Canvas Prints vs. Metal Prints: Which is Better for You?

anvas prints and metal prints are two of the most popular wall art choices today. Whether hung in a living room, office, or studio, these artworks add a subtle texture to the space. Many artists like to showcase their work through these mediums. In this guide, we'll delve into all aspects of canvas and metal prints, including their production processes, advantages and disadvantages, and when to choose one. If you're looking to transform your favorite photos or designs into stunning wall decorations for online sales, understanding these differences will greatly help you choose the most suitable print medium based on your style and needs.

What are canvas prints?

Canvas prints are one of the most classic wall decorations. They are created by printing an image directly onto high-quality canvas, which is then taut and fixed to a wooden frame. The unique texture of the canvas creates a rich, oil-painting-like effect, giving the artwork a more artistic feel. Furthermore, canvas prints have a matte finish, reducing glare and reflections, resulting in a natural and realistic effect from any angle.

Pros of canvas prints

Artistic texture and warmth. Canvas adds a painterly quality, giving the photographs a timeless, handcrafted feel. Subtle imperfections and natural textures possess a unique beauty, which is why canvas paintings have been so popular for decades.

Great for any style of space. Canvas paintings can perfectly complement spaces with various decorating styles. Many homeowners with modern and chic styles, as well as rustic farmhouse styles, choose canvas paintings because they not only blend seamlessly into the decor but also give a warm and welcoming feel.

No glare or reflections. One advantage of canvas is its matte surface, which means you can appreciate your artwork in any lighting conditions without annoying glare.

Lightweight and easy to hang. The canvas artwork is incredibly easy to install. You don't need heavy wall anchors or special tools; just a few simple hooks will do. This lightweight wall art can be easily installed on any wall.

Affordable and customizable. Canvas paintings are relatively inexpensive, allowing you to add an elegant touch to any room without spending too much. If you're looking for decorating inspiration for your home, canvas paintings are definitely worth considering. Furthermore, from size to frame style, canvas paintings offer a wide range of customization options through print-on-demand.

What are metal prints?

Unlike canvas prints, which use fabric as a substrate, metal prints typically involve printing photographs or artworks onto an aluminum plate using a process called sublimation printing. Technically, this is not simple printing; it primarily involves infusing color into the metal plate, resulting in vibrant, high-contrast visual effects. Furthermore, metal prints are highly durable under various conditions, making them a preferred choice for both indoor and outdoor environments.

Pros of metal prints

Vibrant, high-definition colors. Dye-sublimation produces images with brilliant colors, sharp clarity, and incredible depth and detail. This level of realism is difficult to achieve with other media. It is ideal for photography, abstract art, or brightly colored landscapes, all of which benefit from the intensity of color.

A stylish and modern look. Metal prints have a metallic sheen that gives them a sophisticated appearance. This refined feel elevates the professionalism of contemporary artworks and photographs, adding a stylish and modern aesthetic to your space. They are ideal for modern interiors, galleries, or offices with a minimalist, contemporary style.

Extremely durable. Metal prints can maintain their perfect condition for years with virtually no maintenance. They are moisture-proof, fade-resistant, and scratch-resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic areas, damp locations, and even outdoors. Metal prints can retain their luster for decades. If you are looking for a durable medium to showcase your artwork, metal prints are the best choice.

Easy to clean. Cleaning and maintaining metal prints is very simple. Just wipe them with a damp cloth. Because it has no glass or frame, it requires very little maintenance.

When to choose canvas vs. metal prints ?

Frankly, both canvas painting and metal painting are excellent; they each have their own advantages, making it sometimes difficult to choose between them. However, we will now provide a detailed analysis of these two options and tell you which choice to make in which situation.

Advantages of canvas over metal prints

The most significant advantage of canvas prints compared to metal prints is their lower price, especially for large or bulk orders. Custom canvas prints at PeaPrint start at just $3, and with shipping, it won't exceed $15. Furthermore, installing canvas prints is much simpler than installing metal prints; it requires less effort and can even be done by one person. This makes them ideal for renters or those who frequently change their home décor. Metal prints, on the other hand, require specialized mounting tools due to their weight.

As for its soft, natural appearance, I don't think it's an advantage, since everyone has different tastes. However, if you're looking for wall decorations for a private, relaxing space, canvas prints are more suitable.

