Everything That Goes Into Your Acrylic Photo Print
Here's an overview of the acrylic panel, its finish and print quality, the shape and mounting choices, and what's part of every order.
The Acrylic Panel
- Your photo goes onto crystal-clear acrylic, also known as plexiglass, a contemporary alternative to glass in a frame
- Light to handle but resistant to shattering, which makes it a safe choice for busy homes, stores and offices
- The optically clear panel gives your image genuine depth and a 3D look that seems to float
- Stands up to moisture, UV rays and direct sun without warping or fading
Print Quality & Glossy Finish
- Printed digitally in full color using UV-stable inks that resist fading
- A rich gloss makes bright colors glow and gives dark tones extra depth
- Second-surface printing puts the image on the reverse of the panel, where it's shielded from scratches
- Crisp detail and smooth gradients give you a print worthy of a gallery
Shape & Cut
- Choose a square or a rectangular shape
- Straight, clean edges and crisp 90° corners give it a timeless look
- Go with portrait or landscape, whichever suits your photo
- Sides top out at 40", which means your order never needs freight shipping
Sizing & Layout
- Pick a custom size anywhere from 20" × 20" to 40" × 40"
- Square or rectangular layouts, in landscape or portrait
- Customer favorites include 20" × 30", 24" × 36" and 30" × 40"
- Order a set of matching panels to create a multi-piece gallery wall
Panel Thickness
- The 3/16" (0.1875") panel is light but sturdy
- Stepping up to the 1/4" (0.25") panel gives you more rigidity and more depth
- Larger prints look especially good on the thicker acrylic
- Either thickness gives you the same glossy shine and vibrant color
Hanging Your Print
- Metal standoffs hold the panel off the wall for a modern, floating effect
- Choose black or silver standoff hardware
- Holes come pre-drilled so the standoffs install securely
- Set where the holes go in the design tool before you check out
Longevity & Cleaning
- Made to keep its color for years, indoors or in sheltered outdoor locations
- For routine dusting, use a soft cloth that won't scratch
- For a thorough clean, use water and a mild soap, then dry it off so no water spots form
- Skip harsh cleaners, alcohol and ammonia, which can leave the surface cloudy
Artwork & Files
- Send us a photo of your own, or get started with a ready-made online template
- Use our online design tool to layer on text, graphics and effects
- Supported formats: PNG, JPEG, PSD, TIFF, AI, EPS and PDF
- For the sharpest result, supply high-resolution artwork at full size and 300 dpi
Turnaround & Delivery
The production and delivery times below are estimates, and things like weather, carrier hold-ups or problems with artwork can change them. Once your order is placed and approved, production and shipping kick off on the following business day.
Orders ship to addresses in the continental U.S. only, and we're unable to deliver to APO addresses or PO Boxes.
Production Schedule
- Standard: ready in 2 business days
- Rush: 1 business day, when it's available
- Bigger sizes can take longer to produce
Delivery Window
- Ground delivery arrives in 2 to 7 days
Notes on Larger Orders
- Higher quantities can add time to production
- Turnaround varies with the size, thickness, shape and quantity you choose
- Need it fast? Get your rush order in as early as possible
Have a Question About Your Print? Just Ask.
Need a hand preparing artwork, uploading files or estimating shipping? We're happy to help with that and more. Click the chat button at the lower right of your screen, phone us or drop us an email.
Questions About the Print and Its Materials
What exactly is an acrylic photo print?
It's a high-resolution reproduction of your image, printed on a clear acrylic panel. Thanks to the see-through material and glossy surface, your photo takes on visible depth, which is why these prints are so popular for gallery displays, office decor and walls at home.
What are the prints made of?
We use clear acrylic, which you may know as plexiglass. It has the look of glass, but it's lighter, costs less and is much tougher, so it won't shatter like the glass in a frame can.
How do I pick the right thickness?
There are two options. The 3/16" (0.1875") panel is light and sturdy and works for most prints, while the stiffer 1/4" (0.25") panel gives the image more visual depth, making it an excellent choice for bigger pieces.
Is the finish glossy or matte?
Every acrylic photo print is glossy. Because the image sits on the back of the panel and you see it through the clear front, it has the deep shine you'd expect from glass.
Will an acrylic print hold up outside?
It will. Acrylic resists moisture, UV and sunlight, so it performs well in humid spaces and covered outdoor areas. Keep it clear of open flames and severe freezing temperatures, though, since over time they can warp the panel.
Which sizes and shapes can I order?
Choose a square or rectangular shape in any custom size from 20" × 20" to 40" × 40", in either landscape or portrait. No side may be longer than 40" so shipping stays simple; anything bigger would have to go by freight.
Which photos look best printed on acrylic?
Pictures with bold colors and strong contrast really stand out. The gloss makes bright tones luminous and dark tones rich, which is why landscapes, vibrant artwork and family portraits are such popular choices.
Questions About Ordering, Hanging and Care
How should I get my file ready to print?
Send the highest-resolution version of your image, ideally about 300 dpi at the size it will be printed. We accept PNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD, PDF, AI and EPS files. If your image is on the small side, our design tools can help improve it before it's printed.
Can I send my own image or create a design online?
You can do either. Upload a photo that's ready to print, or use our online design tool to add effects, graphics and text. Want a head start? Customize one of the templates in our library.
How do I hang my acrylic print?
Each print mounts with metal standoffs, in black or silver, for a clean look that seems to float off the wall. The holes come drilled so the standoffs fasten securely; simply pick where you want them in the design tool before you check out.
Is it possible to order a gallery set with multiple panels?
Yes. Place a separate order for each panel and send artwork that's already divided into the individual pieces. Not sure where to split the design? Send it to us and our team can help crop it so all the panels line up.
What's the best way to clean and look after my print?
Dust it often with a soft cloth that isn't abrasive. When it needs more than that, wash it with water and a mild soap and dry the surface so water spots don't form. Stay away from ammonia, alcohol and abrasive cleaners, which can scratch or cloud the acrylic.
What's the lifespan of an acrylic print?
Cared for properly, an acrylic photo print keeps its vibrant color for around ten years indoors and roughly five years in a covered outdoor setting. Durable panels and UV-stable inks keep the colors fresh for years.
What's the right way to store an acrylic print?
Store it somewhere cool and dry, away from moisture and direct sun. Lay it flat, wrapped in something soft and non-abrasive like bubble wrap or glassine paper, and never stack one acrylic panel right on top of another.
