Method for printing a digital image on a stylized metallic sheet

A method of printing a digital image on an aluminum sheet, the digital image having a top and the aluminum sheet having a front surface, a back surface, and a granular direction, comprising the steps of:

• projecting the digital image upon a sheet of masking material using a light projector;
• sizing the projected digital image to correspond to the dimensions of a desired artistic image;
• selecting one or more first regions of the projected image for stylization according to a first technique;
• producing a preparatory image by excising portions of the masking material corresponding to the selected first regions and leaving the remainder of the masking material;
• adhering the preparatory image to the front surface of the aluminum sheet;
• stylizing the excised areas of the preparatory image according to a first technique selected from the group consisting of physical abrasion, chemical treatment, and application of heat;
• removing the preparatory image from the front surface;
• removing substantially all material extrinsic to the aluminum sheet;
• placing the aluminum sheet with the front surface exposed and facing upwards on a substantially flat and level surface, said surface comprising a central portion, a first side portion abutting the central portion, a second side portion abutting the central portion, and a third side portion abutting the central portion, wherein the aluminum sheet is larger than the area of the central portion and smaller than the combined area of the central and side portions;
• applying an ink adhesion precoat to the front surface using a metering rod to distribute the precoat across substantially all of the front surface;
• removing one or more of the side portions from underneath the aluminum sheet to expose one or more edges and nearby back surfaces of the aluminum sheet to air;
• drying the precoat;
• and
• digitally printing the digital image upon the regionally stylized front surface of the aluminum sheet such that the granular direction is substantially horizontal relative to the top of the imprinted digital image;
• and
• applying at least one protective postcoat to the front surface.