Question about Aluminium prints. I’m in the UK and looking to get a print done here A0 size.

I wanted it on aluminium but after researching it a bit I’m so confused.

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From my understanding there is

Chromalux (dye sublimation) - which is only glossy - which I’m ruling out as I want something more satin

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Then after this is where I am confused, I see

Dibond - printed directly onto (white and brushed metal)

Dibond - printed onto paper and then put onto dibond

Then I see reviews online of just whats listed as “metal prints” from like bayphoto, but to me they look like the chromalux - they appear to be dye sublimation but have a choice of finishes.

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I’m in the UK so I don’t have bay photo - so is there an equivalent to these prints in the UK?

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Theres photobox - which seem to have Dibond printed directly - good value @ £62

whitewall, which seem to have direct to dibond - at £237

Are these the same?

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White wall with the paper print mounted on dibond - £309

White wall chromalux - £390

Then I see reviews online of just what’s listed as “metal prints” from like bayphoto, which looks like the chromalux with dye sublimation but has a choice of finishes.

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Are these Direct to aluminium good quality? or would I be better sticking with paper print mounted on aluminium / or the chromalux

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🤷‍♂️ please help :)

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  • RefuseAmazing3422@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    Chromaluxe has semi gloss and matte finishes. It’s probably just that your particular lab doesn’t carry them but others do.

    Direct to dibond is probably a UV printer.

    In terms of quality of your three options, id rank them (1) paper print mounted on dibond, (2) chromaluxe and (3) direct UV dibond.

    Paper is definitely the best quality but chromaluxe can still look very good too. UV printing is not as high quality but may be good enough for you. If your lab is local go in and look at samples.

    Stay away from brushed metal prints unless you’ve seen it before in person. It’s a very niche look and doesn’t work for many images imo.

    • bobpies@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      11 months ago

      Thanks - that helps.

      I’m wondering, as you say, if I’d notice the difference.

      The labs are all online so I’ve not seen these before. Photo box has an a0 for £62 in Black Friday for direct to dibond - im thinking it might be worth taking a punt on just to see it