In terms of quality, when you upload your digital photos, you will get the same high quality reprints from custom plexiglass and canvas prints. Both are the result of a direct printing process using large format inject printers. However, the finished products look quite different from each other.
Our custom plexiglass / acrylic printing produces a sleek, shiny, modern glass reprint. With crisp, clean edges and sharp colors, acrylic prints look great in a home, office or gallery.
Our custom canvas prints are printed with UV-cured ink for long-lasting, vibrant colors. Canvas prints are more textured and traditional-looking than acrylic prints.
No matter which process you use, your personalized print will be a treasure forever.
Both canvas and acrylic prints are popular options for displaying your favorite custom artwork or photographs – but which one is better? They each have distinct characteristics, advantages, and looks so the “best” option will greatly depend on what you’re looking for as the person who will see the art regularly.
Canvas vs. Acrylic: Appearance
Canvas
Canvas provides a classic and artistic look to any piece of art because of the unique texture of the medium. This is due to the fibers of cotton or cotton-polyester blends that are woven together to comprise a blank canvas. It should be noted that there is a noticeable difference between high-quality canvas and cheaper canvas prints because the quality of the woven fibers and printing techniques can vary greatly. That “canvas look” you want fades as the price points go down.
Acrylic
Acrylic prints, also known as plexiglass, is a transparent lightweight material that can have images printed directly onto it or HD photo paper prints mounted to them. Prints on acrylic have a sleek and modern appearance and typically come with a glossy finish (though there are some non-glare matte finishes available for acrylic prints as well). Acrylic prints feature bright colors and add dimension to the image.
Canvas vs. Acrylic: Print Durability
Canvas
Canvas is mostly made of natural fibers and can be susceptible to moisture damage and damage from prolonged exposure to solar radiation. Canvas can withstand some wear and tear and all of these issues can be mitigated if it’s put in a protective frame so it can be just as durable as other print options.
Acrylic
Acrylic is shatter-resistant, moisture-resistant, and can also be resistant to UV radiation. This makes them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, locations where accidental impacts may be a concern, and in any lighting condition.
Canvas vs. Acrylic: Weight & Hanging
Canvas
Because of the subframe, a canvas print will typically be heavier than an acrylic print. The subframe does provide an advantage as unlike acrylic prints, the subframe allows you to choose to either hang it on the wall as is or put it into a frame.
Acrylic
Acrylic prints are relatively lightweight as they don’t require a subframe and are made of light plexiglass. You can frame your acrylic print like you would any other print or choose unique-looking standoffs that affix your acrylic print to the wall with four mounts.
Canvas vs. Acrylic: Price
Canvas
Canvas prints can be more affordable with the caveat that the cheaper canvas options aren’t really a good comparison to an acrylic print. Keep in mind that a quality canvas print can still be cheaper than an acrylic print but the price difference between them won’t be as stark as compared to budget-conscious canvas options.
Acrylic
Pricing for acrylic prints will vary based on the printing method, direct to substrate or HD photo paper mounted, and whether or not you choose to add encapsulation (an option to add a protective coating to the print). Depending on what you choose, an acrylic print will tend to be slightly more expensive than a canvas print.
Canvas vs. Acrylic: Image Quality
Canvas
In terms of quality, when you upload your digital photos, you will get the same high-quality reprints from custom Acrylic and canvas prints. Our custom canvas prints are printed with UV-cured ink for long-lasting, vibrant colors. Canvas prints are more textured and traditional-looking than acrylic prints which will impact how the image looks.
Acrylic
While the image fidelity and quality are on par with canvas, acrylic prints look great with sharp colors and clean lighting. Perfect for photos or custom art, the acrylic printing process options (direct to substrate or HD photo paper) allow you to choose the type of print that you think looks best.
So, Which Is Better Canvas or Acrylic?
Choosing between acrylic prints and canvas prints depends on your preferences and the intended display environment. Acrylic prints offer a contemporary, vibrant look and enhanced durability, while canvas prints provide a traditional, artistic feel at a lower cost. Consider the style of the space, your budget, and the level of durability needed when making your decision.