Acrylic vs Metal Prints: Understanding the Difference - Redbubble Life

Are you looking to add some flair to your space, but you’re not sure how to choose between acrylic vs metal prints? Acrylic blocks and metal prints are both wonderful options for home decor. Understanding the difference will help you decide which style will fit your aesthetic and lifestyle.

Let’s take a look at all the ins and outs of acrylic vs metal prints — what they are, the similarities and differences, how to display them, and more!

What is Acrylic Art?

Acrylic Block Artwork Sunshine enrapture me Designed & Sold By leafandpetal at Redbubble.

Acrylic art is a unique and versatile way to display a high-quality image. So how is acrylic art made? Our acrylic blocks are made using a photographic print bonded to the block using an optically clear adhesive. They are free-standing pieces that can be displayed on shelves, desks, or end tables.

What Are Metal Prints?

Metal Print Artwork Ragdoll Cat Designed & Sold by Giulialibard at Redbubble.

Metal prints are a beautiful way to showcase a piece of art. With metal prints, you can showcase your favorite prints on lightweight aluminum that is so durable it will likely outlive us all. So how are metal prints made? By infusing ink into the metal or directly onto the metal through heat and pressure. It’s a pretty neat process.

Acrylic Prints vs. Metal Prints

acrylic block of girl listening to music on shelf

Acrylic Block Artwork Space Letterman Designed & Sold By GDBee by Redbubble

Are you still confused by the similarities and differences of acrylic art and metal prints? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Below you’ll find a list of the biggest similarities and differences between the two types of art displays.

Similarities

Sharp, crisp prints are available in multiple sizes
Easy to clean and wipe down to eliminate dust and fingerprints
Built to last at least 100 years or more

Differences

Acrylic blocks are thicker than metal prints
Acrylic blocks make for a decorative piece for a shelf or desk
Metal prints offer an industrial, modern look to a room

Benefits of Acrylic Art

Acrylic art pieces have many benefits. They are lighter than glass in most cases and are highly durable and shatter-resistant. You don’t want to invest in a gorgeous piece of art just for it to be ruined in a few years. Acrylic blocks will last for a very long time.

Durability doesn’t mean a lack of aesthetic either. If you want eye-catching pops of color and high-quality artwork gracing your desk or shelves, acrylic blocks won’t disappoint. When cleaning your acrylic blocks, use air in a can or a soft microfiber cloth to keep your masterpiece looking as good as new.

Benefits of Metal Prints

Metal prints are unique and modern pieces of art. They have a gallery-like finish and give the appearance that they are floating off the wall. Are metal prints worth it? Yes, they are. Metal prints are durable, long-lasting, scratch-resistant, lightweight, and easy to clean. What more could you ask for?

Finding beautiful artwork that is also easy to clean is ideal. When wiping down your metal print, you don’t have to worry about wiping away the graphics. The dyes are underneath the surface coating, so you can guarantee your piece will always wow anyone who passes by.

How To Display Acrylic Blocks

You can set up acrylic blocks anywhere with a big enough surface. Perhaps on a shelf full of plants, or maybe on your work desk. So let’s take a look at four different acrylic block display ideas to inspire your next decorating extravaganza.

1. Elevate your favorite shelf

Acrylic Block Artwork Cat Acrylic Block Designed & Sold By LostInEcho at Redbubble.

The fun part about an acrylic block is that you can put it anywhere that it will fit. Set up on a standalone shelf or next to your favorite plant.

2. Display on your desk

acrylic block on shelf with colorful polka dots

Equality Acrylic Block Artwork Designed & Sold by koorikicksart at Redbubble.

Add a little inspiration to your work area by adding a beautiful acrylic block that inspires you. An uplifting workspace makes for a productive workspace.

3. Create an art display with a variety of mediums

acrylic block on shelf that says I speak fluent eye roll

Fluent Eye Roll Acrylic Block Artwork Designed & Sold By fishbiscuit At Redbubble.

Add some playfulness and texture to your space by using a variety of art mediums to decorate. Acrylic blocks, cross-stitch, photographs, paintings, dreamcatchers, and so many other options are available to you.

4. Use as a paperweight

Mountains In The Background VI Acrylic Block Artwork Designed & Sold By Salvatore Russolillo At Redbubble.

Try using an acrylic block as a paperweight for your desk at home or in the office. This is an artistic way to hold all of your papers together while displaying your favorite photographs or art pieces.

How To Display Metal Prints

If you’re looking to display metal prints, you’ve come to the right place. Redbubble offers tons of different metal print options from a wide range of talented artists. Keep reading for some inspiration for displaying a gorgeous metal print.

1. Hang it over a central living room piece

Overthinking Metal Print Designed & Sold By Maarten Leon At Redbubble.

A gorgeous metal print would draw all eyes to a central location. Framed over the sofa is always a winning option.

2. Frame the dining room

metal print of fruits and vegetables hanging over a couch

Fruity Drawings Metal Print Designed & Sold By Nic Squirrell At Redbubble.

Add a fruity drawing or some appetizing imagery to your dining room wall. It’ll add interest to the dining area while you’re chowing down on your favorite food.

3. Add it to a wall full of art

metal print with night sky and mountains hanging over a couch

Starlight Road Metal Print Designed & Sold By leafandpetal At Redbubble.

Why not add more art to your life? Adding a metal print into an assortment of other art pieces can add interest and play to any room.

4. Uplevel your bedroom with an image headboard

metal print of lake at sunset hanging on a wall

Transform your bedroom into a sacred oasis with the addition of a larger metal print hung right over your bed. You can create a color scheme or style based on the imagery.

Are Acrylic or Metal Prints Better?

acrylic block with a howling wolf on a shelf

The Call Acrylic Block Artwork Designed & Sold By Claudia Santos At Redbubble.

Are acrylic blocks or metal prints better? That’s up to you to decide. There’s really no right or wrong answer. It all comes down to what you’re looking for in a piece of art. Large metal prints will definitely cost a bit more than a smaller acrylic block, and each serves its own purpose and aesthetic.

If you’re looking for flexibility in sizing and a modern, industrial look, metal prints might be your go-to. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smaller block that can situate itself nicely on a shelf or desk, the acrylic block may be the winner.

What is it that you want?

If you’re deciding between acrylic vs. metal prints, you’re in luck. Redbubble features so many incredible artists that offer both acrylic blocks and metal prints. With a bit of planning and art style inspiration you can decide which product is best for you.