Acrylic prints vs. canvas: Which is better for your photos?

Deciding how to showcase your most important photos can be challenging when faced with too many options. Among the most popular mediums for prints are acrylic and canvas. 

Each medium offers its own advantages and aesthetic allure, so selecting the right one boils down to your specific requirements and the ambiance you aim to create within your space.

This comprehensive guide explores the fundamental differences between acrylic vs. canvas prints, examining durability, image quality, and visual charm. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of which art print style best highlights your artwork in the most captivating way.

• Acrylic prints deliver vibrant colors and a sleek, modern look, perfect for contemporary photo displays.

• Canvas prints offer a timeless, textured appearance that enhances traditional and artistic photo presentations.

• Choosing between acrylic and canvas prints involves evaluating factors like durability, image clarity, and overall visual appeal.

• The intended display environment and aesthetic goals are essential in determining your photos' most suitable print type.

• Gelato’s print on demand services simplify creating and customizing high-quality art prints, ensuring professional and seamless production.

An acrylic material print involves printing an image on high-quality photographic paper and pressing it between two sheets of acrylic glass. This method enhances the photo's depth and colors, making images appear lifelike—perfect for those selling art. The glossy finish of acrylic paintings adds a sophisticated, modern touch, ideal for contemporary settings.

Pros and cons 

Acrylic prints offer several benefits that make them an attractive option for displaying your photos: 

• Highly durable due to protective acrylic layers

• Excellent resistance to UV rays

• A vibrant, glossy finish enhances color clarity

• It provides a high-end, professional appearance

There are also some downsides to consider when choosing acrylic prints: 

• Higher cost compared to other print options

• Heavier, requiring more secure mounting solutions

A canvas print results from directly printing an image onto high-quality canvas material. The printed canvas is stretched tightly over a wooden frame, often using gallery wrapping. This method effectively mimics the look of traditional oil paintings and provides a classic, textured aesthetic that adds depth and character to your photos. 

Pros and cons 

Canvas prints offer several advantages for photo displays: 

• Scratch and fade-resistant, providing durability

• Lightweight and portable, making them easier to display

• More affordable compared to acrylic prints

However, there are some drawbacks to consider: 

• Colors can appear slightly muted

• Textured surfaces may compromise fine image details

Now, let's explore the key differences between acrylic prints and canvas prints to learn how these two mediums can help you display different types of photos.

Material 

The material used in prints affects their longevity and overall appearance. Here’s what makes acrylic and canvas prints unique in this aspect:

• Acrylic prints: These prints comprise a high-quality, clear acrylic sheet. The photo is printed directly onto the back of the acrylic, providing a glossy, vibrant finish.

• Canvas prints: These prints are crafted from woven fabric, usually cotton or a cotton-poly blend. The image is printed onto the surface of the canvas and then stretched over a wooden frame, delivering a textured, artistic feel.

Finish

The finish of your print immensely impacts its overall appearance. Here’s what sets these prints apart in this regard: 

• Acrylic prints: These prints offer a glossy, high-shine finish that enhances color depth and provides a modern, sleek look. They are also scratch-resistant, making them highly durable.

• Canvas prints: On the contrary, canvas prints provide a matte, textured finish that adds a classic, artistic feel. The surface diffuses light, eliminating glare but lessening the vibrancy compared to acrylic.

Durability 

Durability is a critical factor when deciding between acrylic and canvas prints. Both materials offer unique advantages, making them suitable for different environments and usage requirements. Let's take a closer look at this aspect of each medium:

• Acrylic prints: These prints, known for their superior durability, resist scratches, breaks, and moisture. They also offer UV protection ranging from 70% to 99%, making them ideal for long-term display in various environments.

• Canvas prints: While beautiful and classic, canvas prints are more susceptible to moisture and physical impact damage. They lack the inherent UV protection of acrylic but can still last many years with proper care and placement away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Image clarity 

When considering image clarity, both acrylic and canvas prints offer unique benefits. Understanding the differences can help you choose the best medium to showcase your photos with the highest fidelity.   

• Acrylic prints: Known for exceptional clarity, acrylic sheets enhance image sharpness, making details crisp and precise. They are perfect for high-resolution photos.

• Canvas prints: These offer a softer, more textured look. While still high-quality, the texture can diffuse sharpness, giving a slightly painted effect, ideal for artistic or vintage-style photos.

Aesthetic appeal  

Choosing between acrylic and canvas prints often involves personal taste and the desired visual impact. Each medium offers distinct aesthetic qualities that can dramatically influence the ambiance of a space. Let's take a closer look:  

• Acrylic prints: These prints offer a striking, modern look with a shiny, vibrant finish. They are perfect for contemporary spaces, providing a slim and sleek appearance.

• Canvas prints: On the other hand, these exude a classic art feel, often associated with traditional, rustic, or cozy interiors. The textured surface of canvas prints provides a timeless, painterly effect.

Weight  

Concerning weight, canvas and acrylic prints create different experiences. Discerning between the two can influence your choice depending on your display needs. Here is how they differ in weight:  

• Acrylic prints: These prints are generally heavier due to the acrylic glass layer, which can impact the ease of hanging, especially in sizes above 18x24 inches.

• Canvas prints: These prints are lightweight, which makes them easier to handle and hang. They're ideal for large installations where weight could be a concern.

Price  

Price is often a crucial factor when investing in your high-quality photo prints. Let's compare the costs associated with acrylic and canvas prints to help you make an informed decision:

• Acrylic prints: Acrylic is typically more expensive due to the materials and production process. Expect to pay more for the sleek, modern look and enhanced image clarity.

• Canvas prints: Generally more affordable, these prints are ideal for budget-conscious consumers seeking a classic, timeless aesthetic.

Note: While acrylic prints may demand a higher upfront investment, their exceptional durability and visual impact can justify the cost for those looking for unparalleled quality.

Glare 

When choosing between acrylic and canvas prints, glare is essential to keep in mind. It can impact how your photo is viewed, especially in rooms with intense lighting.

• Acrylic prints: The high-gloss surface of acrylic prints can reflect light, leading to noticeable glare, especially in brightly lit environments. You can manage this by placing these prints away from direct light sources.

• Canvas prints: Canvas prints typically have a matte finish, which results in little to no glare. Since the texture absorbs light rather than reflecting it, they're ideal for spaces with varied lighting conditions.

Customization options  

In terms of customization, acrylic and canvas prints each offer unique benefits. From framing choices to different sizes and finishes, understanding these options can help you make the best decision. 

• Acrylic prints: Typically allow for more contemporary framing options and a sleek, modern look. You can choose from various thicknesses and backings, adding depth and dimension to your photos.

• Canvas prints: These often offer flexible sizing and edge options, such as gallery wrap or colored borders. You can traditionally frame these prints, which adds a classic touch to your custom artwork.

Color vibrancy 

When showcasing photos, color vibrancy is critical to making your images pop. Both acrylic and canvas prints offer unique ways to bring out the best in your photos, but their approaches to color saturation can differ significantly. Here's what sets them apart: 

• Acrylic prints: With bright, bold colors and high contrast, the glossy finish of these prints enhances vibrancy, making images pop.

• Canvas prints: Offering more muted, understated colors, the texture of canvas prints can diffuse light, which softens color vibrancy.

Here are the scenarios where opting for acrylic prints is advantageous: 

• Creating a modern aesthetic for spaces: If you’re aiming for a sleek, contemporary look, acrylic prints excel in delivering a high-gloss, professional appearance. The clean lines and glossy finish make them perfect for modern interiors.

• High-moisture areas: Given their resilience to moisture, acrylic prints are suitable for humid environments like bathrooms and kitchens, where traditional canvas prints might deteriorate over time. Acrylic prints are easily cleaned with a soft cloth and mild detergent, ensuring they stay spotless and vibrant over time.

• Professional presentations and galleries: If you’re presenting photos in a professional setting, like an art gallery or a corporate office, the polished, high-end look of acrylic mounts helps create a lasting impression.

• Three-dimensional art: The transparent acrylic layer can create a three-dimensional effect, adding depth to the images, which makes them an excellent choice for detailed, intricate photos.

For the above-mentioned purposes, acrylic prints will perfectly align with your vision. The durability, vibrancy, modern appeal, and potentially higher profit margins (if you plan on selling your art) of this medium make it perfect for your images.

Canvas prints are excellent for showcasing your photos, especially if you want a warm, timeless look. Here are some scenarios where opting for canvas prints might be the best decision: 

• Artistic and classical aesthetic: Canvas prints offer a textured, painterly effect that complements classical or artistic photos. They effortlessly blend into traditional home décor settings, adding a touch of elegance and charm.

• Budget-friendly decor: Compared to acrylic prints, canvas prints are generally more affordable, which makes them more accessible if you're looking to decorate larger spaces or create a gallery for your wall art without breaking the bank.

• Using against reflective surfaces: Canvas prints' matte finish ensures no glare, making them ideal for displaying in brightly lit rooms or areas with large windows where reflections might concern you.

• Versatile display: Canvas prints are often available with gallery wrap or framing options, providing flexibility in how you present your artwork. A gallery wrap can make the photo appear seamless and modern, while a framed option can add a traditional touch.

• Displaying in compact places: Canvas prints are lighter than acrylic prints, making them easier to hang and move around. This feature mainly benefits renters or those who frequently update their wall art.

If your style leans toward a cozy, timeless, and slightly rustic feel, or you need a cost-effective yet impactful way to display multiple pieces of artwork, rolled canvas prints will likely be the best choice for your photos.

Acrylic vs. canvas prints can be a tough choice, especially when you are an art lover and love expressing your creative vision using both mediums. 

Acrylic photo prints deliver a sleek, contemporary appearance with eye-catching, vibrant colors, while canvas prints offer a timeless, textured finish that infuses warmth and depth into any space. However, your choice may hinge on durability, image quality, and the aesthetic atmosphere you want to create. 

With Gelato, take your wall art to the next level with professional printing solutions. Our diverse wall art options and flexible subscription plans simplify transforming your beloved photos into stunning pieces of art that mirror your style and taste. From our eco-friendly direct printing solutions to an extensive array of customizable choices, Gelato ensures you preserve your memories with unparalleled quality and meticulous care.

Sign up for Gelato today to bring your creative ideas to life through exquisite digital art prints!