ChromaLuxe^® Dye-Sub Metal Art Prints

Unlike the home setting, there are some more practical considerations for choosing what type of art and the medium it’s printed on for public places. Businesses choose to print metal prints because they are easy to sanitize, last as long as the office does, and are fully customizable.

Easy To Sanitize Art Print Substrate

Keeping your co-workers healthy and safe should always be your priority. Choosing office decor means selecting prints and furniture that are easy to regularly sanitize. Metal prints can be sprayed with disinfectant and wiped down just as you would a window or a kitchen countertop. This won’t affect the look of the print and keeps germs from spreading through the office or public space.

Long Lasting, Affordable Art Medium

Like any expenditure, buying art for your business or organization is an expense that is best kept as low as possible. When businesses buy a metal print, they know it’s a one-time purchase that won’t need to be replaced for a long while.

Fully Customizable Office Prints

Choosing the right type of art for your office is a matter of taste. We’ve worked with all sorts of businesses, hospitals, and medical facilities to print artwork that is custom to their space. Most often we print the following types of metal prints for businesses:

• Abstract and Contemporary Art
• Landscape and Nature Photography
• Inspirational Quotes and Typography
• Local Art and Photography
• Minimalist and Geometric Art
• Company Branding and Logos

Why Choose Artisan HD For Your Commercial Metal Prints?

ChromaLuxe High-Definition print media will transform any commercial interior into a luxurious, world-class design experience. Our products provide an unsurpassed depth of field that is equivalent to the artists’ expression on canvas. You can find our products in hotels, restaurants, museums, businesses, and other public spaces around the globe.

Vibrant images plus an easy-to-clean substrate make ChromaLuxe the premium choice for hospitals and healthcare facilities. For more information on cleaning ChromaLuxe products, visit chromaluxe.com.

ChromaLuxe aluminum prints are best displayed indoors on a wall that doesn’t get 8+ hours of direct sunlight. However, because of some of the unique attributes of metal prints, there are a few things to consider:

• Great for large walls – With sizes up to 8 feet and clusters beyond that, metal prints have become a popular choice for large walls in homes and public places.
• Best for offices – Make it easy on the cleaning crew and add fine art to spruce up an office or place of business.
• Perfect for kitchens – Because it’s non-porous you can use the same cleaner used for your countertops to clean off a metal print in your kitchen. Hang it right above your oven and wipe away any pasta sauce or grease stains.
• Amazing for bathrooms – Metal prints are water and humidity resistant and can also be cleaned with common household disinfectants so you can clean it like you would your bathroom surface.
• Not ideal for high-traffic areas – While all metal prints are blunt to the touch and pose no harm if they are bumped into, it’s not ideal to have a print that’s in an area where it’s likely to be bumped. Avoid narrow hallways or low enough for children to accidentally knock into.

Are ChromaLuxe prints for use outdoors?

ChromaLuxe aluminum is not for permanent outdoor display. Any prints displayed outdoors will result in faster than normal fade. That being said, ChromaLuxe is now testing an outdoor sign version of their aluminum substrate. Please let us know if you’re interested and we’ll get an update on the product development. Once fully released and vetted, we’ll onboard that product line as well.

How should I light my ChromaLuxe metal print?

When you’re customizing your ChromaLuxe print you can choose between a matte or gloss finish – choosing this finish will also help determine how or if you should at all, light your metal print. There are generally three choices for lighting your metal print:

• Room lighting – Allow the natural light of the room to illuminate the print.
• Lighting from below – Using a nearby light fixture placed near the bottom of the print can help highlight it in the room and bring out the colors.
• Lighting from above – Using fine art display lighting you can get anywhere, this puts the most light directly on the print.

“Metal Print” has become common vernacular in the print industry, but it basically means an image or photo printed on metal. The metal used is typically an aluminum alloy and a special printing process is used to transfer an image onto metal.

Qualities Of A Metal Art Print

Compared to canvas or photo prints, metal art prints have several unique qualities and advantages. The most popular application for a metal print is in a business or medical office setting but they are becoming more and more popular for homes. Here are some of the reasons people choose a metal print over canvas or paper:

Durability

Metal art prints can be covered in a scratch-resistant and fade-resistant coating so prints are protected from everyday wear and tear.

• Non-porous surface
• Moisture-resistant
• UV-resistant
• Scratch-resistant

Vibrant Colors

The natural sheen of the aluminum surface allows inks to appear more luminous, creating a striking visual impact. The reflective properties of the metal enhance the colors, making them appear more vibrant and saturated.

High-Definition Detail

Because metal prints use the dye sublimation process that fuses the color directly to the metal, intricate details come through with remarkable precision in ways other mediums may struggle to reproduce.

