Faqs. Do you want to learn more about sublimation? This is the right place!
The special formulation of our powders make Duraluxe panels impenetrable to external pollutants, such as dirt and permanent markers / inks. While the cleaning of surfaces sublimated with regular powders would leave stains or blotches, panels with Duraluxe anti-graffiti / UV resistant properties can be cleaned easily with no traces of pollutants.
Yes, Duraluxe panels are specially formulated so they will withstand the elements and the power of the sun, regardless of the location. Your images will look wonderful for a long time. We offer a 5 year outdoor warranty. (Glossy, Mate, Satin and Canvas)
Without a doubt, yes. Duraluxe Panels are the Ultimate outdoor panels. Our powder coating is specially formulated to outlast every other sublimatable panel in the world.
Yes, but that is a non standard size. Our panels start with a minimum size of 3”x8” and we go up to 48”x96”. We offer many standard sizes, and we can customize a size when needed. Please ask.
No, no, no. At Duraluxe we believe that the finish of the panels are an integral part of how the final work will look like. For this reason we offer many different standard and non-standard finishes. Our Standard finishes are: Glossy, Matte and Canvas (texture). Special Finishings are: SaltLake, Glow in The Dark, Wallsky, IceTouch and Satin.
SaltLake is a proprietary unique powder coating that creates a random ripple effect through out the surface of the panel. It will remind you of the Great Salt Lake of Utah.
IceTouch is a special finish that makes the panel super smooth when you touch it.
Do not worry, one of the beauties of Duraluxe is the anti-graffiti quality. You can use etasol/MEK (paint thinner) and your photos will look beautiful again.
You can eliminate any trace of acrylic spray from your duraluxe panels using ethyl alcohol. Your panels will look like the first day you got them.
Click here to view the anti-graffiti page for testing specifications.
The level of clarity and definition of an image sublimated on a Duraluxe panel depends on the image you are using. Consider your Duraluxe panel as if it were a 4K television, while the program you are watching is the image to sublimate. If the program, being transmitted, is in 4K, you will watch it in 4K; if it is of a lower quality, you will see it as such. Duraluxe are HIGH DEF panels, use them properly and the results will amaze you.
Sublimation is a transfer of inks into the powder coating. For the process to be successful you need a clean and dry surface. If your image looks spotty, most likely the surface of the panel was not clean and the culprit may be dust. Always clean and fully dry the panels before sublimation.
You can use a JPG, TIFF a PDF image, or any other graphic format, but first check with the retailer who will process the Duraluxe panels for you. Always remember, the quality of the file is very important to obtain a quality final product.
In general, the optimal DPI is 180 or higher at output size.
Good question. Paper is paper and Duraluxe is Duraluxe. Simply, they are different. The final look is a matter of what you like or dislike. It is difficult to compare the two from a beauty/look stand point. On the other hand, we can address your question looking at a technical aspect: durability.
Will your image last longer on paper or on Duraluxe? We have done a lot of testing and we can state with absolute certainty that any image will last a lot longer on a Duraluxe panel rather than paper. Of the three long-lasting (archival) photo papers, none can get even close to Duraluxe. Your image will last at least double the time if not much much more.
Absolutely yes.
Of course, there are many options to choose from for this application.
Yes. Duraluxe panels are made of aluminum that has zero absorption. The panels are light weight and can be installed in quickly. Additionally, aluminum is easy to cut. For your installation, you can use silicone or an epoxy adhesive. If you are applying adhesive with a trowel, use a Square-Notch 1.5mm X 1.5mm X 1.5mm trowel. We recommend using expansion/movement joints.
Absolutely. You do not need to remove the tiles, but be sure the surface is flat and level. Our Duraluxe panels will go straight on top of your existing old tiles. If the surface is not flat, you can fix it by using tile adhesive. Just keep the leveling as thin as possible. Remember, Duraluxe panels are 1.2mm or 0.047” thick, for that reason the surface receiving the panels has to be smooth and flat.
Yes. For semi-permanent apllications you can use carpet tape.
Yes. If you are adhering the panels directly to the exterior walls, you need a very clean flat surface. We would recomend using a ventilated facade.
Absolutely. The professional who prepared your panels should have the originally files. They just need to re-print the area of the project where the piece was damaged. Be sure to prepare first few samples so you can do some color matching, depending on the age of your panels.
Yes. They can easily be bent by hand at room temperature.
Yes. Unlike other sublimation panels, Duraluxe has been tested for salt corrosion. Our Panels are Seaside & Quali-Marine Approved (7 stage chrome-free pre-treatment). Duraluxe can withstand over 4000 hours of salt spray test equal to over 10 years of extreme corrosive environment.
Duraluxe offers many special finishes for your projects. One of our special finishes is anti-microbial. Our powder coating has been tested by an independent laboratory in Japan and the tests show it will eliminate 99.9% of staphylococcus bacteria and all major microbes, even after 10 years.
And Duraluxe panels can be regularly cleaned with all hospital grade antimicrobial cleaners.
At Duraluxe we care about the environment. We understand the importance of reducing the impact of any industrial/manufacturing operation. We only use water base inks and powders. All powder coatings are VOC free and TGIC free.
Duraluxe is unique, because it was created from 20 years of experience in powder coating and decorations. Unlike other metal panels, Duraluxe is scratch resistant, anti microbial, anti-graffiti protection and bendable.
Yes. You can leave your beautiful images outside for over 5 years.
Yes. Just click under the Advantages/UV Resistant tab on our website where you can see the test results.