Introduction: Making Your Custom Aluminum Print Look Its Best
So you’ve picked the perfect photo—now what? The next step in creating your ideal piece of wall art is deciding on the right size and finish for your custom aluminum print. Whether you're hanging a single showstopper or curating a multi-panel gallery, choosing the correct dimensions and surface texture can make all the difference.
At Aluminyze, we offer a wide range of aluminum print sizes and finishes so your images can shine in every room and light. From glossy vs. matte metal prints to creative sizing options, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to bring your vision to life.
Understanding Aluminum Print Sizes: What’s Available?
Standard Sizes: From Desk-Sized to Statement Pieces
Our most popular aluminum print sizes include:
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5x7 and 8x10 – Ideal for shelves, desktops, or small nooks
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11x14, 16x20, and 20x24 – Great for standalone wall pieces or gifts
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24x36, 30x40, and larger – Perfect for oversized art in living rooms or lobbies
These size options make it easy to match your custom aluminum prints to your space, whether you’re going bold or staying subtle.
Custom Aluminum Prints: Sizing to Fit Your Space
Looking for a unique shape or aspect ratio? Aluminyze offers custom sizing and specialty shapes like:
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Circles and hexagons for modern layouts
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Panoramic metal prints for landscapes and cityscapes
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Square formats for Instagram-style photos
Simply upload your image and select “Custom Size” in the Aluminyze Builder Tool to get started.
Choosing Based on Photo Type
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Portraits: Work best in 8x10, 11x14, or vertical 16x20
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Landscapes: Choose horizontal sizes like 20x30 or panoramic 10x30
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Square: Ideal for social media photos or minimalist framing
Always match your photo’s aspect ratio to the size you select to avoid cropping or distortion.
How to Measure and Match Print Size to Your Space
Measuring Wall Space for a Single Print
Before choosing your print size:
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Measure the wall or surface area (width and height)
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Leave at least 6–8 inches of blank space on all sides
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Tape a paper cutout of your desired print to preview scale and positioning
Designing a Metal Print Gallery Wall
Create visual balance by:
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Mixing sizes (e.g., one 16x20 surrounded by smaller 8x10s)
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Keeping equal spacing (typically 2–4 inches between prints)
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Aligning horizontally or vertically for a clean aesthetic
Try the Aluminyze gallery layout preview to experiment with configurations before printing.
Balancing Print Size with Image Resolution
To maintain clarity, your image should meet the following minimum resolution:
| Print Size | Recommended Resolution |
|---|---|
| 8x10 | 2400 x 3000 px |
| 16x20 | 4800 x 6000 px |
| 24x36 | 7200 x 10800 px |
If your image is under-resolution, we’ll alert you during upload and help you resize or select a smaller print for best results.
Glossy vs. Matte Metal Prints: Which Finish is Right for You?
Glossy White Finish: Vivid Color, High Shine
Best for:
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Bright, colorful images
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Travel photos and sunlit scenes
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Modern, high-contrast styles
Benefits:
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Intensifies color saturation
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Adds eye-catching shimmer
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Great for bold wall displays
Matte Finish: Sophisticated, Anti-Glare Appeal
Best for:
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Subdued or minimalist photos
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Rooms with lots of natural light
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Portraits or artwork with softer tones
Benefits:
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Eliminates glare
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Smooth, velvet-like texture
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Timeless, elegant look
Brushed Metal Finish: Subtle Texture for Black & White Photos
Best for:
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Monochrome and high-contrast photography
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Industrial, rustic, or minimalist décor
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Art enthusiasts and collectors
Benefits:
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Allows raw aluminum texture to peek through
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Adds depth and tactile interest
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Enhances contrast in black-and-white images
Need help deciding? Visit our Finish Comparison Guide to preview each option with sample images.
Room-by-Room Suggestions for Aluminum Print Sizes & Finishes
Living Room: Large Centerpieces or Panoramic Metal Prints
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Size Suggestions: 24x36, 30x40, panoramic 10x30
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Finish: Glossy for color-rich art, matte for low-glare serenity
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Style Tip: Anchor your seating area with a bold horizontal piece
Kitchen & Bathroom: Smaller Glossy or Waterproof Prints
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Size Suggestions: 8x10, 11x14, square prints
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Finish: Glossy or brushed for splash-prone areas
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Style Tip: Group 2–3 small prints above counters or sinks
Bedroom & Office: Matte or Minimalist Framed Looks
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Size Suggestions: 16x20, 20x24
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Finish: Matte or brushed for calming tones
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Style Tip: Choose romantic, family, or nature-themed images for rest zones
What to Consider When Creating Custom Aluminum Prints
Image Resolution & Aspect Ratio
Choose sizes that maintain your photo’s natural dimensions. Use the crop tool during upload to adjust framing without sacrificing quality.
Color Vividness and Lighting in the Room
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Brightly lit spaces: Opt for matte to reduce glare
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Dimly lit rooms: Choose glossy to brighten the image
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Neutral tones or black-and-white: Try brushed aluminum
Hanging Style: Frameless, Float Mount, or Easel Back
Aluminyze offers:
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Float mounts for a modern, floating appearance
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Easel backs for desktop or shelf display
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Frameless prints for clean, gallery-style presentation
Real Examples: Sizing and Finish Choices from Aluminyze Customers
User Submissions Featuring Various Print Sizes
“I used three 8x10 glossy aluminum prints to create a mini-gallery of my Paris trip. The colors pop and it makes my hallway feel like an art exhibit!”
— Marissa, Boston
“The 24x36 brushed metal print of my wedding portrait is jaw-dropping. Everyone asks where I got it printed!”
— Dante, Phoenix
Finish Comparisons Shared via #MyAluminyze
Explore real-life examples by browsing our Instagram community and checking out the #MyAluminyze hashtag. You’ll see how different finishes and sizes look in real homes.
FAQs: Choosing Your Aluminum Print Size & Finish
What’s the most popular aluminum print size?
16x20 is a customer favorite—it’s large enough to make an impact, yet versatile enough for most walls.
Can I see a preview of the finish before ordering?
Yes! Visit our Finish Comparison Page to preview each option with image examples.
What resolution do I need for large custom prints?
Aim for 300 DPI at final print size. Our upload tool checks your resolution automatically and suggests adjustments if needed.
How do I match a finish to my image type?
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Glossy: Best for bright, vibrant, colorful shots
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Matte: Ideal for subtle, soft, or minimalist photos
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Brushed: Great for texture-rich black-and-white photography
Conclusion: Confidently Create Your Custom Aluminum Masterpiece
Choosing the right aluminum print size and finish ensures that your photo doesn’t just look good—it looks exceptional. Whether you’re going small and simple or bold and breathtaking, Aluminyze makes it easy to create custom aluminum prints that match your space, style, and story.
From wall-filling panoramas to chic desk-sized accents, there’s a size and finish combination to suit every image and every room. And with our mobile-friendly upload tool and expert support, you’re only minutes away from designing your next masterpiece.
