Acrylic Prints vs. Canvas Prints : Which Is Best?

Are you having trouble turning your favorite photo into nice wall art? You are not alone.

More people want to personalize their homes. Over 70% of consumers say they are likely to buy products that help them customize their living space. That’s why custom photo prints have surged in popularity, and canvas and acrylic prints lead the pack.

Both formats can turn a great image into something unforgettable. Canvas print brings warmth and texture. Acrylic delivers vibrant color and a polished finish.

But these differences matter more than they seem. Choosing the right print type is not just about taste. It affects how your photo looks, lasts, and fits in your space.      

So, how do you decide? We are here for the help you need.

In this guide, we will explain everything clearly. This way, you can choose the best format with confidence. You can turn your photo into art that you will enjoy every day.

Canvas Print vs. Acrylic Print: At a Glance

Feature	Canvas Prints	Acrylic Prints
Appearance	Textured, matte, painterly finish	Sleek, glossy, glass-like shine
Color Depth	Soft and warm tones	Sharp, vibrant, high-definition colors
Durability	Good in low-traffic areas	Excellent, moisture and UV-resistant
Weight	Lightweight, easy to hang	Heavier, requires sturdy mounting
Glare Resistance	No glare, ideal for bright rooms	Can reflect light; best in controlled lighting
Price	More affordable	Premium price point
Best For	Portraits, classic décor, cozy spaces	Modern settings, bold photos, galleries
Portability	Easy to move or ship	Less portable, better for fixed display

What Are Canvas Prints?

Canvas prints are a popular way to turn everyday photos into beautiful, display-ready wall art. We print your image directly onto a high-quality canvas fabric.

We use advanced inkjet or giclée printing technology to accomplish this. They stretch the printed canvas tightly over a wooden frame, creating a clean, frameless look that is ready to hang. This process gives your photo the look and feel of traditional artwork.

What makes canvas prints so appealing is their warm, organic texture. The surface adds subtle depth to your image, giving it a soft, artistic finish that flat photo paper just can’t replicate. There’s no glare or reflection either, so canvas works well in brightly lit spaces or rooms with lots of natural light.

Another big advantage is affordability. Compared to other premium print types, canvas prints offer exceptional value without compromising visual impact. They are lightweight, easy to hang, and cost-effective for large or multi-print displays.

Canvas prints shine in home décor. They bring a cozy, timeless charm to bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and even staircases.

Family portraits, wedding photos, travel shots, and pet photography all look right at home on canvas. The overall effect is more personal and relaxed. This makes canvas a great choice for wall art that feels lived-in and meaningful.

Want to see your photo come to life? Start with a custom canvas print.

What Are Acrylic Prints?

Acrylic prints offer a modern, eye-catching way to showcase photography with unmatched clarity and brilliance. Artists create these prints using one of two professional methods: direct print or face-mounted acrylic.

In the direct print method, a printer applies UV-cured inks directly onto the back of a clear acrylic sheet to create the image. This approach results in a sleek, contemporary finish with solid durability.

The face-mount process takes things a step further. The printer prints the photo on high-quality paper. Then, someone mounts it behind polished acrylic with a clear adhesive. This adds depth and richness, giving the image a three-dimensional effect that almost seems to float inside the panel.

What sets acrylic prints apart is their vibrancy. Colors appear sharper, blacks are deeper, and every detail is more pronounced. The glossy surface amplifies contrast and adds a glass-like brilliance that brings photos to life.

They also offer practical benefits. Acrylic is moisture-resistant, UV-protected, and far more durable than standard photo paper or canvas. It’s easy to clean and built to last, even in busy or humid environments.

Acrylic prints are great for professional spaces, gallery walls, and modern rooms. They help your art stand out. They work beautifully with high-resolution, colorful images like cityscapes, abstract art, fashion shots, and travel photography. If you're aiming for a bold, luxurious presentation that demands attention, acrylic is often the go-to choice.

Ready to try acrylic? Explore our best-selling acrylic prints.

Difference Between Acrylic Print and Canvas Print

Feature	Canvas Prints	Acrylic Prints
Aesthetic	Matte, textured finish with a classic, artistic look. Ideal for warm, natural tones and traditional spaces.	Glossy, sleek finish that enhances sharpness and color depth. Perfect for bold, modern visuals.
Durability	Durable in dry, low-traffic areas. Can fade or stretch over time if exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.	Highly durable and resistant to moisture, UV rays, and scratches. Built for longevity in various environments.
Price	More affordable. Great for bulk orders or larger wall galleries on a budget.	Premium pricing. Best suited for statement pieces and professional-quality display.
Portability	Lightweight and easy to move or hang. Ideal for renters or frequent room updates.	Heavier and less flexible. Requires secure mounting and is more delicate during transport.
Cleaning & Care	Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid moisture or cleaning agents.	Wipe easily with a damp, soft cloth. Less prone to damage from cleaning.
Ideal Room Types	Bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, staircases, and rustic or cozy interiors.	Offices, lobbies, kitchens, bathrooms, and contemporary home décor.
Shipping Concerns	Easy to ship, especially when rolled. Lower risk of breakage or damage.	Requires careful packaging. Higher shipping cost due to weight and fragility.

