Acrylic Prints vs. Canvas Prints: Which is Best?
You’ve made the choice to order a custom piece of wall art for your home or office—but what material should you choose for your space? Two of the most popular choices to make your wall art pop are Acrylic Prints and Canvas Prints. Each has its own unique attributes and aesthetics—so let’s explore the key considerations before designing your next creation!
What are Acrylic Prints
Acrylic Prints are the va-va-voom of custom wall art. High-resolution photos are printed onto quality photographic paper stock and adhered to a clear acrylic glass (fancy name: Plexiglas) for a seamless finish. They add depth and vibrancy to your image, serving up a glossy, sleek, and oh-so-modern look. Because of its glass-like effect, light dances through in a way that gives your photo an extra pop.
What are Canvas Prints?
Canvas Prints, on the other hand, make for a more timeless and artful aesthetic. Here, your favourite artworks or images are printed directly onto a sheet of canvas, which is then snugly stretched around a wooden frame. With its textured charm, canvas gives your photos a warm, classic and artistic feel.
Differences Between Acrylic Prints and Canvas Prints
We’re big fans of both materials—but there are some key differences that you may want to take into consideration for your next masterpiece:
- Finish & Look: Acrylic prints have a glossy and clear finish, giving them a more modern and sleek aesthetic. Canvas prints have a matte, textured finish, making for a more vintage and artistic vibe.
- Durability: Acrylic prints are more resistant to moisture and UV rays, which makes them suitable for areas exposed to direct sunlight or humidity. Canvas prints, though durable, may fade over time if exposed to direct sunlight.
- Weight: Acrylic prints are generally heavier due to the weight of the material. Canvas prints are lighter, which may be a consideration when ordering oversized pieces.
- Hanging Hardware: Acrylic prints are typically mounted using a standoff system, which gives the piece a floating effect. Canvas prints, on the other hand, use standard hanging hardware like that which you’d find on a photo frame.
Similarities Between Acrylic Prints and Canvas Prints
When it’s down to the nitty gritty, canvas and acrylic share some positive attributes to make your decision-making process an easy breeze:
- Customization: Both canvas and acrylic can be customised in terms of size, shape, and design to fit your desired aesthetic. No cookie-cutters here!
- Ease of Cleaning: Both materials are relatively easy to clean. However, while acrylic prints can be wiped with a damp cloth, canvas prints should be dusted lightly to avoid damaging the material.
- Longevity: With proper care, both acrylic and canvas prints can last for years, preserving your precious memories and artworks so you can love them for a lifetime.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Canvas or Acrylic
We aren’t done yet—because these are the key considerations you’ll want to ponder before making for final select:
Location
If you're considering hanging your art in a space that receives a lot of sunlight or in humid environments (like bathrooms), acrylic may be the better choice due to its UV and moisture resistance. Canvas is better suited for less humid spaces with indirect light.
Desired Aesthetic
If you're going for a contemporary, sharp, and vibrant look, choose acrylic. For a classic, artistic, and textured feel, go with canvas. At the end of the day, both materials will produce a vibrant image you’ll love—but you want your wall art to blend seamlessly into your space!
Weight & Mounting
Consider the strength of the walls or surfaces you'll be hanging the prints on. If weight is a concern, canvas prints might be more suitable due to their lighter weight. On the other hand, the floating effect you can get with acrylic prints can add depth and dimension to your space.
How to Create Custom Canvas Prints and Acrylic Prints
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! Follow these simple steps to create your very own custom canvas or acrylic print:
1) Shop Our #Curavate Collection
Discover and create your own wall art, decor and more! Our selection includes quality-made goods, including Canvas Prints, Poster Prints, Acrylic Prints, Metal Prints, Drinkware, Greeting Cards, Notebooks and more.
2) Customise Your Creation
Personalise your items by browsing Curavate for diverse creations and ready-to-print designs. If you’d rather create your own artwork, simply upload your images to customise your one-of-a-kind items. Select your size, material, and finishings to make it uniquely yours.
3) Purchase Your Products
Voila! Once you’ve submitted your order, your items are crafted with the utmost intention and care. Then, they’re delivered directly to your doorstep for you to unbox and adore.
Becoming a #Curavator is easy—just commence creativity! So, what will it be? Are you all-in for acrylic or called to canvas? There’s only one way to find out!
