One of the coolest recent innovations in printing images is the ability to print directly on different materials. Metal can add various types of luster, canvas can make almost any print look like fine art, and printing on wood can create all kinds of effects. Until recently, I hadn't looked closely at acrylic prints or acrylic glass. Well, now I have, and to put it simply, I'm impressed. The folks at Whitewall really hit it out of the park on my second order!

Let me say right up front that the quick snaps of these 2 prints on my wall don't begin to do justice to the optical depth the acrylic cover creates. In fact, you really have to see it to believe it. Anyway, here are the specs on these 2 gorgeous photos:

• Original Photo Print under Acrylic Glass
• Image dimensions: 41.9″ x 28″
• Outer size: 45.1″ x 31.1″ Fuji Crystal DP II, glossy paper
• Acrylic glass 0.08″ glossy
• Alu-Dibond 0,12″ backing
• Hamburg, Profile 1.57″ (brown alder) frame

I'm not sure what the difference is with the cover glass; something about refraction, I guess. All I know is that these photos have more “presence” than the ones mounted under glass.

This isn't the only option for acrylic printing at Whitewall. Take a look at the range of choices available:

Direct printing: 6-color printing directly on the back of a glossy acrylic sheet. They add an aluminum backing and seal the whole thing so that it's one unit. Mounting systems are attached at no additional charge and you can choose from a wide selection of frames or stick with the simplicity of the unframed display.

Print mounted under glossy acrylic: If you prefer a more traditional printing method, this option gives you a brilliant 6-color print on premium paper, then mounted on the back of your choice of 1/16” or 1/4” and backed with aluminum. Mounting options are, of course, included and you can choose from several frames.

Print mounted under matte acrylic: If your print will be hanging in a location with less than ideal lighting, or you simply don't like the glossy finish, you can order your print exactly as above, but covered with acrylic sheet with a matte finish. This surface eliminates most reflections to let your work shine through, although colors may appear a bit more subtle.

If you'd rather have the print on your shelf or desk, there's actually a fourth option: a premium paper print, sandwiched between aluminum and glossy acrylic, with three optional types of stand, so you can display it on your desk, bookshelf, etc. This style also lets you choose 1/6”. 1/8” or 1/4” thick acrylic.

That's a pretty impressive list, don't you think? You'll be even more impressed with the quality, service and speed that this German lab offers. Last, but not least, these gorgeous acrylic prints are surprisingly inexpensive in comparison to many other printing options. By the way, they'll give this treatment to an image as small as 4” x 4”!

If you missed the short video of White Wall's facilities in my last post, it's definitely worth a look. Here it is again:

That's craftsmanship in action, folks! Yes, I'm impressed, but please, don't take my word for anything. Go take a look at Whitewall, upload a favorite photo for printing and see the difference for yourself!

 

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