Acrylic, Metal, or Canvas: Which Substrate is Best For Your Photos?
You’ve taken the time to create a gorgeous photo and process it in post. Now you need to decide how you will display your new masterpiece. Do you have it printed on a stretched canvas for a three-dimensional look, or would your image be better suited to being printed on metal for a more industrial vibe? There’s also acrylic mountings to consider, which give photos a distinctly modern, high-end look.
If you aren’t sure which substrate is best for your photos, read on to find out what types of photos are best suited to acrylic, metal, and canvas.
Acrylic
If you want a high-end, modern, professional look, acrylic might be the best product for you. Whether you go with a direct print or a photo print, acrylic will give your image greater depth and dimension while providing viewers with a pure, clear, and sharp view of your photos. Glossy acrylic is a great application for any type of photograph, but especially color photos really pop - the brightness of the colors are enhanced, as is the saturation and vibrancy, giving you an elegant and breathtaking medium for showing off your best photos.
If you’ve got a portrait, a photo with muted tones, or if you want to hang your photo near a large window, but fear the reflections, try using an acrylic with a matte finish. Like glossy acrylic, a matte finish will give the image greater depth, but will also diminish the mirror effect - you’ll be able to enjoy your prints even in bright, direct sunlight. Hang your photos in your entryway at home or in your office at work, and enjoy the view no matter how bright the room.
Want to learn more about printing with acrylic? Let WhiteWall help!
Metal
With a variety of finishes, metal prints give you further options for displaying photos that have brilliant color. Whether you want to print an image of a Hawaiian sunset or your latest family portrait, a sublimation HD Metal Print by WhiteWall will give you vibrancy of color that’s hard to match. This type of metal print is UV resistant and can be displayed virtually anywhere - indoors, outdoors, or in dry or humid environments - without worry of fading or damage.
Another metal printing option is to have your images printed directly onto aluminum. Images that have been digitally enhanced really shine when printed on aluminum, as do photos of urban spaces and street scenes which both benefit from the metallic appearance of the print. With a matte finish that’s highly minimalistic, aluminum printing won’t take away from the impact of your image, but will serve to enhance it.
A direct print on brushed aluminum is a perfect idea for images that have lots of bright whites, like the one shown above, because those areas aren’t actually printed, but instead take on the look of the brushed aluminum. If you like a modern, graphic look, and want your prints to have added aesthetic appeal, direct prints on aluminum-dibond won’t take away from the impact of your image, but will serve to enhance it.
Whichever type of metal product you choose, you can do so with the knowledge that your prints will be safe from fading, scratches, and moisture. Discover more about metal printing from the award-winning lab WhiteWall.
Canvas
Canvas prints give you yet another high-quality option for displaying your photos: They help create a subtle three-dimensional look that is particularly striking for landscapes and family portraits. The tactile nature of canvas prints give your images warmth and character, and the matte finish helps mask grain and noise that might appear in images taken at a higher ISO, without diminishing the vibrancy of colors. The look and feel of canvas is unmistakably classic, yet exudes the qualities of simple elegance. With printing that extends around the edges of the stretcher frame, canvas prints take on a seamless look that is striking from every angle.
See what your images look like printed on a canvas stretcher frame from WhiteWall.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve seen here, some photos are better suited to acrylic, while others look better on metal or canvas. But a large part of choosing a medium to show off your prints will also come down to your personal preference. Some people love the edgy, industrial look of metal. Others want the traditional warmth of canvas. Regardless of which avenue you choose to pursue, it’s essential to get your prints from a trusted lab with the experience and the quality of products that will make your images truly shine. WhiteWall fits the bill on all fronts - it’s a professional lab with years of experience and a host of innovative printing options. Made in Germany, WhiteWall’s high-quality products ship worldwide within 10 working days. Check out WhiteWall today!