I am often asked by clients what is the difference between a metallic print and a metal. Both of these products are great choices for displaying your images, especially for pictures of children and high school seniors where you want portraits with vibrant colors and a lot of energy.

Metallic Prints

Metallic prints are simply that: prints made on a “metallic” paper. Metallic paper features a glossy finish and a metallic appearance (even though there’s no actual metal). A luster coating is often applied on top of the metallic print, which gives the print a sheen that visibly enhances the print and protects it from fingerprints and ultra-violet light.

Metallic prints are a fun choice for eye catching wallet-sized prints. And like any other type of print it can be mounted, matted, and framed to create just about any style of look you are seeking for the walls in our home.

Metal Prints

Metal Prints (often referred to as Metals), on the other hand, are the real deal! Metal Prints are a relatively new medium for preserving photographs that involves infusing dyes directly into (not just onto) a specially coated aluminum sheet. As a result, the images take on an almost magical luminescence with vibrant colors, intense detail and clarity.

Metal prints can provide a modern look for your home and can be finished with a variety of coatings to reduce or maximize glare. They can also be mounted in a variety of ways including with stainless steel posts or with a float mount that gives the appearance of the metal floating off the wall.

If you have questions about displaying photographs in your home, don’t be afraid to reach out. I’m happy to discuss the wide range of products that are available to you. And, I even have tools that will project what your images will look like on your walls in various sizes.