You doing any metal prints?

[jfw]

My purpose in creating this thread is simply to get a quick survey of what others are doing with metal prints, if anything. Things like:

• Have you done any metal prints at all? If so:
• What types of images might you select for metal media vs. paper?
• What benefits and drawbacks do you see for metal?
• What firms are you sending out to, if you are doing metal?
• ... really anything you think is relevant to an informal survey about the use of metal prints.

Just curious because, while I usually print traditional prints on my Epson 7900, I've recently started sending out for a few metal prints. I like them quite a bit, but only use for selected images. Mpix has done them for me - and they do a great job IMO - but somewhat expensive.

Definitely interested in your experience & thoughts.

Cheers, Jerry

 

[FRGorga]

• Have you done any metal prints at all? If so:
• What types of images might you select for metal media vs. paper?
• What benefits and drawbacks do you see for metal?
• What firms are you sending out to, if you are doing metal?
• ... really anything you think is relevant to an informal survey about the use of metal prints.

I use metal prints on occasion, usually landscapes, sometimes wildlife. I have only ever printed color photos on metal.

The first time I used metal prints was in 2010, for an exhibit on the lifecycle of dragonflies. This exhibit was intended to be displayed in public places (e.g. schools and nature centers) and I concerned about durability. I was told, at the time, that metal prints were tough and this has turned out to be true. Other than one print with a bent corner, due to carelessness, the prints have held up very well. I clean them with Windex as needed. You can see the details of this exhibit here... http://www.frg-photo.com/ode_exhibit/

I also use metal prints for landscapes, usually when I want a clean modern look without frames. In my view metal prints are quite economical compared to a matted and framed paper prints, at least in the sizes I print at; the smallest metal prints I have made are 11x14 inches and most are larger.

I always go with rounded corners and the matte/satin finish. The glossy metal prints I have seen are mirror like. Definitely not to my taste and very hard to light.

I have only used one supplier over these 10 years, BayPhoto. They do good work and I have never had a reason to look elsewhere. BayPhoto offers a sample pack in which they print the same image on metal with each of the surfaces they offer at a reasonable price. This is worth getting in order to see the prints for oneself.

Hope this helps,

 

[Andrew Curatola]

So far I have made only 12 x 18 metal prints using Breathing Colors Allure. https://www.breathingcolor.com/products/allure-fine-art-metal?variant=31561539551328

Can be printed on most Epson printers because of their straight feeding path. Allure comes in many sizes but with only a matt finish. I usually use a satin/luster spray to get the effect that I want.I don't care for the high gloss finishes.

If using Allure, I don't see any draw backs to metal prints except you can only use Epson printers and you have to make them yourself.

The images I like to use are usually landscapes and sky scrapes scenes.

Andrew

 

[dRomano]

My purpose in creating this thread is simply to get a quick survey of what others are doing with metal prints, if anything. Things like:

• Have you done any metal prints at all? If so:
• What types of images might you select for metal media vs. paper?
• What benefits and drawbacks do you see for metal?
• What firms are you sending out to, if you are doing metal?
• ... really anything you think is relevant to an informal survey about the use of metal prints.

Just curious because, while I usually print traditional prints on my Epson 7900, I've recently started sending out for a few metal prints. I like them quite a bit, but only use for selected images. Mpix has done them for me - and they do a great job IMO - but somewhat expensive.

Definitely interested in your experience & thoughts.

Cheers, Jerry

I became interested metal prints because I was searching for a medium that most closely resembled what I see on my phone. I know this may sound like heresy, but it does depend on the image of course. The thing about metal is that it is shiny and not behind glass (or acrylic) and doesn't need a frame. I love the way my dramatic B&W images look on my phone, so I want to reproduce that. To take that further, an artist who wanted to present their work on gallery walls in a way that purposely mimics what we see on our phones would love metal prints.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to find anyone who can do really good black and white images, so I've been limited to color images only.

I choose metal when I want that kind of gloss, when the image might need to be cleaned, or when I don't want a frame. Metal prints are good for humid bathrooms.

I've used Picto Online and Mpix. Picto's color was better but very expensive. Mpix is pretty good and much cheaper. Mpix has the limitation that they won't print every I do, while Picto will print anything that's legal. Also fwiw, Picto offers fantastic prints.

As for drawbacks, dye sub metal is not the highest resolution process. Sharp enough at a distance, but not great close up. I might look into metallic papers as a substitute. But then there's the mounting challenge...

I was always curious about the Breathing Color Allure metal sheets. It would be great to do it myself. But the added costs make me reconsider. You need the DryTac press, plus the lamination films, plus the dust removal system. So it's another $1000 or so just to get into it.

