Backlit
Photography Prints

Starting at the heart of the Backlit Photography Print, the first thing to mention is the use of a specialized metallic paper. Backlit prints are known for their 3-dimensional appearance, and the way they interact with light when they are properly lit. The technical nature of metallic paper involves a specific composition and surface treatment designed to enhance the visual impact of printed images. Metallic paper is typically made from a resin-coated paper base that is then coated with a thin layer of metal, often aluminum. While this all becomes very wordy, what’s more important to know is the end result of this process. The brighter portions of the printed image will reflect more light and color, and comparatively, the darker parts will do this less. This results in a very natural effect where the print almost appears to have lighting coming from behind the artwork, hence the name “backlit prints”. When done right, you would almost believe that you are looking out through a window at the artwork.

The next stage of creating a backlit print is the Acrylic mounting process, known as “Acrylic Face Mounting”. Selected for it’s optical properties, a piece of Acrylic Glass is used in this process. While traditional art sits below the glass, a backlit print is physically attached to the glass. Using an optically clear adhesive that is adhered to the front of the print, the Acrylic is pressed and mounted to the paper, creating a permanent bond that makes the paper indistinguishable from the glass. This process not only creates the needed protection for the print, but it adds a depth, dimension and shine to the overall look. It is the piece that finalizes and creates the signature look that is most associated with a “backlit print”, and when done properly, produces a level of quality that has to be seen to be believed.

The final construction process is to increase the rigidity of the print, and give it a unique way to hang on the wall. While the Acrylic glass protects the print, it still requires to be fastened to a rigid core material such as a Sintra® or Dibond® backing – similar to the way it is bonded to the Acrylic. This further creates more stiffness in the print, and also gives it a mounting point for a frame. Additionally, it adds thickness to the side profile of the print, which serves to further enhance the luxurious fit and finish of the artwork. It’s a delicate balance of material size and strength to get a beautiful result; neither too thick or thin of materials will do.

Now comes the time to install the float mount frame. The frame is constructed of wood, at a size that is smaller than the final print size. It is bonded to the back of the print, and it has the mounting hardware attached to it. While most traditional art uses a metal wire to hang from, the float mount frame is a superior option. Rather than having your artwork hanging at an angle off the wall, a float mount frame will mount the artwork completely parallel and flush to the surface of the wall. What’s unique about this method is that the frame itself is never seen, and gives the artwork its name of a “float mount”, as it gives the appearance that the print piece is floating off the wall.