How to make money selling custom metal prints online
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When it comes to displaying photographs and artwork, few materials make an impression like metal.
Metal prints have become one of the most popular wall art formats for photographers, artists and interior designers – and it's easy to see why. Where fine art paper and cotton canvas offer a more traditional feel, metal delivers something different: vivid, high-contrast colour, a luminous quality that shifts subtly with the light and a clean, frameless finish that suits contemporary spaces particularly well.
Add in the durability factor – metal prints are resistant to moisture, scratches and UV damage – and you have a piece of wall art that looks as good in 10 years as it does on day one.
What is a metal print?
A metal print is an art or a photographic print produced directly onto a metal surface – almost always aluminium, which has become the industry standard for photo and art printing thanks to its combination of light weight, rigidity and surface quality. Rather than printing onto paper or canvas and then framing or mounting the result, metal printing transfers the image directly to the substrate itself.
The effect is distinctive. Metal prints tend to produce richer contrast, higher colour saturation and a luminous quality that's difficult to achieve on paper. Because the metal surface has a slight sheen, light interacts with the print differently depending on the viewing angle – giving images a sense of depth and dimension.
Metal photo prints are also significantly more durable than paper alternatives. They're resistant to moisture, scratches and UV damage, making them suitable for both residential and commercial environments.
How are metal prints made?
There are two main methods used when printing photographs on metal: Giclée printing and dye sublimation.
Giclée printing
Unlike standard inkjet printing, Giclée printing uses pigment-based archival inks that won't fade when displayed indoors, delivering smoother gradients, richer colour depth and exceptional tonal range. Applied to a metal surface, the result is a fine art-quality metal print with high saturation and luminosity that holds up over a lifetime. Prodigi's Dibond® aluminium prints use this method.
Dye sublimation
Dye sublimation is a heat-transfer process in which colour is infused directly into the surface of the metal panel, rather than sitting on top of it. This produces outstanding image clarity, vibrancy and resolution – and because the dye becomes part of the substrate, the result is exceptionally resistant to fading, scratching and water damage. Prodigi's ChromaLuxe® aluminium prints use this method.
Both approaches produce professional-grade results, but they suit different projects and finishing preferences.
Types of metal prints
Not all metal prints are the same. The two most common substrates are Dibond® (aluminium composite) and ChromaLuxe® (solid aluminium) – each with different characteristics.
Dibond® prints
Dibond® is an aluminium composite material consisting of three layers: two platinum white aluminium sheets bonded to a black polyethylene core. The result is a 3mm panel that's rigid but lightweight – significantly lighter than a comparable piece of solid aluminium, glass or acrylic.
Dibond® metal prints are a popular choice for:
- fine art photography exhibitions
- gallery displays and professional studios
- interior installations where hanging weight matters
- creators who want a matte, gloss or lustre finish
Prodigi's Dibond® prints are produced using Giclée printing and available in a wide range of sizes. They carry a fire rating of NFP 92-501: M1 and come with an invisible floating subframe hanging system that holds the print 15mm from the wall.
ChromaLuxe® prints
Solid aluminium prints use a different substrate – typically a high-grade aluminium panel coated for sublimation printing. Prodigi uses ChromaLuxe® panels, which are made with recycled material and are 100% recyclable.
ChromaLuxe® aluminium prints are:
- rustproof, scratchproof and waterproof
- fade resistant, with lifetime resistance to yellowing and UV damage
- available with a gloss finish for maximum vibrancy
Prodigi's ChromaLuxe® prints are produced using dye sublimation and available in a wide range of sizes. Like Dibond® prints, they include a hidden subframe hanging system.
See the full ChromaLuxe® range
What type of images work best on metal prints?
Metal printing tends to work especially well with images that benefit from strong contrast and rich colour. Landscapes, seascapes and architectural photography translate particularly well – the luminous quality of the metal surface adds depth to dramatic skies, reflective water and structural detail.
Portrait photography, fine art and abstract work can also look striking on metal, particularly when the image has bold tones or graphic qualities.
Metal picture prints are less suited to very soft, low-contrast imagery where the vibrancy of the substrate may overpower subtle gradients. For those subjects, an uncoated fine art paper or canvas print might be a better match.
Which settings are best for displaying metal prints?
The durability and visual impact of metal prints makes them versatile across a wide range of settings.
Home interiors
Metal prints work well as a centrepiece in living rooms, kitchens, hallways and home offices. The contemporary finish suits modern and industrial interior styles particularly well.
