metalic prints and metalic canvas

[mstevensphoto]

Hey all,
   I don't have capability to mount to metal/acrylic and no real desire to acquire the machinery. I've been eyeballing WHCC's metal prints mostly because they have more size options but they're listed as dye-sub prints which seems like a bad idea for something I'm selling as wall art. I'm curious if anyone has a long lasting (I'll avoid a debate about what's archival or not and just go for 20+ year fade free life)option for metal prints? I have immediate need for a 24x24 but bot sure when the next need will happen.
    On a similar note, I own an ipf8300 and would be more curious about metalic canvas options, what do you like? what don't you like? How is spraying them any different than Lyve or similar media?

Many thanks
Mark

[neile]

If you search the forum for "aluminum prints" you'll find a bunch of threads on it, with lots of commentary from Dan and me on our experiences. You can't really run the stuff through an 8300 though, so you're out of luck on that one.

As for metallic canvas, I have a roll of it and it is the most hideously ugly roll of print media I have ever purchased. 

Neil

[Dan Berg]

Gosh Neil and I must be from the same mold!
The metallic sample I got was gawd awful. I made several prints and threw what was left away.
I am sure it was designed for something,just not sure what that is?

If you have not seen Conde Systems videos on YouTube on Dye sublimation printing,they are well worth the time.
If it were not another 3 or 4k dollar investment I would love to add the Dye sublimation Chromaluxe metal prints to our line.
Brittany does most of the very professional videos for Conde and all I can say is Oh My!

[mstevensphoto]

interesting note from two trusted voices, if you don't want to out the manufacturer publicly would one of you PM me with what you got so I can consider staying clear of them?

thus far the only metalic media I've liked at all is Moab Slick Rock, but that's not for wraps.

[Dan Berg]

interesting note from two trusted voices, if you don't want to out the manufacturer publicly would one of you PM me with what you got so I can consider staying clear of them?

thus far the only metalic media I've liked at all is Moab Slick Rock, but that's not for wraps.

I have no problem identifying it.
Mine was IJ Technologies Black Diamond Metallic Glossy.
It could be something you like,you never know.
When I sprayed a semigloss varnish it pretty much ruined the sheen. At least to my taste.
In the products defense a gloss only coat may really be what is required.

[neile]

Moab Slick Rock isn't metallic canvas, it's metallic paper. Here are my reviews of the various metallic papers on the market:

http://www.danecreek.com/blog/2010/06/16/metallic-inkjet-paper-review-three-contenders-to-replace-kodak-endura-metallic.html
http://www.danecreek.com/blog/2010/07/9/metallic-inkjet-paper-review-part-2-proofline-photo-chrome-a.html

They're all basically the same paper rebranded by different companies.

The canvas is another beast entirely. I can't recall who made the roll I have, but my guess is whatever place you're looking at it's the same thing that Dan and I have. There are a limited number of companies in the world that make this stuff and it winds up getting re-labeled by a bunch of other people.

Neil

[neile]

By the way... I have a roll of metallic canvas available for sale if anyone wants it. 

Neil