Capturing movement in photography can be challenging, but with the right technique, it can be done effortlessly. One such technique is panning. It’s often misunderstood as a complex skill, but in reality, it's quite accessible if you understand how shutter speed works. By mastering panning, you can transform ordinary shots into visually dynamic images that convey motion. In this guide, we'll walk you through some of the best acrylic photo printing services, while also delving into the advantages of choosing acrylic prints for your photography projects.
Acrylic Photo Prints: What You Need to Know
Acrylic photo prints are among the most popular and visually striking ways to display your photos. There are two primary methods for creating acrylic prints: the first involves printing a photograph onto paper and then bonding it between two acrylic sheets. This technique is common for standard photo prints that are laminated for extra durability. The second method, however, involves printing the image directly onto the acrylic using a flatbed printer. This process creates vibrant, high-definition prints with excellent color depth and clarity, giving the image a striking, glossy appearance.
What sets acrylic prints apart from other types of photo prints is their brilliant finish. The high gloss of acrylic enhances the vibrancy of colors, making your photographs appear sharper and more vivid. Acrylic also has an impressive ability to reflect light, adding a glowing effect to your prints. This quality makes acrylic photo prints a top choice for professionals and individuals who seek to create modern, high-quality displays.
Why Acrylic Prints Are Worth Your Investment
Acrylic prints have rapidly become a popular choice for displaying photography, art, and other visual works due to their impressive qualities. From their durability to their elegant visual appeal, acrylic prints offer a unique solution for showcasing photographs that stand the test of time. Whether you are considering acrylic prints for a personal collection, gallery display, or office decor, their benefits make them an excellent investment for anyone looking to elevate their visual presentations. Below, we explore why acrylic prints are such a valuable option for anyone serious about preserving and displaying their photographs.
Durability That Outlasts Other Print Materials
One of the primary reasons acrylic prints are worth the investment is their exceptional durability. Traditional photo prints, such as those printed on paper, are more vulnerable to common issues like fading, tearing, and warping. These problems can significantly reduce the life span and vibrancy of a photograph. In contrast, acrylic prints are known for their toughness. The acrylic material itself is incredibly resistant to damage from everyday wear and tear, making it perfect for both personal and commercial use. Unlike canvas prints or paper photographs that can be easily scratched, creased, or damaged by environmental factors, acrylic prints provide a robust solution that can handle bumps, flexing, and other minor impacts.
Another advantage of acrylic prints is their ability to withstand environmental factors such as humidity, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations. While canvas and photo prints may degrade over time when exposed to UV rays, acrylic prints are UV-resistant, ensuring that your photographs retain their vibrancy and clarity even when exposed to light for extended periods. This makes acrylic prints a perfect choice for spaces with high levels of light, such as sunlit rooms or windowsills. Additionally, acrylic prints do not warp over time, unlike some other materials that may lose their shape or develop imperfections with age. This level of durability ensures that your investment in acrylic prints will last for years, preserving the beauty of your photos and artwork long-term.
The protective surface of acrylic prints also makes them highly resistant to dust and dirt. With the right care and maintenance, you can easily clean the surface with a soft cloth, ensuring that your print continues to look fresh and polished. This low-maintenance feature makes acrylic prints an appealing option for those who want a high-quality product that requires minimal upkeep.
Lightweight Design for Easy Handling and Mounting
Despite their sturdy and durable nature, acrylic prints are remarkably lightweight compared to other print materials like metal or wood. This makes acrylic prints much easier to handle and mount without compromising their protective qualities. The acrylic material itself is thinner and lighter than metal or foam board, which makes it an excellent option for creating large prints that won't be too heavy to mount securely. Whether you’re displaying a small photo on a desk or a large piece as a wall centerpiece, acrylic prints make it simple to transport and hang without worrying about the weight.
Because acrylic prints are thinner than other materials, they are easier to handle during the printing process, and they don’t require the bulky mounting hardware or framing that other print types might. Acrylic prints are often mounted with back frames or cleats, keeping the overall display light and elegant. The ease of mounting and handling acrylic prints is another reason why they have become a top choice for photographers, artists, and businesses alike. Whether you're printing a photo for your living room wall, a corporate office, or an art gallery, the lightweight design allows for effortless installation and display.
Another advantage of the lightweight nature of acrylic prints is the flexibility they offer when it comes to transportation. If you need to move your print from one location to another, the ease of handling an acrylic print makes it a more practical choice than bulkier print materials. This makes acrylic prints particularly useful for exhibitions, trade shows, and events, where quick setup and takedown are essential.
