The main difference between acrylic and metal prints is that acrylic prints give a high colour vibrancy and colour permeance than metal prints. However, metal prints are more affordable than acrylic prints.
Both acrylic and metal prints are frameless print options that offer you a sleek and contemporary look. They have many benefits when compared to traditional canvas prints. In general, both give you vibrant and durable images.
Key Areas Covered
1. What are Acrylic Prints
– Definition, Features, Benefits
2. What are Metal Prints
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Acrylic and Metal Prints
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Acrylic Prints, Metal Prints
What are Acrylic Prints
Acrylic print is a popular printing method that offers a very clean and modern way to display prints as wall art. There are two distinct ways to obtain acrylic prints. The first method is printing the image or photo directly on an acrylic material. Since light refracts through the acrylic glass, the resultant print has image depth and brilliant image quality. Then, the back of the print is sealed with a white coating.
The second method involves printing the image on high-quality photo paper and sandwiching it between two acrylic plates. The back sheet of this type of acrylic print can be black, white or transparent, depending on the image. Then, aluminium standoffs are used to give it visual depth and attach the frame to the wall. We call this the face mounting method. Although this process is more difficult and expensive, it results in a higher colour vibrancy with deep and rich colours and protects the image from scratching, warping or fading over time. In addition to that, acrylic prints are lighter than glass, shatter-resistant, and provides UV protection, which prevents the image from being damaged by sunlight.
Overall, acrylic prints give vibrant and sharp images and help to achieve a sleek and contemporary look. Moreover, other print processes such as canvas print and metal print do not give the same accuracy or colour permanence as acrylic prints.
What are Metal Prints
Metal prints are made by sandwiching a foam core between two sheets of metal, typically aluminium. The image is printed directly onto the metal, giving you a modern and durable product that won’t warp or fade. The process of creating metal prints is called dye sublimation. Moreover, metal prints often use aluminium because it is lightweight and lower cost than other metals.
Metal prints have a frameless design, giving photos a clean, modern look. They have become very popular, and many people now choose this print instead of traditional canvas prints. The main benefits of metal prints are their vibrant colour and fairly affordable price. Moreover, metal prints are waterproof and scratch-resistant. When compared to canvas prints, they are durable and have a long life. However, some metal prints start to fade when hung in direct sunlight for long periods of time. This is why it is important to choose a good quality metal.
Difference Between Acrylic and Metal Prints
Definition
An acrylic print is a sleek and modern print made by printing the photographic image onto high quality photo paper, which is then sandwiched between two acrylic plates. In contrast, a metal print is a glossy and contemporary print made by sandwiching a foam core between two sheets of metal, typically aluminium.
Colours
Moreover, acrylic prints give a high colour vibrancy and colour permeance than metal prints.
Properties
Acrylic prints give vibrant and sharp images, are lighter than glass, shatter-resistant, and provides UV protection while metal prints are durable, waterproof and scratch-resistant.
Price
Generally, acrylic prints are more expensive than metal prints.
Conclusion
Acrylic and metal prints are frameless print options that offer you a sleek and contemporary look. The main difference between acrylic and metal prints is that acrylic prints provide highly vibrant and durable images at a high cost, while metal prints provide glossy images at a more affordable cost.
Reference:
1. “What Is An Acrylic Print? (Beginner’s Guide to Acrylic Prints!).” Canvas Vows, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “416060” (CC0) via Pixabay
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