 

[Maine-iac]

As for drawbacks, dye sub metal is not the highest resolution process. Sharp enough at a distance, but not great close up. I might look into metallic papers as a substitute. But then there's the mounting challenge...

I use Red River Paper's Polar Gloss Metallic 255 and am very happy with it. pretty much all landscapes, I print using the Canon Pro-100

 

[jfw]

• Have you done any metal prints at all? If so:
• What types of images might you select for metal media vs. paper?
• What benefits and drawbacks do you see for metal?
• What firms are you sending out to, if you are doing metal?
• ... really anything you think is relevant to an informal survey about the use of metal prints.

I use metal prints on occasion, usually landscapes, sometimes wildlife. I have only ever printed color photos on metal.

The first time I used metal prints was in 2010, for an exhibit on the lifecycle of dragonflies. This exhibit was intended to be displayed in public places (e.g. schools and nature centers) and I concerned about durability. I was told, at the time, that metal prints were tough and this has turned out to be true. Other than one print with a bent corner, due to carelessness, the prints have held up very well. I clean them with Windex as needed. You can see the details of this exhibit here... http://www.frg-photo.com/ode_exhibit/

I also use metal prints for landscapes, usually when I want a clean modern look without frames. In my view metal prints are quite economical compared to a matted and framed paper prints, at least in the sizes I print at; the smallest metal prints I have made are 11x14 inches and most are larger.

I always go with rounded corners and the matte/satin finish. The glossy metal prints I have seen are mirror like. Definitely not to my taste and very hard to light.

I have only used one supplier over these 10 years, BayPhoto. They do good work and I have never had a reason to look elsewhere. BayPhoto offers a sample pack in which they print the same image on metal with each of the surfaces they offer at a reasonable price. This is worth getting in order to see the prints for oneself.

Hope this helps,

Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts. I haven't yet done matte with metal, but your post has encouraged me to try it.

Also, thanks for the ref to BayPhoto - hadn't seen them before due to my long-time use of Mpix. They have interesting options. Will check them out in more detail.

 

[jfw]

So far I have made only 12 x 18 metal prints using Breathing Colors Allure. https://www.breathingcolor.com/products/allure-fine-art-metal?variant=31561539551328

Can be printed on most Epson printers because of their straight feeding path. Allure comes in many sizes but with only a matt finish. I usually use a satin/luster spray to get the effect that I want.I don't care for the high gloss finishes.

If using Allure, I don't see any draw backs to metal prints except you can only use Epson printers and you have to make them yourself.

The images I like to use are usually landscapes and sky scrapes scenes.

Andrew

I must have had my head in the proverbial sand, as I hadn't heard of this option. Very interesting. According to their site, my Epson 7900 is a compatible printer. Will definitely have to give this a try.

Can you expand a bit on what/ how you spray?

Thanks!

 

[jfw]

My purpose in creating this thread is simply to get a quick survey of what others are doing with metal prints, if anything. Things like:

• Have you done any metal prints at all? If so:
• What types of images might you select for metal media vs. paper?
• What benefits and drawbacks do you see for metal?
• What firms are you sending out to, if you are doing metal?
• ... really anything you think is relevant to an informal survey about the use of metal prints.

Just curious because, while I usually print traditional prints on my Epson 7900, I've recently started sending out for a few metal prints. I like them quite a bit, but only use for selected images. Mpix has done them for me - and they do a great job IMO - but somewhat expensive.

Definitely interested in your experience & thoughts.

Cheers, Jerry

I became interested metal prints because I was searching for a medium that most closely resembled what I see on my phone. I know this may sound like heresy, but it does depend on the image of course. The thing about metal is that it is shiny and not behind glass (or acrylic) and doesn't need a frame. I love the way my dramatic B&W images look on my phone, so I want to reproduce that. To take that further, an artist who wanted to present their work on gallery walls in a way that purposely mimics what we see on our phones would love metal prints.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to find anyone who can do really good black and white images, so I've been limited to color images only.

I choose metal when I want that kind of gloss, when the image might need to be cleaned, or when I don't want a frame. Metal prints are good for humid bathrooms.

I've used Picto Online and Mpix. Picto's color was better but very expensive. Mpix is pretty good and much cheaper. Mpix has the limitation that they won't print every I do, while Picto will print anything that's legal. Also fwiw, Picto offers fantastic prints.

As for drawbacks, dye sub metal is not the highest resolution process. Sharp enough at a distance, but not great close up. I might look into metallic papers as a substitute. But then there's the mounting challenge...

