Acrylic vs Metal Prints: Which Wall Art Is Best for Your Photos?

Introduction

Acrylic and metal prints look incredible in homes, offices, and so much more. Both print types are sleek and professional-looking, and it’s tough to go wrong with either product. However, if you’re struggling to pick between the two, there are some key differences to understand before buying.

As an experienced photographer, I’ve done my fair share of printing and have tried both of these print types. Below, I discuss the key differences and similarities between acrylic and metal, and explain why you might want to pick acrylic over metal (or vice versa)!

Acrylic vs Metal Prints: Side-by-Side Comparison and Overview

Feature	Metal Prints	Acrylic Prints
Print Process	Dye sublimation – ink infused directly into aluminum	Photo mounted behind plexiglass sheet
Visual Effect	Metallic sheen, refined industrial look	3D depth effect, vibrant glossy finish
Color Vibrancy	Good – colors enhanced by metallic base	Excellent – colors pop with exceptional depth
Archival Longevity	65+ years (ChromaLuxe HD)	100+ years (TruLife acrylic glass)
Scratch Resistance	Excellent – highly scratch-resistant	Moderate – can scratch without care
Water/Moisture Resistance	Excellent – fully waterproof	Good – water-resistant but paper layer vulnerable
UV/Sunlight Resistance	Moderate – can fade in direct sunlight	Excellent – UV protection in ink and acrylic
Weight (12×18″ print)	~1.6 lbs (lightweight)	~4.4 lbs (heavy)
Glare/Reflection	Low (matte options available)	High – glossy surface reflects light
Best Finish Options	Glossy, satin-matte, white base, silver base	Glossy, matte backing, various thicknesses
Mounting Hardware	Lightweight options – standard hangers work	Requires sturdy hardware (french cleats)
Price Range	$$ – More affordable	$$$ – 30-100% more expensive than metal
Best For	High-traffic areas, bathrooms, outdoors (sheltered), budget-conscious buyers	Gallery displays, formal settings, vibrant colorful photos, modern decor
Outdoor Use	Yes – suitable for sheltered outdoor areas	No – not recommended for outdoor display
Humidity Tolerance	Excellent – ideal for bathrooms/basements	Moderate – prolonged humidity can cause issues
Cleaning	Easy – wipe with damp cloth	Easy – wipe with soft cloth (avoid scratching)
Size Options	Wide range, better for very large prints (4ft+)	Wide range, includes freestanding acrylic blocks
Décor Style	Versatile – works with most interior styles	Modern/contemporary – requires sleek aesthetic
Portability	Easy to transport (lightweight)	Difficult to transport (heavy, fragile)

Data based on premium manufacturers using ChromaLuxe HD metal and TruLife acrylic glass. Actual specifications may vary by vendor.

Quick Decision Guide

Choose Metal Prints If…	Choose Acrylic Prints If…
You’re on a budget	You want maximum color vibrancy
Print will hang in bathroom/high humidity	Print will be in direct sunlight
You need scratch resistance	You want the 3D depth effect
You want lightweight, easy hanging	You prefer a gallery/premium look
You need outdoor durability (sheltered)	You have modern/contemporary décor
You’ll transport prints frequently	Maximum archival longevity is priority

For our top vendor recommendations, see our guides to the best acrylic print services and best metal print services.

Acrylic and metal prints have become popular in recent years, thanks to their versatility, durability, and just all-around stunning aesthetic.

While there are different methods of creating acrylic prints, companies usually start with a top-quality (paper) photo print, which is then mounted to the back of a sheet of plexiglass. The result is modern and vibrant:

Metal prints also come in several forms. The highest-quality version of metal printing involves transferring inks from paper to metal for a gorgeous-looking piece of decor:

In fact, out of all the popular print products, metal and acrylic are the most similar, and they both make for beautiful prints that are bound to impress. 

But there are also some key differences between the two print types, especially in terms of durability, quality, and price – so as we go through this article, I’m going to give you a thorough rundown of metal and acrylic products and why you might want to choose one over the other.

Durability

Acrylic and metal prints are designed for durability, and in general, both perform very well. 

Acrylic products are covered with a plexiglass sheet, which provides UV resistance and makes the prints waterproof. Premium acrylic prints (like those using TruLife acrylic glass) are rated for 100+ years of archival longevity. This is perfect for a number of reasons; first, you can display your acrylic prints in various indoor environments with confidence. 

Second, you can easily clean your acrylic print. Did a child get mucky fingerprints all over the front? No worries – just whip out a cloth and rub away the dirt. Has dust begun to accumulate on the surface of your print? You can towel it off without issue.

As you can imagine, acrylic prints are also rip-proof and tear-proof, which makes them ideal for homes with young children or rambunctious pets. Compared to, say, canvas prints, acrylic prints offer major peace of mind; when an image is covered by plexiglass, damage isn’t a huge issue.

