Metal prints are a very popular alternative to canvas prints and other art print media. They are durable, and offer deep, rich colors thanks to the dye sublimation process. It also offers a bright sheen that is impossible to duplicate with canvas or paper.
While there are several great reliable metal print companies out there, it may be difficult to choose which one is best for your needs. You’ll want to find one that you’re comfortable with in terms of price, capability, size of the prints, and delivery options. Best to make sure that they also have great references. Focus on your budget and your needs when you’re choosing a metal print company for your photographs, and the right decision will follow.
We’ve reviewed some of the companies to help make it easier for you to find the right company for your needs. We hope you find this useful.
Enjoy!
Contents
- Our Metal Print Recommendations
- 1. Pictorem
- 2. Canvas Champ
- 3. Bay Photo Lab
- 4. Bumblejax
- 5. HD Aluminum Prints
Our Metal Print Recommendations
- Pictorem – Best Overall
- Canvas Champ – Best For Home Decor
- Bay Photo – Best In Innovation and Quality
- BumbleJax – Best In Offering Varied Print Services
- HD Aluminum Prints – Best In Customer Service
1. Pictorem
As one of the original players in the printing industry, Pictorem offers you custom framing, canvas, and a remarkable rendition of options. There are many great selections for metal prints with this company. As one of the most reputable companies out there, they work directly with photographers, artists, and other professional groups. You can trust your prints with these guys.
They’ve long established their place in the print industry. We’ve chosen Pictorem as our top pick for online metal prints.
Pros
- Museum-quality archival prints
- 3 unique styles to choose from
- HD dye-sublimation metal prints
- Epoxy metal prints
- Standard brushed aluminum (in metallic or white matte)
- Large projects are easily handled
- Competitive pricing
- Outstanding customer service
Cons
- We couldn’t find any cons for Pictorem!
2. Canvas Champ
Canvas Champ, as their name suggests, is largely focused on canvas prints and other custom gifts such as photo mugs, photo pillows, etc.
They largely target the home decor market, and the quality is in line with that. This means that while it’s perfectly fine for interior decorating, family photos, and gifts, it may not be the best choice for displaying your artwork or photography in a professional setting (Pictorem is a much better option for that).
Pros
- Canvas Champ holds an A accreditation at the Better Business Bureau.
- They offer competitive pricing
- Price-match guarantee
- Variety of options (including additional gifts and home decor items, like photo pillows and custom mugs).
- Fast shipping
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- A few customers have had issues with the website design, however, there haven’t been any issues regarding the metal prints.
3. Bay Photo Lab
At Bay Photo Lab, innovative photographic printing and finishing are their offerings. They also have a history of providing their customers high-quality service at reasonable pricing. Bay Photo labs use good-quality state-of-the-art photo finishing and processing.
Pros
- Wide variety of services
- Metal, paper, and canvas options
- High-quality prints
- Excellent service
- Great value
- Quality work
- Innovative and offers new products
- High-quality equipment
- Five surfaces of metal prints are available
- Customers can chat live, via phone, or via email
- Excellent personal attention
- Fast delivery
Cons
- Slightly expensive shipping charges (dependent upon location).
4. Bumblejax
As a metal print company, Bumblejax is also a great choice. They offer digital printing and mounting services to their customers. As a subsidiary of Revolution Inc, they’ve been in business for over 30 years. They’re also the first company in the United States that offered acrylic facing mount services.
Pros
- A broad range of print services in addition to metal prints.
- Simple to upload to their site
- You can upload your own photographs or you can select one from their vast photograph gallery
- Superior color constancy
- Fast shipping
- Excellent customer satisfaction and customer service.
Cons
- We can’t find any cons for Bumblejax!
5. HD Aluminum Prints
HD Aluminum Prints is a high-quality company that makes metal prints. They have a variety of options available for most budgets.
Pros
- Friendly customer service
- Easy order process after you create an account
- Easy to upload images
- Easy to place order
- Great shipping options for US and Canadian clients
- Test prints available for as little as $10
- Great variety of finishes for metal prints and other prints
- Various printing services are available
Cons
- We didn’t find any cons for HD Aluminum Prints!
