Photo mounting: Dibond, PVC, acrylic and ChromaLuxe

Mounted print or direct printing?

Mounting means bonding an already-printed image to a board. Direct printing places the image on the material itself. These processes may differ in appearance, preservation and possibilities for reworking. The quote should specify what will be produced: support, process, finish and hanging system.

Aluminium and composite panels

An aluminium-faced panel can provide a flat, understated presentation with little visual distraction from the support. “Dibond” is a brand name, not a generic name for every aluminium panel. Panel type, thickness and hanging system are selected for the dimensions. A mounted print is not automatically suitable for outdoor use.

Our configurator offers 3 mm Dibond for mounting a paper print. Its price is added to the print price and appears on the same basket line. Framing and hanging hardware are separate choices.

Wood, acrylic and specialist finishes

Wood brings a material presence whose edge can become part of the object. Acrylic may provide protection or form part of a particular mounting process; its appearance and reflections depend on the chosen method. Resin and other finishes require individual assessment. Weight, reflections, surface vulnerability and hanging should be considered in advance.

PVC panels

PVC board can suit certain displays and mounting projects. Stability depends on thickness, dimensions and construction. Board, paper and adhesive form a system: we check their suitability for the intended use. For large formats, the hanging system must also prevent distortion. The exact board and finish are specified in the quote.

3 mm PVC is also offered for mounting, particularly for a framed presentation. Selecting a frame without glass prompts a mounting suggestion. This remains optional: mounting stiffens the print but does not protect its printed face as glazing does.

Your photograph face-mounted behind 3 mm acrylic

A paper photograph is face-mounted behind a 3 mm clear acrylic sheet. Transparency and gloss give the image depth. A 3 mm Dibond backing is optional: the configurator lets you select it separately with its additional charge. Hanging hardware is also a separate choice.

Prepare this request in the configurator, up to 30 × 45 cm in portrait or landscape orientation. This product is quoted individually and includes the print. Direct printing onto acrylic is not currently offered.

ChromaLuxe: an image sublimated into the coating

ChromaLuxe includes coated aluminium panels designed to receive images by dye sublimation. Heat and pressure transfer dyes into the coating. This is a photograph printed on metal, not a paper print glued to Dibond or an unprinted blank panel.

Production takes place at the studio using an 80 × 60 cm press. The press area does not guarantee an identical finished printable size: usable dimensions and edge-to-edge results must be validated by tests. An exact 80 × 60 cm therefore requires confirmation before production. You can prepare a request with your file; printing and panel form one product, with optional hanging hardware.

Canvas and stretchers

Canvas has a visible weave and can be stretched over a frame. Plan the sides: extended image, mirrored edge or an agreed plain border. A face close to the edge should not disappear around the side. The displayed size is the visible front; production requires an additional allowance.

Hangers or rear subframe: how will your panel hang?

For panels, the configurator offers one or two optional 70 × 70 mm adhesive aluminium hangers with stabilising pads, or an aluminium subframe fixed to the rear. The subframe spaces the image slightly from the wall and adds rigidity. Its profile is 18 mm for smaller sizes and 20 mm for larger ones.

Each selected hanging option appears on the print line with a charge per copy. We check its suitability for the material, panel back and total weight before production. A panel inside a frame generally does not need its own extra hanging hardware: the frame has its own system.

The right choice for your space

Tell us the size, wall type, lighting and proximity to viewers. A support for a temporary exhibition may differ from one for a permanent place in your home. We consider transport and hanging as part of the project, then confirm the production in a quote.