Acrylic prints vs canvas prints: which to choose?
So, you've got an amazing photo, and you want to turn it into something truly wall-worthy.
We hear you loud and clear, but you’re now faced with one very important question: should you go for an acrylic print or a canvas print?
Both options will put the spotlight on your favourite photos, but are actually very different in terms of look, feel, durability and price. The best choice for you ultimately depends on your style, space, and what you really want from your wall art.
Not to worry, we're breaking down everything you need to know about acrylic prints vs canvas prints, so you can easily find the perfect choice for you.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is an acrylic print?
An acrylic print is a modern type of photo wall art where your image is printed onto high-quality photo paper and then mounted behind a sheet of clear acrylic glass (sometimes called perspex or plexiglass).
The result? A sleek, glossy print that absolutely pops. The acrylic layer creates a striking depth effect that makes your photo look almost three-dimensional, like it's glowing from the inside. It's bold, contemporary and honestly a bit of a showstopper.
Our high-quality acrylic prints are printed on 4mm-thick acrylic panels with vibrant, fade-resistant inks and come with an invisible hanging system, so they appear to float against your wall.
Very sleek and fancy indeed.
What is a canvas print?
Canvas prints are a much more traditional type of wall art. Your photo is printed directly onto canvas fabric (usually a cotton or poly-cotton blend) and then hand-stretched over a wooden frame. The finished result closely resembles the look of a classic oil painting.
Canvas prints have a warm, textured feel that gives your photos a timeless, artistic quality. They're one of the most popular types of personalised wall art around - and they've been a staple of living rooms, hallways and home offices for what feels like forever.
Our canvas prints are handmade right here in the UK, printed with long-lasting Epson inks and hand-stretched over a premium wooden frame. You can even get same-day canvas prints if you need one sharpish, and we have a full guide on canvas prints if you need more info!
Acrylic prints vs canvas prints: the key differences
Now for the bit you're really here for: how do acrylic and canvas prints actually compare? Let's look at the main differences side by side.
1. Appearance & Finish
This is probably the biggest difference between the two. Your choice will ultimately depend on which style you prefer!
Acrylic prints have a high-gloss, ultra-smooth finish. The acrylic layer enhances colour saturation and creates a vivid, almost luminous quality to your photos. Think sharp contrasts, bold colours and a modern edge. They're especially stunning with landscape photography, cityscapes, wildlife shots, abstract art, and basically anything that’s visually striking.
Canvas prints, on the other hand, have a warmer and more muted textured finish. The fabric surface softens the image slightly, giving it that classic, painting-like quality. This makes canvas prints a gorgeous choice for portraits, wedding photos, family shots and any image where you want a timeless, gallery-style feel.
The verdict: If you want bold and contemporary, go acrylic. If you want warm and artistic, go canvas.
2. Durability
If you're investing in wall art, you want it to last. This is one of the most important factors to consider.
Acrylic prints have the edge when it comes to durability. The acrylic surface is scratch-resistant, moisture-resistant and offers strong UV protection (typically between 70–99%). This makes them ideal for rooms that get a lot of natural light, such as conservatories or large living rooms with big windows. They're also easy to clean with just a damp microfibre cloth.
Canvas prints are by no means fragile, and can last for decades if they’re properly cared for. However, canvas fabric can be more susceptible to moisture and humidity, so it's best to avoid hanging them in steamy kitchens or bathrooms. They also benefit from being kept out of direct sunlight to prevent any fading over time.
The verdict: Acrylic wins on durability, but canvas holds its own really well with proper care.
3. Colour Vibrancy
Acrylic prints are the clear winner here (pun intended!). The glossy acrylic surface amplifies colours, making them appear richer, more saturated and full of life. If you've got a bold, high-contrast photo, an acrylic print will make it sing.
Canvas prints offer a more natural, true-to-life colour reproduction. The matte texture softens colours a little, which many people actually prefer for portraits or family photos where you don't necessarily want things looking over-the-top vibrant.
The verdict: Acrylic for maximum colour pop; canvas for a softer, more natural feel.
4. Glare
Canvas prints have a big advantage here. Because canvas has a matte finish, it absorbs light rather than reflecting it, meaning you can hang canvas prints anywhere without worrying about glare from windows or ceiling lights.
Acrylic prints, with their glossy surface, can create some glare in very bright or direct lighting conditions. That said, positioning them carefully (away from direct light sources) largely solves this problem.
The verdict: Canvas wins for glare-free viewing; acrylic just needs a little more thought about placement.
5. Weight & Hanging
Canvas prints are light and easy to hang. Because they're simply fabric stretched over a wooden frame, even large canvas prints can be put up without too much fuss. Our gallery-wrapped canvases come ready with hanging hardware included, so they're genuinely ready to go on the wall straight out of the box.
Acrylic prints are heavier due to the acrylic glass panel, especially in larger sizes. They require a more secure mounting solution, but don't let that put you off. Our acrylic prints come with an invisible hanging kit that creates a beautiful "floating" effect, and the hardware is included so everything you need is in the box.
The verdict: Canvas is easier to hang, acrylic requires a little more consideration but the floating effect is 100% worth it.
6. Price
Canvas prints are generally more budget-friendly than acrylic prints. If you're decorating a large wall with multiple pieces or shopping on a tighter budget, canvas is a great way to get a really premium-looking result without spending a fortune.
Acrylic prints tend to cost a little more, thanks to the specialist materials and production process involved. But if you're looking for a statement piece ( something that's genuinely going to stop people in their tracks) the extra investment is well worth it.
The verdict: Canvas is easier on the wallet, acrylic is a premium splurge that really delivers.
Acrylic vs canvas prints: at a glance
| Feature | Acrylic Prints | Canvas Prints |
| Finish | High-gloss, smooth | Matte, textured |
| Colour | Bold & vibrant | Soft & natural |
| Durability | Excellent (UV & moisture resistant) | Very good (with proper care) |
| Glare | Some (in direct light) | None |
| Weight | Heavier | Lightweight |
| Hanging | Invisible float mount | Standard hook, ready-to-hang |
| Best for | Modern, bold, dramatic photos | Portraits, families, timeless fee |
| Price | Premium | Budget-friendly |
Canvas or acrylic prints - what should you choose?
This isn’t an easy choice, so here’s an extra cheat sheet to help you decide between our canvas prints and acrylic prints.
Go for an acrylic print if...
- You want a sleek, modern, contemporary look
- You're printing a bold landscape, wildlife or abstract photo
- You want maximum colour impact
- You're after a real statement piece for your home or office
- You want a long-lasting, super durable print
Go for a canvas print if...
- You're printing a portrait, wedding or family photo
- You want a warm, timeless, classic feel
- You're decorating a large wall and need multiple pieces
- You want something ready to hang without any fuss
- You're working to a budget
Of course, there's no rule that says you can only choose one. Lots of people mix and match both, so you can create a stunning gallery wall that includes both canvas prints and acrylic prints together!
Ready to create yours?
Whether you're team acrylic or team canvas (or both!), Max Spielmann has you covered with high-quality prints that are designed to last.
