Canvas Champ
Pictorem
Bay Photo
Metal prints are a stunning and extra durable way to showcase your favorite photos or artwork. Unlike traditional prints, metal prints are made by infusing images onto aluminum sheets, giving them a unique, modern, and durable finish. However, not all metal prints are created the same way; the quality of your print usually depends on the company you choose. Some metal printing companies may offer higher-quality prints, better customer service, and more customization options than others.
Nowadays, there are a lot of companies that offer Metal Prints among their photo printing options, so you might be wondering how to choose the best metal print company or printing service. Worry not; we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at metal prints, including their unique printing process, finish, and mounting options. Additionally, we will delve into the top metal print companies currently available in the market, providing a detailed comparison of their prices, turnaround times, print quality, and customer reviews. Our aim is to help you make an informed decision so that you can obtain a high-quality metal print that meets both your needs and budget.
Rest assured we will only recommend you the best quality companies that produce exceptional metal prints. Whether you are a professional photographer, an artist, or someone looking to create a striking piece of art for your home or office, our recommendations and insights will ensure that you have access to the highest-quality metal prints available.
What are Metal Prints?
Metal prints, also known as metal photo prints, are a unique form of wall art; they involve printing an image onto a specially coated sheet of aluminum using a dye-sublimation process, resulting in a vivid and long-lasting finish.
The process involves infusing the image onto the aluminum surface, making it scratch-resistant and resistant to fading. The result is stunning and adds depth, vibrancy, and in some cases, texture to your artwork. Although there are other processes that can be used to print on metal, they don’t match the quality of dye sublimation technology and can result in losing the quality and sharpness of your image.
Metal prints can be created in various sizes and shapes and come with a range of display options, making them a versatile and customizable choice for any space; additionally, their durability, scratch resistance, and ability to withstand moisture and resist fading, make them an ideal option for both indoor and outdoor use.
Our Top Metal Prints Companies List
- Best Overall Metal Print Company: Pictorem
- Most Affordable Metal Print Company: Canvas Champ
- Best Professional Metal Print Company: Bay Photo Lab
- Best User-Friendly Metal Print Company: Artbeat Studios
- Best International Metal Prints Company: White Wall
- Honorable Mention Best Aluminum Prints: BumbleJax
1. Best Overall Metal Print Company – Pictorem Metal Prints
Selection Criteria
- Price – From $174 – $244 (24×36 inches)
- Our score: 8/10
- Size Options – Yes [From 12×12 to 60×40 inches]
- Our score: 10/10
- Finishes – Brushed Metal, White Metal, Glossy, Mate and Epoxy
- Our score: 9/10
- Framing and Mounting – Several framing and mounting options
- Our score: 9/10
- ChromaLuxe – Yes
- Our score: 10/10
- Shipping – Free in the US and Canada
- Our score: 10/10
About Pictorem
Pictorem is one of the most popular and trusted large printing companies, and it has pretty much all the options covered when it comes to printing services. You can find both canvas prints, metal, wood, acrylic, and paper photo prints; you can find a wide art selection to enhance any of your ambients and even several tools that will help you order easily and make the most out of your photo.
Metal prints are not the exception; Pictorem has shown that despite being one of the top companies on the market, they care about each product and their customers, having a wide selection of metal prints available for all needs and budgets. You can find brushed metal, white metal pints, HD ChromaLuxe prints, and even add a layer of protection and a 3D effect to your photos with their epoxy metal print option.
If you’re on a budget, Pictorem offers the best price while still offering great quality, even for budget options like brushed metal and white metal; however, if you’re a professional looking to get the best quality and attention to detail, then you can go for options like their HD prints, made with ChromaLuxe and only the best UV-resistant archival inks.
All of these are the reasons why Pictorem is at the top of our list; the quick processing time and free shipping in North America are only the cherries on the top.
Pros
- Great customer service
- Has multiple printing options
- All substrates are made from recycled materials
Cons
- Doesn’t ship outside of the US and Canada
2. Most Affordable Metal Photo Print Company – Canvas Champ
About Canvas Champ
- Price – From $78 – $101 (24×36 inches)
- Our score: 9/10
- Size Options – Yes [From 7×5 to 30×40 inches]
- Our score: 8/10
- Finishes – White Glossy
- Our score: 6/10
- Framing and Mounting – Several framing and mounting options
- Our score: 9/10
- ChromaLuxe – No
- Our score: 10/10
- Shipping – $9.99, Free on orders above $99
- Our score: 9/10
Canvas Champ is an online printing service that specializes in creating high-quality canvas, metal, and acrylic prints, along with other personalized photo products. What sets this company apart is the bombastic prices they offer for their products, and metal prints are no exception.
