Photographers are constantly looking for a way to differentiate themselves from other photographers. One of the ways to do this is to find new and innovative photo surfaces and products to offer clients. ChromaLuxe metal photo panels is an excellent alternative print surface and a great way to offer a value added product to your clients.
What they are
ChromaLuxe metal photo panels are shaped aluminum panels (between 2mm and 8mm thick depending on size of panel). Each panel has either a white poly-based coating or a clear poly-based coating that is then printed onto. Photos are applied to the aluminum via a dye sublimation heat transfer for high quality details and good durability.
Options
Creative Borders Panels from ChromaLuxe
© ChromaLuxeChromaLuxe metal photo panels come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Rectangular photo panels
Creative Borders panels with a variety of scolloped edges and shapes
Metal circle photo panels
Each shape offering has the white subcoat or clear subcoat option. This allows you to chose a traditional look to your photo or allow the character of the aluminum to show through the print for a unique look.
Rectangular photo panels
Creative Borders panels with a variety of scolloped edges and shapes
Metal circle photo panels
Each shape offering has the white subcoat or clear subcoat option. This allows you to chose a traditional look to your photo or allow the character of the aluminum to show through the print for a unique look.
Quality
The ChromaLuxe panels I reviewed were very high quality with regards to detail, color reproduction, and overall quality. The metal was lightweight but not flimsy. There are several mounting options for the panels. The one we reviewed was an easel back. This comes as a separate piece that you attach with an adhesive square and bend into position. The hanger option on this easel back bends out of shape easily but other than that the easel back was sturdy and attached securely.
ChromaLuxe calls their panels "scratch resistant." To test this I tried a couple of likely scratch sources. First I used fingernails...as expected, there was no damage to the print. Next was the metal of the easel back. I dragged the edge of the easel back across the print with no pressure, just the weight of the metal itself. It did mar the surface slightly. Print surface did not scratch up but there was a mark on the surface. It was a mild mark but visible with side lighting. In other words, while the prints are scratch resistant, be very careful with them if you want to maintain the glossy surface.
ChromaLuxe calls their panels "scratch resistant." To test this I tried a couple of likely scratch sources. First I used fingernails...as expected, there was no damage to the print. Next was the metal of the easel back. I dragged the edge of the easel back across the print with no pressure, just the weight of the metal itself. It did mar the surface slightly. Print surface did not scratch up but there was a mark on the surface. It was a mild mark but visible with side lighting. In other words, while the prints are scratch resistant, be very careful with them if you want to maintain the glossy surface.
How to order
ChromaLuxe products are available through several participating photo labs.
In the US, participating labs (at the time of this review)are:
American Color Imaging (ACI)
Bay Photo Lab
Black River Imaging
BWC Photo Imaging
CPQ Professional Imaging
Diversified Lab
Full Color Professional Photo Lab
H & H Color Lab
McKenna Pro
Natural Color Imaging
Pounds Photographic Lab
WHCC, White House Custom Colour
Contact information for all participating labs (globally) can be found at ChromaLuxe's website.
In the US, participating labs (at the time of this review)are:
American Color Imaging (ACI)
Bay Photo Lab
Black River Imaging
BWC Photo Imaging
CPQ Professional Imaging
Diversified Lab
Full Color Professional Photo Lab
H & H Color Lab
McKenna Pro
Natural Color Imaging
Pounds Photographic Lab
WHCC, White House Custom Colour
Contact information for all participating labs (globally) can be found at ChromaLuxe's website.
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.