Conclusion
Below are final thoughts and ideas on the best metal print companies.
Why Metal Prints?
There are a variety of reasons that people like to have their photographs printed on metal. In addition to its ability to improve color saturation, it also adds depth and improves the sharpness of an image. Metal prints will also last a lifetime as they’re not readily destroyed. There are a variety of advantages to consider with metal prints.
Advantages of metal prints over other options
Metal prints, for example, offer you the highest quality of printing options. Readily affordable, and with a variety of color options, you’ll have the advantage of literally designing your own prints. Colors are guaranteed to not fade or turn to yellow over the years. If you’re looking to preserve precious memories, this is definitely the way to go. You’ll appreciate its clean edges and sharper images. You can choose a glossy finish if you desire. There are many great options when it comes to metal prints and you’ll want to read the details of your options for each individual company before you make your final decision.
You also won’t have to find a frame for metal print images. The photographs offer you a frame that will match your home’s decor, or you can choose to go frameless. You won’t need to put any special surface over the prints to protect them either. The colors will always pop and you can add to the charm of your home by choosing which photos you want to have as metal prints.
Not only are metal prints beautiful and a great addition to your home decor, but they’re also very durable and won’t lose their color. If you’re looking for a way to make the color last on your prints, this is definitely the route you want to go. Selecting the best metal print company may not be an easy task, but we’ve tried to make sure you have the information you need to make an informed decision. Selecting the right company can save you time and money. It’s a great way to make sure that you have no regrets. You’ll not only want to consider the company and its credibility, but you’ll also want to consider their reputation, customer service, options, pricing, delivery methods, and reviews of prior customers.
Final Words
Selecting a company will be much easier now that you’ve read some information about each of the companies that offer metal prints. You wouldn’t trust your important photos to just anyone, so do the legwork before you decide on a company. Base your decision on your personal needs and wants. Focus on the quality that you want to see on your walls. Metal prints can be for personal or business use. Consider your needs in a metal print company as well as your budget and don’t settle for anything less than the quality of prints. We hope that our review will help you make an educated informed decision on what is the best metal print company for your needs. We understand that you have much to consider when it comes to your photographs and final prints. Choose something that will last a lifetime and you’ll be able to pass your favorite memories on to your loved ones. They’ll treasure them forever. We’ve focused our top picks on the top companies that we could find and listed out the information to help make your final decision on a metal print company as easy as possible.
FAQs
Is MetalPrints com good? ›
MetalPrints.com is another high-quality printing company offering one of the widest variety of display options for home decor. Options include a metal easel, acrylic, or bamboo stands and more traditional frames options such as inset, flush, or a back frame mount.
Which is better metal or acrylic? ›Metal prints are the more durable printing option. They are scratch resistant, waterproof and flame retardant. Metal prints can also be displayed in high moisture areas. You will also find that it is much easier to wipe off fingerprints and smudges from metal prints than it is from acrylic or glass.
Do metal prints fade? ›So, although metal prints will fade over time if you expose them to direct sunlight, you can display them confidently in your home under normal lighting conditions and know that 100-plus years down the road, they will look just as crisp and vibrant as the day you got them.
Can I get a photo printed on metal? ›What is a MetalPrint? Your artwork is infused onto coated aluminum for a compelling, impactful, and durable presentation. Metal Prints are available in a wide range of sizes up to 48x96" to suit any space. Customize your Metal Prints with a variety of unique framing and mounting options and create the perfect display.
What are metallic prints best for? ›Metallic finish almost creates a 3D effect and gives your photos a warmth and depth that no other paper can. Color is truly vibrant in this photo finish, and it's those bold colors that photographers rave about with metallic prints. Metallic paper is also really durable.
How much does it cost to print a photo on metal? ›...
Please Note.
