Printing your artwork onto Dibond or aluminum print takes it to the next level of awesomeness with its high image photo quality. This smooth, versatile material makes colors pop, adds a modern finish and is super strong with a long lifespan. Whether you’re an artist selling masterpieces, a photographer creating gallery ready prints or a hobbyist looking for a professional finish with photo paper prints, getting your metal prints right is key. Print on Dibond for amazing artwork and see the difference it makes.
In this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your metal prints look amazing—and we’ll do it in a way that feels like a chat over coffee, not a technical manual.
What is Dibond?
Let’s get the basics out of the way. Dibond is a composite material made of two thin sheets, or two layers of aluminium sandwiching a black polyethylene core. Think of it as the Oreo cookie of the art world—lightweight yet strong and delicious. Its flat, smooth surface is perfect for high definition printing and is a favorite for modern and minimalist displays.
Why Dibond?
- Durability: Weather resistant so great for indoor and outdoor use.
- Sleek Finish: Metallic look gives images a sharp clean look.
- Longevity: Colors stay bright and material doesn’t warp over time.
Benefits of metal Prints
Metal prints offer a range of benefits that make them an ideal choice for artists, photographers, and businesses. One of the primary advantages of metal prints is their exceptional durability and weather resistance. The composite material used in aluminum prints is resistant to fading, scratches, water, and UV rays, ensuring that the prints remain vibrant and intact for years to come.
Another benefit of metal prints is their high picture quality. The 7-color printing method used in metal prints produces highly saturated colors, even in large monochrome sections, and good tonal gradation ensures accurate reproduction. The matte surface of the prints also reduces glare, making them ideal for wall displays in bright environments.
Metal prints are also lightweight and easy to handle or hang, making them perfect for large formats and outdoor displays. The material is also rustproof, waterproof, rot-proof, and chemically resistant, making it suitable for use in a variety of environments.
Types of Aluminum Prints
There are several types of metal prints available, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. One of the most popular types of aluminum composite prints is the brushed aluminum finish, which adds a metallic surface to the print. This type of print is ideal for images containing metallic surfaces, as it creates a 3D effect that enhances the overall visual impact of the image.
Another type of Dibond print is the high-impact Dibond print, which is designed for maximum durability and weather resistance. This type of print is ideal for outdoor displays and is often used in modern buildings and architectural accents.
Custom shape metal prints are also available, allowing artists and photographers to create unique and eye-catching photo or wall displays. These prints can be cut to custom sizes and shapes, making them perfect for use in trade show graphics, wall signs, and wall displays.
Preparing Your Artwork
Printing on Dibond is like cooking with premium ingredients—the final product is only as good as what you start with. Here are some tips to make sure your artwork or photo looks its best:
Image Resolution and Quality
High Resolution is Key: Minimum 300 DPI (dots per inch). So your image stays sharp and detailed even when enlarged.
Color Management and Profiling
Get Your Colors Right: Calibrate your monitor so your colors are accurate. If your screen shows one color and your print shows another you’ll be in for a shock.
Know Your Color Modes: RGB vs CMYK. Here’s where it gets a bit technical but bear with me—it’s worth it. Computers display images in RGB (Red, Green, Blue) but printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). If you don’t convert your image to CMYK before printing you’ll end up with a sad, dull version of your artwork.
Pro Tip: When converting to CMYK adjust your colors to compensate for any dullness. What looks bright on screen may need a little boost in print.
Designing Your Metal Print
Designing your Metal print is a fun process but you need to consider everything to make your artwork or image look its best. Think of it as cooking a gourmet meal—every ingredient and step counts. Here are some tips to help you create a great metal print:
First and foremost choose a high res image or artwork. Minimum 300 DPI (dots per inch) so your print is sharp and detailed. Especially important for larger prints where any pixilation or blur will be more noticeable.
Then think about the color palette and contrast of your image. The aluminium surface of Dibond can enhance certain colors and contrast so experiment to see what works best. If possible calibrate your monitor so the colors you see on screen match what will be printed.
