If you want to add a series of family photos to your gallery wall or bedroom, canvas and acrylic prints are both great options that add to the decor of your house. But there is the question of canvas vs. acrylic; what is more suited to your style, and which is best for your location? So let’s know about Canvas vs Acrylic prints.
If you are struggling with choosing the best option, then this article is especially for you. We will be discussing both canvas and acrylic in detail. Let’s start with a few simple definitions.
Canvas Prints
Fade and scratch-resistant canvas are used for canvas prints. The most common method of making canvas prints is gallery wrapping, where the image is printed on the canvas fabric and then is wrapped over a wooden frame, and a professional finish is added to the canvas print. Canvas prints have an aesthetic similar to an oil painting and give a more artistic feel.
Acrylic Prints
An image is printed on photographic paper and then added between two sheets of plexiglass. If you are looking for a sturdy and glossy finish for your prints, acrylic prints are a good option.
The Main Differences Between Canvas Vs. Acrylic Prints
Now for the actual comparison between the two. Though both are great options if you’re looking to display your photos professionally, there are some things that distinguish them. Here are some of the main differences between canvas and acrylic so you can make a more informed choice:
Durability
Both canvas and acrylic prints are durable, but acrylic prints can withstand water damage. In addition, both of them have UV protection, and depending upon the material used; it can be up to 98% which means fade-proof prints.
Additionally, acrylic prints offer a much easier cleanup, as you can simply wipe away dust and debris. Canvas prints might be more prone to dust, and they are a little bit harder to clean, as you don’t want to get them wet. Acrylic prints are also known to last longer, as their colors won’t fade over time.
Uniqueness
If you are going for an artsy feel in your space, canvas prints are the answer. But if your décor has a lot of metal furnishings and is more modern, acrylic prints should be your go-to. Custom acrylic cases prints have rivets on each edge, and this gives the image a more pronounced look.
Appearance
When it comes to appearance, it is entirely a personal preference. The aesthetics of your room would define your choice. If you want to add a timeless artsy feel to your décor, choose acrylic prints. But for a modern and sleek look, acrylics prints are better and can even be added to your office space.
Many artists are drawn to acrylic prints as they make all colors look fresh and vibrant. Plus, they look incredibly sophisticated and professional in a gallery setting.
Weight
Another factor to consider is the convenience of transportation. Acrylic prints are heavier and difficult to transport, while canvas prints are lighter, easier to transport, and easier to mount. Therefore, canvas prints are a better option when it comes to transportation and can be put up with minimal effort.
We recommend using lightweight canvas art in kids’ rooms and playrooms while considering acrylic prints for kitchens, dining rooms, and even restrooms.
Price
Another win for canvas prints is the price. Canvas prints are much more affordable as compared to acrylic prints. As inexpensive as half the price of acrylic prints, they are artsy and add the feel of an oil painting to your décor.
However, acrylic prints last longer, so if you’re looking for something that can be passed down through the generations or withstand more moves, acrylic might be the right choice for you.
Final Words
This comparison might add some clarity to your confusion of canvas vs. acrylic prints. When opting for a neo-modern look, acrylic prints are a better choice, while canvas prints scream classic and retro. However, no matter what your preference is, The Canvas Factory offers both options of premium quality.
We make it easy to order exactly the imagery you want. So whether you’re using your own photography or adding art using one of the two million free photos we have in our database, we have the tools to help you create a fantastic print. The possibilities are nearly endless, from split photos to large format when creating unique art for your home or giving as gifts!
Canvas Factory has excellent bulk prices, so if you’re looking to get a great gift for the office or your large family, you could save big when your order multiple prints. Get in touch with our team of experts today if you have any questions or need help with your order. We have people standing by waiting to assist you and help you with whatever you need.
Acrylic Photo Prints
Acrylic prints are often called acrylic photo mount, acrylic face, or acrylic face. The general acrylic name is sometimes referred to as perspex (plexiglas), lucite (lucite), or plexiglas (plexiglass), which are all brand names for acrylic. Everything you need to know about acrylic is here. You can also create acrylic prints using either direct printing directly on the material or printing onto paper, and then face mounting to acrylic. The acrylic and print are attached with 1/4, 1/4, 1/2, 1”, 1”, and 1” acrylics in front. Face mounting is more time-consuming and more costly, but it’s well worth the effort. A 1/4″ acrylic face mount shows the acrylic face and the dibond backer, with the print sandwiched between.
The face mount method is a great way to get more color pop and vibrancy, as well as color permanence (ie less susceptible to fading). Professional grade photo paper is the best choice for printing colors. The acrylic face mount makes it possible to highlight your prints in the right lighting by taking advantage of the refractive qualities of acrylic. Professional photographers continue to love the acrylic face mount for its vibrancy.
Although photos online are not able to do these prints justice, here is a shot of one our acrylic prints printed on metallic paper. Metallic paper adds more color and vibrancy to acrylic. This is our thick 1/2″ acrylic. The acrylic’s incredible vibrancy is evident in the right lighting.
Appearance (Depends on Preference, but Acrylic More Impressive By Far).
It is no secret that appearance is a matter for preference. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Canvas has a more traditional look while acrylic is sleek and bright. You can think of a log cabin in the woods, or over Grandma’s fireplace. The canvas print has a deliberately grainy appearance to give it an oil painting look. Acrylic is sharp and vivid when mixed with metallic paper. You’ll notice a 33% improvement in the color gamut and blacks will be more prominent than canvas. Acrylic also has a rare refractive ability that allows light to refract within acrylic, giving it a near 3-D appearance and increased color vibrancy.
Alternatives to Acrylic & Canvas: Metal Prints, Bamboo and Birch, Aluminum, Dibond & Gatorfoam
What if you can’t afford the acrylic print or don’t like the canvas look? You are in luck! Bumblejax offers a variety of options that will suit any style and budget.
Metal Prints – great vibrancy, color richness at a more affordable price over acrylic
Bamboo – beautiful, eco-friendlier product but priced similarly to acrylic
Birch – this is our more budget-friendly wood photo mount product
Aluminum – your photo printed and mounted to 100% raw aluminum
Dibond – basically the same look and thickness as the aluminum product but about 25% cheaper
Gatorfoam – our cheapest product if on a tight budget .. just be careful with these since it’s more fragile