Versatility in Sizes, Shapes, and Image Formats
Acrylic prints are incredibly versatile, offering a wide range of options when it comes to sizes, shapes, and image orientations. Whether you're looking for a small photo to display on a desk, a medium-sized print for your living room, or a large-scale masterpiece for a gallery, acrylic prints can be tailored to your exact needs. Most services that offer acrylic printing allow you to choose from an extensive array of standard sizes, from common sizes like 8x10 inches to larger formats like 24x36 inches or beyond.
What makes acrylic prints even more appealing is the ability to create custom sizes. This means you don’t have to be limited to pre-set dimensions; you can have your image printed in whatever size fits your vision. This is especially important if you're looking to fit a specific space, whether it's a narrow wall, an oversized empty area, or a specific spot where a traditional-sized print might not work. Customization is particularly valuable for interior designers, businesses, and photographers who require a personalized touch for their displays.
In addition to size flexibility, acrylic prints can be molded into a variety of shapes. While traditional rectangular and square shapes are always an option, many acrylic print services now allow you to request custom shapes, such as circles, ovals, and even abstract forms. This customization allows your photos to take on a unique character that stands out from standard photo prints, providing an extra layer of creativity and individuality to your display.
Acrylic prints also support various image orientations, including portrait, landscape, and square formats. Depending on how you want to display your image and the nature of the photograph itself, you can choose the orientation that best complements your composition. This flexibility ensures that your photo print fits perfectly with your space, adding an element of design that enhances the room’s overall aesthetic.
Enhanced Image Quality and Depth
Acrylic prints are known for their ability to elevate the quality of your photographs through their glossy, reflective surface. The acrylic material enhances the color vibrancy and contrast of the image, making the print look sharper and more dynamic than traditional photo prints. The light-reflecting properties of acrylic allow the image to appear as if it is glowing, giving it a depth and brilliance that is unmatched by other print materials. This feature is especially beneficial for showcasing high-contrast images or photos with vivid colors, as the acrylic surface amplifies these qualities for an enhanced viewing experience.
In addition to providing a brilliant sheen, acrylic prints also offer excellent resolution, capturing even the smallest details of your photograph. Whether you’re printing a close-up of nature, a detailed architectural shot, or a portrait with fine textures, acrylic enhances every aspect of your photo, making it feel more alive. This is one of the main reasons acrylic prints are frequently used in art galleries, as they make the artwork appear more vibrant and lifelike. The rich colors and detailed textures provided by acrylic make it a top choice for fine art photography, product photography, and commercial displays.
The depth of the acrylic material also adds a unique three-dimensional effect to your print. The light within the acrylic reflects off the layers, giving your photograph a sense of depth and dimension. This effect is particularly striking when light hits the surface at different angles, making the image appear to shift and change depending on the light source. This depth and optical richness contribute to the overall appeal of acrylic prints, providing an eye-catching display that commands attention.
Easy to Maintain and Care For
One of the most appealing aspects of acrylic prints is their ease of maintenance. Unlike canvas prints, which can collect dust or dirt in the fibers and are difficult to clean, acrylic prints offer a smooth, non-porous surface that can be easily wiped down. This makes them highly practical for homes and offices, where regular cleaning might be necessary to keep things looking tidy. All you need is a microfiber cloth and a gentle cleaning solution to remove any dust or smudges from the surface, ensuring that your print looks brand new for years.
Additionally, acrylic prints are highly resistant to scratches and abrasions, which means you don’t have to worry about your print becoming damaged during cleaning or everyday handling. The strong surface protects the image, allowing it to maintain its quality even in high-traffic environments. For anyone looking for a hassle-free option for displaying their photographs, acrylic prints are a top choice due to their low-maintenance, long-lasting qualities.
Enhanced Image Quality
The glossy finish of acrylic prints amplifies the colors in your photograph, creating an almost three-dimensional look. The material reflects light, which enhances the depth and contrast of the image, providing a greater sense of vibrancy. If you want to showcase your photographs in the most dynamic and professional way possible, acrylic is an excellent choice. Furthermore, acrylic’s ability to protect the image from environmental elements, such as UV rays, means your photos will stay bright and colorful for years to come.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Acrylic Photo Print
Creating an acrylic photo print can significantly elevate the appearance of your photographs, giving them a glossy, vibrant finish that is not only eye-catching but also highly durable. However, to ensure that your acrylic prints come out exactly as you envision them, it’s essential to pay attention to several key factors during the creation process. Whether you're a professional photographer or someone looking to display your cherished memories, the following tips will help you create the perfect acrylic print that’s sure to impress.