Advantages of metal prints over canvas prints

Metal prints are known for their durability and versatility. Made of aluminum, they are less prone to fading, moisture damage, or scratches compared to canvas prints, making them ideal for outdoor hanging. Furthermore, due to the printing process, they offer superior color reproduction that canvas prints lack—a crucial advantage for photography and digital art creation.

Metal prints are perfect for outdoor exhibitions or high-traffic areas. They're also ideal for outdoor billboards. However, if you're looking to hang them indoors, their style suitability might be limited to modern, professional looks, such as offices or contemporary homes.

Comparison of canvas vs. metal prints

When choosing between canvas prints and metal prints, it helps to see how they compare side by side. Each has its own strengths depending on your style, environment, and budget.

Canvas vs. metal vs. acrylic prints

If you're exploring photo printing options, you might also be interested in acrylic printing . This is a high-end option, commonly found in professional galleries or luxury interiors. Canvas, metal, acrylic— each material offers a unique look and benefits, depending on your needs and preferences.

Canvas prints offer the effect of traditional paintings, and their matte finish and canvas texture lend images a rich sense of depth. While canvas prints may be slightly less sharp and vibrant, they remain an ideal choice for portraiture and artistic creation.

Metal prints are robust and durable, with a glossy surface, and excel at showcasing detail and color. This technique is ideal for depicting landscape photography, modern spaces, and outdoor displays.

Acrylic prints involve printing an image onto high-gloss photographic paper and then mounting it onto a transparent acrylic panel. This process gives the artwork incredible depth and luster, making the colors appear to float beneath a glass-like surface, and the image appears sharp and clear.

Customize high-quality canvas or metal prints with PeaPrint

If you're an artist or passionate about design, custom printmaking can be a fantastic business idea. You can sell your artwork online, turning your work into real money. The best part is, you don't need any investment. With PeaPrint's print-on-demand service, you can focus on your art, and we'll handle all the order fulfillment, from printing and packaging to shipping to your customer. If you're interested in starting your online custom printmaking business, here's how:

Register a PeaPrint account

Registering a PeaPrint account via email takes less than a minute and is completely free. Once registered, you'll have access to and use all our design tools to add your designs to canvas or metal plates to create your own prints.

Choose your custom print

Our catalog offers a variety of print types, from personalized wooden prints and canvas prints to metal prints. Various sizes and specifications are available. You can choose framed or frameless prints, and we can meet all your customization needs. Select one and click "Design".

Design your personalized print.

You can upload your complete design directly to our design tool, or use our tool to design your own unique print design by editing images and text.

Release and sell

Once the design is complete, you can release it to your store for sale. However, before that, I recommend ordering samples to ensure the product quality meets your and your customers' expectations. This can effectively improve customer satisfaction and avoid returns.

It's simple, right? You can easily make money through your creativity and talent. If you just want to customize a personalized decorative print for your space, PeaPrint can also meet your needs. We have no minimum order quantity; you can even order just one canvas print.

Canvas vs. metal FAQs

Are metal prints or canvas prints superior?

Neither is universally “better”. it really depends on your style, environment, and purpose. Metal prints stand out for their ultra-sharp clarity, vibrant colors, and durability. Canvas prints, on the other hand, have a warm, artistic charm that metal can't replicate.

How do I clean canvas and metal prints?

Canvas Prints: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently remove dust from the surface. Avoid moisture, chemical cleaners, or paper towels — these can damage the texture or cause color fading.

Metal Prints: Cleaning is even simpler — just wipe the surface with a damp, non-abrasive cloth. You can use mild soap if needed, but avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing pads.

Can I order custom canvas or metal prints in bulk?

Absolutely. At PeaPrint, we offer up to 30% off for bulk orders and an exclusive 20% sample discount each month , perfect for artists, online sellers, or interior designers who need consistent quality at scale.

Conclusion

Both canvas prints and metal prints are stunning ways to turn your photos or designs into personalized wall art, but they tell different stories. Ultimately, there's no wrong choice, only the one that best reflects your style.

If you're ready to bring your creative vision to life, PeaPrint makes it easy to design, preview, and order custom canvas and metal prints in just a few clicks.