Printing On To Metal

[enamelgarden]

Hi

I am based in the UK. I am looking to learn how to print colour metal signs to a professional standard. Can anyone suggest a method or any books that would explain this process . Thank you in advance

[webtrekker]

Will the signs be subjected to sunlight (UV) or weathering effects?

[enamelgarden]

Hi

Good question, they will be for indoor use only at this stage

[webtrekker]

In that case, you probably have 4 options that I can think of :

• Dye Sublimation, using specially coated sheets and special ink. You'd also need a heat press.
• Screen printing, which requires specialised equipment and inks.
• Stencilling, which requires use of a contour cutter.
• Sign vinyl, again requiring use of a contour cutter.

If you are wanting full colour, near photographic signs, then sublimation would be the way to go. Sublimetals provide a wide range of cut metallic sheet for this purpose.

If UV protection becomes an issue, then any of the remaining three methods would be best. Vinyl allows the use of special vinyls, such as neon, metallic, or glitter. With the right printer, it's also possible to use printable vinyl. Eco or solvent-based inks would give better UV protection on vinyl.

[webtrekker]

The size of the sign would also play a part in choosing the right method. A metal dyesub sign would be limited by the size of your heat press, and to some extent, the size of paper your printer can handle.

[enamelgarden]

Smashing thank you for your help