Selecting the Right Size
One of the first considerations when creating your acrylic photo print is selecting the appropriate size. The size of the print plays a critical role in how it fits into the space where it will be displayed. Whether you’re hanging the print on a wall in your home, office, or gallery, the print size should complement the available space rather than overpower it. If you’re unsure of the exact size, a good place to start is by measuring the area where you plan to display the print. Consider the surrounding decor, the scale of the wall, and how much room you want to leave around the edges of the photo. An oversized print can dominate the space, while a print that’s too small may feel out of place or get lost in the room.
For those uncertain about the best dimensions, a standard size like A4 (8.3 x 11.7 inches) is a safe starting point. A smaller print is versatile and can easily be rearranged if you decide to move it later. On the other hand, large prints (such as 24x36 inches or bigger) can be used as a focal point in a spacious room, making them perfect for showcasing bold, high-impact images. When selecting a size, it’s also important to consider the image's composition. If your photo has intricate details or a wide scene, a larger print can showcase the details more effectively, while a smaller print may limit the impact of such elements.
Another aspect to consider is the aspect ratio of the photo itself. Common aspect ratios include 3:2 (standard for most cameras) and 4:3 (used for some smartphone images). If your image doesn’t match the aspect ratio of the print size you want, it may need to be cropped, which could result in parts of the image being cut off. While this isn’t always an issue, it’s essential to review the composition before printing, particularly if the image includes important details near the edges. Always preview your print size before finalizing the order to ensure the image aligns well with the desired dimensions.
Preparing Your Image File
The quality of your final acrylic photo print largely depends on the resolution and clarity of the image file you're working with. This is a crucial factor that can directly impact how your print will turn out. If the resolution is too low, your print may appear pixelated, blurry, or fuzzy, no matter how beautiful the original photo was. For the best results, ensure that your image file has a high resolution of at least 300 dpi (dots per inch). This ensures that the print will maintain its sharpness and detail when enlarged. A higher resolution is particularly important for larger prints, as enlarging a low-resolution image may result in a significant loss of quality.
You can easily check the resolution of your image using software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. In Photoshop, go to Image > Image Size, and you’ll be able to see the current resolution of your image. If the resolution is lower than 300 dpi, you may need to resample or crop the image to a smaller size. Keep in mind that simply increasing the resolution in a photo editor won’t magically improve image quality—this can lead to pixelation. Instead, use a higher-resolution original image whenever possible.
If you’re planning to print a very large image, make sure that your image has enough detail to retain sharpness even when stretched over the larger print size. You might need to use an image that’s initially shot in a high resolution, such as a raw file from a professional camera. Avoid using images from social media or smartphone photos for large prints unless they are very high quality, as they are typically compressed and lack the necessary resolution for optimal results.
Another tip is to zoom in on your image at 100% in Photoshop or any other image editing software. This allows you to see exactly how the details will appear when printed. Take this opportunity to check for any imperfections such as noise, unwanted artifacts, or graininess that might be magnified in the final acrylic print. Editing your image by enhancing colors, contrast, or brightness before printing can ensure that the photo looks its best in the final product.
Mounting Options
Once you've selected the right size and prepared your image file, the next step is deciding how to mount your acrylic print. The mounting options you choose will greatly influence the overall presentation of your print and how it interacts with the space it occupies. Different services offer various mounting choices, each with its own aesthetic and functional advantages.
Metal Posts
One of the most common mounting options is the use of metal posts. This is a popular choice because it gives the print a sleek, modern look. The posts are placed at the corners or sides of the acrylic print and provide a floating effect, allowing the print to stand off from the wall slightly. This gives the print a contemporary, professional appearance, making it a great option for corporate spaces, galleries, or minimalist home decor. However, you should consider where the posts will be placed on the photo, as it may interfere with important parts of the image. For example, if your print includes a face or a central focal point, positioning the posts too close to the subject may disrupt the balance.
Back Mount Frame
For a more traditional look, you might choose a back mount frame. This involves mounting the acrylic print onto a sturdy backing, such as foam board or DiBond, which provides extra support and keeps the print securely in place. This option gives the print a more substantial feel and can be ideal if you're looking to hang a larger print. It also makes it easier to install, as the frame adds weight and makes the print easier to manage. Back mounting is perfect for creating a more refined, polished display that works well in both home and office settings.
Floating Mount
A floating mount involves placing the acrylic print on a backing frame that doesn’t touch the wall. The print appears as though it’s floating in mid-air, creating a striking visual effect. This mounting method is especially great for large prints, where you want to add a touch of drama and elegance. Floating mounts are often used in gallery settings, as they highlight the artwork without distracting from it. This type of mounting can make your acrylic print appear more dynamic, with the print’s edges appearing to hover off the wall.
