What is a Metal Print? Here’s What You Should Know

Metal prints are a contemporary way to showcase your favorite photos and artwork with stunning clarity and vibrant colors. These prints offer a sleek, modern look that stands out in any space, making them an excellent choice for home decor, office spaces, or unique gifts. With their exceptional durability and striking appearance, metal prints are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to display their images in a fresh and innovative way. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of metal prints, customization options, and why Shutterfly is your go-to source for high-quality metal prints.

What is a Metal Print?

A metal print is a photo or artwork printed directly onto a thin sheet of aluminum. This process involves infusing dyes into a specially coated aluminum surface using a combination of heat and pressure. The result is a vibrant, high-definition print with remarkable color depth and detail. Unlike traditional photo prints, metal prints are incredibly durable, resistant to scratches, fading, and moisture. This makes them ideal for various environments, including high-traffic areas and even outdoor spaces. The sleek, glossy finish of metal photo prints gives them a modern, polished look that enhances any image.
two metal prints hanging on the wall

Benefits of Metal Prints

Metal prints offer numerous advantages over traditional prints and other photo display options.:

  • Longevity: Metal prints feature a durable aluminum surface that preserves vibrant images for years, resistant to environmental damage.
  • Easy Maintenance: They require simple maintenance—just wipe with a soft cloth to keep prints looking pristine, making them low maintenance compared to traditional prints.
  • Modern Design: The frameless design adds a sleek, contemporary touch to any decor, enhancing the aesthetic of modern interiors.
  • Enhanced Visual Appeal: Their reflective surface enhances colors and contrasts, creating vivid and dynamic images that stand out in any room.

Customizing Your Metal Prints

At Shutterfly, we provide a wide range of customization options to help you create the perfect custom metal print. Choose from various sizes and shapes, including square, rectangle, and panoramic formats, to suit your image and display needs. Our easy-to-use design tools allow you to upload your photos, select your preferred layout, and add personalized touches such as text or borders. You can also choose between different finishes, like glossy or matte, to match your aesthetic preferences. Whether you’re creating a single standout piece or a gallery wall of metal prints, Shutterfly provides the tools and options to make your vision come to life.


Displaying Metal Photo Prints in Your Space

Metal prints are incredibly versatile and can be displayed in various ways to enhance your space. They can be hung on walls using float mounts for a sleek, frameless look, or displayed on easels and stands for a more flexible arrangement. Grouping multiple metal prints together can create a stunning gallery wall that showcases your favorite memories and artistic expressions. Whether placed in your living room, bedroom, or office, metal prints add a modern and sophisticated touch that elevates any interior design. Their durability also makes them suitable for high-traffic areas and even outdoor spaces, providing endless possibilities for creative display.

Woodsy metal wall art print mounted on a gray colored wall

Things To Consider With Metal Prints

Metal prints offer exceptional longevity and brilliance, making them a popular choice for home decor. However, it’s essential to consider a few key aspects to ensure they’re the right fit for your image. First, select a high-resolution photo to ensure your image appears crisp and professional on the metal panel. Since the image is permanently infused into the metal, choose a picture you’ll cherish for years, as it cannot be swapped out like a traditional framed photo. Although relatively lightweight, metal prints are heavier than other types of prints due to their durable materials. For secure installation, hang your metal print on a wall stud rather than drywall or plaster to prevent it from falling and causing injury. Proper installation ensures your art piece remains a safe and beautiful addition to your decor.
Metal Art work on a wall in a collage style printed on black and white

How To Make A Metal Print

Printing a photo on metal is a straightforward process that can be easily done through Shutterfly’s online platform. Follow these steps to create your stunning metal print:

  1. Select Your Photo: Choose the image you want to print on metal. High-resolution photos work best to ensure clarity and detail in the final product.
  2. Pick a template. Choose the design template that best matches the pictures you want on your metal print. From single photo templates to collage layouts, the options are endless.
  3. Choose the Size and Shape: Select the size and shape that best fits your image and display preferences. Options include square, rectangle, and panoramic formats.
  4. Upload Your Photo: Use Shutterfly’s easy-to-use design tools to upload your photo. You can adjust the positioning and zoom to get the perfect layout.
  5. Customize Your Print: Personalize your metal picture print by adding text, choosing borders, and selecting between glossy or matte finishes. You can also apply filters to enhance the look of your photo.
  6. Preview Your Design: Before finalizing, preview your design to ensure it looks exactly how you want. Make any necessary adjustments to the layout or customization options.
  7. Place Your Order: Once you’re satisfied with your design, add it to your cart and proceed to checkout. Shutterfly offers various shipping options to get your metal print delivered to your doorstep.
  8. Display Your Metal Print: When your metal print arrives, it will be ready to display. Use float mounts for a sleek, frameless look, or opt for easels and stands for more flexible placement.

By following these simple steps, you can create a beautiful, durable metal print that showcases your favorite photo in a modern and stylish way. Shutterfly’s high-quality printing process ensures that your metal print will be a stunning addition to any space.

Why Choose Shutterfly for Your Metal Prints?

When it comes to creating high-quality metal prints, Shutterfly stands out as a trusted choice. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures that each print is produced with the utmost care and precision. We use the latest printing technology and premium materials to ensure your metal pictures are of the highest standard. Additionally, our user-friendly platform makes it easy to customize and order your prints, and our customer support team is always available to assist with any questions or concerns. Choose Shutterfly for your metal prints and experience the perfect blend of artistry, durability, and personal touch.

More Metal Home Decor

Enhance your decor with vibrant and modern custom metal prints. Explore additional display options like metal photo tiles and tabletop metal prints. Photo tiles are ideal for apartments and dorms, easily hung and rearranged without tools. Tabletop metal prints make stunning, personalized gifts. Available in various sizes, these options allow you to create the perfect metal decor for your living space.

Metal Photo Tiles

Custom metal photo tilesElevate your home decor with Shutterfly’s custom metal photo tiles. Transform your favorite memories into modern, lightweight wall art that you can easily stick, rearrange, and re-stick without hassle. Our metal photo tiles are perfect for showcasing travel highlights, kids’ milestones, and cherished moments, turning your photos into high-quality, long-lasting pieces. Ideal for unique home decor or a thoughtful gift, Shutterfly’s metal photo tiles offer a stylish and versatile way to display your most memorable photos.

Tabletop Metal Prints

Group of tabletop metal prints on a tableEnhance your home or workspace with sleek and stylish tabletop metal prints from Shutterfly. Crafted on high-quality ChromaLuxe® aluminum with a glossy finish, these prints are both stunning and durable, featuring scratch and abrasion resistance. Perfect as personalized decor or thoughtful gifts for friends and family, Shutterfly’s tabletop metal prints let you showcase your favorite memories in a modern, eye-catching way. Simply upload your photos to create a one-of-a-kind display that will impress your guests.

Wrapping Up

The stunning appearance of metal prints lifts nearly any photo from ordinary to extraordinary. If you’re looking for an art piece with longevity, style, and personal meaning, consider designing your own metal wall art.

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