Printing
Print Types
To produce the wide range of products we offer to photographers, we employ a range of different printing equipment and techniques:
Giclee
Dye-Sublimation
UV
Dye Sublimation (Chromaluxe)
Chromaluxe is a premium brand of high definition coated aluminium panels, designed to be used with the process of dye-sublimation to recreate stunning art and photography.
The process of dye-sublimation starts with the printing of a mirrored digital image onto dye-sublimation transfer paper, using large-format inkjet printers. The dye-based inks are then transferred onto the specially coated surface of the Chromaluxe panel, using high pressure and temperature. The result is a stunning vibrant and durable image, unrivalled by other printing methods and given that the coated aluminium panels are just 1.14mm thick, they give a new meaning to minimalism.
The durability of the printed panels comes from the fact that there is no ink sitting on the surface of the panel for it to be scratched or rubbed. Instead, the ink infuses with the coating during the transfer process where the solid state of the ink is turned into a gas, bonding with the polymers of the coating on the panel before turning back into a solid as the panel cools. The remarkable process provides a combination of durability and archival properties.
Giclée
Giclée printing (pronounced “zhee-clay”) is a high-quality fine art printing technique that uses inkjet printers to reproduce art, photographs, and other images. The term “giclée” is derived from the French word “gicler,” which means “to spray” or “to squirt,” and it refers to the way ink is applied in the printing process. Giclée printing is known for its ability to produce high-resolution, detailed, and vibrant prints that closely match the original artwork or photograph.
The quality of giclée printing has some variables according to the provider and the equipment they are using:
- Not all large-format printers have the same number of ink colours. The larger the number, the wider the colour gamut that is possible to print. Some fast commercial printers for example will only contain 4 ink colours – cyan, magenta, yellow and black. But giclée printing is not about speed, it is about quality and at Ultimat, we favour the latest Canon printers for the task, which employ a bank of 12 different ink colours for the widest possible colour gamut.
- The type of ink that is used is paramount to quality. Third party inks lack the consistency and technology of branded inks which can lead to variation in colours throughout a print run which means for a limited-edition release that is printed at different times, according to demand, that the quality cannot be assured. We only use Canon LUCIA PRO pigment inks which are tailored precisely to imagePROGRAF PRO printers so that the quality is never compromised in favour of cost reductions.
- Lastly the type of paper used will also have a bearing on the output quality. Our core paper for photographic printing is the award-winning Permajet Oyster 271, which has a bright white base and subtle pearl surface. We also stock a full range of fine-art papers including 100% cotton archival paper and papers with high sustainable credentials, such as bamboo and hemp, all of which change both the tone and quality of the photographic output.
UV
Unlike our giclée printers which are roll-fed and use pigment inks, our UV printing facility uses a flatbed and can print up to 2.5 x 1.25m. Its unique selling point is that it can print on any flat substrate that is no thicker than 50mm (2 inches), such as wood, leather, acrylic, canvas and even more unusual substrates such as stone. Utilising a set of UV lamps that are positioned either side of the bank of 7 print heads, as soon as the inks hit the substrate, they are immediately cured or dried by the UV lights, meaning that substrates such as glass can be successfully printed on where previously the ink would run before drying.
Different UV printers have differing numbers of channels, which allow for a variety of printing options. At their most basic, a 4-channel printer offers CYMK printing (Cyan, Yellow, Magenta and Black). At Ultimat, our Fuji Acuity 30 printer has a wealth of added options from its 7-channels, adding white, primer and clear.
White ink is one of the most versatile additions allowing us to create a neutral base colour to print on dark substrates, being thicker than the other inks, it can also be used to print and overprint, building up layers within an image to create an almost three-dimensional quality, before laying down the required colour over the built-up areas.
Many of our latest products, such as Freemont, Lux, Lux Mosaics and Galleria use this highly versatile printing method.
Product Range
Whether you're looking for a high quality framing solution or professional printed canvas', we have the ideal solution for your presentation needs.
Designer Wall
Are you looking to add personality, style, and depth to your space? Our designer wall frames come in contemporary, classic, and bespoke designs such as Artblocs, Mosaics, and Lux Mosaics to name a few. With a wide variety of finishes, find the perfect frame to bring your artwork and photography to life. Browse our collection below !
Frame Ranges
Discover the perfect framing service for your artwork, photos, or prints with our wide range of styles and finishes. From sleek modern designs like Cubix and Linear to timeless classics and bespoke handcrafted frames such as Somerset and York, we offer high-quality picture frames for every space. Explore the range.
Canvas Range
Explore timeless canvas prints crafted with care. From hand-stretching to Baltic winter-cut stretcher bars, we use high quality materials to ensure long-lasting quality. Elevate your space with canvas products designed to stand the test of time. Browse our collection.
All Ultimat Products
Discover the full range of designer wall, frame ranges and canvas ranges that Ultimat supply here.