Commercial spaces
Hotels, restaurants, offices and retail environments frequently use metal prints for wall art displays. The resistance to moisture and humidity makes them practical in spaces like lobbies and bathrooms where paper prints would deteriorate.
Art galleries & photography studios
Photographers and artists use metal prints for exhibition work, limited-edition sales and portfolio display pieces. The Giclée or sublimation finish produces gallery-quality output without the need for a separate frame or mount.
Gifts & collectibles
Metal photo prints make genuinely memorable gifts. There's something about the weight and finish of a photograph printed on metal that feels considered and permanent. For milestone moments, travel photography or portraits, it's a format that elevates the image itself.
How to create & sell metal prints
For independent photographers, artists and creators looking to sell metal prints, print on demand offers a practical and scalable model. Rather than investing in upfront stock – and taking on the risk of unsold inventory – print on demand means each copy is produced when an order is placed.
This approach suits creators who want to:
- sell metal photo prints online without holding physical stock
- offer a premium wall art product without managing fulfilment
- test new images and formats without financial risk
- scale up as their audience grows
The economics are straightforward: you set your retail price, the platform handles printing, packing and shipping, and you keep the margin.
Sell custom metal prints with Prodigi
Prodigi is a global print on demand platform offering both Dibond® and ChromaLuxe® aluminium prints, with no minimum order quantities. Orders are fulfilled via Prodigi's global print network – Dibond® prints from the UK and US, ChromaLuxe® prints from the US only – and dropshipped directly to your customers in white-label packaging.
Our metal prints are available through all major ecommerce platforms, including Shopify, Etsy, Wix, Amazon and TikTok, as well as via our print API for websites or developers building custom order workflows.
You can sign up for free and start selling immediately. We'll handle the printing, packing and shipping – you control your pricing and keep your creative independence.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Dibond® and ChromaLuxe® prints?
Dibond® is an aluminium composite material – a 3mm sheet with two aluminium skins bonded to a polyethylene core. It's lightweight and rigid, and is printed using Giclée technology, the same method used by museums and galleries for fine art reproduction.
ChromaLuxe® is solid aluminium and uses a dye sublimation process that infuses colour directly into the surface of the aluminium, rather than sitting on top of it.
Both substrates produce professional results; the key differences are in weight, finish options and fulfilment location – Dibond® ships from the UK and US, ChromaLuxe® from the US only.
Are metal prints suitable for outdoor use?
Our metal prints are designed for indoor display only. While aluminium is naturally moisture and rust resistant, the print surface and inks used for wall art products aren't rated for prolonged outdoor exposure to UV light or the elements. For outdoor signage or external installations, dedicated outdoor-rated products are more appropriate.
How are metal prints hung?
Prodigi Dibond® and ChromaLuxe® prints come with a hidden floating subframe hanging system, which holds the print 15mm away from the wall. This creates a clean shadow gap that gives the piece a frameless, gallery-style appearance. No additional frame or mounting hardware is required.
What sizes are available for metal prints?
Our Dibond® prints are available in sizes from 6x4" up to 36x36". ChromaLuxe® prints are available from 4x5" up to 30x40". Both formats come in portrait, landscape and square orientations. Sign up for a free account to view the full size range and current pricing.
What finish options are available?
Dibond® prints are available in matte, gloss and lustre finishes. ChromaLuxe® aluminium prints are available with a gloss finish. Gloss finishes tend to produce higher apparent contrast and vibrancy, while matte and lustre finishes reduce glare and suit gallery-style display.
Can I sell metal prints on Etsy or Shopify?
Yes. Prodigi integrates directly with Shopify, Etsy, Wix and a range of other ecommerce platforms. Once you've integrated your store and configured your products, any orders you receive will be processed automatically – with no manual intervention required. Orders are produced on demand and shipped directly to your customers in white-label packaging.
How much does metal printing cost?
Prices vary by product and size, with no minimum order quantities and no upfront costs – you only pay when an order is placed. Sign up to view current pricing across the full range. Prodigi Pro subscribers save 15% on metal prints.
How long does production take?
ChromaLuxe® prints have a production time of 48 hours, while Dibond® prints have a production time of 72 hours. Delivery time will vary depending on your customer's location and chosen shipping method – allow additional time on top of production when setting delivery expectations in your store.
Can I order a sample metal print before I start selling?
Yes, you can! We offer a 50% rebate on sample orders, so you can see and feel the quality of your metal prints before committing to selling them. Order a custom sample using your own artwork at a reduced cost, check the finish and quality for yourself, and sell with confidence.
Ready to get started? Sign up for a free Prodigi account and get 50% off your first sample order today.