Modern Look For Artwork

Metal prints add a contemporary look and feel to any piece of art or space. The unique reflectiveness of the aluminum and lack of a clunky frame make metal prints a modern addition to any room.

Easy To Hang

Compared to prints of comparable sizes in frames, metal prints weigh less and are easier to lift, handle and hang. Most metal prints come with some type of attachment to make them easier to hang.

Easy To Clean

Metal prints can be wiped down with common household disinfectants and cleaners and a soft cloth.

Types of Metal Prints

At Artisan, we have two types of metal prints- Dibond and ChromaLuxe.

• Dibond is a brushed aluminum metal print. Your photograph or artwork is printed directly onto the smooth metal surface using the latest UV printing technology. Any areas of your image that are a true white will reveal the raw, brushed aluminum metal surface. This gives Dibond prints a sleek, industrial look.
• ChromaLuxe metal prints use dye-sublimation to create high-definition images. The ink is fused onto the metal surface using heat and pressure. The metal print is coated with a multi-layer polymer finish resulting in a durable and vibrant piece of artwork. ChromaLuxe is the industry standard for professional photographers and artists when it comes to metal prints.

For a more detailed explanation of what metal prints are and how you can print photos on metal, read “The Ulitmate Guide to Printing On Metal”.

Because metal prints are heavy as compared to photo paper, canvas, or plexiglass, most people prefer to use aluminum museum mounts to hang their prints. However, there are other options such as traditional framing and float mounts, typically reserved for smaller applications.

What options are there for hanging a metal print?

For prints 12” x 18” and below, you can mount it to your wall in two different ways: via a float mount or museum mount.

• Float mount – A metal print that uses a float mount has a square of metal that is welded to the back that sticks out and can be affixed to the wall using a strong double-sided adhesive pad.
• Museum mount – What you’ll see in a museum with metal prints, where you hang an aluminum strip on the wall and then rest the metal print on that strip.

For metal prints larger than 12″ x 18″ it’s not advised to use a float mount because the weight of the metal print is too heavy to reliably stick to the wall.

How do you hang a metal print?

If your print is larger than 12″ x 18″ and you want to hang it on your wall the way professional art installations do at museums, you can use an aluminum museum mount. It’s an easy six-step process to hang your metal prints:

• Step 1: Hold the print on the wall where you want to hang it and mark the top and sides with a pencil.
• Step 2: Mark on the wall the distance from the top of the print to where the wall mounts will be drilled into the wall, typically around two inches from the top.
• Step 3: Measure, level and mark the vertical distance between where the wall mounts will be attached to the wall.
• Step 4: Drill holes and install wall anchors (if necessary).
• Step 5: Install the aluminum mount to the wall by screwing it into the holes you just made and double-check that it’s level.
• Step 6: Hang your print by lifting and then lowering it into place so that it rests on the aluminum mount on the wall.

What tools & materials are needed to hang a metal print?

Most people will have these tools on hand and most metal prints come with the option to add an aluminum museum mount when they’re delivered so you’ll probably have what you need to hang a metal print. Specifically, to hang a metal print you’ll need:

• Aluminum mount – Comes standard with ArtisanHD ChromaLuxe metal prints.
• Drill – To create holes in the wall and screw fasteners tight.
• Tape Measure – To measure where holes and the print will hang.
• Level – To make sure your print isn’t hung crooked.
• Pencil – To mark your spots on the wall.
• Wall anchors & screws – To securely fasten your print to the wall.

Dye sublimation is a printing process that uses a special ink that when heated sublimates (goes from its solid state directly into a gas) and then dyes whatever surface it’s attached to upon heating. The process centers around using specialty ink and a machine that evenly heats and presses the ink into any given surface.

How does the dye sublimation process work for fine art metal prints?

Using dye sublimation on metal surfaces is an eight-step process:

1. Digital Image Prep: Any image to be printed should be run through Photoshop or similar photo manipulation software to adjust it before printing. This includes resizing the image, updating the color hues or scales, and any other necessary editing.
2. Print Image on Paper: Using the heat-activated dye sublimation ink, the image is printed on “transfer paper” a special paper that is designed for the intense heat of the sublimation process and excellent image fidelity.
3. Prepare Metal For Transfer: Typically an aluminum alloy, the metal is treated with a coating that will help the ink adhere to the surface as it transfers from the paper onto the metal. The coating also helps ensure the vibrancy and accuracy of colors.
4. Attach Paper With Image To Metal: The transfer paper with the image is aligned and laid face down on the metal surface. It’s critical that the paper is aligned and perfectly flat on the metal before the next step.
5. Apply Heat and Pressure: Both the transfer paper and the metal are then sandwiched between the top and bottom plates of a heat press machine. The heat press machine is heated to a specific temperature in order to activate the ink and turn it into a gas, usually around 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (175 to 200 degrees Celsius). Once the desired temperature is reached, the heat and pressure are applied to the metal and transfer paper.
6. Sublimate Dye Onto Metal: As the heat is applied, the dye-based inks on the transfer paper start to sublimate, which means they change from a solid to a gaseous state without becoming liquid. The high temperature and pressure cause the ink particles to penetrate the polymer coating on the metal surface, creating the image you see.
7. Ink Setting and Cooling: Once the gaseous ink particles attach to the metal they need to set and cool to become permanent and bond with the surface. The ink returns to its solid state and is embedded in the metal.
8. Finishing & Protective Coatings: After the ink is set and the metal has cooled, the transfer paper is peeled off, any additional trimming or frame prep is done and an additional protective coating is applied.