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Modern Metal, 20x20" | $149.99 |
| Modern Metal, 20x24" | $149.99 |
| Modern Metal, 15x30" | $159.99 |
| Modern Metal, 20x30" | $184.99 |
Custom metal prints are durable, scratch-resistant, and waterproof, making them the perfect piece to be hung anywhere. Printing photos on a metal piece will give your photo a striking industrial, modern touch to your walls and they do not require frames.
Are metal prints popular? ›Metal prints as many know have become very popular and in many cases have replaced canvas prints as kind of the de facto standard way to display and sell photography as wall art. The most obvious advantage of metal prints is vibrant color at a fairly affordable price.
Is glossy or matte better for metal prints? ›Glossy is the most popular and the most eye-catching. Although there is some glare, this finish brings the most vivid colors out of metal prints. Matte is the most glare free and the lowest in contrast. Satin is somewhere in between but more like matte than glossy.
What metal looks best on photos? ›The rich warm colors of sunsets come alive on metal prints. The spectrum of colors between yellow and red pop with so much intensity. Black & White – What?! Yes, black and white photos, look great on metal.
Are metal prints good for bathroom? ›
Metal prints are ideal for bathrooms: they are waterproof, and because no glazing is necessary, there's no risk of moisture buildup underneath the glass or acrylic.
Can metal prints be hung outside? ›A dye sublimation metal print can be hung outside, so long as it is sheltered from interaction with the elements. Excessive direct sunlight may result in fading, and while the image cannot be washed out by precipitation, it is possible for the aluminium to rust.
How do you print metal at home? ›- Get a Roll of Aluminum Flashing. ...
- Cut the Aluminum Sheet to the Desired Size. ...
- Sand the Sheet Surface. ...
- Remove Residues from the Aluminum Flashings. ...
- Apply Inkjet Precoat on the Surface. ...
- Attach Paper to the Flashing. ...
- Ready the Image on the Computer. ...
- Put the Sheet into the Printer Feed.
Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol – use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with a non-abrasive cloth to clean fingerprints off of your metal print. The alcohol dries streak free, leaving your print shiny and new looking.
Is metallic or luster better? ›Lustre has a higher contrast but metallic is more durable than Lustre. Lustre does not get smeared by fingerprints. Metallic is sharper, but lustre has a deeper color saturation.
Is glossy or lustre better? ›Glossy paper is very shiny, while a lustre finish is semi-shiny. Colors are more vibrant in glossy prints. But a lustre finish shows more accurate skin tones. Also, a lustre finish is more resistant to fingerprints, smudges, and scratches.
What is better lustre or matte? ›Lustre. A beautiful marriage of matte and glossy, lustre finish brings the best of both worlds. Lustre has a semi-gloss finish and offers better color saturation than matte but is more protected from fingerprints and other damage than a glossy finish.
What is an Aluminium print? ›An aluminium print sees your photo reproduced on a metal composite panel – a lightweight plastic core between two slimline sheets of aluminium. We've spent years perfecting this design to get the very best toughness-to-weight ratio.
How can I make a photo waterproof? ›How to Waterproof Art for the Outdoors - YouTube
Which is better canvas or metal prints? ›Metal prints offer vibrant colors, especially HD prints. This includes anything with a black background, which is easier to replicate on metal prints vs canvas. Sleek and Modern Settings (like contemporary interiors of office buildings or art galleries) Canvas prints are better suited for “warm” home style settings.
Are metal prints expensive? ›
Expensive - Metal prints are highly expensive. It doesn't tell you not to go for it. Remember, it is durable. Not for all photographs - If your image has dynamic and vibrant color, metal prints work just fine.
How do you clean metal art? ›A microfiber cloth is excellent for removing dust and small blemishes. Generally, metal art only needs the occasional dusting to keep cobwebs or dust from gathering. Use a dry, soft cloth to lightly rub off dust. It is emphasized that the cloth should be soft and clean, as a dirty or grimy rag will only cause damage.
