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Direct To Media UV Printing

Direct to media (DTM) printing is exactly that; we print your image directly to a substrate of your choice.

Unlike our assisted in-house Metro Imaging service, Metroprint offers you the chance to prepare and upload your own files for a more cost-effective process. Currently available on Metroprint Standard service we have:

5mm Foamex a low-cost alternative to traditional mounted prints, it has a smooth clean finish and ideal for public or touring exhibitions.
Vinyl Phototex; a self-adhesive high quality giclee finish, perfect when curating and displaying work in large spaces or areas where traditional framing and mounting isn't suitable.

These both include x1 pass of ink and sizes up to 60" x 40".

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Benefits of this process include:


You can print on almost anything with us, just check out our Metro Imaging website for further substrate options, sizes and our more hands-on, assisted printing services.

Direct To Vinyl printing

Available up to 60 x 40 inches Print Time: 10 working days Ink Pass: x1 Vinyl Phototex is chosen for it’s high quality giclee finish as well as its ease of application to wall or mounting material due to it’s self-adhesive properties. Perfect when curating and displaying work in large spaces or areas where traditional framing and mounting isn’t suitable. On Metroprint we offer up tp 60″x 40″ however It is available in a range of sizes via our Metro Imaging website.

Direct to Foamex printing

Available in 5mm up to 60 x 40 inches Print Time: 10 working days Ink Pass: x1 Foamex is a solid PVC mounting material used for simple, non archival purposes such as exhibition prints requiring a durable substrate for touring shows or public exhibitions. It has a smooth, clean finish and generally needs no more than one pass of ink to create the desired effect. On Metroprint we offer 3mm only, however It is available in a range of thicknesses via our Metro Imaging website.

Other Options
Direct To Media printing is currently only available on Metroprint Standard service with limited amount of substrates. However, you can print on almost anything with us, just checkout our Metro Imaging website for further Direct To Media substrate options and sizes...

Printing on Wood

Direct to wood print for Rohan Clarke: ‘Out of Darkness’ & ‘DeeperThan the Shade of My Skin’, original HB pencil on paper.

Printing to Copper

Direct to copper print for Carl Bigmore ‘Between Two Mysteries’ series.

Printing to Slate

Direct to slate for Steve Macleod, for series ‘AELD’ originally shot on large format analogue.

Printing to Perspex

Direct to perspex for Alexandra Lethbridge as part of her series ‘The Meteorite Hunter’.

Printing to brushed Dibond

Direct to brushed Dibond portrait of Paul Newman by Andy Gotts

 

Our service levels

We have numerous ways we can help you achieve the perfect print here at Metro, from our great value Metroprint online only service, to our  Metro Imaging ‘online and in lab’ bespoke services.
Take a look at our handy chart below, to see how we can help you.

METROPRINT STANDARD

(ONLINE ONLY)

METROPRINT PREMIER

(ONLINE ONLY)

METRO IMAGING STANDARD & PREMIER

(ONLINE AND IN LAB)

COLOUR MANAGED PRINTERS COLOUR MANAGED PRINTERS COLOUR MANAGEMENT
ADDING BORDERS ONLINE COLOUR CORRECTION COLOUR CORRECTION
X ADDING BORDERS ONLINE ADDING BORDERS
X X RESIZING AND CROPPING
X X TEST STRIPS
X X DIRECTED PRINTING
X X MASTER FILE ARCHIVING
X X PROVENANCE CERTIFICATES
X X IN LAB AND ONLINE SERVICE
X X CREATIVE RETOUCHING

Metroprint Standard (online only)
If you are happy to prepare your own files for printing, from colour-managing and calibrating your system to soft proofing your files, the Metroprint automated service is for you.

Using our tutorials and guides you can get everything ready for the perfect print. If your set up is optimised and you use our soft proof profiles, you will find your print colours satisfyingly accurate.

We will install the correct printer profile and individually colour manage the print outcome as exactly as possible.

Metroprint Premier (online only)
For an additional 50% of the standard Metroprint fees, the Metroprint Premier service has a print technician that will correct your colours to make sure they’re properly neutral and check that the blacks are black, the whites, white.

This quick expert judgement could make all the difference to your final print and help to avoid any disappointment.
After all, not everybody has time to download and softproof profiles and for those working on laptops, calibration will always be an issue.

We’ve been doing this for more than 35 years so it’s a simple case of letting us check it to make the improvements that will make that little bit of difference to the final result.

