Map Material Options
All maps are 2-dimensional prints that are ready to hang, right out of the box. They are meant to be displayed without a frame.
We only offer the materials we think our maps look best on. This does mean we don't offer a truly low-budget option. Our goal is to thrill our customers, not to sell the most maps we can.
Face Mounted Acrylic Glass
- Fine detail
- Sense of depth
- Iridescent color
- Glossy appearance
This one is our personal favorite, but is a little pricier. This option begs to be well-lit. When you look at the map from different angles, the colors of different parts of the map change slightly and it shines as if the terrain were real.
It has the most pronounced impression of three-dimensionality in our lineup.
The acrylic also reveals the most fine detail on close inspection. When you look at it from the side, you can see refractions of the map in the diamond polished edges of the acrylic.
What is it?
A print on metallic photographic paper face-mounted to a ¼” thick piece of acrylic with a diamond polished edge. The print is pressed directly onto the acrylic glass, which means there are no air gaps that can cause additional reflections, like with a traditional print behind a frame and glass.
The back is mounted to a piece of dibond (2 sheets of aluminum with a solid polyethylene core) for stability. Kiln dried douglas fir floats your map 3/4″ from the wall and includes a hanging wire for easy display.
Wood Mounted
- Rustic feel
- Natural look
- Matte appearance
The wood mounted map has a rustic, understated, and classy feel to it. This option looks great in the widest range of lighting setups. It feels the most natural and physical of all of the options. The wood mounted map has a matte finish, so it reflects less light than the other options.
What is it?
A print on metallic photographic paper, mounted to a ¾” thick birch backing. Each birch wood panel is sanded and stained for a gallery quality appearance.
The recessed wood and wire mounting setup floats your map ¾” off of your wall.
Aluminum
- Sleek and modern
- Deep colors
- High contrast
- Glossy
The aluminum map looks sleek, smooth, and modern. It has a high-gloss surface, which gives it deep colors, high contrast, and vibrancy. Under good lighting, this map is truly eye-catching.
Aluminum prints are becoming more and more popular in landscape photography galleries. They also make a map look great!
What is it?
Our aluminum maps are printed using a dye sublimation technique. The map is first printed onto a transfer paper, which is then adhered to a pre-treated piece of aluminum and placed into a heat press. Under heat and pressure, the dyes from the transfer paper transform from a solid directly to a gas and are pressed into the surface of the metal.
The thin, rigid piece of aluminum hangs on the wall with a recessed float mount. It stands ½” off the wall and appears to be floating.
Can't Decide?
If you like a more glossy and eye-catching look, choose the acrylic or the aluminum. If you like a more natural and understated look, choose the wood mounted.
If you’ll be displaying the map in a room with big and bright windows near the map, you should probably go with the wood option. Its matte finish avoids distracting reflections. If you have a room that has good lighting options, the acrylic and aluminum prints can really stun.
Want Help?
If you're having trouble figuring out which material is right for you, I'd be happy to help!
Send me an email at matt@ramblemaps.com with a picture of where you'd to hang the map AND the opposite direction and I'll let you know what I think will work best.
(Seeing the opposite direction will help me figure out if there are any competing sources of light to account for.)
Satisfaction Guarantee
We’re confident that you’re going to love your map. We offer a full refund on any map you don't love within 1-year of receipt. And the return shipping is on us.