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Writer's pictureAnvil Prints

Metal Prints vs Acrylic Prints: Which Is Superior?

Updated: Oct 20, 2023

We all have to make tough decisions in our lives. Sometimes, it’s for the best, but other times it’s just a waste of time. Back when we thought leeches were a good thing and redheads were spawns of the underworld, there was an age-old debate between canvas prints and acrylic prints.


You see, back then, there weren’t many good choices when it came to wall art. As a result, individuals could spend weeks debating between two less-than-optimal choices. However, all that is now in the past with the introduction of metal photo prints.

Three beautiful metal prints hanging on a wall.

It has already been shown that metal prints are superior to canvas prints; now it will be shown that metal prints are superior to acrylic prints so as to make your choice in wall art a no-brainer.


Metal Prints vs Acrylic Prints

With that being said, let’s first get a better understanding of what metal and acrylic photo prints are so that we can end the metal prints vs acrylic prints "debate." Acrylic prints come in two different forms—direct-print and face-mounted.


Direct-prints are where the image is printed directly onto an acrylic sheet, whereas face-mounted prints are where the image is printed onto paper and then mounted to the back of an acrylic sheet.


On the other hand, a metal print typically involves sublimating/infusing an image on an aluminum sheet.


Now the question is, which one is better? The quick answer is—metal prints… by a long shot, but here is a longer answer for those who want to relish in the superiority of metal picture prints:


Durability

Metal prints are practically indestructible—short of a nuclear blast. Most are UV resistant and can therefore last a long time without fading. They are also scratch-resistant and waterproof. In fact, you could use them as shingles if you wanted to… though I wouldn’t recommend it.


On the other hand, acrylic prints are not as durable. They are not scratch-resistant, which means if a toddler gets a hold of it, say goodbye. But, to be fair, acrylic photos are water-resistant and are somewhat UV-resistant as well.


Affordability

When it comes to affordability, metal prints win by a landslide. In fact, acrylic prints can sometimes cost as much as four times more than a metal print of the same size… let that sink in. Greed at its finest.


Stun-ability

Last but not least, there is that “wow factor” to consider. Acrylic prints can look okay in the right lighting, but in an area with too much light, the acrylic may create a glare that makes the image difficult to see.


On the other hand, metal prints literally shine in the light and have a sleek, vibrant, modern look to them. In short, metal prints will stun any passerby with its radiance at any time during the day.


Acrylic prints, however, if they have a stun factor, will only stun during days when the sky is overcast—protecting the acrylic print from its worst enemy… light.


Final Thoughts

Overall, for those who want superior wall art prints, they can customize their own metal print here or choose from one of the many fantastical, ludicrous, and crazy AI art photo prints here.


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