If you have a high-resolution photo you want to cherish for many years to come, consider having it turned into a metal print. This frameless design is durable, scratch-resistant, and waterproof. It can hang on almost any wall in any room of your house for decades and still look like new. Here’s what you should know about this form of printing. 

What Is a Metal Print?

A metal print is a photograph or piece of artwork that is printed onto a metal substrate—usually aluminum. It’s done by dye sublimation: a form of transfer printing that uses heat to transition solid dyes into a gaseous phase without becoming a liquid. 

In this process, the image is printed in reverse onto sublimation paper using special inks. The print is then cut to size and secured on top of a coated aluminum sheet. The sheet is put through a heat press, where the heat and pressure turn the ink into a gas and bond with the metal.

How to Hang Your Metal Print?

Metal prints are much like any other framed photograph in your home, but they won’t degrade over time. There’s no need to have them framed with a mat board or glazing, which helps to provide structure and preserve traditional prints. 

Metal prints also don’t require a glass covering, which means you can hang them anywhere without worry of moisture buildup. However, UV rays can cause fading over time, so avoid placing your print in direct sunlight. 

Your metal print can be made with a metal or wood hanging block on the back to provide a way to hang the unframed art. If you’d like to add décor to the piece, however, it’s possible to include a metal or wood frame around the image. In either case, consider the extra weight of the print and place it on a stud instead of directly on drywall or plaster.

If you have a photo that you want to turn into a lasting piece of art, visit Denali Graphics & Frame in Anchorage, AK. For over 30 years, this veteran-owned business has provided superior custom framing and printing services. To create lasting and eye-catching metal prints, their printing department uses high-quality ChromaLuxe® metal plates, an Epson® SureColor F16200 dye sublimation printer, and two Geo Knight & Co® heat presses. Visit their website today for sizing and pricing information, and call them at (907) 561-4456 with any questions.