With the use of dye sublimation (infusing dyes directly into the metal print), it provides results that are outstandingly clear, vibrant, and well-preserved for years to come. Printing images directly onto a surface holds a higher risk of unwanted scratching. The dye sublimation process of infusing dyes directly into the coating provides permanent protection for your artwork.

The dye sublimation process on metal prints offers several advantages, including excellent color reproduction, high durability, scratch resistance, and resistance to fading. The resulting prints often have a glossy or satin finish and can showcase intricate details and vibrant colors, making them popular for various applications such as art displays, signage, photography, and personalized gifts.

ArtisanHD provides ChromaLuxe metal prints in custom sizing available up to 8 feet with the option of splitting larger images into different prints so you can get an image at virtually any size. Also, because we have in-house custom routers, we can cut out almost any shape that you’d like if its total circumference is under 8 feet.

What are my options if the artwork is bigger than 8 feet?

If your image needs to be larger than 8 feet, we’d recommend breaking the image into different pieces. This not only does the image justice but also creates a unique cluster of metal prints on your wall. You have several options for how to split your images up, including:

• Diptych
• Narrow Triptych
• Wide Triptych
• Uneven Triptych
• 3×3 Split
• Parquet-styles
• 2×2 Cluster
• Bridal Cluster 4×4
• 3 Panel Cluster
• Family Cluster 3
• Big & 3 Cluster
• 4 Panel Cluster
• 5 Panel Cluster

How much does a metal print weigh? Is it heavy?

A 24″x24″ piece of ChromaLuxe weighs less than 4 lbs. This is a comparable weight to a canvas or photo paper print that’s in a glass frame. For their size, metal prints will typically weigh less than framed pictures because of the extra weight added by the framing materials.

Can ChromaLuxe be used for large public murals?

One of the most common applications of large metal prints is a mural in public areas. The metal prints are durable and can stand up to the rigors of a large public space and are the most sanitary fine art option. When decorating public spaces like hospitals, hotels, restaurants, offices, etc., the need to reliably clean and, arguably more important, disinfect room décor is critical. This not only keeps the art vibrant and beautiful but also reduces the risk of spreading germs and viruses.

ChromaLuxe metal prints were tested by Wilhelm Imaging Research and achieved a permanence rating of 65 years.

Wilhelm Imaging Research is a known authority in evaluating printing methods, inks, and substrates for their permanence based in Iowa. They evaluate various printing technologies, inks, and substrate combinations to determine the expected longevity of prints under specific display and storage conditions. Their testing involves things like accelerated aging and lightfastness measurements to estimate the print’s resistance to fading and degradation.

How does ChromaLuxe compare to photo prints?

Traditional photo prints in a frame behind glass can last for decades. Unfortunately, the chemical process and the paper it’s printed on will decrease over time. A silver halide photo paper only lasts about 20 years before it starts to noticeably deteriorate, compared to ChromaLuxe which is projected to last at least 65 years.

What factors impact the longevity of a metal print?

There are five factors that impact the longevity of a metal print, all of them based on the quality of production or the displaying of the artwork. These factors include material quality, coating, printing technology, environmental conditions, and maintenance.

• Material Quality: Metal prints are typically produced on aluminum alloy sheets that enhance the longevity of a print
• Coating: Your metal print is only as good as its coating to protect it from fading, scratches, moisture damage, and UV radiation.
• Ink and Printing Technology: Only advanced dye-sublimation machines, like those at Artisan HD, can use specially formulated inks to create images of the highest fidelity.
• Environmental Conditions: Exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods of time or extreme temperature fluctuations can reduce the longevity of a print.
• Handling and Maintenance: Cleaning the print regularly and avoiding contact with it will increase the durability of a print.

What are the advantages of choosing a metal print?

