Printing on Aluminum
PRINT METAL FINE ART EDITIONS
Extra Large Format | Panoramic Photography
Extra Large Format | Panoramic Photography
Add the "WOW" factor!
Sought after by fine art galleries and top professionals, printing on "ChromaLuxe" Aluminum Panels is the ultimate in elegant presentation with startling clarity, sharpness, saturation and depth of colour. Available in six finishes, with custom sizing up to 96"x 48".
These Dye Sublimation Prints are made by infusing special dyes directly into, (rather than onto) the translucent coating on the aluminum sheets, which gives them a depth that appears to glow with an internal light source. On seeing a metal print for the first time, people sometimes imagine that it is backlit!
Sought after by fine art galleries and top professionals, printing on "ChromaLuxe" Aluminum Panels is the ultimate in elegant presentation with startling clarity, sharpness, saturation and depth of colour. Available in six finishes, with custom sizing up to 96"x 48".
These Dye Sublimation Prints are made by infusing special dyes directly into, (rather than onto) the translucent coating on the aluminum sheets, which gives them a depth that appears to glow with an internal light source. On seeing a metal print for the first time, people sometimes imagine that it is backlit!
"White Series, Vertical"; Stacey Bodnaruk, BC
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aluminum print features
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2 faqs
Clients new to printing on aluminum usually ask one or both of two questions:
1] "Is my image suitable to print on aluminum?" A: All photographic and digital-art images look great on aluminum! The decision to use aluminum really depends on taste and where it's going to hang, rather than on the image itself.
If it's a matter of taste then let's assume that you like the look of aluminum prints, so the next question is, will an aluminum print fit in with the surrounding decor? On this page you will see aluminum prints in many different settings. With modern architecture it is an obvious fit but aluminum can also look good in a 'traditional' setting as shown here and by the illustration of Stacey Bodnaruk's "Discovery Ice Cap 1" which hangs over the fireplace in Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler. (See Care and Placing of Aluminum Prints below.) The simplicity of just an image floating in front of a wall, especially when combined with the deep gloss surface, lends an aluminum print great versatility when it comes to blending in with the surroundings.
1] "Is my image suitable to print on aluminum?" A: All photographic and digital-art images look great on aluminum! The decision to use aluminum really depends on taste and where it's going to hang, rather than on the image itself.
If it's a matter of taste then let's assume that you like the look of aluminum prints, so the next question is, will an aluminum print fit in with the surrounding decor? On this page you will see aluminum prints in many different settings. With modern architecture it is an obvious fit but aluminum can also look good in a 'traditional' setting as shown here and by the illustration of Stacey Bodnaruk's "Discovery Ice Cap 1" which hangs over the fireplace in Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler. (See Care and Placing of Aluminum Prints below.) The simplicity of just an image floating in front of a wall, especially when combined with the deep gloss surface, lends an aluminum print great versatility when it comes to blending in with the surroundings.
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2] "Which finish would suit my image best?" A: Which finish to choose, gloss or matte, also partly depends on preference but mostly on where is it going to hang, rather than on the image.
Your preference regarding the finish, might need to be modified by where you intend to hang the print. Lighting and reflections off the surface could play a major role in your enjoyment of the print and should be carefully considered, as explained in detailed descriptions and illustrations of each finish below. Right: Gloss Finish lit from above
Michael Sherman Photography, Vancouver, BC |
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If you are reselling your work you have no control over an unknown buyer's taste or environment, so deep gloss is recommended because it is the finish that really sets aluminum apart from other media and has the most impact on a viewer. Gallery lighting is always from above to avoid reflections on glass, so a deep gloss finish should look at it's best on a gallery wall.
available finishes
In order to maintain the highest possible standards for our Canadian clients we are now offering all six finish and base combinations up to the full sheet size 96"x 48", on the following basis :
- DEEP GLOSS on a WHITE BASE is printed in Canada and shipped Flat Rate across Canada; at cost Worldwide.
- MATTE (WHITE BASE); SATIN (WHITE BASE); SILVER-GLOSS; SILVER-MATTE; SILVER-SATIN are all printed in the USA and shipped at cost to all destinations. Please ask for a quote.
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Deep Gloss
(White Base) |
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- Vibrant, luminescent, brilliant, it's impossible to convey the full impact in a photograph or in words, but I'll do my best....
- The deep gloss gives the colours unmatched depth and clarity, the smooth surface renders superior sharpness.
- It's often said, it's as if they have their own inner light source, seeming to glow from within! This is due to the Dye Sublimation process, in which the dye is transferred in a heat press causing it to penetrate deep into the surface, rather than lying on top of it as ink does on paper. This has been compared to the luminous effect achieved by Rembrandt who built up layers of egg-temperer to achieve that famous glow....
