas that sinks into the metal surface.

The result? A luminous metal print that’s so vibrant and subtle, it almost appears 3D. However, it’s not just the printer that creates such a stunning result.

Source Image: Unsplash

What are the Best Panels for Printing Photos on Metal? 

Choosing dedicated metal printing technology is only half the battle – the metal panel used also makes or breaks a metal print. 

ChromaLuxe Aluminum Provides Several Benefits in One Place

It’s not fair to choose between durability or a high-quality image. We use ChromaLuxe aluminum because they’re explicitly designed for the metal printing process.

Instead of wrestling with the limitations of other metals, ChromaLuxe aluminum’s absorbent coating receives image transfers smoothly and consistently. Its vivid color translates well across all sorts of paintings and photos, offering consistent quality no matter your favorite color schemes or art style.

We’ve been consistently impressed with how durable ChromaLuxe aluminum is, to boot. It’s resistant to scratches, moisture, and is relatively lightweight  – a winning combo if you need to ship or mount your work frequently.

If you ever spill something onto your metal prints or notice dust gathering up, maintenance is a breeze. With such a well-rounded list of benefits, we plan on using ChromaLuxe aluminum sheets for the foreseeable future. 

Stainless Steel is a Solid Option, But Lacks the Full Range of Benefits 

This common material regularly shows up in your day-to-day life, but is it good for printing? Stainless steel is a solid enough choice for metal printing, but pales in comparison to aluminum for two reasons – cost and ink absorbance.

Stainless steel substrates check off several boxes for durable metal prints, offering a long-lasting option that holds up well to scratches and scuffs. They’re also fairly resistant to UV light, a major contributor to prints that lose color and detail from sun exposure.

However, they don’t have the best ink absorption around. If you want to print rich and colorful photos or illustrations, you’ll lose some subtlety. 

Stainless steel is also heavier than aluminum, which can be frustrating if you ship your work often and want to watch shipping costs. 

Copper is Lovely to Behold, But Not Very Durable 

With a brilliant sheen and corrosion-resistant make-up, copper seems like a no-fuss option for metal printing. Sadly, this material has several issues that make prints less durable over time. 

Copper metal substrates are on the thinner side, a feature that’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, these substrates absorb ink quite well and create an impressively bold result. On the other hand, such a thin material means they’re not very durable. Copper metal substrates gather up scratches easily and aren’t built for repeated handling. 

Our ChromaLuxe aluminum metal panels come with a polyester coating that resists scratches as well as UV exposure and water. When it comes to recreating your hard work, you shouldn’t have to pick one benefit over the other.

Have more questions about how our printing process creates the most durable and high-quality metal prints? Send us an email or call us at (866) 638-3384.

Source Image: Unsplash

Can You Create Custom Shapes or Sizes With Metal Printing?

It’s not just paper prints that get flexibility with different shapes and sizes. With the aid of our CNC machine, we can breathe life into just about any shape or size you have in mind.

To create a truly one-of-a-kind metal print, we work with customers one-on-one to figure out how to approach the design. Our CNC CAD requires a photo, illustration, or design be turned into a vector image first before being traced. However, you don’t have to complete this step – our team of seasoned in-house designers can complete the transition for you.

Source Image: Unsplash

How Long Will My Photos on Metal Prints Last?

Our metal prints last for several years with minimal upkeep. We know how important it is to invest in a product you can trust to pass down to the next generation or hold up to repeated shipping.

With the aid of high-quality ChromaLuxe aluminum metal sheets and a UV-resistant coating, your metal prints will hold up to:

• General light exposure, including UV
• Scratches
• Water
• Scuffs
• Dust
• Chemicals

However, even the toughest metal print isn’t invincible. We have a few tips and tricks if you accidentally chip or dent your purchase. 

Source Image: Unsplash

What Kind of Photos are Best for Metal Prints?

We know it’s not enough to have custom sizes and shapes – we also provide a variety of finishes to tailor your metal print as close to your vision as possible. No matter the photo you use, we have a solution.

Colorful Photos Look Fantastic with a Glossy Finish

Whether you’re printing a snapshot of a breathtaking sunset or a brilliant fashion spread, a glossy finish will bring out your work’s best side. This finish is well-geared toward vibrant photos and illustrations since it intensifies color. 

Our white gloss option gives a subtle sheen to your print that makes it appear like it’s under glass. This is a prime option for work that’s featured at shows, galleries, or stores – it has the professional sheen needed to grab attention. 

Minimalist or Black and White Photos Pair Well With a Matte Finish

If you’re going to print work that’s either single color or black and white, matte finishes are ideal. While glossy goes for intense and bold, matte finishes are more subtle.

While our matte finishes still boast lovely color and crisp detail, you can enjoy a different ‘feel’ to your work compared to glossy. For example, our silver matte has a subtle shimmer that adds a nostalgic touch – almost like a vintage print. 

However, glossy finishes can work well for black and white prints, too. Our silver gloss finish works well for high-contrast photos or illustrations, giving your work an extra sense of depth. When printing photos on metal, a wide variety of options ensures you won’t have to compromise on your vision.

Now’s a great time to start experimenting with metal prints and bringing out your work’s best side. Try our convenient online print wizard today and see the results yourself.