planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I just had my first metal print made for the 3rd time by Bay Photo. The original and second deliveries were standard FedEx. This one they're overnighting me - a shock, to be honest. I got an e-mail saying it was shipped today and I should get it tomorrow. I was hoping they hadn't made it yet so I could choose a different mounting system. The original had 2 dimples where the metal hanger(?) mount was attached and thought it was noticeable - made starbursts at certain light angles and you could feel them. The first remake I got late last week or early this week had evidently dropped by FedEx somewhere in route and one corner was curled up. Also the entire rectangular area and all four mounting 'dots' were physically palpable and visually unsightly. If I had it to do again I'd have chosen either nothing at all on the back or the mount where they attach the print to a piece of black fiberboard and then apply a hanging frame. I think they call it a museum mount. I don't know how they mount the bracket piece to the back of the print, but I'm guessing they use too much pressure or the metal is too thin. The color and clarity of the print is fabulous, but the mount is what's been driving me crazy. If I have another metal print done I'll have to think long and hard about who I want to do it. My local camera store, who tends to be overpriced on most items does (or at least promotes and displays) various print media - wood, acrylic, metal. and they're about 1/4 mile from where I work. Is it only me who has had bad luck with the company or particular product? I'm going to be scared to open the box.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I’ve had very good service and results from Bay Photo, but they are not the only lab I have used.
You might try your local camera shop with a small job to see how they do. My take regarding their pricing is that they may be sending stuff out and they are just “the middle man”. /Ralph

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I've had incredible service on metal prints from Bay Photo; send them an order on Saturday and they ship on Monday, and the pricing is incredible for what you get.
What mounting options are you using?

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I'm having metal prints made at Nations Lab, but I think i need to have a test print made because we decided on what sounds like the same mounting style. Thanks for the head's up!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I’ve had great luck with Bay. I usually have them mount the print on a 2mm styrene backing, so hangers are not an issue (although the backing does cost as much as the print). Just unwrapped 3 tonight for exhibition, and they are perfect.

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

This is the mount I'm using (first option - float hanger): http://www.bayphoto.com/wall-displays/metalprints/single-metalprints/ I just looked at the pricing on the styrene-backed option that would have been the better choice, but it would have added significantly to the order cost. I paid $41 and change for an 11x14 metal high gloss print with the 1/8" rounded corners and the float mount. This is the pic I had done:

If I had unlimited resources I'd have this thing blown up to about 10x the size to appreciate the detail

(Download)

peterg Loc: Santa Rosa, CA

Bay Photo is my primary print shop. Excellent quality and service. Never had a problem.

StaneeRae Loc: Lincroft, NJ USA

I’m on a number of forums, and many pros use Bay Photo. Other labs that are praised include:
https://www.whcc.com
https://www.hhcolorlab.com
http://midsouthcolor.com

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I’ve never had an issue with the float hangers for Bay’s metal prints

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I found the newest copy on my porch when I got back from the gym a few minutes ago. Looks like the 3rd time was the charm :) I had some trepidation opening the package, but this time, no smashed corner and no marks on the front face where the mount was attached. So relieved!! IMO, though, they could improve on the interior packaging to protect the corners or prevent the print from moving inside the exterior box. I was going to insta-chat with them to say thanks but either they're on lunch or are a Jewish-owned company and are therefor closed for the Sabbath. I'll just send a regular e-mail.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I’ve always been especially impressed with their packaging, but I’ve never ordered a metal print. Glad it finally turned out OK.

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

Never heard of either of them but I'll look them up if I have another metal print done. Usually I print on my Canon Pro-100 and, if I think it's worth I have a local shop do the framing.

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

Thanks

StaneeRae Loc: Lincroft, NJ USA

Another lab - http://www.artbeatstudios.com

AlisonT Loc: Louisa, Virginia

I haven't used Bay Photo for a long time, perhaps they've improved but I will never use them again. Too many errors, bubbles in the surface, cutting off signature. They were always quick to replace but I do drop shipping and I don't want a customer to get a piece with an issue.