Viseguy
Well-known member
I have a friend who would like some of my pics printed on metal. Looking for a reputable vendor to do this, seems like a lot to choose from online, thanks.
Recommendation for printing on metal in USA?
- Thread starter Viseguy
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I have had good results with aluminum prints from Nations Photo Lab (nationsphotolab.com)--very reasonably priced. Use the free icc profiles they provide for best results. That allows for some reasonably accurate soft proofing during your post processing. For the absolute best in quality and custom work on aluminum, I like DuraPlaq in Longmont, CO (duraplaq.com). You pay for the quality, but their work is outstanding.
I've had good luck with WhiteWall for their direct on metal printing. They also provide icc soft proofing profiles which is a good idea as tones and colors shift a bit when printing direct on metal compared to screen views: https://www.whitewall.com/us
Texspeel
Member
I’ve been happy with the aluminum prints from Bay Photo Lab.
Bay Photo, White House Custom Color (WHCC) and Printique. The first two are my general preference when possible for metal.
--Ken
--Ken
I've done a couple with Bay Photo that I liked, although I think I want to try White House Custom Color too since they are so highly recommend around these parts 
I'm sure either will do a great job.
I'm sure either will do a great job.
WHCC's customer service is amazing. I like Bay Photo and the folks are fine, but WHCC take it to another level if you need to contact them. What tends to sway me is either a unique product offering on something or a sale. Right now Bay Photo has acrylic prints on sale and I am looking to pick up three pieces to add to one that they did for me last year. I believe that WHCC was a bit later in offering acrylic, but if I had started this series with them, I probably would have finished it with them.I've done a couple with Bay Photo that I liked, although I think I want to try White House Custom Color too since they are so highly recommend around these parts
I'm sure either will do a great job.
--Ken
Thanks! Do you notice any difference in quality or consistency between the two?
Not really. Both package your work quite well so it survives the shipping intact. And I have not seen any production issues/defects that have required replacement. Color accuracy has always seemed fine. My one acrylic piece from Bay Photo was shipped from AZ, so I am assuming they either have a separate lab or have subcontracted out the work. It was also packaged quite well and looked fine, so I am not concerned about the pieces I am ordering. Printique was the only large lab that I have had a few issues with their quality control, but they resolved them and were not too hard to work with. Not as easy as WHCC or Bay, but not bad enough to cross them off my short list.
--Ken
I've been using Bay Photo as well. The results always seem to mimick what I see on my monitor which is comforting. Also right now through the end of October they have 15% off on metal if you use the code 15met
Sounds good - I'll have to give WHCC a try and just use whoever has the best coupon at the time
D
Deleted member 115
Guest
All the metal prints I have done were at artbeat studios, maybe a dozen. I have been very satisfied with them 
great packaging
great packaging
I am not on social media, but I believe that Bay Photo uses it as one channel for sales. But I do get emails from both about sales (and neither really abuse the privilege), so you could subscribe if you are not big on social media. I believe the acrylic sale is not available on their website, but was mentioned by email.Sounds good - I'll have to give WHCC a try and just use whoever has the best coupon at the time
Let us know if you do order,
--Ken
D
Deleted member 115
Guest
I just looked at Artbeat Studios website , 30% off HD Metal Fall Sale now or 20% off for first time customers. Guess it all depends on what the actual price is...lol
www.artbeatstudios.com
Professional Photo Printing - Prints on Metal, Acrylic, Canvas & More - Artbeat Studios
Professional photographic printing specializing in Metal Prints, Acrylic Prints, Canvas Prints, Photo Prints and more for pro photographers from our state-of-the-art lab in Irvine, California.
www.artbeatstudios.com
I've only tried a couple of outfits, but I will say that Bay Photo has done a very nice job for me. I like that they have a good variety of options for hanging and display.