How should I prepare my design files for metal printing?

Metal printing rewards clean, high-contrast files, since the reflective surface interacts with light differently than paper.

• Resolution: 300 DPI minimum at final size.
• Color mode: CMYK.
• Use high-contrast colors and bold shapes so the design pops against the metallic sheen.
• Leave selected areas unprinted to let the natural brushed-metal finish show through as a design element.
• Start from a correctly sized template so your dimensions and bleed are exact.

Remember that lighter inks let more metal shine through, while dense dark areas read as solid color.