What are metal prints called? ›Metal Prints are known by several names such as HD Metal Prints, Aluminum Prints, Brushed Aluminum Prints, DiBond Prints, Metallic Prints and Metal Photo Prints. Printing your photos on metal (typically aluminum) is a sleek modern way to display your work without having to frame it.
Are metal prints sharp? ›And unlike a poster print, a metal print won't have any wrinkles and is extraordinarily sharp. The presentation of the image itself becomes an artform. Many types of subjects will work with metal prints. Here is a short list of metal print tips of some subjects that could be made into a metal print.
What is the best material to print photos on? ›If you have money to invest in your photo print are seeking a bold and distinctive printing material and display solution, acrylic and metal prints are two of the best materials to consider. Both materials are long-lasting, durable, modern in appearance, and suited to frameless, floating display.
What is a float mounted metal print? ›Float Frames are mounted with a space between the frame and the top MetalPrint, so that the print appears to be floating within the frame.
How do you stick metal prints to the wall? ›Metal wall art can be hung on almost every type of wall, as long as you have the right supplies to match the weight of your artwork. The most common method of hanging metal art is using a drill to install screws and bolts. You can also hang metal wall art using heavy-duty Command Hooks or Strips for a no nail option.
What is glass print? ›Glass printing is the capability to replicate any digital image onto glass permanently. This means that you can easily customise a space in a functional way, where you can produce an illustration, a texture imitation, geometric & abstract patterns and even photography on a panel of glass that can be easily installed.
Do metal prints look metallic? ›Metallic prints are simply that: prints made on a “metallic” paper. Metallic paper features a glossy finish and a metallic appearance (even though there's no actual metal).
What is HD metal print? ›The HD Metal Print is an especially durable premium product. Due to its low weight, the HD Metal Print is also ideal for large formats. It is weather- and water- resistant, making it suited for outdoor display. Using a state-of-the-art printing technique, the pigments are permanently bonded to coating of the aluminium.
Are metal prints shiny? ›
In a nutshell, the metal print is a dye sublimation process where the ink is infused into a special coating on the metal which produces a glossy and vibrant end result if using the high gloss Chromaluxe product.
What is a metal photo? ›Metal prints are a novel way to put your most treasured memories or your prized photography on display. Instead of printing a layer of ink onto a surface, metal art involves a printing process called dye sublimation that infuses the ink into the surface of the metal.
Are wood prints good? ›They are sure to make your photos stand out, whether it's from other artists or the rest of the pictures on your wall. They also make excellent gifts because of their originality. A photo print on wood offers protection from water, heat and time, with exceptional durability and archival quality.
What is a fracture picture? ›Rather than opting for a traditional paper print framed and hung on the wall, Fracture directly prints your photograph onto glass, turning the print itself into a frame. The process for creating a Fracture is as simple as it gets.
How do you print photos on metal sheets? ›How to print to photo metal panels with the Epson SureColor F6200 ...
Can you put metal art in bathroom? ›Not only do metal prints look contemporary, but they stand up to high humidity because they're waterproof!
What is a mounted print? ›Mounted prints include your favourite photographically printed photo mounted on a thick backing. This is done so that your print can be displayed in different ways without curling, bending, folding, or ripping. Typically we use these prints in frames or display them on their own on a woodblock which you can see below.
What is a metal photo tile? ›These tiles stick to your wall as easily as magnets stick to your fridge. The high-quality metal prints are extra light, which allows them to stick to surfaces with nothing but the adhesive tape. That means no tools, nails or hooks required! Print multiple photo tiles and add or adjust them for an evolving photo wall.
How do you mount a metal frame? ›Hanging Your Metal Frame - YouTube
What is a acrylic print? ›Acrylic prints are bright and glossy looking, with light reflecting through the acrylic sheet onto the image itself. They are made by printing the photographic image onto high quality photo paper, which is then pressure bonded to the back of a diamond polished acrylic sheet.
What kind of printer do I need to print on metal? ›
For traditional metal photo prints, AGFA printers are used to print directly onto the metal panel. These large format printers are most commonly used for printing large format media, such as billboards and large banners.
