Large Format Photography: Why Metal Prints are Popular

Large format photography is very interesting. People assume that you can only print text and photos on paper and vinyl. Little do others know that metal printing is the new thing right now. Large format photography is very appropriate to use in metal prints and can create a beautiful backdrop.

In a nutshell, the artwork is transferred to paper, then attached to a coated aluminum sheet. Transfer paper and aluminum are placed into a heat press to allow the dye on the transfer paper to be converted into gas. This gas is then transferred to the surface of the aluminum sheet. After the metal cools, your artwork is now on metal.

Metal prints are becoming more popular because of the following reasons:

Images are more long-lasting

Text, photos, and graphics will fade on paper after a while especially if they are constantly exposed to the sun. Even though you try to preserve it as much as you can, it will not be too long before the print on a paper fades away. One of the advantages of metal printing is that the images do not fade right away. Since printing on metal involves a different process, the artwork is more protected and more long-lasting.

High Image Quality

Metal prints have a high gloss finish and PU polymers that make images vivid and bright.

Scratch resistant

During the process of sublimation, the dye from the transfer paper turns into a gas when transferred below the exterior coating to make the prints scratch resistant. This is way more durable than your usual paper and canvas prints. The images on the metal cannot be peeled or scratched. So if you are looking for something that will last for a long time, metal prints are the one for you.

Achieve your desired look

Your metal prints can be traditional or modern as you wished it to be. If you wish to place metal prints in conventional frames, you may do so. If you are aiming for a more modern feel, try hanging your metal prints using floating wall hooks.

Fire retardant

Sublimated aluminum can withstand high temperature so if you are planning to hang the artwork in an event where ceiling might get too hot, you don't have to worry about anything.

Clean without worries

Cleaning a piece of artwork can be delicate. You might end up wiping off a part of the text or graphics which can be very frustrating. With aluminum prints, you can simply wipe off fingerprints and stains and nothing will be erased by accident. Similarly, for metal prints, you do not have to worry about damaging the artwork.

Lightweight

Big things come in small packages. Metal prints are durable and this is very lightweight and easy to hang. Aluminum is a lightweight metal so you can hang it and be stress-free.

When submitting images for metal prints, choose those that are sharp with high resolution so that there will be less blurring on metal. If you have a vibrant photo of nature or any landscape, try them on metal prints and you will be surprised with the finished product.