How Acrylic Photo Prints Are Made
A Stunning, Modern Display Medium
If you've ever seen a photograph that seemed to glow from within, with colors that leap off the wall and incredible visual depth, you were probably looking at an acrylic print. These vibrant, gallery-quality pieces are a favorite among collectors, interior designers, and photographers alike, and for good reason.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how acrylic photo prints are made, the different methods used in professional labs, and why this medium might be the perfect fit for certain types of photography. Acrylic prints can be especially powerful when used to present large-format landscapes or bold, color-rich images.
What Is an Acrylic Photo Print?
An acrylic print is a high-resolution photograph mounted behind a clear sheet of acrylic glass. This creates a sleek, frameless presentation that enhances color vibrancy, contrast, and depth. The result is a luminous and modern-looking print that draws the eye and makes a strong visual impact.
The Acrylic Print-Making Process
1. High-Resolution Printing
The process starts with printing the image onto archival-quality photo paper. Most labs use high-gloss or metallic paper, and pigment-based inks, to deliver outstanding resolution and color fidelity.
2. Face-Mounting to Acrylic
Next, the printed photograph is face-mounted to a crystal-clear acrylic panel using an optically clear adhesive. This creates a permanent bond that protects the print from moisture, UV rays, and damage, while enhancing the overall contrast and sharpness.
There are two primary mounting methods:
Direct-Print Acrylic: The image is printed directly onto the back of the acrylic sheet.
Face-Mounted Acrylic: The image is printed on photo paper and mounted behind the acrylic. This method is often preferred for fine art because it provides greater depth and clarity.
3. Backing and Mounting Options
A sturdy backing material is added behind the image to provide structure. Common options include aluminum Dibond or Sintra board. Some print labs also offer the option to mount another piece of acrylic as the backer. These materials help the piece remain rigid and durable over time. Hanging options can include French cleats or float mounts, which allow the artwork to appear as if it is floating slightly off the wall.
4. Finishing Touches
The final step includes edge finishing. Some printers polish the edges by flame or machine to create a clean, gallery-quality look. Optional upgrades may include non-glare or museum-grade acrylic for improved visibility in bright lighting environments.
Acrylic vs metal prints: What’s different?
If you're deciding between acrylic photo prints and metal prints, it helps to understand how each medium influences the final look and feel of the artwork. The acrylic printing process that we have been discussing creates a glossy, gallery-style finish with striking depth and enhanced color vibrancy. Metal photo prints, by comparison, are produced by infusing dyes directly into a coated aluminum surface. The result is a sleek, durable piece with sharp detail and a subtle metallic sheen.
Acrylic tends to offer a more polished, luxurious presentation ideal for bold landscapes or fine art displays, while metal prints are known for their rugged durability and contemporary aesthetic — perfect for modern interiors or high-impact installations.
Why Choose Acrylic Prints for Fine Art Photography?
Enhanced color and depth: Ideal for images with bold skies, reflective water, or vibrant scenes.
Modern presentation: The frameless, clean look fits well in both home and gallery settings.
Durability: Acrylic prints are moisture-resistant and UV-protected.
Dimensional effect: The acrylic surface adds a subtle three-dimensional quality to the image.
When you want a photograph to stand out in a space, acrylic is a powerful choice.
Caring for Acrylic Prints
Use a soft microfiber cloth with gentle cleaner. Avoid ammonia or alcohol-based products.
Keep out of direct sunlight for maximum longevity.
Handle the surface carefully to prevent scratches.
How I Use Acrylic Prints in My Work
In my fine art photography collections, I often select acrylic when a photograph benefits from added visual punch and clarity. Coastal sunsets, glowing city scenes, or richly colored mountain vistas can really shine when printed in this format.
You’ll find acrylic-mount options available in my shop for all prints. For example, my piece “Christmas Eve Sunset”, as seen above, excels with the acrylic medium as it can intensify the glow of sunset light cast across the sky and the vibrant sky and boat reflections in the water.
A Premium Display for Exceptional Images
Acrylic photo prints offer stunning visual impact combined with professional durability. They are ideal for fine art photography that deserves to be shown at its best. If you are considering investing in a large-format landscape or bold modern print, acrylic is a medium worth exploring.
If you are looking for stunning acrylic art work for you home, check out my galleries collection as well as the print shop for great options to choose from.
