The quick answer: choose metallic canvas in a floating frame for a warm, timeless, gallery look, and choose frameless acrylic glass for bright, high contrast, contemporary impact. Both are printed to fine art standards, both arrive ready to hang, and the right one depends on your room and the feel you want.
What is a canvas print?
A canvas print is a photograph printed onto artist canvas, here on metallic canvas set in a floating timber frame. The surface has a soft, matte texture that reads as classic and understated, and the floating frame adds a clean gallery edge. Stephen's canvas is available in six frame colours: Black, White, Natural, Brown, Antique Gold and Antique Silver.
What is an acrylic print?
An acrylic print mounts the image behind glass clear acrylic with a high gloss finish. The smooth surface adds depth and lifts contrast, which makes blacks look deeper and whites cleaner. It is frameless and floats just off the wall, giving a modern, luminous look that suits contemporary interiors.
Canvas vs acrylic: a side by side comparison
| Feature | Metallic canvas | Acrylic glass |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Warm, matte, timeless | Bright, glossy, contemporary |
| Contrast | Soft and natural | High, with added depth |
| Framing | Floating timber frame, six colours | Frameless, floats off the wall |
| Best light | Most rooms, forgiving of glare | Well lit walls, away from direct glare |
| Feel | Classic gallery | Modern gallery |
Which rooms suit each finish?
Canvas is the easy all rounder. Its matte surface handles mixed lighting well, so it works in living rooms, bedrooms and hallways without fighting reflections. Acrylic rewards a well lit wall, where its gloss and depth come alive, and it stands up to humidity, so it can go in kitchens and bathrooms with careful consideration. Explore both in the canvas collection and the acrylic collection.
How do you care for each one?
Both are low maintenance. Clean canvas with a chemical free damp microfibre cloth, and keep it away from moisture. The acrylic face can take a small amount of glass cleaner on a soft cloth. Never spray anything directly onto the artwork, and keep both out of direct sunlight. Full guidance is on Care and Handling.
So which should you choose?
If you want a warm, classic piece that suits almost any room, choose canvas and pick a frame colour to match your interior. If you want a bold, contemporary statement on a well lit wall, choose acrylic. Both are made with the same 12 colour giclée printing described on The Process, so the image quality is identical. The decision is purely about the look you want to live with.
Frequently asked questions
Is canvas or acrylic better for black and white photography?
Both work beautifully. Canvas gives a soft, timeless rendering of the grey tones, while acrylic deepens the blacks and brightens the whites for higher contrast. It comes down to whether you want a classic or a contemporary feel.
Which lasts longer, canvas or acrylic?
Both are built to last. Canvas prints carry a 100 year plus colour guarantee, and acrylic is UV protective. Kept out of direct sunlight, either finish will hold its look for a lifetime.
Do both finishes arrive ready to hang?
Yes. Canvas hangs on two small nails or screws, and acrylic comes with a metal bracket and screws. Neither needs wall bracing. See Hanging Instructions for details.
Can acrylic prints go in a bathroom or kitchen?
Yes, with careful consideration, because acrylic handles humidity well. Canvas is best kept away from moisture, so it suits living rooms and bedrooms.