Their metal prints are made by printing your photo directly onto aluminum and are available in a range of sizes and formats, including standard rectangles as well as photo collages and split displays. Although they don’t use dye-sublimation technology or ChromaLuxe, they use a high-quality printing process that produces vibrant and long-lasting colors, and the metallic surface adds depth and dimension to your photo.
In addition to its high-quality printing, Canvas Champ is known for its excellent customer service and fast turnaround times. While there might be some loss in quality due to the direct printing process, it is a small sacrifice that is justifiable given the impressively low prices that Canvas Champ offers. They also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all their products, so if you’re not happy with your metal print for any reason, they’ll work with you to make it right.
Pros
- Great quality
- Amazing prices
- Multiple offers and discounts
- 24-hour processing time
Cons
- Minor blemishes can occur
- Limited printing sizes
3. Best Professional Metal Prints – Bay Photo Labs
Selection Criteria
- Price – From $238 – $340 (24×36 inches)
- Our score: 9/10
- Size Options – Yes [From 5×7 to 96×48 inches]
- Our score: 10/10
- Finishes – Satin, High and Mid Gloss on White and Sheer metal, EXT Sating, Sheer and Glossy.
- Our score: 10/10
- Framing and Mounting – Reduced framing and mounting options
- Our score: 9/10
- ChromaLuxe – Yes
- Our score: 10/10
- Shipping – 14% of the order
- Our score: 7/10
About Bay Photo Labs
BayPhoto Lab has been the to-go printing service for professionals for the longest time, and not without a good reason. Their extra attention to detail, focus on producing only professional work with the highest quality materials, and great customer service has positioned them in the best professional printing service category.
Although their prices are on the high side, the quality is worth it. They offer lots of creative options for printing, like curved prints, creative edges, and for mounting, they have options like their double-mount, acrylic mount, and the magnetic stick-and-switch system for an easy mount and display.
Additionally, you can order their sample pack to make a metal print comparison of finishes and qualities before you make a big order. If you’re looking for variety and for professional work, then BayPhoto is the place to go.
Pros
- Excellent quality and professionalism
- Exterior metal prints with three years guarantee
- Variety in shapes, edges, and shapes
- Largest custom sizes
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Long processing time
4. Best User-Friendly Metal Print Company: Artbeat Studios
Selection Criteria
- Price – From $237 – $313 (24×36 inches)
- Our score: 8/10
- Size Options – Yes [From 8×8 to 40×60 inches]
- Our score: 9/10
- Finishes – White Gloss, Mate, Satin, Sheer Gloss, Textured Mate, Outdoor HD
- Our score: 10/10
- Framing and Mounting – Several framing and mounting options
- Our score: 9/10
- ChromaLuxe – Yes
- Our score: 10/10
- Shipping – $9.99 up to $150, free for orders over $150
- Our score: 9/10
About ArtBeat Studios
Artbeat Studios is a fine art printing company that specializes in creating customized metal prints. Their metal prints are made using a dye-sublimation process to print your photo onto a sheet of aluminum, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting colors.
Artbeat Studios offers a range of sizes and mounting options, they also provide different finishes, including glossy, matte, and satin, and they guarantee plus five years of use for their outdoor metal prints, including direct sunlight exposition.
One of the standout features of Artbeat Studios’ metal prints is their personalized approach to printing. They take pride in providing excellent customer service and fast turnaround times, being fully committed to ensuring that each customer is completely satisfied with their metal print.
Pros
- User-friendly website and ordering system
- Fast production time
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- On the expensive side
5. Best International Metal Prints Company: White Wall
Selection Criteria
- Price – From $172 – $254 (24×36 inches)
- Our score: 9/10
- Size Options – Yes [From 4×4 to 74×56 inches]
- Our score: 10/10
- Finishes – Glossy, Brushed Metal, Brushed Silver, Brushed Gold
- Our score: 8/10
- Framing and Mounting – Reduced framing and mounting options
- Our score: 8/10
- ChromaLuxe – Yes
- Our score: 10/10
- Shipping – 12% of order
- Our score: 8/10
About White Wall
If you’re not from the US or don’t want to custom order and pay crazy shipping quotes, then WhiteWall is the perfect option for you. It is a well-established international printing service that offers a wide range of photo products, including metal prints.
