Acrylic Print vs Canvas Print – Which One is the Best?
Decor Ideas

Acrylic Print vs Canvas Print – Which One is the Best?

author
September 9, 2024

Personalizing your home with photos of loved ones adds a warm, inviting touch. However, you may wonder about design options like acrylic print vs canvas print. Choosing the best option involves considering the pros and cons of each style. While the differences may seem subtle, factors like durability, appearance, and cost play a crucial role. Our guide breaks down these aspects to help you decide which style suits your space best.

Acrylic Prints

Acrylic prints, also known as acrylic faces or photo mounts, are renowned for their brilliant, shining finish. This makes the photo look clearer and more colorful. A smooth, texture-free surface that enables crisp details and striking contrasts is what acrylic prints have over canvas prints. The photo is printed on high-quality photo paper and then mounted between two layers of acrylic glass. Acrylic prints can come in various thicknesses, including 1/8”, 1/4”, 1/2”, or 1”. The choice of thickness can affect the durability and visual impact of the print. Acrylic prints provide a sleek, modern look, making them a great choice for those who like a clean, modern style.

Acrylic Prints

Canvas Prints

Let's take a closer look at the basics of canvas prints. These unique art pieces start with a photo, which is then printed onto a canvas using an inkjet printer. This method produces a high-quality image that closely mimics the look of a traditional painting. The canvas material itself adds a distinct texture, giving the artwork a robust, tactile feel and ensuring durability.

One of the best things about canvas prints is that they often don't need a frame. The canvas can be wrapped around a frame in a way called a ""gallery wrap."" This method shows artwork nicely without extra framing, creating a clean, modern look.

Canvas Print

What is the Difference Between an Acrylic Print and a Canvas Print?

When selecting between an acrylic print vs canvas options, there are plenty of pros and cons to take to heart. You may want to ask yourself a few simple questions in advance. Are you looking for a piece of art that has an old-fashioned feel or a print that evokes more modern sensibilities? Do you prefer traditional images or new styles? Would you like an image with vibrancy or one that is a bit more understated? Take a look at the following features and see how canvas wall art compares to acrylic prints in a variety of categories.

Durability

Acrylic prints offer superior durability with UV protection ranging from 70% to 99%, maintaining their vibrancy longer. They are also resistant to moisture damage. In contrast, canvas prints are more prone to fading from UV exposure and can warp if exposed to moisture. While acrylic prints may be more durable, you can protect canvas prints by keeping them out of direct sunlight and in controlled humidity. This helps prevent UV and moisture damage, ensuring your artwork remains beautiful over time.

Uniqueness

Both acrylic and canvas styles boast perks that make them unique. Acrylic prints have a shiny, vibrant finish that suits a modern, polished style. Canvas prints, on the other hand, provide a classic, textured look reminiscent of oil paintings, perfect for traditional aesthetics. Basically, which option feels unique to you will come down to your own personal preferences. For a classic, textured look, canvas prints are ideal. If you prefer a glossy, modern finish, go for acrylic prints.

Style

Acrylic print vs canvas are both stylish in their own ways. Acrylic prints, pressed between pieces of plexiglass, offer a striking, modern appearance with bright, bold colors. This finish is great for creating a striking, modern look in any space. Canvas prints often feature a gallery wrap, providing a frameless, classic look reminiscent of traditional art. This style is good for those who like soft, muted color palettes and a warm, cozy feel.

Style

Vibrancy

Prints on canvas and acrylic have considerably different levels of brightness. Acrylic prints deliver bright, bold colors that add a vibrant splash to any space. Acrylic ink is UV-resistant, ensuring long-lasting color brightness. Due to the nature of the canvas, images printed on this material often appear more subdued. Canvas prints have a soft, serene color palette, making them ideal for a calm and classic aesthetic. It will depend on your particular tastes whether you choose the vibrant hues of acrylic or the subdued tones of canvas.

Hanging

Hanging Canvas

There are a few different points to keep in mind when hanging canvas and acrylic prints. Acrylic prints are heavier and need strong support to avoid damaging the wall and to stay in place. Make sure the wall and hanging hardware can hold the weight of the acrylic print. In contrast, canvas prints are lighter but can be easily damaged if not handled carefully, especially when hanging directly on hooks, as they can get punctured. Proper packaging is important during transport to prevent damage. Consider the weight and fragility of each type when preparing to hang them.

Price

Selecting between acrylic and canvas prints generally comes down to budget. Acrylic prints are more expensive, but some people find that acrylic prints are a better investment. Since acrylic inks won’t fade for several years, you can expect to get many more years of use out of this option. In contrast, canvas prints are a great option and cost about 50% less than acrylic prints. This means you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a beautiful piece of art in your home. Consider your financial comfort level to make a decision you'll be happy with.

Glare

Finally, you might be curious about how glare will impact your prints. One of the biggest advantages that you can expect with a canvas print is that you will not be dealing with a serious glare at all. The muted nature of canvas means that any light that hits it will simply highlight the beauty of the image. With acrylic prints, you might be dealing with a lot of light bouncing back at you. However, hanging the acrylic print in a place where it is not exposed to a lot of light can significantly reduce the glare.

Glare

Conclusion

FeatureAcrylic PrintCanvas Print
DurabilityUV protection (70% to 99%), moisture-resistantLess durable, prone to fading and moisture damage
VibrancyBright and vivid colors, high contrastSofter colors can sometimes appear muted
GlareCan have glare, but manageable with placementNo glare, matte finish
MaintenanceEasy to clean with a soft clothRequires careful dusting, can be difficult to clean
CostHigher cost, but offers longevityMore affordable, about 50% less than acrylic prints
FinishGlossy and vibrant with a modern lookMatte with a classic, textured appearance
InstallationCan be hung directly or mounted with standoffsTypically hung on a traditional frame
Best ForModern, vibrant displays, high-res photos with rich colorsTraditional art, home decor with a classic feel, or any photos

If you have the extra money to spend on acrylic, it’s well worth it. Acrylic prints will provide workplaces with a more upscale, professional appearance. First impressions matter a lot, and acrylic will stand out. There is a reason that many are calling acrylic mounts the next big thing in photo displays.

For families looking to stretch their art budget a little further, canvas prints are substantially more affordable. Consider each factor in the table to find the type of print that best suits your space and taste!

Was this article helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Leave a comment

Read more

Types of Canvas Prints: Complete Guide You Need To Know
Decor Ideas

Types of Canvas Prints: Complete Guide You Need To Know

How to Arrange Wall Art: 18 Creative Gallery and Photo Frame Ideas
Decor Ideas

How to Arrange Wall Art: 18 Creative Gallery and Photo Frame Ideas

How to Hang a Canvas: 6 Easy Methods for Stunning Decor
Decor Ideas

How to Hang a Canvas: 6 Easy Methods for Stunning Decor