Start with the right finish

When I work with a client on crafting their image, there are a number of printing choices available. The print media is important, as each offers specific characteristics selected to best suit the image, the clients needs and the space in which it will be displayed. 

Today I'd like to explain a relatively new process of printing on aluminum sheet. 

• Both lightweight and enormously durable, aluminum allows for vibrant color and a gorgeous contemporary aesthetic.
•  Aluminum prints are naturally durable. They are water, scratch and UV resistant, ensuring your prints last in your home or office. 
•  The reflective quality of aluminum panels adds luminous color, depth, and high resolution detail to your favorite photos.
• We use a dye sublimation method that infuses dye into the surface of aluminum prints, for an archival quality photograph that will last for generations. 

• The sublimation dye we use is actually tiny solid particles in water. While many conventional printers use various dotted printing methods, with industry pioneers fighting to increase the DPI (dots per inch). Aluminyze printers fused the solid particles together, mixing them throughly to create exacting colors that are brighter and more accurate than you can get with traditional dye or ink.

  The sublimation dye is also semi-transparent allowing the luminosity of the material behind it to shine through. Coupled with our coating that gives the illusion of depth, our photo prints are gorgeous in a way canvas and paper prints can never be.

  The dye particles are completely enclosed within the coating, giving you a print that is waterproof and scratch and UV resistant.

• Several substrate colors are offered depending on need.    

•   White - Gloss or Matte   Gloss makes colors pop and have great depth. Matte is a softer finish with less glare and reflection. 

• Silver - Gloss or Matte    Gloss brings up the underlying silver and works well on reflective or metallic subjects. Matte and a 3D depth but is softer and less reflective. 

• Aluminum prints usually do not have a frame and float off of the wall surface.  A full edge is also available for a more traditional appearance. 

I have seen customer preference for aluminum increase dramatically. I think contemporary design and the look and durability have driven this growth.  It is important to give thought to the subject, and the room it will be displayed in that will determine the best finish choice.  Please contact me for further recommendations questions about aluminum. 

Thanks to Aluminize  www.aluminyze.com   for the information for this post. They are my preferred lab for aluminum prints.