Canvas vs Metal Prints (Page 2): I use Magna Chrome http://www.magnachrome.com/ Excellent results. Friendly people. Reasonable prices. Lots of choices.

xptom Loc: Concord, CA

I use Magna Chrome http://www.magnachrome.com/ Excellent results. Friendly people. Reasonable prices. Lots of choices.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

Cdouthitt wrote:

My 2 favorite places for metal prints are from http://www.cgproprints.com/ and http://aluminyze.com/
FYI, CGPRO is the only place I get my canvases from now. Least expensive and best quality...a rare combination.

Haven't gotten any metal yet. CGPro has down a number of canvases for me, but I do need to try the metal.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

jeep_daddy wrote:

It must be the metal paper they are using. Perhaps if you consult with them and tell them your problem they might use a different paper to print on.

I don't think he's talking about paper media, but actual metal.
Generally, prints on aluminum are metal prints, prints on paper that simulate the metal look are "metallic".

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Reinaldokool wrote:

Haven't gotten any metal yet. CGPro has down a number of canvases for me, but I do need to try the metal.

I've got a 20 x 30 of theirs that is outstanding, hanging over the doorway entrance into my basement.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

I have never cared for Canvas prints. Metal prints can look really nice. Give them a try.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Got a nice metal paper print from Sams

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Toment wrote:

Got a nice metal paper print from Sams

Metal print (on actual metal) is totally different than a metal print on paper.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Cdouthitt wrote:

if there is any "grain" in the metal, it will reflect light differently. Do a test, turn your print sideways and see if it changes brightness. If you look a brushed aluminum letters for a sign mounted to the wall, and if one of the letters is cut differently than the others, it will appear darker/lighter than the rest. This usually happens with the dot in the letter i.

stumbo Loc: Prescott, AZ

PHOTOAL wrote:

I have been a hobbyist photographer for over 30 ye... (show quote)

I have several canvas prints done by Pixoto that look very nice. Most of them are 30 x 20. My doctor just finished building a new large medical building with several exam rooms and he bought 51 photos of mine in canvas made by the same company in a larger size ( 48 x 32). These also came out very nice. Each photo had a resolution of at least 12MG, so they were able to be sharp even at that size.

I had been wanting to see what a metal print would look like so I ordered a 20 x 30 metal print from Bay Photo. It's a glossy finish and it really looks nice. If all metal prints came out like this one, I would be tempted to order more. However, there was a substantial cost difference from the canvas to the metal. If the metal were more affordable, I would probably have most of my photos done in the metal finish.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Generally speaking, there are major differences between labs. You also get what you pay for, for the most part. I would check out some other sources, perhaps calling them and asking before you spring for more prints. Some places that I know to be good have been mentioned, but I have never had a metal or canvas print made by anyone so I am unable to comment. I print my own work to 16 x 24 which is very important to me. I currently use an Epson P800 and have always used Epson printers for this work so I am familiar with the work they produce. As part of the printing process, I have a selection of paper types and finishes to choose from, all of which are Red River Paper products. I keep a book with a sample print, all of the same image, made on each and every paper I use which aids me in paper selection, but it is still a personal choice. Things with lots of metal surfaces I generally like on metallic papers and, I would expect, would also do well printed on metal. If I'm unsure I will make a 8.5 x 11 print of the image, sometimes on a couple of paper choices and look at each for a few days before making a larger print. Best of luck with this. Sounds like a fun, and expensive, project.

tusketwedge Loc: Nova Scotia Canada

PHOTOAL wrote:

Thank You for the reply. I will consider the options that you suggested. I will agree with you the metal prints really pop compared to the canvas prints. The canvas prints, I see, will have their uses and the subject matter of my images. But the metal images when lit correctly are absolutely amazing.

Have you ever backlit a canvas . Try it you might change you mind. I did one for my wife's desk and the comments from her customers are really good. I could sell quite a few if I was interested in doing so. I framed it with 2 inch wide frame to give it stability to stand on her desk and used a small led multi light behind the image.

nikonbrain Loc: Crystal River Florida

I haven't used metal prints ,only because My printer does not have a straight path .Its a 44" ipf 8300 canon ,but there is a beautiful metallic paper by Kodak called Enduro premier metallic.
comes in single sheets up to at least 13x19. 17 "and 24 " rolls 40 ' long I have done some fantastic prints on this paper and there seems to be no grain .....My customers really like the results. Give it a try I think you will like it....

nikonbrain Loc: Crystal River Florida

Also if you do not like the matte finish you get on canvas There is a solution ,I always spray on all my canvass with a sealer by Liquitex a varnish sealer that comes in a matte ,satin and gloss....can be purchased through Dick Blick....

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

nikonbrain wrote:

I haven't used metal prints ,only because My printer does not have a straight path .Its a 44" ipf 8300 canon ,but there is a beautiful metallic paper by Kodak called Enduro premier metallic.
comes in single sheets up to at least 13x19. 17 "and 24 " rolls 40 ' long I have done some fantastic prints on this paper and there seems to be no grain .....My customers really like the results. Give it a try I think you will like it....

What you are talking about is metallic prints. Beautiful - I do them a lot. What the OP was talking about, I believe, were prints on aluminum. They're a totally different medium. Multiply the difference between matte and metallic paper by 1000 and you'll come close to what prints on aluminum are. They're gorgeous!

tusketwedge Loc: Nova Scotia Canada

nikonbrain wrote:

Also if you do not like the matte finish you get on canvas There is a solution ,I always spray on all my canvass with a sealer by Liquitex a varnish sealer that comes in a matte ,satin and gloss....can be purchased through Dick Blick....

have you tried the spray by krylon =U V Archival gloss varnish[looks more like a luster on canvas] then apply a coat of any U.V. protectant only as a last coat. That combination really pops the contrast and very good protection.