Printing on metal is a nice alternative to canvas paintings; however, the cost of obtaining this type of printing can be quite high. You can try this technique at home with an inkjet printer or with transfers; However, keep in mind that this is a method that requires various tests and corrections to suit the specific needs of your printer.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Prepare the Metal
Step 1. Make sure you have an inkjet printer available
For this project, the larger the printer (and therefore the more range of sheets you can use), the better. If you can't print thick labels or cards, it will hardly work for this purpose.
Step 2. Fill the cartridges with a large amount of ink
Step 3. Purchase a flexible aluminum plate
Make it subtle; cut it to size with a metal cutter or sturdy scissors.
Make sure it is slightly smaller than the maximum size accepted by the printer's power supply
Step 4. Decide which side you want to print on
Take the aluminum foil and face up the side you want to print.
Step 5. Sand the surface with an orbital grinder
You have to scrape off the outer coating of the aluminum; use the fine or medium-grained emery block and treat the entire surface without neglecting any centimeter.
Step 6. Wash the metal with a bleach-based cleaner, such as Master Clean
The waterproof surface layer should now be removed and the ink can then adhere to the metal.
Part 2 of 4: Apply the fixative
Step 1. Grab the plate by the side that you have not sanded
Apply a large piece of double-sided tape to the metal and attach it to a waterproof work surface.
Step 2. Purchase and use an inkjet primer
You need to spread an even layer of it on the aluminum before printing.
Step 3. Pour a thick layer of primer
It should collect in a dense "puddle" which you can later spread evenly with a bar.
Step 4. Use a ready-made bar
It can be wood or plastic, but make sure it's similar to the one used in hand screen printing.
Step 5. Place it on top of the primer "puddle" and run it over the entire surface to achieve a homogeneous coating
If the base is flat, but you are unable to spread the product all over the plate, it means that you have poured an insufficient dose of primer.
Step 6. Do not touch the metal surface
Lift the plate off the edges until the double-sided tape yields.
Part 3 of 4: Print the Image
Step 1. Prepare the image you want to transfer
Remember to change the size according to the size of the plate and do a printing test. Position the input tray the right way to ensure even printing.
Step 2. Apply double-sided tape to a "carrier" sheet that is the same size as the aluminum plate
Fix the metal surface onto it with the side to be printed facing up.
Step 3. Insert the carrier sheet and plate into the input tray
Press the "Print" button; if your device is unable to print on metal, you need to opt for the solution described in the next section of the article using transferable ink.
Step 4. Let the plate run into the printer
When finished, wait a few moments and remove it by grabbing it by the edges. Set it aside and let the ink dry completely.
Step 5. Consider applying a sealant within a few hours
The ink shouldn't peel off but it's not very strong.
Part 4 of 4: Using Transfers
Step 1. If your printer is unable to print on metal, opt for this solution
Purchase transfer ink sheets suitable for metal. You can do an online search or ask a fine art store clerk for advice.
Step 2. Insert the sheets into the printer
Print the image following the instructions on the packaging of the sheets themselves.
Step 3. Perform the process described in the first part of the article regarding the removal of the waterproof layer from the sheet
Step 4. Apply the image to the plate with great care
This step may require the help of another person or some practice to perfectly align the edges of the paper with those of the metal.
Step 5. Wait for the ink to dry and apply a protective treatment if necessary
At this point, you can frame or hang your print.
