In the realm of personalized home décor and unique photo presentation, Fracture Prints have emerged as a modern and frameless alternative to traditional photo prints. As a content creator for amazingprint.net, I’ve explored various printing mediums, from metallic prints to aluminum and canvas. Today, we delve into a distinctive option: printing directly onto glass, specifically focusing on “fracture prints.”
Fracture, offered by FractureMe, provides a service that directly prints your cherished images onto glass, transforming them into sleek, contemporary keepsakes. Let’s examine the entire Fracture print experience, from website navigation to print quality and hanging methods, to determine if these glass prints are the right choice for displaying your photos.
Navigating the Fracture Website
My initial encounter with the FractureMe website began with a simple question: “What exactly is a Fracture?” The website promptly addressed this curiosity with a dedicated and informative page titled “What’s a Fracture?“. A concise video and detailed descriptions clearly explained the process and unique nature of these glass prints. Following this initial understanding, my next query naturally pertained to pricing. The “Sizing & Pricing Page” efficiently provided a transparent overview of costs associated with different sizes and options. The website’s intuitive design and clear information architecture are evidently built with the user’s questions and journey in mind, making it exceptionally user-friendly.
The purchasing and photo uploading process was remarkably streamlined. From uploading my chosen images to completing the checkout, the entire process was completed in under five minutes. While the print dimensions are somewhat unconventional, Fracture proactively provides helpful resources to guide users. Shortly after browsing, I received an email containing a guide to “Aspect Ratio“. This is particularly beneficial for casual photographers who might be less familiar with aspect ratios and their importance in printing, ensuring a smooth and informed ordering experience.
Close-up view of the fracture print building process
For this review, I ordered both a large print (15.6 x 20.8 inches) and a small print (4.8 x 6.4 inches), both equipped with wall mounts. This allowed me to evaluate the mounting system and observe any potential quality variations across different print sizes of these fracture prints.
Shipping and Packaging of Fracture Prints
The shipping and packaging of the Fracture prints significantly exceeded expectations. The delivery timeframe was impressively swift; my order arrived within approximately seven days from transaction completion – standard shipping speed for a custom print order.
The package arrived in a branded box, consistent with other reputable print services. The box featured a clever and anticipatory message: “Your Fracture Has Arrived,” heightening the excitement of unboxing. Interestingly, the packaging lacked “Fragile” or “Glass Inside” warnings. Instead, it included “Do Not Stack” and “Please Don’t Break This Box” labels. However, the internal packaging proved exceptionally robust, seemingly rendering fragile warnings unnecessary. The level of care and material invested in the packaging was remarkable, especially considering the free shipping offered on orders over $100, adding considerable value to the overall purchase experience.
Image showing the inside of the fracture print box upon opening
Upon opening, the prints were securely fastened within the box. Having encountered varying packaging quality across different print services, Fracture’s secure and careful packaging was a notable positive. Be prepared to use scissors, an X-Acto knife, or a similar tool to navigate the robust packaging and access your prints.
Image displaying the securely fastened fracture prints within the shipping box
Fracture Print Quality: Detail and Clarity
The print quality of the Fracture prints presented a mixed impression. While the overall visual appeal when hung and viewed at a distance is undeniable, closer inspection reveals areas for potential improvement. Specifically, upon close examination, the prints exhibit a degree of pixelation. Black tones appear to be composed of a matrix of colored dots.
Macro detail of a fracture print at 3x magnification, showing pixelation
This pixelation effect was noticeable even on the smaller print. This particular small print featured a design incorporating digital elements created in Photoshop. While the original digital design was free of pixelation and color fringing, these artifacts became apparent in the printed Fracture.
Detailed close-up of the small fracture print, highlighting pixelation issues
While some degree of grain or pixelation might be expected in larger prints due to magnification of detail, its presence in both large and small fracture prints suggests a characteristic of the printing process itself.
However, it’s crucial to reiterate that these prints are visually striking when displayed on a wall and viewed from a typical viewing distance. The pixelation becomes less discernible as the individual pixels blend together. Fracture prints, therefore, seem ideally suited for individuals seeking a modern, sleek, and clean method of displaying images, prioritizing aesthetic appeal and convenience over absolute, gallery-level print fidelity. They are undoubtedly home-worthy and excellent for personal display, but might not meet the stringent quality expectations of a fine art gallery setting.
Image of the back of a fracture print, showing the mounting mechanism
Hanging System of Fracture Prints
A crucial differentiator in print services lies in the hanging method provided. Effective hanging systems should be sturdy, user-friendly, and ensure the secure display of the artwork. Each Fracture print includes a specialized screw designed for drywall, providing secure anchoring without requiring separate anchors.
Image of the screw included with each fracture print.
The small print utilized a straightforward hanging mechanism. A recessed portion within the foam core backing is designed to accommodate the head of the provided screw. Simply position the screw and slide the print down to hang it. While conceptually simple, the long-term durability of the foam core recess and its resistance to wear and tear with repeated hanging remains a question.
Image showcasing the hanging methods for both small and large fracture prints
The initial hanging method for the large print was more concerning. It incorporated a grommet attached to the foam core backing. While initially appearing adequate, the grommet lacked sufficient bevel to securely hold the screw head. During testing, the print nearly detached from the wall, highlighting a potential instability issue with this older grommet system.
Diagram illustrating the instability of the old grommet hanging system for large fracture prints
UPDATE (February 12, 2015): Subsequent to this review, Fracture clarified that the grommet system represents an outdated hanging method. Fortunately, a significantly improved hanging system is now standard for larger prints.
The updated hanging mechanism for larger fracture prints mirrors the user-friendly design of the small print system but utilizes a more robust metal component. This new system offers enhanced stability and a reassuring sense of security when mounting larger glass prints. While precise alignment during hanging is still required, the improved design is a substantial upgrade from the previous grommet method.
Image of the improved hanging method for larger fracture prints, showcasing the metal component
Final Verdict on Fracture Prints
Fracture prints offer a compelling and innovative approach to displaying photographs. They present a clever, frameless, and cost-effective solution for showcasing images on walls. While the print quality might not fully satisfy the demands of professional galleries due to pixelation upon close inspection, this characteristic is less noticeable under typical viewing conditions. The emphasis of fracture prints lies in modern aesthetics and affordability, making them exceptionally well-suited for home décor.
Who are Fracture Prints Ideal For?
- Casual Photographers: Individuals seeking a contemporary and reasonably priced method to display their photos at home.
- Frame-Averse Individuals: Those who appreciate frameless presentation and seek to avoid the often high cost of traditional picture frames.
- Memory Keepers: Parents and individuals who want to showcase family memories in a distinctive and stylish manner.
By Blake Rudis
Blake Rudis is the founder of f.64 Academy and f.64 Elite. Although a landscape photographer by training, his true passion lies in post-processing techniques using Photoshop and mentoring fellow photographers. Blake’s approach emphasizes the synergy between artistic vision and technical processes. He excels at demystifying complex topics, making advanced techniques accessible and practical for immediate application in your digital workflow.
[
