We’ve heard the question before: can you frame metal prints? As seen in the above photo, the answer is yes — and metal prints look dazzling when put in frames from Frame Destination. Since these prints don’t need acrylic or glass to be displayed safely, ordering a frame for metal prints is easy — but we’ve made it even simpler with a step-by-step guide.
When we say “metal print,” we mean dye-sublimation prints. These prints are made by using very high heat and pressure to infuse ink onto the surface of relatively thin aluminum panels — about 0.040 in. thick, which is just under 1/16 inch or about 1 mm. The panels are then coated to allow for glossy, semi-gloss or matte finishes, and some coatings even allow the base metal to show through in some areas of the image for added effect. Popular brands of metal prints include ChromaLuxe® and Unisub®.*
This guide is intended for dye-sublimation prints only, so it is important to ensure you are using this method on the right type of print. Some artwork called “metal prints” could actually have been made by printing on metallic photo paper or inkjet paper. These prints require additional protection, i.e. acrylic or glass glazing. If it appears that you do not have a dye-sublimation metal print, we’ve still got the right frames for you. Check out our standard framing guide or watch a tutorial video to find wood and metal picture frames to display your artwork.
This guide can, however, be used with other types of prints that do not require glazing. Just be sure to account for the thickness of your print and any backing material, which is especially important when choosing points with any of our wood frames.
Metal prints are scratch resistant, but just like mats and other art materials, they can be damaged by the sharp edges of a metal frame when inserting the artwork. Even though the prints will be in direct contact with metal when using this approach, we observed no damage to metal prints during initial testing — even after dropping a 16x20-inch framed metal print inside a GalleryPouch™ bag three feet onto a carpeted floor.
However, if you prefer that your metal print not come in direct contact with a metal frame, choose a wood frame instead. With our wood frames, you insert your art into a pre-cut opening in the frame, and flexible “points” are then bent using fingers or a small tool to secure the art and any backing material.
If your metal print has a hanging block attached to the back (right), see Option 2.
This means that there is nothing attached to the back of the metal print.
Your picture frame will include instructions; however, you can also watch the following videos:
Metal Picture Frame Assembly or Wood Picture Frame AssemblyWhen you receive the frame, place the mat on the back of the metal print, with the hanging block showing through the opening. The mat will protect the back of the metal print from the spring clips on the metal frame or the points on the back of the wood frame. Assemble the frame per the included instructions, or watch a video:
Metal Picture Frame Assembly or Wood Picture Frame AssemblyTIP: During the order process, you can upload an image of your artwork to preview your print in the frame. Select “Choose File” under “Artwork Image” and upload the image, provided it is vertical. The preview, however, will not show an accurate representation of the amount of the print that will be covered by the frame. Check the diagram of the frame to see approximately how much of your print’s edges will be covered.
We want you to be extremely satisfied with your frames for metal prints, so we highly recommend doing a test before placing a large order.
*ChromaLuxe® and Unisub® are registered trademarks of Universal Woods, Inc.