What’s Better: Canvas Prints or Acrylic Prints?

Custom wall art is becoming an essential part of home décor. Creating stylish wall prints from your favorite memories is very popular. You can do this whether you are designing a modern living space or updating a cozy corner.

Two great choices—acrylic prints and canvas prints—each have their own special look. From sleek, glossy finishes to soft, textured charm, both print styles bring something special to your walls.

Not sure which one to choose? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, helping you find the perfect print for your space, image type, and budget.

What Are Canvas Prints and How Are They Made?

Canvas prints are a classic way to turn your photos into timeless wall art. They’re created by printing your image directly onto cotton or polyester canvas using high-quality inkjet printers.

The printed canvas is then stretched tightly over a wooden frame, known as a stretcher bar, to give it a clean, professional finish. You can choose to wrap the image around the edges (called gallery wrap) or opt for solid-colour or mirrored borders for a custom look.

To ensure longevity, premium canvas prints are coated with a UV-resistant laminate, which protects against sun damage, fading, and moisture. This also makes the surface easy to clean with a damp cloth and adds a subtle depth to the colours. With proper care, a quality canvas print can last over 70 years without noticeable wear.

What Are Acrylic Prints and How Are They Made?

Acrylic prints deliver a modern, high-gloss finish that makes images look incredibly sharp and vibrant. There are two main production methods:

• Face Mount: The image is printed onto photographic paper and then mounted between two clear acrylic sheets.
• Direct Print: The image is printed directly onto the back of the acrylic and sealed with a solid protective coating.

Both techniques offer stunning visual depth and clarity, with a sleek, glass-like effect. The acrylic panels are typically polished along the edges for a refined finish and can include black or white backing to enhance contrast.

Acrylic is also known for its durability—it’s resistant to UV light, scratches, and moisture, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-humidity areas. Plus, the surface can be wiped clean easily, just like glass.

Acrylic vs Canvas Prints: Key Differences at a Glance

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you compare the two styles:

Feature	Canvas Prints	Acrylic Prints
Appearance	Matte finish, textured surface	High-gloss, sleek, glass-like surface
Cost	More budget-friendly	Premium pricing due to materials and finish
Lifespan	70+ years with UV laminate	Longer-lasting, extra resistant to elements
Cleaning	Wipe with damp cloth, scratch-protected	Easy to clean, scratch and moisture-resistant
Best For	Family portraits, art prints, soft images	Landscape shots, HD photos, bold colours

 

Which Print Type Is Better for Colour Sharpness and Detail?

If vibrant colours and sharp details are your top priority, acrylic prints are the clear winner.

Acrylic prints are known for their rich colour saturation, thanks to their glossy, reflective finish. This finish prevents light from passing through the material, allowing colours to appear bold, vivid, and high-definition from any angle. They're a favourite for showcasing professional photography, landscapes, and commercial art.

In contrast, canvas prints offer a softer, more painterly effect due to their textured surface and matte finish. While they still deliver impressive colour quality, the tones are slightly more muted—ideal for personal moments, portraits, and traditional décor where a warm, organic look is preferred.

So, if you want detail and drama—go acrylic. If you want charm and character—canvas may be your match.

How Long Do Canvas and Acrylic Prints Last?

Both canvas and acrylic prints are designed to stand the test of time—but the materials and finish play a big role in their longevity.

Canvas Prints

High-quality canvas prints can last 70+ years, especially when coated with UV-resistant laminate. This protective layer shields against sunlight, moisture, and scratches. It makes them good for most indoor spaces, like living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms.

While canvas is durable, it’s best kept out of direct sunlight or high-humidity areas like bathrooms, unless properly sealed and maintained.

Acrylic Prints

Acrylic prints are built for ultra-long durability. Their rigid, non-porous surface makes them resistant to scratches, fading, and water damage. They’re perfect for high-traffic areas and spaces with sun exposure or moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or offices.

Thanks to their sleek finish and solid build, acrylic prints not only look striking but can also maintain their visual impact for decades without yellowing or wear.

Design Ideas: When to Use Canvas vs Acrylic Prints

Choosing between acrylic and canvas isn’t just about quality—it’s about matching the look and mood of your space.

Canvas Prints Work Best For:

• Traditional or rustic interiors where texture adds warmth
• Family photos, wedding portraits, pet memories, and life moments
• Soft filters, vintage tones, or painted-style edits for a more artistic feel

Canvas is ideal when you want your wall art to feel personal, relaxed, and timeless.

Acrylic Prints Work Best For:

• Modern, minimalist, or high-end spaces that love bold visuals
• HD photos, landscapes, skylines, abstract art, or anything vibrant
• Commercial settings, including offices, reception areas, and showrooms

Acrylic is the go-to for a clean, contemporary look that turns heads and amplifies detail.

Acrylic or Canvas Prints: Which One Should You Choose?

Still unsure? Your perfect print depends on a few key factors:

Budget & Design Preferences

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a soft, artistic finish, canvas prints are a great choice. They suit a wide variety of interiors and still offer high-quality results.

Prefer a modern, polished look that pops off the wall? Acrylic prints are a premium investment that deliver striking colour depth and sleek presentation.

Type of Photo

• Canvas Prints are best for:
  • Soft-toned portraits
  • Black-and-white photos
  • Artistic or painted-style images
• Acrylic Prints are best for:
  • Vibrant, high-resolution photos
  • Landscapes and travel shots
  • Abstract or commercial designs

Room Environment

If you're decorating humid or sunny areas (like bathrooms, kitchens, or rooms with large windows), acrylic prints offer superior resistance to moisture and UV rays.

For bedrooms, living rooms, or gallery walls, canvas prints provide a warm, welcoming vibe that’s hard to beat.

Final Tip:
Want classic, textured charm? Go for a canvas print.
Want a bold, modern masterpiece? Choose an acrylic print.

 

FAQs

What lasts longer, canvas or acrylic prints?

Both can last for decades, but acrylic prints generally offer greater resistance to moisture, scratches, and UV damage.

Are acrylic prints more expensive than canvas prints?

Yes, acrylic prints are a premium option due to their materials and high-gloss finish, but the durability and vibrancy justify the cost.

Which is better for vibrant colours—canvas or acrylic?

Acrylic prints are better for showcasing bright, saturated colours and high-detail photography.

Can I clean acrylic and canvas prints easily?

Yes! Both can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth. Canvas is slightly more textured, while acrylic wipes clean like glass.

Which print is best for humidity or coastal homes?

Acrylic prints are ideal—they're moisture-resistant and less prone to warping in humid or coastal environments.

Ready to Print Your Favourite Photos?

Explore our full range of Canvas Prints and Acrylic Prints today.

We offer:

• Custom sizing
• Fast, Australia-wide delivery
• 100% satisfaction guarantee

Bring your memories to life—your walls will thank you.