PR-105: How Acrylic Prints Are Made
PR-105: How Acrylic Prints Are Made
Updated July 2026 • 12 minute read
Professional Printing
Lesson 5 of 10
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Acrylic prints have become one of the most popular choices for modern home décor, galleries, and professional photography. Their exceptional clarity, rich color, and remarkable sense of depth make photographs appear almost illuminated.
But despite their premium appearance, many people aren't sure how acrylic prints are actually made.
In reality, there are several manufacturing methods, each with its own advantages. Understanding these processes can help you choose the acrylic print that's right for your artwork.
Quick Answer
Most acrylic prints are created using one of three methods:
- A photographic print mounted behind a sheet of clear acrylic.
- A direct UV print onto the acrylic surface.
- A face-mounted photographic print with a rigid backing.
All three create beautiful displays, but they differ in appearance, durability, depth, and cost.
Why Acrylic Creates So Much Depth
The defining feature of an acrylic print is its clear acrylic face.
Unlike traditional framed prints covered by thin glass, acrylic is much thicker.
As light enters the acrylic, it travels through the material before reaching the image and reflecting back toward your eyes.
This creates an impressive sense of depth, making colors appear richer and details more dimensional.
This effect is one of the reasons acrylic has become a favorite among photographers and artists.
Method 1: Face-Mounted Photographic Prints
This is considered one of the highest-quality methods of producing acrylic artwork.
The process generally involves:
- Producing a professional photographic print.
- Carefully mounting it behind a polished sheet of clear acrylic.
- Applying a rigid backing for stability.
- Adding hanging hardware.
Because the photograph sits behind the acrylic rather than on its surface, the image appears exceptionally sharp and vibrant.
Method 2: Direct UV Printing
Another popular approach is printing directly onto the back of the acrylic using UV-curable inks.
The inks cure almost instantly under ultraviolet light.
Advantages include:
- Excellent durability
- Efficient production
- Good color reproduction
- Smooth appearance
While direct printing produces beautiful results, the visual depth is typically different from a face-mounted photographic print.
Method 3: Acrylic With Decorative Backers
Many modern acrylic products combine a photographic print with decorative backing materials that enhance both appearance and structural strength.
Depending on the manufacturer, the backing may be:
- Aluminum composite panels
- PVC
- Acrylic
- Other rigid materials
These backers improve rigidity while contributing to the finished appearance when viewed from the side.
Why Edge Finishing Matters
One detail many customers overlook is the edge.
High-quality acrylic often features polished edges that allow light to travel cleanly through the material.
Common finishing methods include:
Diamond Polishing
Machine-polished edges that create a crystal-clear appearance with excellent consistency.
Hand Polishing
Individually polished edges that may provide an even higher level of refinement for premium applications.
Matte or Frosted Edges
Some acrylic products intentionally use softer edge finishes to reduce reflections or achieve a different design aesthetic.
How Thick Is Acrylic?
Acrylic prints are available in various thicknesses.
Common options include:
- 1/8 inch (3 mm)
- 1/4 inch (6 mm)
Thicker acrylic generally creates a greater sense of depth and a more substantial feel, although both thicknesses produce beautiful results.
Hanging Acrylic Prints
Several mounting methods are available.
These may include:
- Hidden aluminum rails
- Float mounts
- French cleats
- Decorative hardware
The mounting system affects how the artwork appears on the wall, including how far it stands away from the surface.
Why Acrylic Prints Are So Popular
Acrylic combines several desirable qualities:
- Exceptional clarity
- Rich, vibrant colors
- Impressive visual depth
- Contemporary appearance
- Excellent durability
- Easy cleaning
These characteristics make acrylic a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is acrylic the same as glass?
No.
Acrylic is a transparent plastic that is lighter and significantly more impact-resistant than glass.
While both are clear materials, they have different physical properties.
Why do acrylic prints look so vibrant?
Light passes through the clear acrylic before reaching the image, creating a greater sense of depth and enhancing the perception of color and contrast.
Can acrylic scratch?
Like most clear materials, acrylic can be scratched if cleaned improperly.
Using a soft microfiber cloth and appropriate cleaners helps preserve its appearance.
Why are some acrylic prints more expensive than others?
Pricing can vary depending on:
- Acrylic thickness
- Printing method
- Backing material
- Edge finishing
- Mounting system
- Manufacturing precision
Premium materials and craftsmanship generally increase both appearance and durability.
Print Pro Tip
When comparing acrylic prints, don't focus only on the front. Look closely at the edges, backing, and mounting system. These details often reveal the overall quality of the finished piece.
Our Recommendation
At Artbeat Studios, we offer several acrylic print options to suit different styles and budgets.
Our collection includes:
- HD Acrylic – A 1/4-inch clear acrylic face mounted to a black PVC backer for a bold, modern presentation.
- HD Acrylic Slim – A slimmer profile featuring a 1/8-inch acrylic face and a clear acrylic back.
- HD Acrylic 360 – A premium construction with a 1/4-inch acrylic face and a 1/8-inch clear acrylic back, allowing the layered acrylic construction to be visible from every angle.
- HD Acrylic Black – Our most premium acrylic print, combining a 1/4-inch clear acrylic face with a 1/8-inch black acrylic back for an elegant side profile and exceptional craftsmanship.
Each option is available with precision diamond-polished edges, optional hand polishing, and optional Reduced Glare Acrylic to help reduce reflections in brighter environments.
Related Articles
Professional Printing
- PR-104: How Metal Prints Are Made
- PR-106: Understanding Paper Prints
- PR-109: Choosing the Right Mounting Method
- PR-110: How to Care for Your Finished Print
Choosing Your Print
- Which HD Acrylic Print Is Right?
- Metal Prints vs. Acrylic Prints
Continue Learning
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→ Next Lesson: PR-106: Understanding Paper Prints
Updated on: 07/28/2026
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