Pointers for metal

[dwilmerton]

Hi guys and gals, I am putting three of my images on 16x20 metal prints. The metal is aluminum I think? Does anyone have any pointers as far as the image goes. I was thinking since the final product is so vibrant that you would want an image that is vibrant already or would that be overkill? I am sending the images to the lab in the next day or so. I have never put anything on metal before.

Thanks in advance
Doug

 

[MLeeK]

Just don't do a black and white. Metals are printed in color and the black and white will have a tint to it.
Every metal I have had made I send in the original image in it's un-changed state. The only one I was unhappy with was a black and white. If you go over the top with neon colors and have spots that are blown in your color channels it'll look like sh!t, but as long as their is full detail in your colors you will be fine and they will be beautiful

 

[Big Mike]

I've heard that metal is rather unforgiving of anything that isn't sharp. In other words, if your image is slightly OOF or blurry (not counting what you want to be blurry) then it won't look so good. But if your image is nice and sharp, the metal will really show that off.

 

[dwilmerton]

Thanks, so no real reason to run the photo through Lightroom to bump anything up, or change the resolution?

 

[Big Mike]

As with any 'new to you' printing medium, you won't really know until you see it. If this is a large and/or important piece for you...you might consider getting a small test print done. Whenever I use a new lab or a new/different paper, I always try to have some test prints made up, so that I have an idea of what to expect.

My First Prints on Metal | Scott Kelby's Photoshop Insider

 

[Light Guru]

Talk with the place that is printing it on the metal for you, I'm betting they will have some info on what would make an image look better on metal. And if its in your budget, order a smaller version first as a test.

 

[MLeeK]

I've heard that metal is rather unforgiving of anything that isn't sharp. In other words, if your image is slightly OOF or blurry (not counting what you want to be blurry) then it won't look so good. But if your image is nice and sharp, the metal will really show that off.

I haven't run into one that I had a problem with, but I'd venture to guess you are VERY right based on the ones I have here I am looking at. It's a very smooth surface and the details are REALLY important.

 

[Mully]

Try one print first and learn from that one.....nothing like having 5 expensive prints that you are not happy with.

 

[dwilmerton]

Thanks for the info unfortunately the way we purchased the metal we can't do a sample just going to give them a call and see if there is any other info them will share I will post it if they give a quality product. Fortunately I got a really good deal on them.