Size and shape are also important. Where will your print be displayed and what size will fit the space. Dibond can be cut to any shape so don’t be afraid to get creative!
And finally use design software or consult with a professional designer to fine tune your image your own way for metal printing. So every detail is perfect and your final print is what you envisioned.
Printing on Dibond
By printing directly onto aluminium substrates with 7 color UV Fine Art inks this method produces highly saturated colors, excellent tonal gradation and a matte and glare free finish. Dibond is a premium composite material consisting of two aluminium sheets with a solid polyethylene core, it’s lightweight, sturdy and perfect for high definition printing. It turns vibrant designs, bold photography and intricate artwork into sleek professional displays that demand attention.
Dibond’s surface is ideal for high res printing so every detail of your artwork will show.
Here’s a closer look at the techniques and technologies used for Dibond printing and how they produce great finished products.
UV Flatbed Printing
UV flatbed printing is the most popular and effective way to print directly onto Dibond for a robust print that’s heavy duty and long lasting.
How It Works
- Print directly onto the surface of the Dibond with a flatbed printer.
- UV curable inks are used which dry instantly when exposed to UV light.
- This ensures the inks bond to the surface for a long lasting and colorful print.
Dye Sublimation Printing
Dye sublimation is another method that can be used with Dibond, especially when printing onto a coated surface.
How It Works
- Print onto special transfer paper with sublimation inks.
- Heat and pressure is applied to transfer the inks onto a pre-coated Dibond surface.
- The inks turn into a gas and bond to the surface for a permanent image.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is less common for Dibond but can be used for specific applications.
How It Works
- Create a stencil or screen for the design.
- Ink is pushed through the screen onto the Dibond surface in layers.
- Each color requires a separate screen and application so it’s best for simple designs.
Laminated Prints
Laminated printing is an indirect method where the artwork is printed onto vinyl or other media and then mounted onto Dibond.
How It Works
- Print onto high quality adhesive vinyl.
- Print vinyl is laminated onto the Dibond surface.
- A protective laminate layer can be added for durability.
Etching and Laser Printing
For a unique textured finish laser etching or engraving can be used on Dibond.
How It Works
- Laser cuts into the surface of the Dibond to make an engraved design.
- The etching can reveal the metallic layer beneath or be filled with dye for contrast.
Brushed Aluminum Printing
Metallic surfaces like brushed aluminum Dibond creates a special effect where the metallic texture interacts with the printed design.
How It Works
- Print direct onto the brushed surface of Dibond with UV flatbed printing.
- Areas of the design can be left unprinted to allow the metallic finish to show through.
Creating Great Aluminum Metal Prints
Creating great aluminum dibond prints is a combination of art and science, you need high quality materials, advanced technology and expert craftsmanship. Imagine starting with high quality aluminum sheets with a smooth matte finish – this is the canvas for your artistry.
Technology is key to bringing your image to life. State of the art printers produce vibrant colors and detailed images. UV flatbed printing for example ensures the ink bonds to the aluminum surface for a durable and colorful print.
But it’s not just the technology. Expert craftsmanship is needed to get the cutting and finishing precise. Every edge, every corner, every detail must be perfect to meet the highest standards. This attention to detail in the design and production process is what makes great aluminum metal prints.
By combining high quality materials, technology and skilled craftsmanship you can have aluminum metal prints that are not only beautiful but also durable.
Choosing the Right Dibond Printing Service
Choosing the right Dibond printing service can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some key things to consider to make sure you choose a service that meets your needs and produces great pictures:
First, look at the quality of materials and technology used. A good service will use high quality aluminum sheets and advanced printing methods like UV flatbed printing to produce vibrant and durable prints.
Skill and knowledge in metal printing is also important. Look for a service that specializes in metal printing and has a portfolio for proof to back it up. Experienced people will know how to handle the material and produce the best results.
Customer service and support is just as important. A good printing service will guide you through the process from design to final production and be responsive to your questions and concerns.
