Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This page contains answers about metal prints in general as well as VMP’s specific processes, policies, and procedures. If you cannot find the answer to your question below, please feel free to contact us.
General FAQs about metal prints
Vivid Metal Prints pioneered the dye-sublimation on aluminum process in 2003. We remain focused and dedicated to this method as we believe it is the ultimate translation of an artist’s vision. Professional photographers, businesses and consumers across the country trust VMP because of our outstanding product quality and customer service. You can learn more about our company here.
Traditional photo processors print liquid ink dots onto a substrate, usually paper, resulting in a loss of resolution. The dye sublimation on aluminum process, however, achieves a pure transfer of the original image by using heat and pressure to transform inks into a gaseous state and meld them into the substrate. We don’t print your image on metal, we turn metal into your image.
Metal prints are absolutely the most durable and longest-lasting photo medium available. When canvas and photo paper start to fade, crack, and crumble your metal print will look just as stunning as the day you bought it.
Cleaning is easy. We recommend using isopropyl alcohol (that’s what we use in the shop for “pandemic-level-clean”) and a lint-free or microfiber cloth, but any common non-abrasive household cleanser will work fine and will not harm your print.
Yes, you can hang your prints outdoors but being in a shaded area will reduce fading. If your print is in direct sunlight for more than two hours per day you will eventually see some fading / loss of luster in the colors. We offer an 3 year outdoor finish for an added 20%. Contact us for details.
Here is a list of weights – these weights include an 1.25″ frame to edge.
16″ x 20″ – 3lbs.
24″ x 36″ – 6lbs.
30″ x 45″ – 8lbs.
36″ x 72″ – 14lbs.
48″ x 96″ – 23lbs.
Custom Printing FAQs
Our services cater to various dimensions, offering custom size options down to ¼” to suit your specific needs perfectly.
We utilize high-quality aluminum for our metal prints, offering outstanding durability and vibrant color reproduction.
Yes, we offer 8 finishing options to add the final touch to your custom metal prints, helping to create the ideal aesthetic for your art.
Your design is applied to the metal through a process called dye-sublimation, which infuses the ink into the aluminum, creating a vibrant and durable print.
Our metal prints are suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. The print quality remains resilient, ensuring your design withstands the test of time and elements.
Yes, you can include multiple designs in the same order. We provide the flexibility to help you create a diverse range of custom metal prints.
Ordering FAQs
Your complete satisfaction is our priority. If you are not happy with your metal print, let us know and we will make it right.
If you choose not to get a proof, we cannot guarantee color.
If your order is damaged during shipping we will replace it ASAP at no cost to you.
If you’re unhappy with your order because of a mistake on your part, we will share the cost with you.
Certain restrictions apply:
- You must notify us via email with all the details and photos of the issue within three (3) days of receipt of your order.
- Make it right means we will replace it at our cost or credit your account at our option.
- We may ask you to return the print.
- There may be slight imperfections in the metal. We work hard to eliminate their visibility, but sometimes there are uncontrollable imperfections in the surface material. Therefore, we cannot reprint the entire image if they appear.
Contact Us:
info@vividmetalprints.com or phone: 336.283.8679
We retain image files for 3 months for e-commerce customers and for 3 years for our pro accounts. If you want us to keep them longer, contact us to discuss storage fees.
We can ship up to a 40″ x 60″ print in a corrugated box via UPS or FedEx.
When the size exceeds 40″ x 60″ for a Frame-to-edge and 30″ x 45″ for a recessed or float frame, then a wood crate and LTL/Truckload shipping is required. If you order a size that requires LTL / Truckload freight, we will need the following information from you, then we will send you a quote and you must approve that BEFORE we will begin production:
- The exact address
- Is it residential or commercial
- If commercial, does it have a truck high loading dock
Yes, but a RUSH Fee applies. See the chart below. If you need Rush Service- call us at 336-283.8679. NOTE- Our color guarantee does not apply to Rush Service.
Orders must be submitted by 12:00pm EST complete with files, edition numbers, signatures, and framing details.
Multiply the % below times the print price(before freight and taxes) to get the Rush Fee.
| Shipment Speed | 1-4 Prints | 5-10 Prints |
|---|---|---|
| Same Day | 50% | 100% |
| Next Day | 30% | 60% |
| 3-6 Days | 20% | 40% |
Yes, you can include multiple designs in the same order. We provide the flexibility to help you create a diverse range of custom metal prints.
Yes, just email us at info@vividmetalprints.com and we will send you a PDF.
Choosing the right finish is a factor of two things: the content of your image and the space in which your print will live. Click here to see examples and learn more.
At Vivid Metal Prints we do our best to accommodate all of our customers’ needs. If you need a custom size please follow these steps:
1. Go to https://vividmetalprints.wetransfer.com/
2. Follow the instructions to upload your image file(s)
3. Please note in the “Message” box your desired size, finish, frame type, mount type, and any other notes about your order.
Once we have received your file(s) a Customer Service Rep will reach out to confirm the details and provide a price quote.
Yes we do! For all prints larger than 20” x 20” we proof on metal in our studio to ensure that we have processed your file correctly so that the dye-sublimation process will produce a perfect recreation of your image at scale. For a $30 fee we will mail two proofs of your image to you for approval. You can select this option as an add-on while ordering your print. If you prefer to see a proof before order your print, or would like to see your image proofed on multiple finishes, you can upload an image and order them here.
We accept a wide range of file formats including JPEG, TIFF, and PNG.
As for file size, 300 dpi at size/printing resolution works best. In general, the larger the file size the better the quality. However, file size does not necessarily determine photo quality. We set minimum resolution requirements on each product, so if your file uploads successfully it will look great for that size.
Our pricing is fair and competitive in the marketplace given our premier quality and customer service. However, we offer a variety of services for professionals and businesses designed to save you time and money. We are always open to discussing unique solutions to meet your needs. Contact us for more information.
Shipping & Return FAQs
Small prints ship in 2 – 3 business days. Large prints ship in 5 – 7 business days.
Need it sooner? Call 336-283-8679 or email info@vividmetalprints.com to request Rush Processing.
We ship UPS and USPS and LTL for larger prints*.
*Our larger prints with a dimension greater than 45”, require special shipping and handling. For these, we build a custom wooden crate that securely fits all the units in your order. At checkout, you will be charged a $50 fee, after which you will be contacted by a customer service rep who will provide you a quote for the crate and LTL freight charge. Your customer service rep will then coordinate delivery with the carrier.
Vivid Metal Prints prides itself on perfection and superlative quality assurance. We never ship anything we wouldn’t hang in our own homes, and since each product is custom made to your specifications, the issue of returns rarely comes up.
However, sometimes damage does occur in shipping. If you receive a damaged package please take pictures of the package and the print and contact us as soon as possible.
Yes, please Contact Us and we will work with you to customize your order!
Yes. There is an option at check out for pick up but note we are not open on Fridays and pickup hours are 9 am to 4 pm EST.
