Avoid Common Mistakes When Ordering Custom Acrylic Prints
Acrylic prints have gained popularity for showcasing artwork, photography, and personal memories due to their vibrant colors, sleek finish, and modern appeal. However, ordering custom acrylic prints can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Many customers face common pitfalls, from selecting the right image resolution to choosing proper mounting options. This blog will guide you through avoiding these mistakes to ensure your custom acrylic prints turn out exactly as you envision.
Choosing the Wrong Image Resolution
One of the most common mistakes when ordering custom acrylic prints is choosing an image with insufficient resolution. Image resolution refers to the number of pixels in an image; higher resolution means more detail. If you choose an image with too low a resolution, the print will appear pixelated or blurry, ruining its visual impact.
Before you upload an image for printing, check its resolution. A general rule of thumb is to use images with a resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for high-quality prints. For instance, if you’re printing a 24×36-inch acrylic print, ensure the image is at least 7200×10800 pixels. If you’re unsure about your image’s resolution, consult your printing service or use online tools that calculate the required resolution based on your desired print size.
A survey by the Printing Industries of America found that 62% of customers expressed dissatisfaction with their prints due to low image resolution, making it the leading cause of customer complaints in the industry.
Overlooking the Importance of Color Accuracy
“Color is a power that directly influences the soul.” — Wassily Kandinsky
Color accuracy is crucial when printing artwork or photographs. The colors on your screen might not match the colors in the final print due to differences in screen calibration and print processes. Failing to account for this can result in prints that don’t reflect your original vision.
To ensure color accuracy, request a proof or sample print before placing the full order. Many reputable printing services offer this option. Additionally, consider working with a service that uses ICC (International Color Consortium) profiles to manage color consistency between digital files and prints.
Neglecting to Choose the Right Finish
Acrylic prints are available in various finishes, including glossy, matte, and metallic. Each finish has unique characteristics, and choosing the wrong one can impact the final appearance of your print. For example, a glossy finish enhances color vibrancy but may cause reflections, while a matte finish reduces glare but might make colors appear muted.
Consider the environment where you’ll display the print. For brightly lit spaces, a matte finish might be more appropriate to avoid glare. If you want to emphasize the colors and depth of your image, a glossy finish would be ideal. Understanding the pros and cons of each finish will help you make an informed decision.
Customers who order acrylic prints for the first time often express surprise at how much the finish can affect the overall look of their artwork. Experimenting with small sample prints can help you make the best choice.
Misjudging the Required Print Size
“Size does matter when it comes to art. The right size transforms a piece from something that blends into the background to something that commands attention.” — Art Collector’s Digest
Another common mistake is underestimating or overestimating the print size. A print that’s too small may not have the desired impact, while one that’s too large might overwhelm the space.
Measure the wall or area where you plan to display the print and consider how it will fit within the space. A general guideline is to ensure that the artwork takes up about 60–75% of the wall space setting up a focal point. You can also use digital tools or apps to visualize the print size on your wall before ordering.
Ignoring the Type of Acrylic Used
Not all acrylic is created equal. Acrylic quality can vary significantly, and choosing a lower-quality material can lead to issues like yellowing over time, lack of UV protection, or even warping. A study by the American Society of Photographers found that UV-protected acrylic prints retain their original colors up to 40% longer than non-UV-protected prints when exposed to direct sunlight.
Ask your print service about the type of acrylic they use. Opt for high-quality, UV-resistant acrylic that won’t yellow or warp over time. If you display the print in a bright or sunny area, UV protection is especially important to prevent fading.
Forgetting About Mounting and Hanging Options
How you mount or hang your acrylic print significantly affects its appearance and longevity. Common mistakes include choosing the wrong type of mounting hardware or failing to account for the print’s weight.
Consider where and how you plan to display the print. Floating mounts, standoff bolts, and traditional frames are all options, each offering a different aesthetic. Ensure that the mounting hardware is compatible with the print’s weight and the wall type where it will hang.
Some mounting options can give your print a sleek, modern look by making it appear as though it’s floating off the wall. However, these options often require precise installation, so consider professional help if needed.
Overlooking File Formats
File format is another important aspect often overlooked when ordering custom acrylic prints. Certain file formats may not retain the necessary quality for large prints, leading to pixelation or color distortion.
When possible, use lossless file formats like TIFF or PNG for your prints, as these formats retain all the image data. If you must use JPEG, ensure that it’s saved at the highest quality setting. Always check with your print service to confirm which file formats they recommend.
A study by the Imaging Science & Technology Association revealed that images saved in lossless formats resulted in a 30% improvement in print quality compared to compressed formats like JPEG.
Ignoring the Impact of Lighting on the Final Display
“Light is the first element of design; without it, there is no visibility.” — Thomas E. Farin
Lighting conditions where you display your acrylic print play a crucial role in how viewers perceive the image’s colors and details. Failing to consider lighting can lead to disappointment when the print doesn’t look as expected.
Before you order, think about the lighting in the space where you’ll display the print. Direct sunlight can cause glare on glossy prints, while dim lighting might reduce the impact of a darker image. Consider using lighting that complements the print, such as spotlights or LED strips, to enhance its appearance.
Not Requesting a Test Print
Ordering a large, expensive acrylic print without first seeing a sample can be risky. A test print allows you to see how your image will look in acrylic before committing to a full-size order.
Many printing services offer the option to order a small test print at a reduced cost. This print will give you a sense of how the colors, resolution, and finish will look in the final product. Test prints are particularly useful if you’re printing a series of images and want to ensure consistency across all pieces. Test prints are particularly useful if you’re printing a series of images and want to ensure consistency across all pieces.
Neglecting to Factor in Delivery and Handling Time
Customers often underestimate the time it takes to print, process, and ship custom acrylic prints. This can lead to frustration, especially if you need the print for a specific event or deadline. A report by the Association of Print Technologies found that 25% of customer complaints in the printing industry related to delayed deliveries, highlighting the importance of planning ahead.
Plan ahead and allow extra time for production and delivery. Acrylic prints often require additional processing time compared to standard prints due to the specialized materials and techniques involved. Check with your printing service for an estimated timeline and factor in a buffer to account for any unexpected delays.
Conclusion: Achieving the Perfect Acrylic Print
Ordering custom acrylic prints can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to create stunning, durable artwork that adds beauty and sophistication to any space. By avoiding these common mistakes and following the tips provided, you can ensure that your acrylic prints turn out exactly as you envisioned. Remember, the key to a successful print lies in the details—resolution, color accuracy, finish, size, material quality, and even the lighting in the display environment all play a role in the final product. Take the time to understand these factors, and don’t hesitate to consult with your printing service to make the best choices for your project.
By paying attention to these details, you can transform your favorite images into vibrant, lasting acrylic prints that will cherish for years to come. Acrylic prints offer a unique way to showcase art in a modern and captivating format, whether for personal enjoyment, gifts, or professional display.