Is 3D printing metal expensive? ›The cost of metal 3D printing today is very high when compared to traditional manufacturing methods. A typical DMLS/SLM part will cost you approximately $5,000 to $10,000 to 3D print and finish.
Can a 3D printer print metal? ›Titanium, steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper, cobalt chrome, titanium, tungsten and nickel-based alloys are all available in powdered form for 3D printing, as are precious metals like gold, platinum, palladium and silver.
What removes fingerprints from metal? ›A 1:1 solution of water and rubbing alcohol can be used to remove fingerprints. Simply mix the solution in a bowl or spray bottle, then use it to dampen a microfiber cloth. Wipe down the stainless steel surface, moving in the direction of the grain, then buff with a soft cloth or paper towel.
How do you protect your fingerprints from aluminum? ›Car wax works OK on anodized aluminum, but if it's just bare aluminum, it's best to keep fingers off the surface, till it's preped/conversion coating, or anodized. Maybe use some dish washing gloves while handling/cleaning, assembly etc..
How do you prevent fingerprints from aluminum? ›Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol): By adding a small amount of rubbing alcohol with a non-abrasive cloth will help clean the fingerprints right off the metal print. The alcohol is streak-free and is the most successful cleaner when it comes leaving your print extremely shiny and looking brand new.
Is glossy or matte better for metal prints? ›Glossy is the most popular and the most eye-catching. Although there is some glare, this finish brings the most vivid colors out of metal prints. Matte is the most glare free and the lowest in contrast. Satin is somewhere in between but more like matte than glossy.
How is CanvasChamp? ›CanvasChamp has a consumer rating of 2.99 stars from 282 reviews indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Consumers complaining about CanvasChamp most frequently mention customer service, delivery date and poor quality problems. CanvasChamp ranks 67th among Art Prints sites.
Is Mpix legitimate? ›The Bottom Line. Mpix is a high-end photo printing service with lots of options, a good site, and film processing capability, but its prices are among the highest of services we tested. PCMag editors select and review products independently.
Do metal prints look metallic? ›Metallic prints are simply that: prints made on a “metallic” paper. Metallic paper features a glossy finish and a metallic appearance (even though there's no actual metal).
How do you clean metal prints? ›
Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol – use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with a non-abrasive cloth to clean fingerprints off of your metal print. The alcohol dries streak free, leaving your print shiny and new looking.
What is HD metal print? ›The HD Metal Print is an especially durable premium product. Due to its low weight, the HD Metal Print is also ideal for large formats. It is weather- and water- resistant, making it suited for outdoor display. Using a state-of-the-art printing technique, the pigments are permanently bonded to coating of the aluminium.
Is CanvasPop a good company? ›Canvaspop gets a straight 5/5: For easy ordering process, fast delivery, good price, and excellent print quality.
Who is CanvasChamp? ›What is CanvasChamp? Prints and Signs International, LLC is one of the best corporations for online printing solutions that deliver customized photo gifts products to anyone and everyone from all the corners of the world. We manufacture the best quality photo products to make your home feel homier with your creativity.
Is canvas champ from India? ›My CanvasChamp picture arrived a day before the estimated date, despite having been produced in and shipped from Ahmedabad, India, to PCMag's Manhattan offices.
Which is better Shutterfly or Mpix? ›If you want a good-quality photo book, Shutterfly is the one you need. Its prices are effective for many audiences. If you like a premium service and the money is not a problem, Mpix is here. Of course, if the sizes are not offered by one, you only have the option to go to its opponent.
Which is the best online printing service? ›- Best Overall: Vistaprint.
- Most Affordable: GotPrint.
- Best for Business Cards: MOO.
- Best for Photo Printing: Snapfish.
- Best for Canvas Prints: Canvaspop.
- Best for Weddings: Minted.
- Best for Custom Licensed Merchandise: Zazzle.
Nation's is the #1 lab for the highest quality prints. Their photos are obviously the highest quality among all the labs we tested.