I recently signed up with WHCC and I got my 5 free test prints in the mail today. They look great! WHCC also included a packet of their print and paper samples, including a mettalic photo print. I've heard about the mettalic print, but I've never seen one.

What are your thoughts on it? Does the metallic paper work better for B&W or color? Do portraits look good on this paper? I feel as though most of my clients who want prints will either put the print in a frame or album, so wouldn't a standard matte or gloss finish look best under glass or plastic album sleeve as opposed to metallic paper. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Metallic looks great with images with good image saturation and colors. If the image is going to be behind glass it will lose some of the shiny, effect.

It is a really neat paper with the right image.

I used to print on metallic papers and like Jeff wrote, it can be stunning with the right image. Keep in mind that it tends to show and hold fingerprints, and when used in an album, the pages will "stick" (not permanently) in many climates. I think it's best for presentation prints that can be well protected.

Jeff, does ProDPI offer metallic?

I used to print on Fuji's high gloss also, and while not metallic, it was a gorgeous material with a nice, plastic base.

We sure do Bruce, we also have Fuji's new Pearl paper that is very similar to the Kodak, just a little less "in your face". It is also a paper based emulsion, so it is easier to handle.

Awesome! I've always admired Fuji's materials more than Kodak's. I don't even know if they still offer the high-gloss (can't even remember the name ... Fujiflex, maybe?).

I also notice that the Fuji paper-based materials don't seem to get the crease discoloration when used in albums, while the Kodak does. Anything you can add to that?

I use metallic for everything. Once you learn how the paper affects the colors you can really make it work to your advantage. When used right the image pops in an awesome way.

It definitely picks up fingerprints, though, at WHCC they have to wear gloves whenever they're handling the prints. At my house I print everything on metallic and then frame it without glass so it displays better and doesn't lose it's effect.

Thank you all for your feedback! But how do portraits look? Do skin tones look good?

I have been a bit hesitant about the metallic, but now I have to try it. I am also interested about the skin tones.

If you want that "WOW!" comment from your clients...then metallic is the way to go. But like others have said, retouching, enhancing and saturating the colors will make it "pop" even more.

Red really pops with metallic! I did a family photo on metallic...They were standing by an autumn red leaved tree. It blew the regular print away! I even ordered them a print as a gift (since they were friends as well)...That's how much better it was!