Gloss vs Metallic Acrylic Mounting: Which Finish Is Best?
When it comes to displaying photos or signage, choosing between a High Gloss or Metallic acrylic finish can completely transform the look of your display. Both create a striking, professional result — the best choice depends on the style, lighting, and effect you want to achieve.
In this guide, you’ll learn the difference between High Gloss and Metallic finishes for acrylic mounting and how to choose the right option for your space.
What Is Acrylic Mounting?
Acrylic mounting involves face-mounting a printed image behind a clear acrylic panel. The process protects your print while enhancing colour and depth, creating a clean, frameless appearance that suits modern homes, offices, galleries, and signage displays.
At Acrylic Mounting Online, every piece is made with precision using premium materials and professional printing techniques. The final step is selecting the finish type — High Gloss or Metallic Paper — to bring your artwork to life.
High Gloss Acrylic Finish: Bright and Bold
The High Gloss option is the most popular choice for acrylic mounting. It delivers a sleek, glass-like appearance that enhances colours, contrast, and sharpness.
It’s perfect for:
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Photographs or artwork with vibrant tones or deep blacks
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Corporate or gallery spaces with controlled lighting
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Displays where colour intensity and clarity are key
A gloss finish provides exceptional depth and brilliance. However, it does reflect light and can show fingerprints, so it’s best suited for areas without harsh direct lighting.
Metallic Paper Finish: Striking and Dimensional
The Metallic Paper option adds a unique reflective sheen that makes images appear rich and dynamic. The metallic base layer creates an iridescent glow that changes slightly under different light angles.
It’s ideal for:
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Photography that features light reflections, metallic tones, or water scenes
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Artistic or commercial displays that need extra visual impact
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Modern interiors where a premium, three-dimensional effect is desired
Metallic prints retain the high-gloss acrylic surface but add depth, luminosity, and a subtle shimmer that feels elegant and high-end.
Which Finish Should You Choose?
Both finishes deliver exceptional results, but the right one depends on your desired look and environment.
| Consideration | High Gloss Acrylic | Metallic Paper Acrylic |
|---|---|---|
| Colour appearance | Bright, clean, and vivid | Reflective, warm, and dimensional |
| Lighting response | Shiny, reflective surface | Glowing effect under light |
| Best for | Portraits, signage, offices | Landscape photography, art, feature walls |
| Maintenance | Wipe gently to remove fingerprints | Wipe gently; durable, long-lasting surface |
| Look and feel | Classic and modern | Artistic and sophisticated |
If you’re unsure which option to choose, you can always order a sample or contact our team to see the difference firsthand.
Enhance Your Display with the Right Mounting Style
Your chosen print finish can also influence how your piece is mounted:
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High Gloss Acrylic Mounting offers a clean, reflective surface ideal for bright interiors and professional branding.
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Metallic Acrylic Mounting provides a richer, textured depth that works beautifully for artistic photography and luxury décor.
Bring Your Vision to Life
At Acrylic Mounting Online, every piece is crafted with care using high-quality printing and precision acrylic cutting. Whether you prefer the bright vibrance of High Gloss or the depth and dimension of Metallic Paper, our team will help you create a display that stands out.
Explore Acrylic Mounting Finishes
Contact our friendly team for a custom quote today.
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