UltimateMetal by Image Craft
Custom Metal Prints
UltimateMetal pairs ChromaLuxe aluminum with Image Craft’s color-managed dye-sublimation production to create metal prints for professional art and commercial environments. We help designers, art consultants, photographers, artists, galleries, and project teams select the right panel, finish, size, and mounting approach for each application.
Metal Prints Built for Professional Projects
UltimateMetal works well when a project calls for crisp detail, a clean contemporary presentation, and a surface that can be maintained without glass. Image Craft supports one-of-a-kind artwork, coordinated collections, and repeatable commercial programs.
Photography and
Fine Art
Produce exhibition pieces, limited editions, portfolio work, and reproductions with finish and proofing decisions matched to the image.
Interior Design and
Art Consulting
Coordinate size, finish, mounting, and multi-panel arrangements with the lighting, wall conditions, and design intent.
Corporate and
Hospitality
Develop durable visual programs for offices, hotels, restaurants, healthcare spaces, and other maintained environments.
Galleries and
Art Programs
Plan repeatable production, packaging, fulfillment, replacement, and installation across one or multiple locations.
Choose the Right
Base and Finish
The base coating and surface finish influence color, reflection, contrast, and how much of the aluminum remains visible. We recommend reviewing physical samples under lighting similar to the final environment before approving color-critical or multi-piece work.
White Base
A white base supports more literal color reproduction and retains bright white highlights in the image. It is the most straightforward starting point when predictable color and strong contrast are the priorities.
Clear Base
A clear base allows the brushed aluminum to show through white and light areas, creating a metallic effect. Because the panel becomes part of the image, a physical proof is recommended when the final appearance is critical.
Gloss, Semi Gloss, and Matte Finishes
Gloss emphasizes depth and reflected light, while semi-gloss and matte surfaces can reduce glare in bright or directional lighting. Available finish combinations should be confirmed with Image Craft for the selected panel and project schedule.
Gloss Finish
Semi Gloss Finish
Matte Finish
Ready to Order Your UltimateMetal?
Match the Metal Print System to the Environment
ChromaLuxe Indoor and ChromaLuxe Outdoor are different product systems. Direct-sun and exterior applications require confirmation of the exact panel, ink system, exposure, orientation, mounting, maintenance expectations, and current warranty terms before production.
Indoor Applications
Indoor panels are suited to galleries, offices, hospitality, healthcare, retail, residential, and other controlled environments. High humidity, frequent cleaning, direct sunlight, public access, and impact exposure should still be reviewed during specification.
Outdoor Applications
Outdoor work must use the appropriate ChromaLuxe Outdoor panel and a production system approved for that application. Image Craft will review placement, exposure, mounting, panel size, expected service period, care, and warranty requirements before recommending a solution.
Custom Sizes Shapes and Multi Panel Solutions
UltimateMetal panels can be produced in custom rectangular sizes (most common) and planned as coordinated multi-panel installations. Final dimensions depend on material availability, transfer-press capacity, fabrication, mounting, handling, shipping, and installation.
When to Use Multiple Panels
A multi-panel design may be the better solution when the image exceeds practical production limits or when handling, shipping, wall access, installation, alignment, replacement, or budget make one large panel impractical. Image Craft can help establish panel breaks and mounting details early so the composition remains intentional.
Color Managed Dye Sublimation from File Review Through Final QC
Your image is printed to transfer paper and infused into a specially coated aluminum surface using controlled heat and pressure. Image Craft coordinates file review, proofing, transfer, fabrication, and quality control around the approved project requirements.
Preparing artwork for production? Review Image Craft’s File Submission Guidelines for PDF setup, resolution, fonts, bleed, and color guidance.
Plan Mounting and Installation with the Print
Mounting affects the panel’s depth, wall relationship, security, serviceability, and installation method. Image Craft can help evaluate the panel size, wall construction, environment, visual effect, and access requirements before the final mounting approach is selected.
Mounting Approaches
Depending on the project, mounting can include French cleats, hanging or shadow mounts, standoffs, traditional or float frames, direct mechanical fastening, and custom subframes. The final hardware and load path must be matched to the panel, wall, environment, and installation conditions.
Installation Support
Image Craft can support site measurement, layout planning, local and Arizona installation, multi-panel alignment, and national partner coordination where appropriate. Exterior, public, oversized, or structurally demanding applications may also require engineering or qualified contractor support.
Durability and Care
Durability
Cleaning
Environment
Performance and care depend on the selected panel, finish, production system, and display environment. Follow the project-specific guidance provided by Image Craft to protect the finished surface.
FAQs on UltimateMetal
What is UltimateMetal?
UltimateMetal is Image Craft’s branded custom metal prints produced on ChromaLuxe aluminum panels. The image is transferred into a specially coated surface through dye sublimation rather than printed directly onto bare aluminum.
How are UltimateMetal prints produced?
The approved image is printed onto transfer paper and then infused into the panel coating using controlled heat and pressure. Image Craft coordinates file preparation, proofing, transfer, fabrication, mounting, quality control, and packaging based on the project scope.
What is the difference between white and clear metal?
White-base panels preserve bright white areas and support more literal color reproduction. Clear-base panels allow the brushed aluminum to show through white and light areas, creating a metallic effect that should be reviewed with a physical sample or proof.
Which finish should I choose?
The choice depends on the image, lighting, reflection, viewing distance, handling, and desired surface character. Image Craft can help compare available gloss, semi-gloss, and matte options using physical samples.
Do metal prints need glass or a frame?
Glass is not required for the panel surface. The print may be displayed with a concealed mount, cleat, standoffs, a traditional frame, a float frame, or another project-specific system.
How large can an UltimateMetal print be?
The practical size depends on panel availability, transfer equipment, fabrication, mounting, handling, shipping, and installation. Typical sheet sizes are 48″ x 96″, so a single piece can run as large as the sheet itself. Larger images can often be designed as intentional multi-panel compositions when one panel is not practical.
Can UltimateMetal be used outdoors?
Yes, when the project uses the correct ChromaLuxe Outdoor panel and a qualified production and mounting system. We recommend having an Image Craft rep review the exposure, orientation, climate, size, hardware, maintenance, expected service period, and current warranty terms before recommending an exterior solution.
How do I clean a metal print?
Use a soft microfiber or damp cloth for routine cleaning. If a cleaner is needed, apply a mild household cleaner to the cloth, avoid abrasive materials, and follow the product-specific care instructions supplied with the project.
Can Image Craft match a specific color?
Image Craft uses color-managed production and can plan proofs or approved references for color-critical work. The selected base and finish affect the final appearance, so an exact visual match cannot be evaluated independently of the chosen panel and viewing conditions.
What files should I submit?
PDF is the preferred starting format for production files. Review Image Craft’s File Submission Guidelines for trim size, resolution, fonts, bleed, color setup, and large-file preparation, or contact the team before building a complex multi-panel file.
Can Image Craft help with mounting and installation?
Yes. Support may include mount selection, site measurement, layout planning, local or Arizona installation, multi-panel alignment, and national partner coordination, depending on the project. Nationwide installation services are available.
What information is needed for a quote?
Share the application, indoor or outdoor location, approximate size and quantity, desired finish, mounting or installation needs, destination, artwork status, and required completion date. Image Craft can help resolve options that are still unknown.
Plan Your UltimateMetal Project with Image Craft
Tell us where the work will be displayed, the approximate size and quantity, the visual effect you want, and whether mounting or installation is part of the scope. Our team will help narrow the panel, finish, proofing, fabrication, and delivery decisions before production begins.
Connect with us now for a personalized consultation. Let’s create something breathtaking together!