One of the standout features of WhiteWall is their attention to detail and quality control. Each metal print is inspected by hand to ensure that it meets their high standards for color accuracy and image clarity. They offer a wide variety of sizes, an easy and very straightforward ordering process, both direct and dye-sublimated prints, as well as photo mounts on aluminum with a protective coat.
Although their prices are on the high side, WhiteWall is a world-renowned company and you can expect nothing but the best quality from them.
Pros
- International presence
- Offer competitive prices
- Gold and silver finishes
Cons
- Shipping isn’t free
6. Honorable Mention Best Aluminum Prints: BumbleJax
Selection Criteria
- Price – From $256 – $274 (24×36 inches)
- Our score: 9/10
- Size Options – Yes [From 7×7 to 40×30 inches]
- Our score: 8/10
- Finishes – Glossy
- Our score: 9/10
- Framing and Mounting – Very reduced framing and mounting option
- Our score: 7/10
- ChromaLuxe – Yes
- Our score: 10/10
- Shipping – $10 or 10% of the order
- Our score: 10/10
About BumbleJax
BumbleJax has been a strong presence in the professional photo printing industry for years; they’ve made sure to build a strong reputation and provide excellent quality prints since the day they opened. Although they are better known for their acrylic and bamboo prints, they are now proving to have the same quality control and high standards for their newly launched HD metal prints.
We know that BumbleJax is extra careful with its products and has excellent customer service; however, it comes at a price that is quite high compared with other companies.
If budget is not an issue for you and you want the best quality you can get, then Bumblejax is perfect for you.
Pros
- Experienced photo lab.
- Amazing customer service
- Professional results
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Doesn’t offer free shipping
Types of Metal Prints
There are several types of metal prints available, each offering a unique finish and display option. Some of the most popular types of metal prints include:
White Metal Prints
These prints are created by printing images onto a white-coated aluminum sheet, resulting in a bright, vivid print with a glossy finish. The white base layer of the metal helps to create brighter colors and more contrast in the final product, making it look more similar to paper photo prints.
Brushed Metal Prints
These prints are created by printing directly onto a brushed aluminum sheet, which gives the final product a metallic sheen and a brushed texture. And although there is a small sacrifice in quality and vibrancy, the unique texture of these prints adds a modern and edgy look to your photos. These are the more affordable metal prints and can be combined with an epoxy or glossy finish.
ChromaLuxe Metal Prints
These prints are created using a special sublimation process that results in a super detailed and vibrant image. ChromaLuxe prints are known for their high color accuracy and clarity, making them the quality standard for fine art prints and professional photography. They are also very durable, scratch resistant, and safe to use in different weather conditions, making them ideal for indoor or outdoor spaces.
What is ChromaLuxe?
ChromaLuxe is a company that produces premium printing mediums, in this case, specially coated aluminum, ready for dye sublimation which is known for its exceptional quality and durability, being the primary supplier for top printing companies worldwide that sell high-quality metal prints
PRO TIP: If you want the best HD metal prints, make sure the company you choose uses ChromaLuxe in your order.
What to Consider Before Buying Metal Photography Prints
Printing Process
There are two main types of printing methods used when creating metal prints: dye-sublimation printing and direct printing.
Dye-Sublimation Printing
This is the most common printing method and also the one that produces better results. It involves printing the image onto a special transfer paper and then infusing the ink into the metal using sublimation technology by applying heat and pressure.
The result is a high-quality, durable, and scratch-resistant metal print that offers excellent color accuracy and vibrancy.
Direct Printing
This method involves printing the image directly onto the metal surface using a flatbed printer. Direct printing offers great color accuracy and is a good option for creating large-format prints. However, it supposes a compromise on quality, since the ink can’t be properly held by metallic surfaces in most cases. It also may not be as durable or scratch-resistant as dye-sublimation prints, and it may also be more prone to fading over time.
