Photographic Prints

We do not produce inkjet prints.

Photographic prints are produced using the traditional wet process and the paper is developed and fixed using photographic chemicals. This means that unlike inkjet printing where the ink sits on top of the paper surface and ink colour can alter the reflective properties of the paper, all colours in the photographic print are sealed behind a top layer like a laminate and therefore have the same reflectivity. The paper receives the image via LED lights, that expose the paper at very high  resolutions to create pixel-free images, resulting in exceptional colour gamuts and tonal quality.

How does the resolution of CLAB Chromira photographic prints compare with the resolution of an inkjet printer?

With respect to wet process photographic prints, resolution is specified in continuous tone pixels per inch. Inkjet printers specify resolution in dots of ink per inch. It is generally considered that it takes 5-6 times the resolution in DPI to match continuous tone LED resolution. Thus it would take an ink jet printer at least 1500 DPI of resolution to equal the quality of the CLAB Image native resolution of 300 PPI and even higher if you consider the 425 PPI visual resolution created with the Chromira's patented LED Resolution Enhancement Technology.


FujiFlex Prints (super-high gloss)

Not technically a paper, this thin plastic material has unbelievable exposure accuracy combined with an increased saturation range. The most outstanding property of this material is its mirror-like, super glossy smoothness that makes any type of image look its best. The only problem with all this "glossy-ness" is how easy it is to damage the surface, so make sure to always wear fresh, clean
gloves when you handle your prints. In short, this material may be difficult to handle and expensive, but the final result can be truly stunning.


Gloss Prints

The accurate reproduction of colour and the beautiful rich blacks means that prints on Gloss stand out as part of any presentation and perfect for portfolios. Fingerprints can be gently removed with a lint-free cloth, but caution is required.


Metallic Prints

Embedded pearl-like crystals give this paper a high-gloss reflection, especially in the highlights. The paper consists of a special layer consisting of metal oxide particles. This means that you can see a change in reflectivity as you move around the print. The paper is similar to gloss in all other ways; gently polish out any fingerprints with a lint-free cloth.


Lustre Prints

Beautiful for natural skin tones, Lustre is the most popular choice for portrait and wedding photographers. Even though the intense colours are dulled slightly, the stippled surface of the paper means that the prints can be touched with bare hands and passed around without fear of fingerprints. Even if the prints eventually become smudged, the prints can be easily wiped with a lint-free cloth, and polished back to the original state.


Photograph Mounting

We offer 2 choices of photograph mounting -  Kappa and Dibond®. Both mounting solutions are delivered ready to hang.

Kappa Mount:

• Kappa is an extremely light weight, cost effective print mount with an aluminium foil lining surrounding the center core for added tensile strength.
• Kappa mounted prints are edged in a black or white trim.
  

Dibond® Mount:

• Dibond® (aluminium composite) is heavier than Kappa and composed of a high quality dark plastic core with a thin layer of aluminium coated on each side.
• Dibond® mounted prints posses archival properties with a smooth surface, ideal with gloss or FujiFlex prints.
  

Photograph Laminating

We use an archival plastic coating sealed onto all prints mounted on Kappa and Dibond®, resulting in increased print strength, durability and resistance to humidity, scratches and stains.

• Kappa prints are sealed with a standard gloss laminate.
• FujiFlex prints mounted onto Dibond® are sealed with a super-high gloss laminate, resulting in a high quality glass-like finish suitable for prints displayed in controlled or gallery lighting conditions. This laminate exhibits excellent optical clarity, dimensional stability and UV resistance.