But while acrylic products can handle lots of damage, metal prints take this a step further. Like acrylic prints, metal prints resist fading. Also like acrylic prints, metal prints are waterproof, which makes them suitable for bathrooms, basements, and even sheltered outdoor areas. Because the image is infused directly into the aluminum surface via dye sublimation, metal prints are scratch-resistant, waterproof, and even flame retardant. ChromaLuxe HD metal prints are rated for at least 65 years of archival quality according to Wilhelm Imaging Research.

Unlike acrylic prints, metal prints are scratch-resistant, so you can worry less about accidental damage during a move or a trip. And thanks to metal prints’ uniquely durable construction, if you’re planning on hanging a photo outdoors, I’d definitely recommend metal over acrylic.

Ultimately, while both acrylic prints and metal prints are durable enough for most purposes, metal has a slight edge.

Versatility

Both acrylic and metal prints are pretty customizable. For instance, acrylic and metal manufacturers offer a handful of different mount options, so you get various levels of sturdiness depending on where you’re planning on hanging your print. And there’s a huge array of sizes, from tiny 4x6s all the way up to 3×2’’ and beyond. 

Though if you’re planning to print big – here, I’m talking four-foot-by-five-foot big – metal print manufacturers do tend to have more options, so that’s certainly worth keeping in mind (though it’ll really depend on the printing company you use). 

On the other hand, acrylic products add a bit of versatility on the small end, thanks to the invention of acrylic blocks; these are thick acrylic prints that stand on their own.

As I’ll discuss in a moment, I do think that metal prints are slightly more universal in their appeal. They work with most surroundings – that is, they go with most interior design styles – whereas acrylic prints require a more modern look.

Metal prints are also far lighter than their acrylic counterparts. For example, a 12×18 inch acrylic print typically weighs around 4.4 pounds, while an equivalent HD metal print weighs only about 1.6 pounds—nearly three times lighter. This weight difference limits your ability to take acrylic prints to art shows and gallery displays, and also affects hanging options (acrylic prints require sturdier mounting hardware like french cleats). Metal prints can be transported more easily and hung on a wider variety of wall types.

Quality

If you’re trying to decide on the perfect print type for your needs, I’m betting that quality (and overall look) is a huge deal. After all, you’re likely after a print that’s sharp, vibrant, and jaw-droppingly beautiful, so which print type, metal or acrylic, offers better quality?

Assuming you pay for a good manufacturer, both metal prints and acrylic prints will turn out great. But metal does feature a more refined look, which is why it works well pretty much anywhere, from homes and offices to coffee shops and galleries. Plus, colors are nice, details look sharp, and the entire print displays a beautiful, metallic sheen.

That said, there’s something truly special about acrylic prints, thanks to the classic acrylic look. You see, because acrylic prints feature an unusual amount of material in front of the print, they seem weirdly deep, almost 3D. It’s enough to draw the eye of any viewer, and it’s certainly a great feature if you’re aiming to impress friends or clients. 

Also, acrylic prints are known for their incredible vibrancy; they take standard colors and make them pop like crazy, which is why acrylic products are superb for colorful outdoor shots, such as sunsets, fields of flowers, and more. 

Yes, acrylic prints tend to look better in a business than in the average home. But if you’re a fan of the sleek, modern look, or if you have unusually vibrant photos that could use a little extra spice, acrylic is the way to go.

One important consideration: If your print will be displayed in direct sunlight, acrylic prints are the better choice. Acrylic has UV protection built into both the ink and the acrylic itself, providing better fade resistance in sunny spots. Metal prints can fade within months when exposed to prolonged direct sunlight, though they perform excellently in normal indoor lighting conditions.

On the flip side, acrylic prints do suffer from glare. While this can be a problem with metal prints, it’s much less common, whereas acrylic prints, when placed near a light source, reflect it in every direction. For rooms with bright overhead or direct lighting, consider metal prints with a satin-matte finish to minimize reflections.

Price

Acrylic prints and metal prints are both on the pricier side. Canvas prints are cheaper than both of the above options, and paper prints are even more of a money-saver, though you’ll end up paying a lot if you decide to have them matted and/or framed.

But of the two options, which is better priced? Acrylic prints are significantly more expensive—many professional print labs charge up to 30-100% more for acrylic prints compared to metal. This premium price reflects the multi-step production process and materials involved. If you’re focused on your budget and you like both options, metal prints offer better value while still delivering impressive quality. 

Which Is Best, Acrylic or Metal?

Now you know all about acrylic and metal prints and that each product is great for a different type of customer. In general, I’d recommend acrylic prints for those who:

• Prefer a modern, sleek style
• Take colorful, detailed photos
• Love the 3D acrylic effect
• Want a print that looks like quality

Whereas I’d recommend metal prints for those who:

• Are after a one-size-fits-all style (that still provides a modern effect)
• Require a durable print for outdoor or high-humidity environments
• Are aiming to keep the price down

So pick your print type based on your priorities. Ready to order? Check out our guides to the best acrylic print services and best metal print services for our top vendor recommendations!

Acrylic vs Metal Prints FAQ