Glass Vs. Acrylic Photo Prints- Know The Differences

by Alex Melen on December 12, 2022

Glass Vs Acrylic Photo Prints Know The Differences

Choosing between glass printing and acrylic printing might be difficult when weighing their respective advantages and disadvantages. The advantages and disadvantages of each media vary depending on how the print will be used. Fortunately, we can assist you. To help you choose wisely, we are going to discuss the qualities of both acrylic photo prints and glass prints. 

Printing Procedure 

Printing photos on glass and acrylic both include the transfer of your image to a more resilient substance. Both printing methods use different materials and techniques, though. 

Acrylic Printing Procedure 

It is crucial to first recognize that there exist two varieties of acrylic printing. Images are printed physically onto acrylic sheets using the first technique, known as direct print or the acrylic sheet technique. The second method, referred known as face mounting, involves printing a photograph onto premium paper and sandwiching it between 2 acrylic pages. These acrylic sheets have a background that acts as a substrate for the image, allowing light to reflect off the ink and create a brighter image. 

The acrylic sheet approach entails printing the picture while also adhering it to a transparent acrylic sheet. There are a few more procedures for installing an acrylic face. The picture is printed onto premium paper using a printer. A layer of acrylic is placed on either face of the printed picture once it has been printed. Behind these 3 sheets is a sheet of metal, white, see-through, black, or other color. 

Glass Printing Procedure 

When printing on glass, a coat is applied to the surface to prevent the ink from slipping off before it has a chance to adhere to the glass. The ink is then applied after this. Using ink made of ceramic, the printer pushes the picture onto the glass sheets. To increase the vibrancy and transparency of the colors, white ink is placed underneath the colorful ink. The glass is then placed in an oven. The ink is fused into the substance using heat. Organic ink is used in a different method, allowing a greater number of colors but with less permanence. 

Acrylic Prints’ Image Quality 

With the acrylic sheet technique, light may pass through the paper. The result produces a distinct picture. With the acrylic face-mounting method, the buyer may pick the backing that will go behind the image. The photograph's hues are vibrant and dazzling thanks to the background. Acrylic that doesn't reflect light makes a picture look more apparent and eliminates distracting reflections. Compared to printing on glass, acrylic printing is finer. The acrylic printing method makes sure that the picture surface would not have any bubbles or scratches. Scratches or blemishes on the face of the sheet when using glass might obstruct the picture and reduce its quality. 

Glass Prints’ Image Quality 

Compared to printing on acrylic, glass printing often requires fewer colors. The picture may be distorted by flaws in the glass as well. A glass-printed photograph's color is often less accurate and duller. The glass's shiny surface may additionally make it more challenging to see photographs. Should you wish to save money, glass printing is an affordable printing option.
BACK TO TOP