Acrylic Photo Prints?

[mozza42]

Me and the new Mrs Mozza would like to get one of our black-and-white wedding shots made up into something we can hang on the wall. We've spotted a variety of suppliers for acrylic prints; all with differing techniques and opinions on the better way to construct the print. They're all quite dear (in my eyes) hence the need to ask more knowlegable people...

There appear to be two types; printing onto photo paper which is bonded to the back of the acrylic sheet, and the other where the image is printed directly onto the back of the acrylic. I like the idea of the latter as we have white walls but some suppliers insist they don't use this method as it's a poorer quality print. The cynic in me says that the equipment for doing so may be more expensive and they don't wish to invest, but I can see that a print directly onto photo paper would be of 'known' quality.

Also, I'd be worried about a laminated print eventually peeling and generally looking cheaper.


Does anyone here have any experience in ordering these, and if so, which style did you go for, who did you use and would you recommend?

Help appreciated!

[fixedwheelnut]

Try Phil Tobin here
Dynamic photography

I just had this printed on a canvas and he was by far the best price

Edited by fixedwheelnut on Saturday 30th October 13:08

[Hairy Cornflake]

Photobox have a 40% sale ending today for acrylics

HTH

[Nick M]

mozza42 said:

... the other where the image is printed directly onto the back of the acrylic. I like the idea of the latter as we have white walls but some suppliers insist they don't use this method as it's a poorer quality print. The cynic in me says that the equipment for doing so may be more expensive and they don't wish to invest, but I can see that a print directly onto photo paper would be of 'known' quality.

Also, I'd be worried about a laminated print eventually peeling and generally looking cheaper.


Does anyone here have any experience in ordering these, and if so, which style did you go for, who did you use and would you recommend?

Got one of this type done as part of my mum's birthday present recently.

Had it done by these chaps:

http://www.printlounge.co.uk/index.cfm

Genuinely impressed with the quality of the print and the overall product (they provide mountings and pre-cut holes in the acrylic, etc.). I opted for a black border around a sunset type photo and the fully opaque version. Looks fine against a wall.

Think the A3 size I got, including postage, was about £95.

[M-J-B]

We print onto acrylic (we can print up to 2.4m x 1.4m) however I would suggest the first option as without doubt the quality is generally better. We do quite often print directly onto the substrate but I personally wouldn't do that for the type of result you are after.

In order to to print directly onto acrylic, it helps if , you have a printer that also prints white as well as the four primary colours which a lot of suppliers don't have. Using the first method, assuming the job is done properly there is no reason why the print should de-laminate off the back of the acrylic during its normal lifespan. The reason why acrylic prints are far more expensive is simple.......look up the cost of acrylic on the net and there's your answer.

I would be happy to have a look at it for you, and you can drop me a pm if you wish.