Cleat and Rail Mounting
For those seeking a more permanent and stable mounting option, the cleat or rail system is a fantastic choice. The print is mounted with a metal rail on the back that can be easily hung on a hook or bracket. This ensures the print stays securely in place while offering a minimalistic and clean look. Cleat and rail mounting works well for larger pieces that need extra stability, and it’s a popular choice for businesses and public displays.
Best Acrylic Print Services in 2025
As the popularity of acrylic prints continues to grow, there’s no better time to consider this stunning medium for showcasing your photographs. Acrylic prints offer superior color depth, excellent clarity, and a modern aesthetic that adds a touch of sophistication to any space. Whether you're an artist looking to display your work in a gallery or a photographer seeking to create lasting prints for your clients, acrylic prints provide a robust and beautiful solution.
If you're in the market for high-quality acrylic photo prints, there are a variety of print services to choose from, each offering different levels of customization, quality, and price points. Whether you're after bespoke, large-format prints or looking for an affordable option for a personal project, you'll find a service that fits your needs. Below, we take a closer look at some of the best acrylic print services available in 2025.
Pictorem
Pictorem stands out as one of the premier services for custom acrylic prints, offering a variety of options that cater to both personal and professional needs. With a strong focus on providing high-quality, durable prints, Pictorem uses advanced printing technology that ensures your images come out with stunning clarity and vivid colors.
One of the key advantages of Pictorem is its wide range of customization options. Whether you're looking for classic rectangular prints or something more unique like circular acrylic prints, Pictorem offers it all. Their customizable options extend to the thickness of the acrylic as well, allowing you to choose between two different thicknesses: 1/8" and 3/16". This flexibility lets you tailor your print to meet your specific vision, whether you're going for a more lightweight look or a deeper, more substantial effect.
Additionally, Pictorem offers a variety of mounting options, including stand-off metal posts, back-mount frames, and decorative mounts, ensuring that your print can be displayed in a way that suits your personal style. The company's attention to detail and commitment to quality makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to create a truly unique acrylic photo print that stands out in any setting.
Big Acrylic
Big Acrylic is a fantastic option for those who require large-format acrylic prints that demand attention. This service specializes in high-quality prints that are perfect for creating stunning, oversized displays for both commercial and personal use. Whether you need a show-stopping piece for a gallery, office, or home, Big Acrylic can accommodate even the largest dimensions, giving you the opportunity to transform your space with a bold, statement-making print.
One of the standout features of Big Acrylic is their ability to offer multiple thickness options for their acrylic prints. You can choose from thicknesses ranging from 1/8" to 3/8", allowing you to customize the look and feel of your print based on the weight and visual depth you desire. Furthermore, Big Acrylic provides the option to select anti-glare acrylic, which is especially helpful for prints that will be displayed in brightly lit rooms. This feature reduces reflections, ensuring that your image remains clear and vibrant, no matter the lighting conditions. Big Acrylic also offers UV protection, making their prints ideal for sunlit spaces, as this feature helps to preserve the colors of your print over time.
WhiteWall
WhiteWall has earned its reputation as an award-winning print service by delivering exceptional quality prints for a range of needs. Specializing in both traditional photo printing and custom acrylic prints, WhiteWall is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to create high-quality, professional-grade prints. Their commitment to detail and quality is evident in their printing process, which utilizes the latest technology to ensure that every print is crisp, sharp, and true to the original image.
One of the reasons WhiteWall is highly regarded is their extensive range of size options, including Ultra HD and metallic paper options that enhance the visual appeal of the print. For those who want a truly premium product, WhiteWall’s Masterprint service is worth considering. This specialized process involves expert review by their team of master printers, ensuring that your acrylic print meets the highest possible standards, akin to museum-quality displays. Whether you're a professional photographer, artist, or someone simply seeking the best, WhiteWall's precise printing process and custom options make it a top choice for anyone serious about creating high-end acrylic prints.
Printique
While Printique may not offer the same level of customization as some of the other services, it remains a strong contender for producing professional-quality acrylic prints. Known for its excellent customer service and high standards, Printique produces acrylic prints that are clear, vibrant, and ready to hang with minimal effort.