Price and turnaround are practical considerations. You don’t want to compromise on quality but you need a service that offers competitive prices and can meet your shipping deadline.
And finally, check out reviews and testimonials from previous customers. This will give you an idea of the service’s reliability and quality of work.
By considering these things you can choose a Dibond printing service that produces great prints at a great price with a stress free experience.
Customizing Your Aluminum Signs
Metal prints can be used in many display styles, great for artists and photographers.
- Indoor and Outdoor Use: Dibond is perfect for interior decoration and outdoor signage.
- Mounting Options: From no frame floating mounts to a traditional frame, Dibond can be displayed in many ways.
- Custom Shape: Dibond can be cut to custom shape, for unique and unusual custom size displays.
Dibond Printing Applications
For artists and photographers Dibond printing is a great way to produce high quality prints of their work. The smooth matte finish and vibrant colors make artistry and photographs look amazing whether in a gallery or at home.
Commercial signage is another common use. Dibond prints are used for storefront signs, directional signs and promotional signs. Durable and weather resistant they are perfect for outdoor use so your message will remain clear and vibrant over time.
Event displays also benefit from Dibond metal printing. Whether it’s trade show graphics, exhibition displays or promotional materials, aluminum prints will give you a professional and polished look that will grab attention and make an impact.
Architectural signage is another area where Dibond aluminum printing excels. Building signs, directional signs and information signs made from Dibond are not only durable but also beautiful, enhancing the space.
These are just a few examples of the many uses of metal printing. Its versatility and durability makes it a popular choice for many applications, so whatever your project Dibond will deliver.
Display and Installation
How you mount and display, or hang your metal print can make or break the impact. You can easily hang your aluminum prints using various wall mounts tailored to specific print sizes, ensuring a secure and effortless installation process. Here are a few mounting options:
Standoff Mounts: A floating effect, your imagery will appear to float off the wall. Modern and cool!
Flush Mounts: Sleek and streamlined, the print will sit flat against the wall. Great for minimalist spaces.
Framed Mounts: Add a bit of tradition by framing your metal print. Works well for more traditional artistry.
Check the weight of your print signs before hanging. Dibond is light but bigger prints can still be heavy. Use the right wall anchors so you don’t have a heart stopping crash in the middle of the night. Make sure you have suitable hardware to hang your print securely.
Finishing touches
Dibond prints come with different finishes, each gives your art signs a unique character. Choose the right one for the mood you want to convey:
Glossy Finish: Great for vibrant colors. Enhances saturation and gives your print a glossy look.
Matte Finish: Reduces glare and works well for black and white or monochromatic pieces. Subtle but sophisticated.
Brushed Aluminum: A metallic finish that interacts with light in amazing ways. Works well for modern, abstract or industrial art.
Caring For Dibond Prints
Dibond signs are durable and sleek, great for indoor and outdoor use. While they can withstand the elements they still need proper care to extend their life and keep them looking fresh and professional for years to come. Whether your Dibond sign is outdoors or in a gallery here’s how to maintain and protect it.
Clean Gently: Use a soft microfiber cloth to remove dust and smudges. Don’t use abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays can fade even the most durable inks over time. Display your print out of direct sunlight to keep it looking vibrant.
Store Safely: If you’re not displaying the print straight away, wrap it in acid free paper and store it flat to prevent warping.
Maintenance
Over time even the most durable signs will show wear. Periodically refresh your Dibond sign with new coatings or reprint the design if needed.
Long term thinking
When designing your Dibond sign consider adding a laminate, using fade resistant inks and choosing durable mounting options to extend its life from the start.
Conclusion
Printing on Dibond is a high tech process that combines technology with art. Whether you choose UV flatbed printing, dye sublimation or another method Dibond is the most versatile and durable. By choosing the right process and using the latest printing technology you can create beautiful professional prints that last.
And don’t forget the artistry itself. A great metal print helps your vision but it’s your art that’s the star. So go with your gut, take your time and let your art speak.