I was always curious about the Breathing Color Allure metal sheets. It would be great to do it myself. But the added costs make me reconsider. You need the DryTac press, plus the lamination films, plus the dust removal system. So it's another $1000 or so just to get into it.

Interesting inputs - thanks for sharing. I've only done color so far, but been thinking to do several signature B&W images. What specific issues did you have with B&W?

 

[Andrew Curatola]

What I do is a bit overkill but I get the effect I'm looking for. I first actually roll my print a couple of times with Breathing Colors Satin and after a while I spray with Premier Paint Shield.

Andrew

 

[jfw]

As for drawbacks, dye sub metal is not the highest resolution process. Sharp enough at a distance, but not great close up. I might look into metallic papers as a substitute. But then there's the mounting challenge...

I use Red River Paper's Polar Gloss Metallic 255 and am very happy with it. pretty much all landscapes, I print using the Canon Pro-100

What paper-type do you select in your printer when using this paper?

 

[Richard Frederick]

I was always curious about the Breathing Color Allure metal sheets. It would be great to do it myself. But the added costs make me reconsider. You need the DryTac press, plus the lamination films, plus the dust removal system. So it's another $1000 or so just to get into it.

I believe you are referring to the commercial metal printing process, different that the BC process. With BC material you print directly with an Epson ink jet just as you would on paper, except that you need a straight printing path. I successfully use an Epson P5000 even though BC considers it incompatible. I like the result.

 

[dRomano]

My purpose in creating this thread is simply to get a quick survey of what others are doing with metal prints, if anything. Things like:

• Have you done any metal prints at all? If so:
• What types of images might you select for metal media vs. paper?
• What benefits and drawbacks do you see for metal?
• What firms are you sending out to, if you are doing metal?
• ... really anything you think is relevant to an informal survey about the use of metal prints.

Just curious because, while I usually print traditional prints on my Epson 7900, I've recently started sending out for a few metal prints. I like them quite a bit, but only use for selected images. Mpix has done them for me - and they do a great job IMO - but somewhat expensive.

Definitely interested in your experience & thoughts.

Cheers, Jerry

I became interested metal prints because I was searching for a medium that most closely resembled what I see on my phone. I know this may sound like heresy, but it does depend on the image of course. The thing about metal is that it is shiny and not behind glass (or acrylic) and doesn't need a frame. I love the way my dramatic B&W images look on my phone, so I want to reproduce that. To take that further, an artist who wanted to present their work on gallery walls in a way that purposely mimics what we see on our phones would love metal prints.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to find anyone who can do really good black and white images, so I've been limited to color images only.

I choose metal when I want that kind of gloss, when the image might need to be cleaned, or when I don't want a frame. Metal prints are good for humid bathrooms.

I've used Picto Online and Mpix. Picto's color was better but very expensive. Mpix is pretty good and much cheaper. Mpix has the limitation that they won't print every I do, while Picto will print anything that's legal. Also fwiw, Picto offers fantastic prints.

As for drawbacks, dye sub metal is not the highest resolution process. Sharp enough at a distance, but not great close up. I might look into metallic papers as a substitute. But then there's the mounting challenge...

I was always curious about the Breathing Color Allure metal sheets. It would be great to do it myself. But the added costs make me reconsider. You need the DryTac press, plus the lamination films, plus the dust removal system. So it's another $1000 or so just to get into it.

Interesting inputs - thanks for sharing. I've only done color so far, but been thinking to do several signature B&W images. What specific issues did you have with B&W?

Neutrality really. The images had a green tint. I was told that the heat used in the process can make the inks change color. Whether that's the reason or not I don't know, but the color management it's too difficult for them

 

[Maine-iac]

As for drawbacks, dye sub metal is not the highest resolution process. Sharp enough at a distance, but not great close up. I might look into metallic papers as a substitute. But then there's the mounting challenge...

I use Red River Paper's Polar Gloss Metallic 255 and am very happy with it. pretty much all landscapes, I print using the Canon Pro-100

What paper-type do you select in your printer when using this paper?

as per red rivers recommendation I use the "Photo Paper Plus Glossy II"

 

[dRomano]

I was always curious about the Breathing Color Allure metal sheets. It would be great to do it myself. But the added costs make me reconsider. You need the DryTac press, plus the lamination films, plus the dust removal system. So it's another $1000 or so just to get into it.

I believe you are referring to the commercial metal printing process, different that the BC process. With BC material you print directly with an Epson ink jet just as you would on paper, except that you need a straight printing path. I successfully use an Epson P5000 even though BC considers it incompatible. I like the result.

