Journal · rigid prints
Plexi, wood, aluminum, dye-sub — which rigid print?
If it isn't paper or canvas, it usually lives on the UV flatbed — or, for that classic metal-print look, on the dye-sub press. Mixing up those two is the most common confusion we hear.
Tell us the size and what you want it printed on.
UV flatbed (direct to substrate)
UV-cured ink prints straight onto the material and hardens under light. No paper layer. We do this on:
- Plexiglass / acrylic — face print or reverse (second-surface) for a protected image
- Wood / birch — grain can show through lights; warm, tactile, often frameless
- Aluminum — durable surface print for art and commercial work
We also face-mount photo prints behind acrylic for that deep glossy sandwich — related look, different build.
Dye sublimation (metal print)
Dyes are heat-infused into a specially coated aluminum panel. Smooth, vibrant, scratch-resistant — the product people mean by "metal print." Photographic depth is the point. Retail sheet pricing isn't published yet on our site; we quote by size and finish.
| UV direct | Dye-sub metal | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Plexi, wood, many aluminums, graphics, installs | Gallery-style photo-on-metal |
| Ink | UV-cured on the surface | Infused into the coating |
| Frame | Often frameless with standoffs | Usually frameless float hang |
| Online price | Quote by size/surface | Quote-only for now |
Florida note
Placement still matters. Bright, unshaded sun is hard on any display technology. Indoors with decent light, both paths earn their keep — we'll steer you if the room is a sun box.
Ways in
Rigid & dye-sub FAQ · Paper instead? · Trade / batch installs · Framed paper path.
Send the size and the surface.
We'll tell you UV, dye-sub, or paper — honestly.
WhatsApp a rigid / dye-sub quote