Both promise striking visuals — but they differ in durability, weight, price, and practicality. Here is the full breakdown.
Metal prints and acrylic prints both produce vivid, modern-looking results, but metal is lighter, more durable, and significantly more affordable. Acrylic can crack or shatter, attracts fingerprints, and costs two to three times more — making metal the better all-round investment for photo displays.
Acrylic prints — where a photo is mounted behind or directly onto a sheet of plexiglass — have earned a reputation as a luxury option. The glossy depth effect is undeniably striking. But that premium look comes with real drawbacks: fragility, weight, fingerprints, and a price tag that can be hard to justify.
Bolot Studio metal prints achieve a similarly vivid, modern aesthetic through advanced metal printing on metal — at a fraction of the cost, with none of the fragility. Let us compare the two formats head to head.
A detailed look at how metal and acrylic photo prints compare across the factors that matter most.
| Feature | Bolot Metal Prints | Acrylic Prints |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Premium metal with advanced metal printing ink infusion | Photo mounted behind or printed on acrylic (plexiglass) |
| Durability | many decades; shatterproof and fade-resistant | Prone to scratching, cracking, and shattering on impact |
| Customization | Upload any photo; 3 sizes, matte or glossy finish | Custom photos available; sizes and finishes vary by vendor |
| Print Quality | Vibrant, luminous colors with ultra-sharp detail | Impressive depth and vibrancy; glossy effect |
| Water Resistance | Fully waterproof — safe for any room | Water-resistant surface; edges and backing may be vulnerable |
| UV Resistance | Advanced metal printing locks colour permanently into the aluminium surface | Acrylic surface offers some protection but pigments may still fade over time |
| Weight | Very lightweight metal; easy to hang solo | Heavy — large sizes often require professional mounting |
| Mounting | Magnetic mount — no tools, no wall damage | French cleat or standoff hardware; drilling required |
| Price Range | From €14 to €37 — free EU shipping included | €50–€300+ depending on size; shipping often extra |
| Best For | Vibrant photos, easy installation, lasting value | Gallery-style presentation where budget is not a constraint |
Premium results without the premium headaches.
Metal prints deliver the same vivid, modern look as acrylic — without the risk of cracking, shattering, or fingerprint smudges on the surface.
Metal is dramatically lighter than acrylic. You can hang even our largest print in seconds using the magnetic mounting system — no help needed.
Comparable acrylic prints can cost three to five times more. Bolot metal prints start at just €14, with free shipping across Europe.
Acrylic attracts dust and fingerprints and requires special cleaning products. Metal wipes clean in seconds with just water — and never yellows.
Everything you need to know before choosing between metal and acrylic photo prints.
Get the vivid, modern aesthetic of acrylic — in a lighter, tougher, more affordable format.