Printique offers a variety of mounting options for your acrylic print, including metal posts and easels, making it versatile enough for both wall displays and tabletop prints. This service is ideal for those who value craftsmanship and want a print that’s easy to display without worrying about complex installation. While it may not offer the same degree of custom size flexibility as some competitors, Printique is still an excellent choice for anyone seeking a top-tier print with exceptional quality. The company’s reputation for delivering high-end results ensures that you will be satisfied with your acrylic print, whether you're using it for professional purposes or personal display.
Bumblejax
Bumblejax is a leading provider of high-quality acrylic prints, with a reputation for offering an impressive array of customization options that allow you to create truly unique prints. Known for their attention to detail and customer satisfaction, Bumblejax provides multiple thickness options, including TruLife acrylic, which offers enhanced glare reduction, scratch resistance, and UV protection. This feature makes Bumblejax a great choice for prints that will be displayed in bright or direct light.
What sets Bumblejax apart is their focus on edge finishes. Customers can choose between polished or sanded edges, providing a distinct visual effect that adds extra character to your print. Whether you prefer the sleek, modern look of polished edges or the slightly frosted appearance of sanded edges, Bumblejax ensures that your print is customized to your exact specifications. The company also offers various paper options, including metallic and gloss finishes, which can further enhance the vibrancy and depth of your image.
Bumblejax’s commitment to quality and customer service makes it an ideal choice for those looking to create a long-lasting, visually stunning acrylic print that will turn heads wherever it's displayed.
BayPhoto
BayPhoto offers a broad selection of customization options for acrylic prints, making it a great choice for anyone who values flexibility. Whether you’re looking for a high-gloss finish or a more muted metallic option, BayPhoto provides various paper choices, including vivid and metallic options, that can make your prints come alive with brilliant colors and textures.
In addition to paper finishes, BayPhoto offers a variety of mounting options, including keyhole hangers, DiBond backing, and traditional metal posts. The versatility of their services allows customers to choose the perfect combination of materials and finishes to achieve their desired look. BayPhoto’s wide range of customization options makes it an excellent choice for photographers and artists who want complete control over the final product. Their careful attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality prints ensures that you’ll receive an acrylic print that exceeds your expectations.
CanvasChamp
For those seeking an affordable solution for acrylic prints without sacrificing quality, CanvasChamp is a fantastic option. Known for offering budget-friendly prints with a simple, easy-to-use interface, CanvasChamp provides a straightforward approach to creating beautiful acrylic prints. While their customization options may be more limited compared to other services, CanvasChamp’s affordability and ease of use make it an excellent choice for those working with a smaller budget or seeking a simple solution for their acrylic print needs.
CanvasChamp’s quick upload process and hassle-free ordering system make it easy for anyone, from casual photographers to first-time customers, to create professional-looking acrylic prints. Whether you’re looking to create a single print for your home or a series for a gift or event, CanvasChamp offers an efficient and cost-effective solution for all your acrylic print needs.
CanvasDiscount
CanvasDiscount is another affordable option for acrylic prints, providing high-quality prints at competitive prices. While their selection of customization options is more limited than some other services, CanvasDiscount still delivers excellent color reproduction and durable prints. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to save on their acrylic print project without compromising too much on quality.
CanvasDiscount is particularly well-suited for customers on a budget who don’t require extensive customization. If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills acrylic print at a great price, CanvasDiscount offers a straightforward solution that gets the job done without the added cost of excessive options.
Shutterfly
Shutterfly is well-known for its user-friendly interface and fast service, making it a convenient option for anyone looking to quickly create an acrylic print. Although their customization options are somewhat limited compared to other specialized print services, Shutterfly’s reputation for quality and reliability makes them a solid choice for those looking for a quick and easy way to produce high-quality acrylic prints.
Shutterfly’s streamlined process allows you to upload your photo, choose your size, and place your order in just a few clicks. This makes it a great option for those who want to create acrylic prints for personal use, such as family photos or gifts, without spending too much time on the customization process. While not the best choice for those looking for a high degree of flexibility, Shutterfly’s straightforward service ensures a hassle-free experience and delivers quality prints quickly and efficiently.
Final Thoughts: Why Acrylic Prints Are a Great Choice for Your Photos
Acrylic photo prints are the perfect way to showcase your images in a way that is both visually striking and durable. The combination of glossy finishes, vibrant color enhancement, and long-lasting quality makes acrylic prints one of the most sought-after print options available today. With a variety of services offering different levels of customization, you can easily find an acrylic printing service that fits your needs and budget.
Whether you're displaying your work in a home, office, or gallery, acrylic prints provide an elegant solution for creating eye-catching displays. By following the tips outlined in this guide and selecting one of the best services available, you can ensure that your prints will look stunning for years to come.