Durability and Resistance
The materials used for metal prints can significantly affect their durability and resistance to damage. Here are some factors to consider:
Aluminum thickness: Thicker aluminum sheets are generally more durable and less likely to warp or bend over time. A thicker aluminum sheet also provides a more stable base for the image transfer process and can result in better color accuracy and vibrancy.
Coating: Most metal prints are coated with a protective layer to prevent scratches, fading, and damage from moisture and UV light. A high-quality coating can enhance the durability and longevity of a metal print.
Inks: The type and quality of inks used for printing on metal can also affect the durability and resistance of the print. Dye-sublimation inks are typically more durable and fade-resistant than traditional inks used for printing on paper or other materials.
Mounting options: The way a metal print is mounted or displayed can also affect its durability. Metal prints that are mounted with a float mount or standoffs are less likely to bend over time than those that are mounted directly onto a surface.
Size Options
Custom sizes are an essential feature when buying metal prints simply because there’s nothing better than having the option to create a metal print that perfectly fits your space and vision. A company that offers custom sizes also gives you the flexibility to create prints without being limited to standard sizes or without having to crop your image to fit their aspect ratios. When shopping for metal prints, it’s crucial to choose a company that offers multiple sizes and custom sizing options; this is especially important if you’re selling, drop shipping, or presenting these prints to clients or if you’re planning on creating a custom wall display.
Types of Finish
Glossy finish: It’s a highly reflective finish that enhances the vibrancy and saturation of colors, giving the metal print a glossy and lustrous look; it can come in white and sheer metal.
Matte finish: This finish produces a non-reflective surface that has a more subdued and subtle effect. Matte finishes are ideal for prints that need to be viewed from multiple angles and can be placed in an ambiance with lots of light or windows as they reduce glare and reflections; it can come in white and sheer metal.
Satin finish: This is a hybrid finish that combines the qualities of both matte and glossy finishes. It has a slight sheen and reduces glare but still maintains the vibrancy of colors; it can come in white and sheer metal.
Brushed finish: This finish has a textured appearance that mimics the look of brushed metal. It adds a uniquely modern and industrial feel to the print. This finish tends to be the most affordable and enhances the texture of the print.
Epoxy Finish: Not offered by most companies (Only Pictorem so far), this is an “additional” finish option where your print gets an epoxy coating on top, giving it a glossy, luxury look. Ideal for brushed metal prints to accentuate the texture and add a shine to the print.
Framing and Mounting Options
When it comes to framing and mounting, there are several options you can choose from; although framing might not be completely necessary, if you want to hang your wall art without going through the hassle of attaching your own mount or even damaging your print, then getting a mount is a must.
Within the framing and mounting options available, you can find
Float mounts – Float mounts are usually made of wood or aluminum and come with various hanging options, like a wire, a french cleat or simply the frame. They make the print appear like it is ‘floating’, raising it slightly off of the wall.
Box Mount – Good for smaller prints and not offered by every company, the box mount is a small aluminum box mounted on the back of your prints, usually 3/4 inches off the wall. Not recommended for prints larger than 24 x 36 inches.
Easel Props – An easel prop is a type of mount that allows metal prints to stand upright on a table or shelf. Easel props are best for smaller metal prints and are an excellent option for displaying them in a home or office
Magnetic Backing – The most inexpensive and easy mounting option for metal prints, consists of sticking a magnet on te wall and another one on the print, making rearranging and switching the prints easier. Best for wall displays with multiple prints, photo tiles, and seasonal decorations.
Framing – Most companies will offer you the option of framing your print during the ordering process, and although it isn’t required, it’s good to have multiple choices. You can find “Flush” or “Floating” wood or metallic frames, where your print is either flush with the frame or floating at a 1/8″ distance. The designs, colors, and styles are varied, and you can order a sample set before you decide.
Conclusion
When buying metal photo prints, it’s important to consider factors such as the printing technology, the durability and resistance of the materials used, and the range of finishes and framing options available.
The best companies will offer a variety of metal types, such as aluminum, DiBond, and ChromaLuxe, and a range of printing options, like dye sublimation, direct printing, and even photo print mounted on aluminum.
They will also offer custom sizes to fit your specific needs and a range of framing options to display your metal photo print with style. We hope this article has been useful to you and helped you explore some options, compare prices and services, and choose the best metal printing company for your needs.
