In recent years, acrylic prints have become increasingly popular as a modern and sophisticated way to display artwork and photographs. However, choosing between a glossy or matte finish when printing on acrylic can significantly impact the look and feel of the finished piece.

Glossy and matte acrylic prints have distinct qualities that can enhance or detract from the artwork’s appearance, depending on the desired effect.

Are you ready to learn more about the differences between glossy acrylic prints and matte acrylic prints? Keep reading to learn about their unique features, benefits, and drawbacks.

There’s a lot to learn about acrylic photo printing. Whether you are an artist or a photography enthusiast, understanding the nuances of glossy versus matte acrylic prints will help you make an informed decision and create a stunning display that captures your vision.

Features of Glossy vs. Matte Acrylic Prints

Glossy and matte acrylic prints have different characteristics that can impact the overall look and feel of the artwork or photograph.

Understanding the features of each can help you decide which choice is best suited for your needs.

Glossy Acrylic Prints

Features of glossy acrylic prints include the following:

  • High-gloss finish that is reflective and has a glass-like appearance
  • Colors appear more vibrant and saturated due to the reflective surface
  • Can show more details and fine lines in the artwork or photograph
  • More susceptible to fingerprints, smudges, and glare from lighting
  • Can provide a contemporary and modern look and feel
  • Best suited for images with bright colors, high contrast, and sharp lines

Now that you know the benefits of glossy acrylic prints, consider the benefits of matte acrylic prints.

Matte Acrylic Prints

Features of matte acrylic prints include the following:

  • Flat finish with a non-reflective surface that provides a soft and subtle effect
  • Colors appear more muted and subdued, providing a more natural and organic feel
  • Minimizes glare and reflections, making it easier to view from different angles
  • Can hide minor imperfections or flaws in the artwork or photograph
  • Provides a classic and timeless look and feel
  • Best suited for images with soft colors, subtle details, and muted contrast

It is important to note that personal preference and the type of artwork or photograph displayed will play a significant role in determining which type of acrylic print to choose.

Benefits of Glossy vs. Matte Acrylic Prints

Both glossy and matte acrylic prints have unique benefits, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific context in which they will be displayed.

Here are some potential benefits of each type of acrylic print:

Benefits of Glossy Acrylic Prints

Increased Color Saturation and Vibrancy

Glossy acrylic prints tend to have a more vivid and eye-catching appearance, which can be especially beneficial for images with bright colors or high contrast.

Enhanced Sharpness and Detail

The smooth, reflective surface of glossy acrylic prints can help to accentuate fine details and textures, making images appear sharper and more defined.

Easy to Clean

Because the surface of glossy acrylic prints is non-porous, it can be easily wiped down with a cloth to remove dust or smudges.

Benefits of Matte Acrylic Prints

Reduced Glare and Reflection

Unlike glossy acrylic prints, matte prints have a more subdued and muted appearance that can reduce the amount of glare or reflection from ambient light sources. This makes it easier to view from different angles and lighting conditions.

A More Subtle and Refined Look

The matte surface of these prints can give images a more subtle and elegant appearance that may be preferable for certain types of artwork or photography.

Hides Fingerprints and Scratches

The matte surface of these prints is less likely to show fingerprints and other imperfections, like scratches.

Unique Finish

Matte prints can also provide a more tactile, textured feel to the image, which can be especially appealing for certain types of artwork.

Drawbacks of Glossy vs. Matte Acrylic Prints

While glossy and acrylic prints have several unique features and benefits, there are also some drawbacks. Knowing what these are can help you make an informed decision about the right finish for your project

Drawbacks of Glossy Acrylic Prints

Reflections

Glossy prints are more reflective than matte prints, making them difficult to view in certain lighting conditions.

Smudges and fingerprints

Glossy prints can be prone to smudging and fingerprints, which can be difficult to clean without leaving streaks or marks.

Glare

The high gloss finishes of glossy prints can create glare, making them difficult to view at certain angles.

Drawbacks of Matte Acrylic Prints

Colors Can Appear Less Vibrant

Matte prints absorb light rather than reflect it, making colors appear less vibrant than they would on a glossy print.

Scratches

While acrylic is generally scratch-resistant, matte finishes can be more susceptible to scratches and scuffs than glossy finishes.

Dust and Dirt

Matte prints attract dust and dirt more easily than glossy prints, which can be difficult to remove without damaging the print’s surface.

Choose the Right Finish for Your Acrylic Prints

When printing on acrylic, there are several things to consider, including the right finish. Acrylic prints offer two finish options – glossy acrylic and matte acrylic.

The finish you choose will impact the final look of your photographic art. Use the information above to determine the finish that best suits your project and needs.

Check out our selection if you want to order acrylic prints of your art or photos. We offer several products to get the beautiful piece of art you want and need. Acrylic photo printing can be a lot of fun, and we can help you get started!