Archive 2013 · pre-processing for metal printing

Yukonica
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · pre-processing for metal printing

I have a few of questions based on wanting to produce one metal print for a very respected person who is retiring. Please advise/comment in any and all subtopics.

First question: which colour profile is the most common output for commercial printing? best results.

Second question: which file format to export to for best detail and colour rendition? All images are shot in RAW. Output can be Jpeg, Tiff or whatever.(Using Aperture 3 for processing. Have Adobe CS3 on older machine.)

Third question: best pixel ratio for something in the 12x16 isn range? PPI/DPI?
Images captured through 7D or 6D.

Fourth question is a Canadian based question: best producer for top results. This is a one time appreciation.

After this: is anyone up for C&C on a couple images?
Think of it as coaching someone into fine art prints on a personal scale.

Nov 24, 2013 at 11:17 AM

Tim Knutson
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · pre-processing for metal printing

I think you should start with your 4th question. And then ask them about 1,2 and 3.

Typically you could expect to hear srgb jpeg at 300 dpi.

Nov 30, 2013 at 09:26 PM

RustyBug
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · pre-processing for metal printing

300 dpi seems to be the "dive bomb Charlie" answer you'll get a lot of times, but I wouldn't sweat a different number too badly. Viewing distance will factor in of course, but unless you're cropping deeply, you should be fine for your a 12X16 with your 7D or 6D.

12 X 300 = 3600
16 X 300 = 4800

3600 X 4800 = 17.3 MP

But like Tim said, talk with your lab of choice, follow their lead for their equipment/processes. Small test print of equivalent PPI crop can help as well for visual.

Post here ... or post in Photo Critique Forum for some C&C.

Dec 01, 2013 at 10:05 AM

sbeme
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · pre-processing for metal printing

Once you decide on fulfillment discuss your printers preference
Usually srgb, tiff or level 10 JPEG compression.
Ideally a profile for you to check out as soft proof...with all the limits of soft proofing in mind
And yes, post on Critique for other suggestions
Scott

Dec 01, 2013 at 10:24 AM

Ho1972
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · pre-processing for metal printing

I suggest a test print. I had very mediocre results from one supplier in the US who was not at all interested in hearing that the product sucked.

Dec 01, 2013 at 11:45 AM

Dan Berg
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · pre-processing for metal printing

Which process?
Dye sublimation or inkjet to receptor coated metal?
Makes a really big difference.
Personally I like the dye sub on white hi gloss aluminum.

Dec 22, 2013 at 07:08 AM

adamhansen
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · pre-processing for metal printing

Dye sublimation on metal is the best technique to print on metal sheet. It also maintained the glossy look of the metal like aluminum. This technique of dye sublimation on metal is actually a two way process by which graphics are printed with a digital printer.

Feb 05, 2014 at 02:25 AM

BeaverMan
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · pre-processing for metal printing

I know this this thread is a little old now but I would also love to know a lab in Canada specifically Toronto that does this printing in custom sizes. The only labs I have found do not do custom sizes. And shipping from the US can get $$$ for flat objects.
I have also printed a few times from a US lab with not so good results and a lot of frustration.

Aug 08, 2014 at 02:46 PM

robbie5539
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · pre-processing for metal printing

I know folks who have had some great results using Bayphoto for metal prints.

Sep 06, 2014 at 06:58 AM


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