Best Metal Prints of 2021
- A well-constructed mounting frame that has metal brackets in each corner to give the frame added rigidity and stability.
- A metal cleat (with a level) that makes hanging the print a simple and easy process.
- A hardware package with everything you need to hang the print.
- Superb packaging that ensures the print arrives without damage.
This time of year, I come out with a variety of lists that highlight some of my favorite products of the year.
This includes my Best of 2021 list that I published last week, various gift guides for holiday shopping, and, of course, this year's edition of the Best Metal Prints.
But unlike in years past, this time, there are TWO metal print companies that share the "best metal prints" honor. Both companies - Metal Mouth Prints and Artbeat Studios - have a lot to offer, but they specialize in two different products.
Let's find out what makes these companies a cut above the rest!
Best Metal Prints 2021 - Metal Mouth Prints
I'd like to talk first about Metal Mouth Prints, a company that I began working with this year.
In addition to offering high-quality metal prints, this company is also at the cutting edge of innovation in the metal print industry.
In fact, their unique product called the éZi Mount would have single-handedly given them the co-title as best metal print of 2021, but the quality of the metal prints themselves is also a cut above.
The éZi Mount is simple, yet revolutionary...
As I demonstrate in the video above, instead of shipping you a traditional metal print with the mounting plate attached to the back, the éZi Mount separates the mount from the print. That means that the mounted print floats in front of a high-quality metal frame that's attached to the wall.
So, you attach the z-style metal cleat to the wall, mount the print, and voila - you have a beautiful metal print on the wall.
The éZi Mount enables you to easily swap out the prints you display, that way you can change the print to your heart's content.
In all, this process takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools. When I said it's easy, I meant it!
With the éZi Mount system, you no longer have to worry about putting tons of holes in your walls to hang additional prints, nor do you have to worry about running out of wall space.
Instead, you can find the perfect spot in your home to display your images, hang the éZi Mount, and rotate your favorite metal prints in and out whenever you like.
Not only is this a great option for normal customers that want to swap out different images of family and friends, but it's also an ideal option for professional photographers that want to refresh and update their gallery walls in a quick and easy manner. Learn more about the éZi Mount and Metal Mouth Prints in the video below:
When you order an éZi Mount print from Metal Mouth Prints, you get your metal print, the éZi Mount Frame, a cleat for hanging, and a pair of white cotton gloves so you don't get fingerprints all over your beautiful new metal print.
Speaking of the print, it's mounted on 1/2-inch Gatorboard and comes with a hanging wire installed on the back. The hanging wire can be snapped into the éZi Mount Frame, or you can hang the print with a picture hook.
And if you end up with multiple éZi prints, you can always order additional éZi Frames at a later time if you'd like to display more than one print at a time in your home. The metal frame is a beautiful deep brushed silver for a classic look and is 1.125-inches deep, so your prints set away from the wall for a floating look.
This system really does give you so much flexibility in terms of how you display your art. Though it's a simple idea, it's an absolutely ingenious idea that I believe will revolutionize the metal print industry for good. Kudos to Metal Mouth Prints for being the tip of the spear of innovation!
Best Metal Prints 2021 - Artbeat Studios
You might have seen that Artbeat Studios won our 2021 Metal Print Shootout. If you haven't yet, you can check it out in the video above. You can also read my 2021 Artbeat Studios metal print review.
When it comes to traditional metal prints, Artbeat Studios is at the top of the class of companies that we've tested in our Metal Print Shootouts over the years. All the way around - from the image quality to the quality of the metal to the mounting system on the back - Artbeat Studios knows how to craft an ideal metal print.
Now, I've been working with Artbeat Studios for quite a few years now. I have several metal prints from them in my home, and each time I order a new one, I'm impressed all over again.
Part of what makes metal prints from Artbeat Studios so impressive is the sheer variety of options you can choose from.
Obviously, you can order just about any size of metal print you like. But you can also choose five different surface options and five different wall mounts to get a custom metal print that suits your particular aesthetic.
In terms of surface options, you can choose between traditional finishes like white matte, white satin, or white gloss. You can also opt for a less traditional approach and go with silver gloss or textured matte.
On the back you can pick between a silver or black aluminum mount, a natural or black wood mount, or a floating wall mount.
Whichever option you choose, the print will stand away from the wall for a floating look that gives the print a 3-D appearance.
Of course, something else that makes Artbeat Studios metal prints the best among those we've tested in our shootouts is the heat-infused process they use to put the image on the metal. The result of this process is unsurpassed resolution and color vibrancy. The fact that Artbeat Studios uses Epson Surecolor printers with Epson inks on ChromaLuxe® aluminum sheets also helps generate metal prints with unmatched clarity and color rendition among the companies in our 2021 Metal Print Shootout.
In other words, Artbeat Studios won our 2021 Metal Print Shootout for a reason!
These guys know how to create beautiful metal prints that will last for decades to come. You can see why in the summary of my 2021 review below.
The quality of the ink in this Artbeat Studios print is worthy of discussing first.
In terms of color rendition, the print I received is absolutely spot on with the image I sent.
On top of that, there's no obvious banding, which cannot be said for other prints in the 2021 shootout.
Banding is lines created by the printer as the ink is put onto the metal. High-quality prints like this don't have banding. Instead, the ink is consistent and the colors are clean throughout the print.
Another feature of this print that's worthy of mention right off the bat is the sharpness.
It's hard to see in the image below, but the detail in this print is absolutely incredible. It feels like you can reach out and touch the tree! Sharpness is definitely a five out of five.
Other features that make this print from Artbeat Studios stand out include:
As I explain in the video above, Artbeat Studios ships the print in a box that is just the right size. The print was snug in there, so there was no chance of it moving during shipping. Additionally, the print was wrapped in bubble wrapped, then wrapped in plastic, and then taped to a 1/4-inch piece of wood.
So not only did Artbeat Studios win the 2021 Metal Print Shootout because of the quality of their metal print, but the customer experience certainly helped, too!
I go into more detail in the video above, so check it out!
