My WHCC metallic prints are perfect…almost
When WHCC (White House Custom Color) had a metallic print sale a couple of weeks ago, I jumped on the opportunity and had 3 prints made. They are the prints you see above: two 12” x 18” prints and one 12” x 12” square print. The total order for all 3 prints, including mounting and shipping, only came to about $45 which is a great deal considering the quality of the images on the metallic paper.
I opened an account with WHCC back in December when I found out, as a new member, I would receive 5 free 8” x 10” prints to test my “monitor calibration”. Along with the prints, I also received a package of sample paper from WHCC and that was the first time I saw metallic paper. I couldn’t wait to get some of my images, especially some of my black and white photographs, printed on metallic paper and this sale was a perfect opportunity.
The order entry process was quick and easy and the box with my prints showed up 2 days later (These guys are fast plus they have a lab just outside of Dallas) I was impressed with the care WHCC took in packaging my order to ensure none of my prints were damaged in shipping. Each print was placed in a heavy poly-vinyl bag. Each bag was then taped shut and then sandwiched between heavy cardboard sheets and then taped again so they wouldn’t slide around. It all made me feel like a real, professional photographer.
However, I was slightly upset when, after reviewing the prints, that I noticed the corners of the 12” * 12” print had a slight curl and the print wouldn’t lay flat. Luckily the print is not for a client and after sitting out for a few days the print hasn’t relaxed. You can see this in the image below:
I do want to note a few things here:
- The color print above is mounted on a lighter, yet thicker foam board.
- The other two prints are mounted on the same material which is thinner but heavier than the foam board.
- Only one print has the warping issue - the other 2 are perfect
- The print quality is in no way affected by this - it just makes this print hard to hang on the wall.
- Since the square image has the problem, I wonder if there’s an issue with the combination of a square image and the mounting material.
Overall I’m not upset with WHCC about the print since I ordered these more out of curiosity than anything. I need to email them and see if they’ve had similar situations with other customers. Maybe that mounting material doesn’t like to be in a square - who knows.