 

[jfw]

My purpose in creating this thread is simply to get a quick survey of what others are doing with metal prints, if anything. Things like:

• Have you done any metal prints at all? If so:
• What types of images might you select for metal media vs. paper?
• What benefits and drawbacks do you see for metal?
• What firms are you sending out to, if you are doing metal?
• ... really anything you think is relevant to an informal survey about the use of metal prints.

Just curious because, while I usually print traditional prints on my Epson 7900, I've recently started sending out for a few metal prints. I like them quite a bit, but only use for selected images. Mpix has done them for me - and they do a great job IMO - but somewhat expensive.

Definitely interested in your experience & thoughts.

Cheers, Jerry

I became interested metal prints because I was searching for a medium that most closely resembled what I see on my phone. I know this may sound like heresy, but it does depend on the image of course. The thing about metal is that it is shiny and not behind glass (or acrylic) and doesn't need a frame. I love the way my dramatic B&W images look on my phone, so I want to reproduce that. To take that further, an artist who wanted to present their work on gallery walls in a way that purposely mimics what we see on our phones would love metal prints.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to find anyone who can do really good black and white images, so I've been limited to color images only.

I choose metal when I want that kind of gloss, when the image might need to be cleaned, or when I don't want a frame. Metal prints are good for humid bathrooms.

I've used Picto Online and Mpix. Picto's color was better but very expensive. Mpix is pretty good and much cheaper. Mpix has the limitation that they won't print every I do, while Picto will print anything that's legal. Also fwiw, Picto offers fantastic prints.

As for drawbacks, dye sub metal is not the highest resolution process. Sharp enough at a distance, but not great close up. I might look into metallic papers as a substitute. But then there's the mounting challenge...

I was always curious about the Breathing Color Allure metal sheets. It would be great to do it myself. But the added costs make me reconsider. You need the DryTac press, plus the lamination films, plus the dust removal system. So it's another $1000 or so just to get into it.

Interesting inputs - thanks for sharing. I've only done color so far, but been thinking to do several signature B&W images. What specific issues did you have with B&W?

Neutrality really. The images had a green tint. I was told that the heat used in the process can make the inks change color. Whether that's the reason or not I don't know, but the color management it's too difficult for them

re: the green tint... you saw that with both Picto & Mpix? or just one of them?

 

[dRomano]

Interesting inputs - thanks for sharing. I've only done color so far, but been thinking to do several signature B&W images. What specific issues did you have with B&W?

Neutrality really. The images had a green tint. I was told that the heat used in the process can make the inks change color. Whether that's the reason or not I don't know, but the color management it's too difficult for them

re: the green tint... you saw that with both Picto & Mpix? or just one of them?

Neither. Picto basically said not to bother if I really wanted a neutral tone image, and I expected the same or worse from mpix. I had previously experienced the issue with 2 other printers, whom I don't recall anymore, one of which specialized in metal and even spoke about how good their B&W is. So I gave up on commercial B&W metal. They all use color printing processes and can't do the color management necessary to control it. If someone could prove me wrong, I'd love to try it!

 

[Richard Frederick]

I have bee applying their matt varnish directly to the surface without a laminate, and have been for years. But BC does change things and I have been using stock bought a couple of years ago.

I suggest you give them a call.

 

[dRomano]

I have bee applying their matt varnish directly to the surface without a laminate, and have been for years. But BC does change things and I have been using stock bought a couple of years ago.

I suggest you give them a call.

 

[jfw]

Interesting inputs - thanks for sharing. I've only done color so far, but been thinking to do several signature B&W images. What specific issues did you have with B&W?

Neutrality really. The images had a green tint. I was told that the heat used in the process can make the inks change color. Whether that's the reason or not I don't know, but the color management it's too difficult for them

re: the green tint... you saw that with both Picto & Mpix? or just one of them?

Neither. Picto basically said not to bother if I really wanted a neutral tone image, and I expected the same or worse from mpix. I had previously experienced the issue with 2 other printers, whom I don't recall anymore, one of which specialized in metal and even spoke about how good their B&W is. So I gave up on commercial B&W metal. They all use color printing processes and can't do the color management necessary to control it. If someone could prove me wrong, I'd love to try it!

Thanks for the reply David. I've found Mpix to be quite good overall... I'll probably try a small one of my signature B&W prints with them and see how it goes. All I've got to lose is the price of 1 print. Will let you know what I find.

 

[Richard Frederick]

I would say it works like a typical matt photopaper for B&W, or color. I do not like glass over a print nor do I like frames. I usually print 16 X 24 inch on metal and 14 X 19-21 inch on canvas (17" rolls).

I glue aluminum angle to the back of the metal sheet to provide a strand-out from the wall and to stiffen the sheet.