Want to know some points about acrylic face mounts and glass prints? If yes, then keep reading this PDF.

1. Acrylic
Facemounts
vs Glass
Prints
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2. Most people will get confused when it comes to acrylic face mounts
and glass prints. This is because they tend to be visually similar.
Hence, one might wonder whether there is really a difference between
the two. Even though both acrylic and glass can be used in photo
printing, there are still key differences between the two. This goes
from the process itself to the end result. Knowing the variances
between the two can help you make the right decision. Here is a
comparison between the two to help you know how exactly they differ
from each other.
Introduction

3. The most notable difference between acrylic face mounts and glass
prints is how each one of them is made. Just as you would print
directly on paper using an office printer, it is the same way glass
prints are produced. Here, an inkjet plotter is used to print directly on
glass. Before printing, a layer of white ink is placed on the glass to
increase opacity. Glass sheets are loaded into the printer after which
ceramic paint is sprayed on them to produce the print. The heat helps
to permanently stick the ink onto the sheet.
When it comes to making acrylic face mounts, the printing is not done
directly on the Plexiglas but rather on photo paper. A clear adhesive is
then applied to the photo print after which it is mounted onto the
acrylic glass.
The Procedure

4. Another major difference between acrylic face mounts and glass prints
is the resulting image quality of each print. As a result of first printing
the image on photo paper, acrylic face mounts tend to have a better
image quality in terms of resolution, clarity, and color. Acrylic does
not allow light to pass through it which helps to prevent distortion of
the image and maintain vibrancy. This makes it ideal for showcasing
art in museums and galleries. The mounting method also adds some
depth to the image giving it a 3D effect.
Glass prints are more commercial and are suitable if you are not too
keen on image quality. Printing directly on glass leads to a poorer
resolution and the general quality of the image. The printing done on
glass prints does not involve much precision which can lead to
inaccuracy or inconsistency. Also, the print heads in these printers use
around the six-color process, instead of the nine used in acrylic face
mounts, which results in less color accuracy.
Image Quality

5. When it comes to durability, acrylic face mounts are a safe bet. This is
because they are made using archival quality materials from the photo
paper, ink, and also plexiglass which are acid-free enabling the piece
to last for years. The acrylic also provides a layer of protection with UV
filtering and waterproof capabilities. The adhesive used for mounting
also contains UV inhibitors. Hence, if you intend on placing your
prints in sunny rooms or outside, then acrylic face mounts are a great
option. They are also less likely to break when they fall. However, they
are softer and more susceptible to scratching.
Glass prints, on the other hand, are likely to age faster. Here, UV
protection and archival quality are not guaranteed which reduces their
lifespan. They are also breakable and can easily shatter and get ruined
when knocked down.
Durability

6. There is usually a limit in terms of the size of glass prints that you can
get. Most companies will add this limit due to the heavy weight of
glass and its tendency to break. If it’s made too large, shipping and
transportation can be a problem.
Acrylic face mounts are more flexible in terms of the size of the photo
prints. This is because acrylic is lighter and less prone to breakage
making them easy and safe to transport no matter the size. Hence, if
you intend on getting an oversized print, then acrylic face mounts
would be the best option.
Size

7. Glass prints are less expensive to produce than acrylic face mounts.
However, in as much as acrylic face mounts are more costly, they
provide a lot of value making them worth the money. If quality is key,
especially for professionals, then you will not mind spending a little bit
more extra.
Cost

8. Although they serve the same purpose, the above are some of the ways
in which acrylic face mounts and glass prints differ from each other.
Acrylic face mounts are seen to be superior. However, your choice, in
the end, will depend on your needs.
SUMMARY: