FAQs About Printing Photos on Metal

Shiny Prints is a premium printing company specializing in printing photos on metal. In this article, I will highlight some basic thoughts about printing on metal that often come up as FAQs (frequently asked questions).

So why use Shiny Prints as an example?

Well, that’s easy! Shiny Prints specializes in printing on metal, so their artisans have a deep understanding of what makes metal such an interesting and beautiful substrate for printing images. Their expertise is our gain!

Printing Photos On Metal: Why Metal?

Printing photos on metal is a great way to showcase your creative art. Metal prints stand out more so than the same image printed on something else.

Printing photos on metal is done via a process called dye sublimation. The way it works is that your image is first printed onto a special transfer paper with inks designed for the dye sublimation process.

Then, this transfer paper is sandwiched to a polished aluminum panel; a Chromaluxe panel is the industry standard used by Shiny Prints. Heat and pressure are applied, making the ink dyes transfer into the aluminum. It's not printed on the sheet; the image actually becomes part of the aluminum.

Printing Photos On Metal Makes Them Stand Out

This dye sublimation process results in an image that truly stands out as art. The blacks are intense in a metal print, and the colors are rich and vivid.

Shiny Prints uses the industry standard ChromaLuxe aluminum panels to maintain sharpness and transfer the dyes as fully as possible. They have top-of-the-line F-Series Epson printers designed for metal prints and also use only Epson inks.

Another thing that printing photos on metal with Shiny Prints does is guarantee the most accurate colors for your image files. Instead of the sRGB color space, Shiny Prints uses the more involved and accurate Adobe1998 color space.

All of this care ensures that your metal prints will take advantage of the medium. A metal print stands out more than other printing styles because it is a self-contained work of art. No matting or framing is needed because the panel is stiff. This adds to the impact of your image by allowing the art itself to shine through.

Printing Photos On Metal Lasts a Long Time

Printing photos on metal also means that these prints will last a long, long time. The metal panels are already very durable; ChromaLuxe panels and Epson printers and inks, used by the well-trained experts at Shiny Prints, have a longevity of over 65 years.

You can also opt for the EXT series of metal prints with features allowing them to be displayed outside. Weather, sunlight, and even graffiti don’t harm the EXT metal prints, making them a great choice for signs and outdoor displays.

Printing Photos On Metal as a Professional

Speaking of signs, as a professional photographer or a designer, you can have your metal prints made into custom shapes. They use a CNC machine for precise cutting, making your sign exactly as needed.

Your options include mounting systems that fit your metal print or sign perfectly, including mounts that make your photography appear to be floating right up against the wall.

Soft proofing so you know what you’re ordering and a shipping calculator complete the package for professionals wanting to add printing photos on metal to their portfolio of products and services.

Printing Photos On Metal Wrap Up

To put it mildly, printing photos on metal is an awesome way to make your images truly stand out. These photos are beautiful, will stand the test of time, and can even be used as outdoor signage when opting for the EXT style of metal prints.

Metal prints are great for all photographers, professional or otherwise, and Shiny Prints is an awesome place to get them made. But don’t take my word for it! Visit Shiny Prints today to learn how they can help you make your photos truly shine!