Metal Prints

Two types of metal prints are available - dye sublimation and UV (ultraviolet).

Why dye sublimation metal prints?  It offers unmatched durability, excellent contrast and vibrant colours.  In a word, the photo really "pops", unlike any other print medium.

The following is compiled from various internet sources:

Dye-sublimation printing on aluminum is a cutting edge way to reproduce an image. Sublimation itself is the process of a substance going from a solid to a gas and back to a solid.  In this case, that substance is the ink.

The image is first printed onto a transfer paper and then is adhered to pre-treated aluminum.  The aluminum and transfer paper are placed into a custom heat press, which is heated to temperatures exceeding 190C / 380F.  While being subjected to extreme heat and pressure, the dyes from the transfer paper turn into a gas, are pressed into the surface of the metal, and then solidify into the treated aluminum. As the dyes cool they are permanently infused beneath the surface of the metal substrate.

With unprecedented resistance to surface abrasion, high humidity, atmospheric ozone and contact with water, metal prints can be safely displayed without the need for framing under glass or acrylic, face-mounting, or surface laminating. Metal prints will last up to three times longer than paper prints under glass, are more vibrant and are easy to clean.

Why UV metal prints?  One of the UV print processes ("Smooth White Metal") actually uses white ink rather than depending on the absence of ink to represent white so it preserves white colour slightly better. This makes it a great choice for high key photos and minimalist images. Both types of UV prints are UV resistant, water resistant and scratch resistant but these three traits are not quite to the same standard that a dye sublimation print ("HD Gloss") offers.

Metal prints use a frameless design, giving photos a clean, modern look. You don’t have to deal with framing or matting the piece: the art is ready to hang when it arrives.

There are three metal print finishes available.  Choice will depend on the nature of the photo, placement/light source(s) and personal preferences:

• HD Gloss: Dye sublimation print.  Ultra gloss finish for striking colour saturation and contrast.  Excellent reflectivity.  The "classic" look of metal prints.  Generally suitable for anywhere without high glare lighting.
• Brushed Metal: UV print.  The texture and shine of the metal creates depth and dimension, making your photos truly stand out. The lighter areas of your image will reveal the metallic texture of the print.
• Smooth White Metal: UV print.  The matte surface minimizes reflections, creating a soft and subtle look with some slight natural graininess.  Excellent for areas with high glare lighting.

The print can be 'stand-alone' (print only), float-mounted (not visible; stands 1" off the wall), floating frame box or configured with 'standoffs' (stylish 1" corner metal posts that move the picture 1" off the wall).

If you have any questions about finish or mounts, please contact me.  Include the image number, desired print size and lighting for the intended placement (natural (window), spot/task (eg. adjustable pot or track), general).