Help with model base

Hi guys,

I'm wanting to put together a model base for an F1 kit I'm currently building, and the plan is to create a picture on my computer (already created), and have it printed by a photolab onto a print about the size of 10*12 inches or larger. This print will then be put into a frame to make the base for my kit.

The problem I'm having is that I can't find any photolab near me that can do this size print on gloss paper, only on matt - and this isn't the effect I want.

So my question is: does anyone know of any photolab on the planet who can do prints of 10*12 inches or larger on gloss paper???
And if they're outside Australia do they have a contact email address or corporate website?

Any assistance would be great as I'm only finding dead ends at the moment.
Cheers,
Mark

Not sure if they ship down under, but I use Sony's imagestation with great results. I shoot portraits of my daughter, and when they go on sale, get prints 20" by 30" for $9.99. You could get 4 of your pictures printed on that and then cut them up with a matt cutter.

I'm not sure how your base looks, but you could also cover the top with clear epoxy. In the states, they use it for covering bars and tables in restaurants. It dries crytal clear and hard as a rock. Can also be machined (polished). Then it wouldn't matter if the pic was glossy or matt.

Good luck and post pictures when you're done!!!

You may do well to ask this in the photography forum too as there's a chance somebody over there knows something we don't.

You may do well to ask this in the photography forum too as there's a chance somebody over there knows something we don't.

Ray may be I'm distracted but this place is really HUGE. I discovered right now that we have an automotive photography forum in the AF. Thanks :)

Mark: I live in a little 50.000 souls city but we have 4 o 5 photolab that may do the work on glossy paper. Most is equipped with Durst digital devices, but seems me a bit stupid do the job here on the other earth's side and send you. Anyway if you can't find a solution near your facility just PM me.

Also a matt paper (or better semi matte like they use for pro-print) with a glass over.... though?

This may be to trivial but do you have a Kinkos or FedEx printer where you live? I can't imagine that a corporate company like those could not do something like this?! Just a thought.

Cheers guys:

jmwallac: checked out imagestation, but they don't seem to service Australia. And yes, I'm a picture junkie, so as soon as I have something to show I'll post it.

Freakray: photography forum, what photography forum... oh, that photography forum! Things you learn huh. I'll check it out if I have no luck here.

Gionc, enzoenvy1: thanks for the tips, I'll check those out if my current leads don't result in anything - cheers!

I don't know if the US is any closer that Italy, but I have an imagestation account and have used them a ton of times. If you find no other route, send me photos you want and I will get them printed and sent to you at cost.

Not trying to show you up gionc... :grinno:

Don't overlook the resin coating either. I've seen great result with it and it can be polished up with automotive wax.