How to Choose the Right One: Canvas VS Acrylic

Choosing between canvas and acrylic prints depends on a few key factors. Let’s break it down so you can match the right print to your needs.

Photo Style

Look closely at your photo.

If it has bold colors, sharp details, or high contrast, acrylic prints will make it pop. The glossy surface enhances color and adds depth.

If your photo is soft, warm, or artistic, canvas gives it a gentle, timeless feel. It works especially well with portraits, family pictures, or scenic landscapes.

Room Type

Think about where the print will hang.

Acrylic fits well in modern spaces. Offices, galleries, and sleek interiors are great for its clean, polished look.

Canvas works beautifully in cozy, rustic, or traditional rooms. It adds warmth to bedrooms, living areas, and hallways.

Lighting Conditions

Pay attention to light in the room.

If the space gets a lot of natural light, canvas is the better option. It won’t reflect or glare.

Acrylic looks amazing under spotlights or soft, controlled lighting. But in a sunny room, it can produce reflections.

Budget

Canvas prints are budget-friendly. You can buy more for less, especially if you’re creating a gallery wall or decorating multiple rooms.

Acrylic prints cost more, but they offer a high-end, professional finish. Save them for special images or statement pieces.

Shipping and Installation Needs

Need something lightweight and easy to hang? Go with canvas. It’s light, flexible, and simple to install.

Acrylic is heavier and needs strong support. It also costs more to ship and is more delicate during transport.

If you’re sending prints as gifts or moving them often, canvas is easier to manage.

Still undecided? Order both in smaller sizes and compare at home!

Quick Checklist: Acrylic Prints VS Canvas?

Choose Canvas Prints If:

• You want a soft, matte, non-glare finish
• Your photo has warm tones or a classic style
• You’re decorating a cozy, rustic, or traditional space
• You’re on a budget or buying multiple prints
• The room has lots of natural light
• You prefer lightweight prints that are easy to hang or ship

Choose Acrylic Prints If:

• You love bright colors and sharp details
• Your photo has bold contrast or vibrant elements
• You’re decorating a modern space or office
• You want a sleek, glossy, high-end look
• You need durability in humid or high-traffic areas
• You don’t mind spending more for a standout display

FAQs

1. Which is more durable: canvas or acrylic prints?

Acrylic prints are generally more durable. They resist moisture, UV rays, and scratches, making them great for high-traffic or humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Canvas prints are still long-lasting but best kept in dry, low-touch environments to avoid wear or fading.

2. Are canvas prints cheaper than acrylic prints?

Yes, canvas prints are usually more affordable. If you are decorating on a budget or want to print many pieces for a gallery wall, canvas is a good choice. It gives you more size for your money. Acrylic prints, while more expensive, offer a premium, high-definition finish.

3. Do acrylic prints reflect light or cause glare?

Acrylic prints have a glossy surface that can reflect light, especially in rooms with lots of natural sunlight. They look best in spaces with soft, controlled lighting. If you’re placing artwork near a window, canvas may be the better choice since it’s glare-free.

4. Can I hang canvas or acrylic prints in the bathroom?

Acrylic prints are better suited for bathrooms or kitchens because they’re moisture-resistant and easy to clean. Canvas can absorb humidity over time unless it's specially coated and placed in a low-steam area.

5. Which print type is easier to hang and move?

Canvas prints are lighter and easier to install. They don’t require special mounts and are great if you move often or want to rearrange your wall art. Acrylic prints are heavier and need secure hanging hardware for support.

6. Do canvas and acrylic prints require different care?

Yes. Canvas should be dusted gently with a dry cloth, and should not be exposed to water or cleaners. Acrylic prints are easier to maintain—just wipe with a soft, damp cloth to keep them looking new.

7. Which print style is better for colorful or high-detail photos?

Acrylic prints are the better choice for bold, colorful images or detailed photography. The glossy finish enhances sharpness and vibrancy. Canvas softens the image slightly, which works beautifully for portraits and warm-toned shots.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a print format is not just a design decision. It’s about how you want your memories to live with you.

Some photos deserve a subtle presence. Others need to stand out and spark emotion the moment someone walks into the room. Thinking about the story behind your photo can help guide your choice more than any technical spec ever will.

The format you choose influences how people experience that story. It shapes how the colors feel, how the room responds, and how often you’ll stop to take a second look. That’s the power of thoughtful printing.

You’re not just picking between canvas or acrylic. You decide how to tell your story.

When you're ready to bring that story to life, we’ll make sure it looks exactly the way it should.

Start today and create a print that holds meaning every time you see it.