girl with frames on bedroom wall behind bed

Metal Prints Vs Canvas: A Comparison

Metal prints and canvas prints are both print options that many people consider when they want to decorate their homes or offices. They both have their own pros and cons that one should consider before deciding which print to invest in.

Metal prints or metal photos, as they are also known, have gained a lot of traction in recent years among people who want high-quality artwork but still do not wish to spend too much money on it.

Canvas is also a classic choice when it comes to printing and creating artwork. In this article, we are going to compare the two printing mediums and help you decide which one is best for your needs.

What Are Metal Prints?

Metal Prints are prints that are directly made on a sheet of metal. The photo is printed onto the metal and then a protective coating is applied to keep the image from fading.

They are a great option for people who want a modern look in their home or office. Metal prints offer a versatile look as they can be used in both formal and informal settings. Durability is also a major advantage that Metal Prints have over canvases.

Metal prints are usually resistant to water and scratches, which makes them a perfect option for outdoor spaces as well. Metal prints can last up to 30 years without fading if they receive adequate care and maintenance. Metal prints also do not fade in direct sunlight, which is a huge plus for people who want to hang their prints outdoors.

Metal Prints: Best Applications

Metal prints work best in showcasing your photo or artworks that feature deep contrasts, vibrant and saturated colors, and sharp textures. Compared to canvas prints, metal prints will produce deeper blacks and brighter whites. If you have a photo that is full of life and color, metal prints would be the perfect option for it.

Metal prints offer a versatile look as they can be used in both formal and informal settings. If you have a photo that is full of life and color, metal prints would be the perfect option for it. But if you have low-resolution pictures, you might want to opt for canvas prints as metal prints will not do the photo justice.

Depending on the finish of your metal prints, they can give either a matte or glossy look to your photos.

They're best used for displaying:

●      Outdoor Settings

●      Black and White Photos

●      City Skylines

●      Astronomy

●      Wedding Photos

●      Family Portraits

Metal Prints: Pros and Cons

Pros:

●      Waterproof and Scratch Resistant

●      Does not fade easily

●      Sleek and Elegant

●      Versatile in terms of placement and design

●      Deeper blacks and brighter whites

●      Variety of finishes

Cons:

●      More expensive than most print options

●      Doesn't work well with low-resolution photos

●      Heavier than other prints

●      Might look out of place in traditional settings

What's The Difference Between Metal Prints and Metallic Prints?

While metal prints are printed on actual metal surfaces, metallic prints are printed on paper that has a pearlescent coating embedded into the paper. Like metal prints, metallic prints are great for highlighting the sharpness, brightness, and saturation of your photos or artwork. They are also more durable than usual print mediums like glossy or matte prints.

What Are Canvas Prints?

Canvas is a very popular printing medium for a lot of artists and photographers. For the longest time, it has been the most favored surface for artists to paint on because of its longevity and its excellent texture. Canvas prints are usually made out of cotton or linen and have a texture that makes it unique from other printing surfaces.

Canvas prints are created by printing an image onto canvas and then stretching the canvas over a wooden frame. The result is a print that has the texture and feel of an original painting. Canvas prints give photos and artworks a very traditional look and feel.

They come in all shapes and sizes, making it easy to find one that will fit your needs. Canvas prints are also a great option for people who want to print photos that are of lower quality. The lower resolution of the photo will not be as noticeable on a canvas as it would on other mediums.

Canvas Prints: Best Applications

Canvas prints work best in displaying photos and artworks that have a lot of color and detail. Because of the texture of the canvas, it can handle paintings and photos with a lot of intricate details very well.

Canvas is perceived as a timeless medium, which makes it a great choice if you want to keep your artwork looking new after years of use while maintaining a classic vibe. Canvas prints are perfect for warmer colors and lower contrasts.

Photos printed on canvas can also be made better by applying varnishes or topcoats. Matte, semi-gloss, and epoxy coatings are the most commonly used topcoats for canvas prints. Varnishes provide UV protection against sunlight while keeping the colors of your photo intact and glossy coatings add an additional layer of shine to your photos.

They are best used for displaying:

●      Indoor Settings

●      Photos with Warm Tones

●      Paintings

●      Artwork with lots of Texture

●      Low-Resolution Photos

●      Vintage Photos

●      Stunning Landscapes

●      Abstract Art

Canvas Prints: Pros and Cons

Pros:

●      Applicable for both modern and traditional settings

●      Easy on the budget - Not as expensive as metal prints and other options

●      Versatility - Any photo would look good on canvas

●      Great texture

●      Glare-free

Cons:

●      Not ideal for outdoor settings and weather exposure

●      Not scratch and water-resistant

●      Doesn't last as long as metal prints

Which one should you choose?

Honestly, you can't go wrong with either metal prints or canvas prints as they both do an excellent job in making your pictures or artwork fantastic when they are printed properly by a reliable professional. However, each print has its own advantages over the other. It all boils down to your needs and preferences.

If you have bright, low contrast photos that feature warm colors, then canvas may be the right choice for you. If you would like to showcase rich, deep colors and highlight the blacks and whites of your artwork, then it might be best to go with metal prints.

If you're putting up your pictures indoors, then canvas prints are a great choice. But if you want to display your pictures outdoors, then going for metal prints is an easy decision. You also have to keep the price of these print options in mind as metal prints are significantly more expensive than canvas prints

Remember, there are other print options to choose from aside from canvas and metal. If you're not sure which one to choose, feel free to reach out to us and we will be more than happy to help!

If you’ve found this article interesting, you can check out more helpful articles on our blog.