These days there are so many types of photo prints available. You can easily get spoiled for choices. But then again, if you are a person who constantly likes to try out new things, we could say they are all yours for the asking.

But you already know what they say. Too much of anything can create confusion. In this article, we have listed all the types of photo prints available. This will help you make informed choices when going for photo prints you have never tried before. This guide will also come in handy if you are printing out photos.

Before we proceed, I thought you should know that each printing has its unique qualities. You need to take a closer look at the surface materials, mounting, and finishing of a photo print. Now that you have that particular knowledge, let’s dive right into the article and find out more!

What is a Photo Print?

It is a photographed image created through printing. In a simplified language, photo print is the process of converting a digital image into a physical picture through printing. The most common type of print you have likely come across is paper print. But there are many other mediums used to print photos. We shall touch base on that later in this article so, keep reading.

What is a Printing Medium?

This is a surface where your digital images are printed on. There are plenty of mediums used in printing photographs. It all depends on what you want and how you want to use your printed images. The most common, as mentioned earlier, is the paper prints.

Types of Photo Prints According to Mediums Used

There are several mediums used to print your digital images. We have rounded up a list of the most popular ones. Let’s dive right in without any further ado.

1.    Paper Prints

These are the most popular types of prints and chances are, you have severally come across them. These types of prints are flexible, refined, and very easy to use as compared to other mediums available in the market. They are also more affordable and perhaps that is why they are the most popular and accessible.

But this is not to rule out the fact that these prints come in varieties. For example, you can find an almost unusable and very poor-quality paper print. You need to examine the quality of your paper print and look closely at other factors before you put your money on them. The other thing about paper prints is that they often need some framing to protect them from damages. This means some extra money on your bill.

2.    Metal Prints

Metal prints are a kind of photo print are steadily gaining popularity. Especially in the art industry. They make for the most beautiful quality image printouts. They also have a modern look around them that comes perfect for interior décor. The printing process works just like it does with paper prints. They are created by a transfer of ink to metal through a printer.

Metal prints also have notable longevity compared to most other types of photo prints. They can handle wear and tear and most weather conditions. Besides that, unlike paper prints, this kind of photo print does not need any framing to protect your images.

3.    Canvas Prints

Canvas prints are the holy grail in the printing and art industry. It has almost everything you have ever dreamed of on a printing surface. Elegance and beauty is its second name. If you are into aesthetic things with some touch of class in your interior décor, the canvas is the option you are looking for.

It needs framing to stretch it flat. Mostly wooden frames. They are designed for a textured touch of your images. If you want that 3D impression, then this is it. On the flip side, they are more costly so be ready to dig a little deeper into your pockets. Good things don’t come cheap. You will come across the real canvas in prestigious art fairs and luxury art gallery exhibitions.

4.    Acrylic Prints

Acrylic as a medium is gaining more relevance across the industry and soon, it will be one of the most popular for photo prints. You love a pop of gorgeous vibrant colors? The acrylic print is your ultimate answer. It also has an aura of a modern look that will look perfect in your interior décor. Wherever you place it in your modern home.

When using acrylic prints, you have two choices. To print directly onto the acrylic material or put acrylic on paper print. Both methods are viable. Acrylics are very durable, and it is often compared to metal prints. However, this type comes with its downside which is the exorbitant prices.

5.    Wood Prints

This type of photo printing is more artsy and creative. They have certain popularity in the market. But this is mostly exclusive to the artists who are deep into creative and unconventional ways. They are ideal for textured images. Perhaps a vintage look but the print is flexible for different styles.

You will have to choose the kind of wood that best suits your taste. You will find both more affordable and utterly expensive types of printing woods. But the bottom line is, they are more durable and fun to work with.

6.    Posters

Posters are no news when it comes to photo printing. In fact, it is one of the most traditional methods you will come across. They are cheap, flexible, and very easy to print on. The results they offer are almost close to the canvas. Whoa! If a canvas is so expensive for you, you can opt for this version of photo print.

But on the flip side, they have less impressive colors. They are also not so durable as compared to the other options. That is a huge deal breaker. But on the brighter side of the coin, they are easy to hand. I mean posters are for hanging! You can tweak and touch up a little to get that aesthetic effect.