Acrylic Print vs Canvas Print: What Works Best for Your Photos?
by Maria Johnson
5 Minutes
Acrylic vs canvas print: get the best format for your photos. Explore the key differences between the two and the unique advantages of each print format!
When it comes to displaying your favorite photos or artwork, the print format you choose can significantly impact the overall effect. Two popular options are acrylic prints and canvas prints, each of which offers unique aesthetic and structural qualities. In this article, we delve into the acrylic print vs canvas print debate, helping you make the best choice for your next wall art purchase.
Acrylic Prints: An Introduction
An acrylic print sees your image reproduced in high resolution on a white backing sheet, which is then covered by a slim pane of crystal-clear acrylic glass. The result is a sleek, modern look – with a glossy finish that can make colors pop and details shine. The glass panel produces a shimmering depth effect that seems to bring your photos to life.
Canvas Prints: An Introduction
Canvas prints are made by printing an image directly onto canvas material, which is then wrapped over a wooden frame. The subtle texture of the canvas gives the print a classic, painterly feel – and a matte finish which helps to reduce glare.
Acrylic Print vs Canvas Print: A Summary
In the table below, we summarize all you need to know about the acrylic print vs canvas print question.
| Acrylic Prints | Canvas Prints | |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Lifetime performance. Tearproof, waterproof, resistant to occasional knocks | 75+ years with reasonable care. Susceptible to water and UV damage if not treated with basic care |
| Distinctiveness | Yet to become widely purchased, very distinctive | Gaining popularity, but still a distinctive choice |
| Style | Contemporary & bold | Versatile |
| Color Depth | Super-vibrant, saturated colors | High-res photos with rich colors |
| Price | $25-150 at CANVASDISCOUNT | $5-90 at CANVASDISCOUNT |
| Glare | Reflective surface can produce glare if print is exposed to bright direct light | 100% glare-free |
| Frame | Typically left frameless | Commonly sold with the option of an outer decor frame (such as the “floating” frame design) |
| Works best for | High-res photos with rich colors | Any photos |
Want to know more about the characteristics of each format? Read on!
Style & Aesthetics
On the right, an acrylic print. And on the left, a canvas print.
Acrylic Prints
Acrylic prints offer a sleek, modern aesthetic that can bring a touch of sophistication to any space. Their high-gloss finish and the depth effect created by the acrylic panel can make images appear almost three-dimensional, providing a unique visual experience. This contemporary style makes acrylic prints a popular choice for modern homes and offices.
Canvas Prints
Canvas prints, on the other hand, provide a more traditional “art gallery” feel. The texture of the canvas material adds depth and character to the image, creating a look reminiscent of classic oil paintings. This warm aesthetic can make canvas prints a great addition to a variety of decor styles, from traditional to bohemian.
Color Reproduction
Acrylic Prints
Acrylic prints are known for their vibrant, crisp color reproduction. The acrylic panel enhances the colors and sharpness of the image, making details pop and colors appear more saturated. This makes acrylic prints an excellent choice for high-resolution photos or digital art with bold, vibrant colors.
Canvas Prints
Canvas prints offer a softer, more natural color reproduction. The matte finish of the canvas can help colors appear less saturated and more true-to-life, providing a warm, authentic feel. This makes canvas prints a great choice for portraits, landscapes, or any artwork aiming for a more traditional look.
Durability
Acrylic Prints
Acrylic prints are superbly durable and resistant to scratches and sunlight. You can expect your print to last a lifetime without fading, making acrylic a great choice for areas with lots of natural light. Acrylic prints can be prone to fingerprints, but are easy to clean with just a damp microfiber cloth and, if necessary, a mild cleaning solution.
Canvas Prints
Canvas prints are also very durable and should last for at least 75 years with proper care. With their subtly textured surface, they’re more resistant to fingerprints than acrylic prints. However, they may be more susceptible to damage from sharp objects or high levels of humidity. We would advise against displaying your canvas prints in the kitchen or bathroom, or exposing them to direct sunlight.
Price
Acrylic Prints
Due to the materials and production methods involved, acrylic prints tend to be more expensive than canvas prints. However, their modern, high-end look and durability can make the extra cost worthwhile for those seeking a premium, contemporary aesthetic.
At CANVASDISCOUNT, we proudly offer acrylic prints with a best-price guarantee for the US. Our pricing begins at just $25, and even our larger sizes are competitively priced: our largest print, at an imposing 30”x40”, costs just $150 – significantly less than you can expect to pay for similar-sized acrylic prints elsewhere.
Canvas Prints
Canvas prints are generally more affordable, making them a popular choice for those on a budget. Despite their lower cost, these classically striking wall art features will grace any room – and they’re particularly effective if you’re seeking a more traditional or romantic look.
At CANVASDISCOUNT, we’re committed to selling our canvas prints at the lowest prices possible – and this is backed by our best-price guarantee for the US. Our canvas pricing starts as low as $5 for an 8"x8" format. All our prints are sold at factory prices, so if you choose one of our larger sizes you’ll benefit from huge discounts against the standard retail prices.
Best Use for Each Print Format
Acrylic Prints
Acrylic prints work best for high-resolution photos or digital art with intricate details and bold colors. They’re also an excellent choice for modern living spaces or any setting where a sleek, sophisticated aesthetic is desired.
Canvas Prints
Canvas prints work best for images that benefit from a softer, more traditional look, such as portraits or landscapes. They’re also a great choice for romantic, rustic, or bohemian decor styles, or any space where a warm, authentic aesthetic is preferred.
Acrylic vs Canvas Prints: Final Word
Our honest opinion, as printing experts, is that there’s no absolute right and wrong in the acrylic print vs canvas print debate. Both options offer superb durability and quality, so whichever you choose you can expect a striking wall art feature that’s fit for a gallery. Our most important advice? Buy from a reputable provider like CANVASDISCOUNT and you won’t regret your choice!