About Aluminum Photo Panels

Chromaluxe® HD Aluminum Panels vs. Standard Dye-Sublimated Aluminum Panels

If you've browsed my product listings, or seen my booth at a craft show, then you know I use two different types of aluminum photo panels, and one is considerably more expensive than the other!

Both of our aluminum print options use the same professional dye-sublimation process, which means exceptionally vibrant colors, sharp detail, and smooth gradients on both surfaces. The key differences come down to coating technology, consistency, and long-term performance.

🔍 What They Have in Common

  • Dye-sublimated printing (image infused into the coating, not printed on top)

  • Rich, vibrant color reproduction

  • High-resolution detail

  • Lightweight, modern metal presentation

⭐ What Makes Chromaluxe® Different

Chromaluxe® panels use a proprietary, laboratory-tested coating engineered specifically for fine art and photographic display.

  • Sturdier and more durable - Chromaluxe Panels are 1.14mm thick,, making them 2 and 1/2 times thicker than standard aluminum panels 1.14mm may not seem like much, but it makes a huge difference.

  • More consistent coating thickness across the entire panel
    → results in uniform color and contrast from edge to edge

  • Higher scratch and abrasion resistance

  • Greater resistance to fading over time, especially in bright or sunlit environments

  • Tighter quality control standards, making them ideal for gallery work and premium installations

  • Typically available in high-gloss or refined satin finishes with a smoother surface feel

  • Rounded Corners

🔹 Standard Dye-Sublimated Aluminum Panels

  • Still deliver excellent color and clarity

  • Slightly less resistant to scratches and long-term UV exposure

  • A great option for customers who want metal prints at a more accessible price point

Which Should You Choose?

  • Choose Chromaluxe® HD Aluminum for:

    • Gallery-grade or collector pieces

    • High-light or long-term display areas

    • Customers who want the most durable, premium option available

  • Choose Standard Aluminum Panels for:

    • Budget-friendly metal prints

    • Gifts, home décor, or short-to-medium-term displays

    • Customers who still want vibrant, dye-sublimated color without the premium price

 

The Bottom Line

I use Chromaluxe® HD Aluminum Panels for standalone and prints and larger tri-panel prints (using three 12" x 18" panels). I can do larger sizes as well but I have to send them out to a vendor for production.

I recently started making multi-panel prints using standard aluminum panels (generally 8" square or 12" square panels), allowing me to product larger items here in my home.

Examples

24 Panels using standard 8 inch photo panes
Total Size, 24 x 32 "(not including gaps)~~~
Single Panel print on Chromaluxe® HD Aluminum Panels
8" x 12" or 12" x 18"
~~~
Tri-Panel Print on Chromaluxe® HD Aluminum Panels
Total Size 18" x 36" (not including gaps)