Posted by Carol Nichols on November 7, 2013 at 1:52 PM
I want to have one of my photos printed on metal (not metallic paper). My brother has seen a few of these and said they look amazing. I have researched different companies that do this and so far I am thinking of using Image Wizards, but if you have used this company or any other company to make a metal print, I would love to hear your opinions/experiences. Also, in researching this method of printing I have read that certain types of photos will look better printed on metal than others, but I've never seen an explanation of exactly which photos do better on metal. If you have any knowledge about printing on metal, I would greatly appreciate your thoughts. Thanks so much.
Posted by Max Waugh on November 7, 2013 at 5:17 PM
Carol, I've done some metal prints recently (through WHCC, the company I usually use), and the main thing I've noticed is that the colors are really intense (much more so than metallic paper prints) and the surface is highly reflective. Definitely order some smaller proofs before you go big. It's an expensive investment to screw up.
I also tried another printer I've worked with that normally requires a custom color profile for printing, and I found that for their metal prints sRGB produced much better results. Be sure to consult with your printer about the best profile to use, since images on metal won't print the same as on paper.
Max
Posted by Lance Warley on November 8, 2013 at 6:26 AM
I really like Image Wizards. I've used them several times with very good results.
They'll send you a 12"x12" section (or two sections if you ask) to proof before they'll send you the whole image. You can specify which section(s) of the photo you want to see (e.g., the brightest whites).
One caution - After you see the proofs, if you want to make any changes and send them a new file, they charge you $75 for "processing" the new file. I don't understand why they charge anything for a new file.
However, I like the way their prints look and I will keep using them.
Posted by Wick Smith on November 8, 2013 at 8:11 AM
Ditto on Lance's comments. I've used Image Wizards & they have great customer service. I was impressed with the sample prints they would send for verification.
I've also used Bay Photo & they did a great job as well.
Note of caution: if you get a large print with the recessed frame edge, be sure to order it in a crate. I got a 24 x 36 from Bay Photo & all four corners were tweaked slightly due to the cardboard box not being sturdy enough. It only shows on the highly reflective surface of the metal.
Posted by David Mayhew on November 12, 2013 at 11:41 AM
I have used Bay Photo and 2 of the 4 shipments have arrived with bent corners. Replaced for free though. Pieces were nice.
Discussion
4 repliesI also tried another printer I've worked with that normally requires a custom color profile for printing, and I found that for their metal prints sRGB produced much better results. Be sure to consult with your printer about the best profile to use, since images on metal won't print the same as on paper.
Max
They'll send you a 12"x12" section (or two sections if you ask) to proof before they'll send you the whole image. You can specify which section(s) of the photo you want to see (e.g., the brightest whites).
One caution - After you see the proofs, if you want to make any changes and send them a new file, they charge you $75 for "processing" the new file. I don't understand why they charge anything for a new file.
However, I like the way their prints look and I will keep using them.
I've also used Bay Photo & they did a great job as well.
Note of caution: if you get a large print with the recessed frame edge, be sure to order it in a crate. I got a 24 x 36 from Bay Photo & all four corners were tweaked slightly due to the cardboard box not being sturdy enough. It only shows on the highly reflective surface of the metal.