Acrylic (Glass) or Canvas Prints – Which should you go with?

Printing on Acrylic vs. Printing on Canvas: A Comparison

When it comes to creating high-quality prints of your art works there are a number of options. Two popular options are acrylic glass prints and printing on canvas. Both depend on the images you want to print and the style you wish to achieve.  Both options  produce stunning results however  there are some key differences to consider. Here are some of the main factors to keep in mind:

Printing on Acrylic:

  • This method involves printing the image digitally  onto onto the back of the acrylic sheet. This  is referred to as flat bed printing
  • Acrylic glass prints are have vibrant colors that really pop and the clarity of the image is unparalleled.
  • Acrylic prints are more durable than canvas and can be used  indoors  without fear of fading. They are also easy to clean and maintain.
  • Acrylic glass prints is a a newer medium and is more upscale then canvas
  • Prints can be mad up to 60 by 95 inches
  • There are various thickness of acrylic that can be printed on including 1/8, 3/16, 1/4 and 3/8.
  • Acrylics tend to break more then canvas when shipping. approx. 2 % of shipment can expect damage
Acrylic or Canvas Prints
Acrylic or Canvas Prints
  • This method involves digitally  printing the image onto  woven canvas. It is then stretched and mounted onto a frame.
  • Canvas prints have a more textured look which is not shared by acrylic . The results are a more natural, organic look.
  • The colors on canvas prints may not be as vibrant as those on acrylic prints, but can still pack a punch
  • Canvas prints are also a popular option for reproducing artwork. The texture and feel of the canvas can mimic the look of a painted canvas. Acrylic is catching up in this department
  • However, canvas prints may not be as durable as acrylic prints, as the material can be prone to cracking and fading over time.
  • You can produce very large canvas prints. 110 inches by 60 can be done. However these are usually not framed but shipped rolled.
Acrylic or Canvas Prints
Acrylic or Canvas Prints

Which is best for you

Ultimately, the choice between printing on acrylic or canvas will depend on the style and feel you are trying to capture. As well if this is a commisi0ned piece  the customer will let you know their expectations  . If you’re looking for a high-impact, durable print with vivid colors, acrylic may be the way to go. If you want a more natural, organic feel with a texture that mimics painted canvas, canvas prints may be a better fit. Both methods can produce beautiful results, so take the time to explore your options and find the one that works best for you.

Costs

The cost difference between both usually side on the acrylic for being more expensive. Whereas canvas is a woven fabric acrylic is a non porous material and comes in huge sheets of 60-96 or 48 -96 inches. Canvas comes in rolls that can fit under a table. There are also specific overhead costs that associated with both. You can get a digital printer as low as 1500.00 and start producing canvas prints.
When printing on Acrylic you need a Flat bed printer which usually start at 60,000 – 70,000 as well as a huge cutting table that the prints lay on. Good for another 2,000.00. The smart producer builds these into his costs

Acrylic prints also require the use of high-quality trained people and produce  UV-resistant inks, and mounting hardware. As mentioned prior the  process of printing on acrylic can also be more complex and time-consuming. which can contribute to the higher labor costs. Additionally, the thickness of the acrylic sheet used can also impact the cost, with thicker sheets generally being more expensive.

Canvas prints, on the other hand, are typically more affordable. Canvas is a widely available material and the process of printing on it is relatively straightforward. However, the quality of the canvas and the inks used can impact the final cost, and larger sizes may also be more expensive.

  • A 60-40 canvas print can stretched can cost 150.00 to produce
  • A 60-40 acrylic print 1/8 can cost  270.00 produce
Overall, the cost differences between printing on acrylic and printing on canvas will depend on your specific project and the options you choose. It’s a good idea to get quotes from several printing services and compare the prices and quality of their work to find the best option for your needs and budget.

Durability

Canvas prints and acrylic prints each have their own unique durability characteristics which depends on the specific conditions they are exposed to.

Acrylic prints are known for their durability as long as they are not exposed to things that can scratch the surface . The surface of the acrylic is also smooth and easy to clean. It can aid to overall durability  and protect the image from damage over time. Additionally, the thickness of the acrylic sheet used can impact its durability, with thicker sheets generally being more resistant to damage.

Canvas prints, on the other hand, may be less durable than acrylic prints. Canvas material can be prone to cracking, fading, and water damage over time. Sunlight cab fade the image overtime. However, high-quality canvas prints that use fade-resistant inks and protective coatings can be more durable and resistant to these types of damage.

Ultimately, both canvas prints and acrylic prints can be durable if they are produced using high-quality materials and proper care is taken to protect them from damage. When deciding between the two, it’s important to consider the specific conditions in which the print will be displayed and how much wear and tear it is likely to experience over time.

SHOP ACRYLIC | SHOP CANVAS

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