You can send instructions for specific images with your order or just ask us to look over the whole file, all the other standard Metroprint options apply with the same quick turnaround, it’s that simple.

The Bespoke Standard Service (Metro Imaging: online and in lab)
The Bespoke print service is aimed at clients who want high quality prints with a minimum of operator work. We can resize, add borders, colour correct and adjust your print according to your instructions. We do sometimes produce tests but usually for internal purposes. Ordinarily this service includes a quick ‘Once over’ screen check where you can have a quick look on our systems to make sure everything is OK.

For a simple job, this is usually sufficient but if you do need tests for your own reference, these will be charged at half price. Sit down time or Directed Printing is not included in the Standard Service price and as this is usually charged at £25 + vat per half hour, if you think you will need it, it’s probably best to choose the Premier Service where you have the benefit of other privileges, such as a dedicated printer and production manager.

The Bespoke Premier Service (Metro Imaging: online and in lab)
The Premier print service is aimed at clients who need more input than a simple on-screen check or quick test. Used by a broad cross section of clients, this service begins with a meeting to establish the parameters of the brief. You are introduced to a production manager and print technician, both of whom will stay with you for the duration of the job and indeed for the duration of your time working with Metro. This creates continuity and trust.
The dialogue between yourself and the print technician extends beyond the initial brief and emails and calls are passed back and forth over the duration of production.
We advise on paper types and their suitability, if required we will test on several media to find the most appropriate paper for the content.

Mac time is all included in working up the files; we provide at size or small tests depending on the final dimension of the work (generally anything up to 20×16″ is provided at size). Once the tests are signed off we produce the master set for approval.

We may make two revisions to any test procedure and after that we will charge at 50% off the list price for additional at size test prints.

We provide Certificates of Authenticity as a matter of course and also special wrap instructions for a nominal handling fee.

Compare our paper types

C Type prints and Giclée prints are two very different printing processes, one is a digital photographic print and the other is an inkjet print. Choosing the right paper for your image is very important.
Below is a handy guide to help make your choice easier. Don’t forget, you can always order a paper sample pack from us as well, to help you decide.

FEATURE C TYPE PAPERS GICLÉE/INKJET PAPERS BLACK AND WHITE PAPERS
GOOD ALL ROUNDER
GOOD FOR WARM TONES
GOOD FOR MUTED BLACKS
GOOD FOR ILLUSTRATION PRINTS
GOOD FOR BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
TENDENCY TO DAMAGE
CAN BE MOUNTED
CAN BE FRAMED
CAN BE SEALED

 

C Type papers

Ideal for exhibition printing and the perfect ‘all rounder’ paper type.
All Metroprints are produced on laser printers, giving optimum results for your images for colour accuracy, light fastness and archival quality.
Good for: all photographic work
Can be: mounted and framed

Giclée/Inkjet Papers

Ranging from German etching to Hahnemühle papers, our Giclée papers create the perfect finish to any fine art print. These textured papers give warmth to colour prints and tonal depth to black and white prints.
Good for: warm tones, muted blacks, illustrations.
Can be: mounted and framed

Black and White photographic prints

Metro is the only lab in the UK where you can order true black and white prints. If you want a colour cast free, genuine black and white print then our resin coated paper is for you.
Good for: all black and white photography
Can be: mounted, sealed and framed

 

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Related Searches

Large Photo Prints

We are the UK’s top professional printing lab, and we are able to guarantee to produce the largest and best professional C-type prints in the UK. Sizes go up to 120 x 72 inches, giving you a huge choice when it comes to producing large-scale billboard size prints.

Same Day Photo Printing and Next Day Delivery

If you are working with tight deadlines, you might be interested in our same day photo printing option available for Standard C-Type prints under 40 x 30 inches, for which the turnaround time is from 4 hours. For prints over 40 x 30 inches, the turnaround time is up to two working days. In the case of Premier C-Type prints, then time would be one working day. Specialist C Type (Metallic) takes 3 working days.

Print Photos Online

Metro Print is the go-to-service for fast and easy online photo printing. If you feel confident in preparing your own files for print, simply upload the files and follow the guided steps, always with the option to upgrade and have an expert technician to review your file and make that lat tweak to ensure you get the perfect print. For your peace of mind, our online payment service is secure and guaranteed. Also, we do click and collect in lab or else, we can deliver worldwide. Whichever suits you better, we got you covered.