Acrylic vs. Metal Prints: Which Is Better?
What Are Metal Prints?
Metal prints are created by first printing the image on a transfer paper, which is then placed face down on a sheet of specially coated aluminum. The metal and paper go into a heat press where the dyes from the paper transform into a gas. These gaseous dyes are pressed into the surface of the metal, and as the metal cools, the dyes return to their solid state, becoming permanently infused into the aluminum substrate. This process is called dye sublimation.
Because the image is infused and permanently bonded to the surface, metal prints are very durable, with an ultra-hard scratch-resistant glossy surface, and resistant to both moisture and heat. They are also thin, lightweight, rust-proof, and easy to clean.
Metal prints can be cleaned with any all-purpose household cleaner. The cleaner can be sprayed directly on the surface and then wiped with a cloth as needed.
What Does A Metal Print Look Like?
My metal prints are .045” thick, frameless, glossy, and with slightly rounded corners. The dye sublimation process results in images that are vivid and vibrant, with brilliant colors and clarity.
What looks good on metal? I like of my images on metal, but I think the ones that really stand out are the more colorful and vibrant ones. I don’t have separate pages for metal, but you can get any image in my store as a custom metal print, in sizes from small to extra large.
Pictured: Closeup of a corner of a metal print of "Pool No. 3"
How Long Do Metal Prints Last?
As long as they are printed with name brand inks on Chromaluxe metal (not inexpensive knockoffs), properly cared for and not hung in direct sunlight, metal wall art should last a lifetime. My lab always uses Epson inks and Chromaluxe, and their metal prints are beautiful! But if you can’t avoid direct sunlight, an acrylic glass print is a better option.What Are Acrylic Prints?
There are two different ways of creating an acrylic print:
1. Printing the image directly onto the acrylic
2. Printing the image on paper and then placing the acrylic on top of it (“face mounting”)
Acrylic with the image printed right on it will usually not have any backing material, and is hung on the wall with stand-off bolts.
Face mounted acrylic prints usually have a backing, which serves several purposes: it protects the print, stabilizes the acrylic, and provides a place to attach the hanging hardware.
The material of the backing matters too. The most widely used are Sintra (a high density plastic) and DiBond (a rigid plastic core surrounded by two thin sheets of aluminum). Sintra is a less expensive option, but it is also less stable, and over time, the acrylic might bend. DiBond, while more expensive, both looks nicer and provides better stability. Definitely a worthwhile upgrade in my opinion.
So, which is better? My personal favorites are acrylic glass prints created using the face mounting process and backed with DiBond, which is the method my lab uses. Face mounted prints have more vibrant colors and much better color permanence. And I prefer the frameless look without the stand-off bolts.
What Does An Acrylic Print Look Like?
My acrylic glass prints are frameless and borderless, with depth and rich vibrant colors that really pop.
Because light refracts within the acrylic (instead of passing through, as it does with glass), they can have an almost backlit appearance in the right light, and the polished edges give the image a really cool 3D look (the thicker the acrylic, the more 3D-ish the look). In my opinion, they definitely have more of a luxe feel and wow factor than metal prints.
What looks good as an acrylic print? Almost anything! I have separate pages for several of my images as acrylic glass prints, but you can also get any image in my store as a custom acrylic print, in sizes from small to oversized.
How Long Do Acrylic Glass Prints Last?
The inks my lab uses are rated to last 100 years, and since there is additional UV protection in the acrylic, they should last a lifetime or more. Acrylic face mounted prints produced with inkjet printers will last longer than any other permanent process.
When shopping for acrylic glass prints, be mindful of where they are made. Many places outsource them to other countries, and in my experience, the quality is sub-par. The lab I work with is based in the US and create their acrylic prints in-house from beginning to end, using only top notch materials.
Conclusion: Are acrylic or metal prints better?
It’s subjective of course, and depends on the look you prefer, and where the art is going to be displayed. But here are some pros and cons:
Metal prints are great when you want a lightweight piece with a frameless, minimal look. Because they are weather and water resistant, they are a good choice for bathrooms, kitchens and sheltered outdoor areas (but again, avoid hanging them in direct sunlight). On the downside, with dye sublimation, you lose a bit of color accuracy and detail when compared to an acrylic glass print, and while they will last a long time without fading, they won’t last as long as acrylic glass prints.
Definitely go with metal if you are planning to hang the art outside (in the shade), or in a poorly ventilated bathroom that gets really humid.
If they’re in your budget, acrylic glass prints are a definite upgrade in terms of color accuracy, vibrancy, appearance, and longevity. Plus they’re shatterproof and resistant to UV light and temperature fluctuations. On the minus side, they are heavier than metal prints, and the Standard acrylic is less scratch-resistant than metal and needs to be cleaned with a special solution and microfiber cloth. BUT, the 1/8” Premium acrylic is almost as easy to care for as a metal print, it can be cleaned with Windex and other non-ammonia cleaners. The Premium acrylic has a few other benefits as well - it’s less reflective, more scratch-resistant, and anti-static (doesn’t collect dust).
It's always best to avoid hanging art in direct sunlight regardless of how it’s mounted, but if it can’t be avoided, definitely go with an acrylic glass print. There’s UV protection in the ink that the image is printed with, as well as in the acrylic itself, and they hold up a LOT better to sunlight than metal prints do.
I hope this was helpful! If you have any other questions or need more help choosing between metal and acrylic art prints, just shoot me a message!
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