- The reflections do not block the image as they do on glass in front of an artwork, but rather they extend into the image, behind the surface, so when the eye focuses on the image on the surface, the reflections appear to fade away.
- One thing that is easy to convey is people's reactions when they see it for the first time - they usually just say "WOW"!
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Matte
Sometimes there are just too many windows or light sources where the aluminum print is to be hung, so that it's impossible to view from any position without reflections interfering with your appreciation of the image. Matte is the answer, it will eliminate those problematic reflections whilst retaining most of the depth of colour and saturation that the gloss gives you. The same elegant presentation gives the impression of a perfectly flat sheet of paper floating off the wall.
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great outdoorsThe inks penetrate into the coated aluminum surface, ensuring that the image is permanent and can’t be rubbed off and the laminate is tough and completely impervious to water, whichever finish you select - to clean just wipe it off! The aluminum itself won't be damaged, so if you have an outdoor art application we recommend printing on aluminum.
Disclaimer: For long-term outdoor applications there is no guarantee of any period of longevity before fading becomes noticeable. This will depend on the location which will determine the amount and strength of the sunlight it receives. Gallery Sign Printed on Gloss Aluminum; ("The sign has held up beautifully and has received many compliments.") Dan Nordin, BC
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public buildings: superior flame spread rating
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If you are providing art for an institution, public building or space, be sure to check into the building codes and regulations regarding wall art. We heard of a college that had to remove all of their canvases from the corridors because of the poor "flame spread rating" of canvas stretched on wood. Needless to say, they replaced them with prints on aluminum.
[Meets Class B, Flame Spread Index 75 or less and Smoke Developed Index 450 or less. Full Report.] |
7 Panel Installation, Town Hall, Campbell River, BC, by Eiko Jones Photography
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hardware & Hanging system
HANGING RAILS ARE INCLUDED, BUT OPTIONAL...
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Aluminum Hanging Rails
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Over 24"x 16":
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24"x 16" and smaller:
- Supplied with 1 Euro-Hanger which can be attached to the top rail and hooked over a "J" hook (not included), as shown below:
care and placing of aluminum prints
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Cleaning: Soap and water are usually sufficient to remove fingerprints etc, but other products that can be used without harming the finish include isopropyl alcohol, household detergents and ammonia based glass cleaners. The surface is extremely scratch resistant but even so we would always recommend applying with a soft cloth, paper towel, etc.
Moisture: Aluminum prints are moisture proof and therefore ideal for hanging in bathrooms, saunas, kitchens, etc., (and as mentioned above, outdoors) where other media might be damaged by the humidity. You can just wipe steam off the surface of an aluminum print and give it a polish up in the process using a soft cloth or similar. Temperature: Aluminum prints are more able to resist changes in temperature than traditional media and would be the best choice for a chimney-breast for example (right). See above for Superior Flame Spread Rating... |
"Discovery Ice Cap 1"; Stacey Bodnaruk, BC; Displayed at Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler
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Light: Aluminum prints have a longer archival life than other print media, but they will fade eventually just like any photographic print, so if possible avoid hanging in direct sunlight.
testimonials: prints on aluminum
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Disclaimers:
1] Production times vary according to the volume of work going through at the time of placing the order, and are often seasonal in nature. We will always complete your order as quickly as possible, without taking any shortcuts on quality, and will inform you if any delays are expected beyond the normal production time for the work. If your order is time sensitive please let us know at the time of placing it and we will confirm if we can expect to meet your deadline.
2] Aluminum Prints are printed on aluminum sheets that have been coated. The coating may contain some minor imperfections such as small bumps. Each sheet is inspected and if there are imperfections we place them in a part of the image which reduces their prominence. We cannot remake Aluminum Prints due to these imperfections unless they are located in a very prominent part of the image. For the same reason, a tolerance of up to 1/8th" for the final measurement is required.
3] Aluminum Prints are moisture proof and have a long archival life, but they will fade like a normal photographic print, so please avoid direct sunlight.
1] Production times vary according to the volume of work going through at the time of placing the order, and are often seasonal in nature. We will always complete your order as quickly as possible, without taking any shortcuts on quality, and will inform you if any delays are expected beyond the normal production time for the work. If your order is time sensitive please let us know at the time of placing it and we will confirm if we can expect to meet your deadline.
2] Aluminum Prints are printed on aluminum sheets that have been coated. The coating may contain some minor imperfections such as small bumps. Each sheet is inspected and if there are imperfections we place them in a part of the image which reduces their prominence. We cannot remake Aluminum Prints due to these imperfections unless they are located in a very prominent part of the image. For the same reason, a tolerance of up to 1/8th" for the final measurement is required.
3] Aluminum Prints are moisture proof and have a long archival life, but they will fade like a normal photographic print, so please avoid direct sunlight.