1. ChromaLuxe products have a unique dye-sublimation coating that contains no open pores and is resistant to chemicals, bacteria, liquids, and pathogens, so the surface doesn’t trap contaminants. This means germs won’t stay on the surface.
2. Cleaning and disinfecting ChromaLuxe prints is as simple as using any commercial glass cleaner with a clean, lint-free cloth. You don’t have to change cleaners or cleaning materials as you go through the building.
3. Disinfectants can be sprayed on ChromaLuxe surfaces without damaging them or fading the colors, making them easier for customers to clean and maintain over time. Prints that last longer make the finance team happier to reduce replacement costs.

Vibrant images plus an easy-to-clean substrate make ChromaLuxe the premium choice for hospitals and healthcare facilities. For more information on cleaning ChromaLuxe products, visit chromaluxe.com.

No. The unique coating of the ChromaLuxe metal panels allows prints to be showcased without the need for framing glass or acrylic face-mounting. ChromaLuxe metal prints are scratch-resistant, waterproof, can be touched, and easy to clean.

Additionally:

1. Dye-sublimation: ChromaLuxe products have a unique dye-sublimation coating that contains no open pores and is resistant to chemicals, bacteria, liquids, and pathogens, so the surface doesn’t trap contaminants. This means germs won’t stay on the surface.
2. Easy to clean: Cleaning and disinfecting ChromaLuxe prints is as simple as using any commercial glass cleaner with a clean, lint-free cloth. You don’t have to change cleaners or cleaning materials as you go through the building.
3. Easy to disinfect: Disinfectants can be sprayed on ChromaLuxe surfaces without damaging them or fading the colors, making them easier for customers to clean and maintain over time. Prints that last longer make the finance team happier to reduce replacement costs.

For more information about maintaining metal prints check out our in-depth tutorial on cleaning ChromaLuxe prints.

What Are Some Popular Applications For ChromaLuxe Metal Prints?

Vibrant images plus an easy-to-clean substrate make ChromaLuxe the premium choice for several commercial and residential applications such as:

• Hospitals & healthcare facilities – because of the ability to be disinfected.
• Corporate offices – because long-term durability doesn’t require frequent replacement.
• Public spaces – because luster isn’t lost despite incidental contact or environmental exposure.
• High-traffic areas of the house – because metal prints are smudge-proof and long-lasting.

Unlike other printed photo materials, ChromaLuxe metal prints are easy to clean – one could argue, the best to clean because they can be disinfected. This is why metal prints are a popular choice for public areas – they know they can reliably clean and disinfect the surface of the print without impacting the beauty and longevity of the print.

ChromaLuxe metal prints are waterproof and scratch resistant, so the cleaner can be sprayed directly on the surface of the print and then wiped with a cloth as needed. You clean a metal print like you would any surface you’d like to keep clean:

1. Choose a cloth – Lint-free fabrics work best, but you can use any cloth as long as you don’t use it to wipe down other surfaces.
2. Choose a cleaner –  Use any glass cleaner or all-purpose cleaner you’d like, including those that disinfect surfaces as well, and avoid harsh solvents.
3. Spray & wipe – Just like you would with a window, spray the cleaner and wipe the metal print clean.

It really is that simple! Unlike canvas prints, metal print ChromaLuxe products have a multi-layer polymer coating that contains no open pores, so the surface doesn’t trap contaminants like chemicals, bacteria, liquids, and pathogens. This means germs and moisture won’t stay on the surface and can be easily wiped off.

Public settings, such as hospitals or places of business, prioritize being able to clean and disinfect their decor because of the increased likelihood of a person coming in contact with it, and transmitting some type of germ or virus. Artwork in both hospitals and work environments has been shown to increase positive outcomes for patients and workers alike; using metal art prints that can be easily cleaned to reduce the spread of sickness is the best way to do that.

Do metal prints require special cleaning products?

No, in fact, you can use either a glass cleaner or any common household or standard cleaner. For cleaning crews, they can use the same cleaner that they use for other surfaces, no need to switch cleaning products as they go through the building.

You should never use a strong solvent or industrial-strength cleaner. They won’t ruin the artwork immediately but after repeated uses, it will start to degrade the image quality.

Are metal prints durable in public places?

ChromaLuxe metal prints are great for public areas, offices, and commercial spaces because they are durable, can withstand touching, and fingerprints or smudges can be quickly wiped clean. All the edges on ChromaLuxe prints are smooth to the touch as well so you won’t have to worry about someone getting caught on a sharp edge.

How often will I have to replace metal prints?

Metal prints will often outlive their use, as they can last many decades. Chances are you won’t have to replace a metal print due to any defect or degradation of the print itself, rather, replacing them will be more of a style and interior redesign choice. They are easy to maintain, durable, and long-lasting so you won’t have to replace your ChromaLuxe print any time soon.

Vibrant images plus an easy-to-clean substrate make ChromaLuxe the premium choice for hospitals and healthcare facilities. For more information on how to clean metal prints from ChromaLuxe, visit chromaluxe.com.